Big Ears, Can't Hear

Justice For Patrick & All Abuse Pets Everywhere!

2011-03-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

Hi! This is Iggy's mom! I am temporarily hijacking Iggy's blog… for a good cause, of course. I'm sure he won't mind, since he's been slacking on updating his blog. (He's gotten spoiled!) I love animals, and most of you do, too. I’ve had dogs most of my life and a year ago rescued a deaf French bulldog, who we named Iggy. He’s a handful but I love him anyhow and it mystifies me why anyone would have given him up, unless he was no longer “convenient.”

Just the thought of a dog not being “convenient” or becoming too much “work” is not a good excuse to abuse your pet -- the pet that relies on you every day to take care of him or her -- at least for basics like food, water, exercise… And then it would be nice if they also got love and attention. We all want that. Not just our pets.

My reason for this post is this: recently, a grass roots movement started for Patrick’s Law. Read more about it here: http://www.patrickslaw.com/

If you don't know about Patrick, the miracle pit bull, here was the tragic start of his journey to a better life! http://www.ahscares.org/showarchive.asp?id=772

This is Patrick, named for St. Patrick's Day, since he was found on March 16th

http://www.ohmidog.com/2011/03/26/owner-of-dog-that-was-dumped-down-trash-chute-charged-with-neglect-abandonment/

WARNING, his story is heartbreaking and will most likely make you angry. It’s hard to believe that humans can be this cruel.

Please “like” the Patrick’s Law page on Facebook also: www.facebook.com/PatricksLawNow

If you Twitter: www.twitter.com/patrickslaw

If you would like to read daily updates on Patrick go here: http://www.ahscares.org/showarchive.asp?id=784

So what can YOU do? It’s simple: spread the word! The more people involved in this movement the better chance laws like this will be passed. Many of us have blogs, have Twitter accounts, MySpace and Facebook pages.

Want to do more? Foster, adopt, donate to an animal rescue, a humane society, etc., or volunteer your time to your local shelter or your favorite breed’s rescue group. There are plenty of little things you can do. And whether you think your “little” effort makes a difference, IT DOES, all the “little things” add up!

It’s past time to make sure animal abusers, like Patrick's, are held responsible and that the punishment fits the crime!

JUSTICE FOR PATRICK

AND ALL ABUSED PETS EVERYWHERE!

Busted!

2010-10-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

Dad says I'm not allowed in his leather recliner. But I really, really like it. Sometimes he puts the cushion up so I can't lay there. (I don't think that's right.) But then sometimes he forgets...

A Picture Funny

2010-09-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

Dad thought it was funny to transpose my picture next to Uncle Scott's English Bulldog. Even though we are BOTH bulldogs we are SO different but not, too.

YAY ME!

2010-09-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

Mom, is much happier now that me and Savannah get along! It was touchy for a while... we started getting along and then BOOM one day we just snapped at each other and Mom was in the middle and got most of the injuries breaking us apart (I'm VERY strong for a compact dog!). But here is video proof that we can now PLAY together...

Puppy Swim Party

2010-08-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

Every year, Mom and Dad get invited to a "puppy swim" party at their friends house. There's lot of food (for humans), lot of dogs running wild, and a big pond for those dogs to swim in, except for me...

Mom said I was not allowed to go swimming, even though a nice guy offered to carry me in and hold me. Mom said NO. She thinks I'd sink like a rock... and she's probably right. I didn't want to swim anyhow!

Mom, Iggy and Savannah

Savannah got to run loose, but I had to remain on leash in my harness since I'm deaf. Mom worries about me... And maybe she should!

I got to meet a lot of new friends and some I had a problem with (like the Shepherds) and some I didn't. I loved playing with the Aussies and I really thought a Westie was really cute. Mom called her a "cougar" because she was WAY older than me... But I didn't care!

Iggy playing with an Aussie

It was fun and I look forward to next year.

Here's a video of me playing with other dogs:

While in Atlantic City...

2010-06-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Mom discovered my second job... I love music, even though I'm deaf! I am scheduled to play at the House of Blues at the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City. And Mom's jaw dropped since she used to call three of her German Shepherds (Brooke, Jagger and Savannah) the Stooges! How funny is that? Even though mom thought it was funny, she said "no way, no how" am I allowed on stage... UNLESS she gets a 50% cut. Hmmm. If I give her 50% that will cut into my puppy play money... I'll have to give that some deep thought.

