Hogan, the Black Lab

Cat plays with Owl

2012-01-10T10:31:00.001-05:00

Now I've seen everything.

This cat actually plays with an owl! They seem like good friends.

Home Security

2012-01-02T18:55:00.001-05:00

Some good friends of mine

Piles of Leaves

2011-10-24T11:31:00.002-05:00

The weather has been terrible. I like water but I'd rather swim in it or roll in it than have it landing on my head when I walk my human.

One good thing about the changing weather is all the piles of leaves on the tree lawns. They are so much fun! And the new smells are terrific.

Of course the changing weather has also made the pesky squirrels very busy but I have been able to keep them away, for the most part, with my bark.

Types of Labs

2011-10-24T11:29:00.001-05:00

A human friend sent this to me.

Hot enough for you?

2011-07-29T15:23:00.002-05:00

Boy can I relate to this Irish Wolfhound at the Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival last weekend.

Hey - that's MY Road!

2011-05-07T18:39:00.003-05:00

Dogs chase cars but this pachyderm had another approach when cars dared enter HIS road.

See what happens

Irish Setters, Wolfhounds and more

2011-03-28T11:09:00.002-05:00

My people tried to put a green hat on me for some pictures on St Patrick's Day but I shook it off every time. It's not that I don't like the Irish (some of my best friends are Irish Setters) it's just that I don't like silly clothes.

But on St Patrick's Day it seems that every human and animal is Irish. Here are some photos of dogs (and horses with green hooves!) at the Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Who me?

2011-02-08T14:24:00.002-05:00

Why is it that dogs always get blamed for everything?

For example, my friend here was accused of stealing her owner's lipstick.

As she said, "No, I haven't seen your lipstick! Why would you even ask me that? I am so insulted! Every time something goes missing around here, everybody looks at and blames me! "

My Pal Luke

2011-01-29T12:42:00.001-05:00

Congrats to my pal Luke.

He's a Berner - a Bernese Mountain Dog. He just got his Rally Obedience title at the Crown Classic Dog Show at the IX Center in December.

Here's a picture of him with his proud mother Joan.

Congrats Luke!

There goes the neighborhood

2010-10-24T10:48:00.002-05:00

Boy, I have been barking at a lot of squirrels lately. They seem to be everywhere!

But at least I don't have to put up with the critters that are in this Canadian neighborhood.

I have to admit - they are magnificent animals. See more moose gang photos

Hogan, the Black Lab: Dog O'Lanterns

2010-10-21T12:37:00.000-05:00

Hogan, the Black Lab: Dog O'Lanterns

Dog O'Lanterns

2010-10-21T12:34:00.002-05:00

What better subject for a Halloween jack-o-lantern pumpkin then a canine?

These dog pictures and pumpkin carvings are great but how come there is not a black lab pumpkin?

Wiener Dog races

2010-09-10T08:26:00.004-05:00

Let me make it clear right away. I do not like to run. I would rather walk and sniff and take my time. I am a Lab, not a Greyhound.

But when I have to run (to chase off a squirrel or other critter) I can turn it on.

So I know I could beat these little wiener dogs that were "racing" at the Cleveland Oktoberfest.

See the wiener dog races

Top Dog Breeds in Cleveland

2010-08-08T11:05:00.002-05:00

Cleveland you have excellent taste!

The Top Dog Breeds in Cleveland according to the AKC are (drum roll please)

1) Labrador Retriever
2) German Shepherd
3) Boxer
4) Bulldog
5) Golden Retriever/Yorkshire (tie)

We're Number One!

Most Popular Dog Names

2010-08-08T11:02:00.003-05:00

Dogs, as opposed to cats, have good, solid names like

Max

Jake

Buddy and

Duke.

Here are the Top 20 Dog Names

Notice that Hogan is not on the list. That just means that I am special and unique, right?

Most Popular Cat Names

2010-08-08T10:58:00.002-05:00

Let's all admit it. Cats and cat owners are strange creatures. That is why they have such silly names.

The list of Top 20 Cat Names in the United States includes such names as

Sassy

Simba

Princess and

Oreo.

I rest my case. You would never hear of a self-respecting dog with such a name.

Here are the Top 20 cat names in the US.

Leo, Leader Dog for the Blind is retiring

2010-07-31T18:59:00.003-05:00

Woof. I received this from a human friend.

Leader Dog for the Blind Leo, is getting ready to retire and needs a new home. Leo, a six-year-old purebred German Shepherd, has been working as a dog guide in the Kent, Ohio area for the past five years.

He has developed slight hip displasia which makes it difficult for him to continue his guide work. He has had some food and environmental allergies, but is currently doing well on Natural Balance Duck and Potato Dog Food.

As befitting his status as a Leader Dog, Leo is trained and well behaved, loyal and loving. He is good with small dogs. He needs a less stressful life and a place where he can relax and enjoy his retirement years.

If you would like to bring Leo into your home and provide for him, please call Lori at 330-678-3981 for more information.

New places to hike - and swim!

2010-07-19T09:52:00.002-05:00

My boy picked up a book called Doggin' Cleveland: The 50 Best Places To Hike With Your Dog In Northeast Ohio and I am glad that he did.

It lists a bunch of new places that we can go for a walk - some of them have water. Yeah!

He has more details in his book review.

He said there are also different versions of the book for different cities so if we go on a trip, we can find good places for walks. I can't wait.

Tigers!

2010-06-28T09:19:00.002-05:00

You know that I don't like cats. But tigers are a different matter. I ma a big fan of tigers though I've never really met one.

But I do like all the sculptures they have in downtown Cleveland to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Tiger.

Here are lots of pictures of the Tigers.

This one is called the Fire Tiger.

Patriotic Hat

2010-06-21T19:54:00.003-05:00

I dressed up in my patriotic finest for a Memorial Day picnic. What do you think?

Ever hear of a Cat Nap?

2010-06-21T19:51:00.002-05:00

OK. I like to sleep. Make that love to sleep.

And I guess I have slept in some pretty odd places and positions. But none compare to some of the places that these crazy cats were found sleeping.

And what is wrong with this dog? He must really be tired.

My Irish friends on St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-21T10:53:00.004-05:00

I was stuck in the yard on St. Patrick's day but several of my friends, like the Irish Setter above, made it to the big parade.

Here's an Irish Wolfhound

And here's a pug dressed up for the occasion.

Looks lik a lot of fun!

82,000 people!?!

2010-03-03T16:16:00.001-05:00

Somebody just told me that the video of me playing in the backyard pool has been viewed by over 82,000 people!

Wow! Here it is if you haven't seen it yet.

Pepi le Pew

2010-02