Mom and Dad Sitting in a Tree...

2010-06-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

K. I. S. S. I. N. G!

First came love, then came marriage, then came baby in the... harness... That was me, the baby Iggy. So last October, Mom and Dad eloped and got married barefoot on the beach in St. Lucia. Then then adopted me in February. And THEN I got to attend the belated reception BBQ Memorial Day weekend. Things didn't go quite in order nor in a traditional fashion, but then Mom likes to make her own rules... at least that's what Dad told me.

Grrr. MOM! I know you're busy, but...

There were lots of people there, like a million... oh, Mom says it was only about 100. But it sure seemed like more than that. I got to meet some more family. Like Pedro, Uncle Chris and Aunt Dani's baby Chihuahua, who acted tough every time my back was to him!

Pedro sniffing my butt when I wasn't looking! No fair!

And I met my new Aunt Colleen who took LOADS of pictures of me. She babysat me a few times during the day when Mom was busy! (So did Uncle D and Aunt Jen)

I need a nap, but I don't want to miss a thing!

Seriously, people, I can't HEAR you. Yes, I AM DEAF!

Uh, Mom? I think the BBQ is ready. *drool*

It was a loooooong day, but I had fun!

Ready to go home to bed

He was able to check in any time he liked, but could never leave...

2010-06-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

Ok. I never said I was super smart. Doesn't mean that Mom and Dad can laugh their asses off when I do something dumb. Right? Today I was upstairs hanging out with Dad and I wandered into the bathroom. Hey, it's a bathroom I never go into because it's hardly used. So I got lost while I was exploring...

I got in but couldn't find my way out! Hey, Mom, while I'm in here I noticed you need to clean this curtain.

I pushed and pushed but it didn't work like a door.

Finally after Dad had his fun and was done taking pictures, he moved the liner. I still have no idea why he kept singing Hotel California. Harrumph!

Sand in my Paws

2010-05-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

We went on a road trip this weekend to New Jersey to visit Grandma for Mother's Day. We stopped in Spring Lake Saturday afternoon to visit Grandpa first!

And we went on a walk...

I know we're on a mission!

This isn't like the walks around OUR house! And it was VERY windy. My ears kept flapping in the wind.

I think there are other dogs out there!

At first this was really, really cool...

Hey, let's go!

Ok, this isn't so great.

And then not so much. I don't like the wind in my face when it also includes sand! It stings!

Wind is gusting. Sand is blowing in my face. Not. Happy.

Grandpa, get me out of here!

I don't wanna dip my toes in the water!

It's way better up here. Shade and no blowing sand.

Those other dogs are having fun on the beach, but they can keep it. I prefer my walks in the woods.

I think the house is back THAT way.

Dad and me!

We headed back to the house after this and I took a long nap!

Iggy the Piggy

2010-05-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

Hey, it's me, the sunbathing queen... err, I mean king. I love to lay in the sun. I'm just not allowed to do it too long because I will burn.

Me, Iggy the Piggy, laying in a bed of straw

It's warm and wonderful!

Oh, caught on camera by paparazzi!

Oh, not papparazi, just my Dad.

Am I really that interesting that he keeps snapping pics?

Whhhhhhhaaaaaaat?

2010-05-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's one thing when Mom wants to slim down a bit. But what the heck? How did I get dragged into this????? She said something today to Dad about my waistline being a little thicker! It is? Huh. I wonder if it's because lately I've been doing this:

Or this:

Or even this:

Well, tonight she only gave me two measly sardines on top of my food. Only two! (though I ate some tomatoes that fell onto the floor -- but Mom said that was okay... I wonder about that piece of potato...) And I think she skimped a little on my Taste of the Wild food... And I like that stuff. A lot! Where is the complaint department?

Ah, well! I'm going to go take a nap!

Iggy vs the Coyote

2010-04-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been looking up... at the ceiling, the walls, cobwebs (shhh, don't tell Mom I told you that), basically looking for ghosts... Until I saw it... YES, that creature. With that wicked stare. And I went into action, telling it who was boss, protecting my family!

Me trying to get the coyote!

So I tried to climb the wall and I barked. I ran up the stairs to get closer and I barked. And I barked and barked and barked. I didn't get it. It didn't run. It didn't move. It didn't blink. It must have been really, really scared of me. Because I'm tough! Here is some video:

Yes, I am comfortable!

2010-04-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite pastimes is sleeping, this comes after playing, of course. And when mom is in her office on her computer I tend to either pester her for pettings or sleep... And if I could hear I'd have heard her making noise about my sleeping position. Sometimes she can't believe how I twist myself up to sleep.

Check out my back leg.

Anyhow, I have to apologize for not blogging more. Mom's a computer hog. But I also want to share the following picture from a walk we did on the Rails to Trails on Thursday:

I love going on walks!

And We're Going for a Walk!

2010-04-11T17:13:00.000-07:00

Hello! It's ME, Iggy!

Mom took me for a walk today. On the Rails to Trail. And I was beat. I crashed as soon as we got home. Then later Dad got home from work... And guess what? We went for a walk AGAIN! This time in the woods, with Savannah and everything! It was so cool. Ok, all except for Mom finding four ticks on me afterwards!

Here are some pictures from our stroll:

Where in the world is Iggy?

2010-03-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

Shh! I'm hiding from Dad.

The Saga of the missing Nylabone

2010-03-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

Dad! Dad! Hey, Dad! I lost my Nylabone again.

It's here. Under Mom's recliner. Right here. Can you grab it for me?

I know I keep losing it under the chair and I know you are sick
of getting it, but, seriously, it's under there!
It's right there! Please! Dad!

Ok, if I promise NOT to lose it again, will you get it for me, PLEASE? Dad? Dad? Dad! *whimper*

This is just not right. If I had hands I'd get it myself!

Dad! Dad! Dad! My Nylabone is still under the chair! I'm telling Mom!

VIDEO: Iggy and the basketball

2010-03-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I played with my basketball. This was one of Jagger's favorite toys: a simple soccer ball or basketball. Mom said that this basketball was Jagger's and she got a little sad. But it made her happy to see me putting it to good use.

And here is another one (she took five but didn't want to post them all here) so if you are interested in seeing MORE videos of me she has uploaded a lot of videos of me on YOUTUBE! check them out here: http://www.youtube.com/user/timberleagsd#p/c/A12189814BB06D40

Newest Video starring ME, The Igster!

2010-03-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

This is a video of me playing tug with Mom (please excuse her -- it was early in the morning and she was still in her sweats!). Make sure you have your sound UP so you can hear my sound effects... I am very, very vocal. And there are also some clips of me playing with Savannah's Kong toys out in the yard... Enjoy! I know I did, 'cuz I love to play!

Aunt Jen

2010-03-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Jen came to visit me for the first time on Sunday. I fell instantly in love! She came bearing gifts, too! I got another Nylabone (luv luv luv them) and a squeaky toy (she forgot I can't hear the squeak - but I don't care) AND my new most favoritest toy -- my Kong. So Aunt Jen took some pictures...

Me and my new favorite toy: a Kong:

This one is of me sleeping (SNORING) on Mom's lap after Aunt Jen wore me out:

I was bummed when she left and looked all over for her. I hope she comes back SOON!

FBRN Memory Lane 2010

2010-03-08T06:16:00.000-08:00

We are now on the French Bulldog Rescue Network's Memory Lane 2010 page here: http://frenchbulldogrescue.org/htdocs/memorylane/current.html

It shows the picture of me, Mom and Dad when they came to pick me up in Connecticut. And then if you click on the picture, a little story pops up (that's so cool). This is what it says:

Mowgli is on the road and headed home with his new mom and dad! They are a wonderful couple and were smitten with Mowgli as soon as they laid eyes on him. He certainly seemed to feel exactly the same about them. It was as though he knew they were here to take him home.

His new mom is very dog-savvy. She bred German shepherds for many years and used to show in breed, obedience and agility. She has also worked as an obedience instructor at their local obedience club. Mowgli is in great hands! When it was time to go, he couldn’t wait to hop in the car and be a forever part of his new family. Once in the car and pulling away, Mowgli never looked back. He just knew. He loved his new people already, and that's truly as good as it gets.

And we're going for a ride...

2010-03-07T13:32:00.000-08:00

So, while Mom was at work yesterday, Dad decided that the boys were going to take the sportscar out for a little spin. It was soooo cool. It was just us. Dad took some pictures of the trip, of course...

And I can't sit in the front, why? I'm supposed to be your wingman!

Iggy helping navigate by reading the GPS

I'm not listening to this crap, change the radio station!

Dad, are the chicks checking me out? Are they? Are they?

This is so cool. I'm cruisin'!

When do I get to drive? (See I knew I'd get up front)

We're back home already? Now to go out in the Corvette!

Another YAY for me!

2010-03-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

Me on the couch downstairs

I was such a good boy today that I got a carrot for a treat. A carrot, you say? Yes, a carrot. I like them. Savannah and I went out again today together. This time Savannah was off leash. I wandered around sniffing and doing my thing and she followed me. I think she wanted to play. She went right up to my face at one point and I didn't even react. Not once. She even picked up her bone and carried it around. I wasn't jealous.

I knew I could be a good boy. OH! I almost forgot! Last night I came upstairs when Mom got home from work last night and Savannah was loose. I was a good boy then too! I really was! I got a Thumbs Up good boy. I like those. I was in the bedroom (on leash) with Savannah for a few minutes before going nighty night in my crate.

So today was another YAY for me. Tomorrow morning is another day, but I have a feeling I won't mind her tomorrow morning either.

Ok, gotta go. Mom has to go to work today and I want to spend some time with her before she leaves. She says I spend too much time on the 'puter. She may be right...

Me hanging out with Dad when Mom is at work

Celebration!

2010-03-05T07:13:00.000-08:00

My Mom is really happy with me today. I am getting much more comfortable with Savannah. So today Mom and Dad took us out in the yard together (both of us on leashes this time) and I went out and did my business -- that's code for me pooping. :)

This is the most awesomest bone!

Me and Savannah walked together and I never gave her the "hairy" eyeball. I wasn't even worried when she sniffed me or followed me around or nothing! I'm starting to like her. I think. Doesn't mean I won't change my mind in the future, but today, I like her.

I think she wants to play with me, but I'm not sure. I think they are going to try this again tomorrow...

See? My Mom is really happy with me... And I like making her happy.

My Mom loves me!

Trip down memory lane

2010-03-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad just took their first trip without me... For one long, long night on Tuesday into Wednesday. I pouted. But my babysitter was very nice and he played with me. So in honor of trips, I'm posting the photos that Dad took of me during my long trip from my foster home in CT to visit Grandma's house (Toms River) and Grandpa's house (Spring Lake) in NJ the weekend I first met my Mom and Dad...

Me riding on Mom's lap. I loved watching the traffic.
Some people smiled at me 'cuz I had a great view!

I liked riding in Mom's lap,

but I bet this won't happen often.

I hear she likes us riding in crates for safety.

On the road in Mom's Xterra

through the big city on I-95.

I thought I was moving back to Manhattan for a moment!

Iggy Pup Video to Iggy Pop

2010-02-27T06:48:00.000-08:00

An Iggy compilation to Iggy Pop.

My mom loves me

2010-02-25T16:44:00.000-08:00

She stopped at PetSmart today... All for me. She wuvs me. She came home with a new retractable lead, two bags of grain-free treats (since I'm allergic to grains), a grooming glove, and a new toy (which is a tough tug toy!!!!!!!!). She didn't find everything she wanted but at least it was a start... She spent her hard-earned money just on me...

Now I'm beat from playing with my new toy. So I'm cuddled up with Mom in her recliner and taking a nap. Oh, actually, I'm writing this blog and THEN I'm going to take a nap...

Hello! My Name is...

2010-02-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad said today was the deadline to decide on my name. They fretted over making the right decision. Maybe they forgot that I can't hear? Anyway, the decision is... (drumroll, please)....

IGGY!

Yes, they tried it out for the last couple days and figured it would work. My full name is now Iggy Pup. They think it is clever... I disagree. But at least I have a name now.

Anyway, I guess I'm fitting in pretty well here now. Except for that big black and tan dog... Savannah, I think her name is. I'm still not sure I like her. I grumbled at her again today. Good thing Mom and Dad have a lot of patience.

But I've been having fun otherwise. Mom discovered that I can carry ONE tennis ball in my mouth while I kick a SECOND ball in front of me. Like a sooccer player. I'm really skilled that way. Really! I'm sure Dad will videotape it.

On another note, I really don't like when Mom gets on the Elliptical. I like to bite the foot pedals while she is working out. She has to stop so she doesn't knock all of my teeth out! She ends up distracting me with a toy and then I forget that she is on that big machine... at least for a while.

Well, to entertain you, here is another video that Dad took... Enjoy!

Another Video: The Iggy Rug Spin

2010-02-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a NEW dance craze!

Me and My Monkey

2010-02-22T07:31:00.000-08:00

Click the Play button to see me playing with my monkey!

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

2010-02-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I am still known as the Dog Formerly Known as Mowgli. However, I heard the names Iggy and Ozzie thrown around last night. Ok, I lie. I couldn't "hear" them. Jeez, I'm deaf, remember?

Me at the top of the stairs in Mom's Loft Office

However, my big sis Savannah and I have been sort of getting along. Mom and Dad are still taking it soooo slowly. Yesterday, Mom was alone and she took me and Savannah out in the yard together. She kept ME on the leash. Huh. We were good.

But this morning, while Dad was here, Mom brought me out again with Savannah (me on the leash AGAIN -- how is THAT fair?) and Savannah started playing with the bone and I started playing with the bone (I really, really like her bone). And everything was good. We hung out. I did some play "stomping" to get Savannah to play (she ignored me). Then Dad brought out a tug toy and played tug a bit with me. I get VERY excited while playing tug. And then Savannah was there and she LOOKED at me... And I freaked (I'm not admitting I was scared -- no, not me) and we got into a little "dog fight." It sounded horrible, but was more show than anything. Lots of noise, no actual biting. And Mom corrected me for starting it. (I'm sorry *pout*) and then they separated us. I ended up in my crate for a "time out."

Now I'm upstairs in the loft with Mom (in her office) in my dog bed. One of my favorite spots. My "time out" wasn't that long. Thankfully. Mom's not happy that she has to start over with me and Savannah.

The Dog Formerly Known as Mowgli

2010-02-18T06:26:00.000-08:00

Well, Mom and Dad still has not named me. I heard them saying that they are going to name me like the music star Prince... But use an ASL (American Sign Language) sign and then say "The dog formerly known as Mowgli." *sigh* They really need to get their poop together (I'm not allowed to curse).

So... a little more about me... because it's ALL about me, right? I'm a pied Frenchie and I sort of look like a cow in color except my spots are dark brindle not black.

And I know some ASL, like for "sit," "no," and "eat." Mom is going to teach me more because she's taken classes in ASL. Maybe she knew she was eventually going to have a deaf puppy like me. But she is teaching me "crate," "shhh" (that's a big one because I'm noisy) and "leave it."

When Mom picked me up she thought I was crate-trained, it turned out not so much, so I am learning that the crate is not such a bad thing. I resisted at first, but, really, it's not so bad. I go in and sleep and they always give me a treat when I go in... Ok, I need to go take a nap... Woof to you later.

My Name is...

2010-02-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

Hmmm. My new mom and dad can't decide what to call me... It shouldn't be such a difficult decision... See, I'm deaf. They could call me something different EVERY day and I would not know differently. They are down to Moe, BamBam, and Tank. Everyone likes Tank so that might stick. There has been plenty of other suggestions like Radar and Hogie and Pudge (Mom's favorite) but nothing agrees with both of them... BTW, my original name was Mowgli (from the Jungle Book) but no one likes it... I didn't either.

But let me tell you this... I'm a French Bulldog and I just turned two on February 8th. Mom and Dad picked me up Saturday ALL the way in Connecticut. It was a LONG LONG drive up there. But Mom really, really wanted me. She had put in several applications for French Bulldogs from the French Bulldog Rescue Network and finally when she put in for me, her application was approved! And then the home visit went well and then a couple days later... the call came when she was at work...

Of course, I was oblivious of all that. I was in my foster home having fun with some fellow Frenchies...

Now I live with a German Shepherd. She is BIG and I'm not so sure about her yet. Though, since she is 10, she is really laid back. But still... she is REALLY REALLY big and I get scared sometimes and bark and growl at her, so Mom thinks we are going to get to know each other very slowly. That's ok with me.

So there is so much more to this story, but I'm already tired... But before I go snore, I wanted to share this picture of Mom and Dad picking me up at my foster home....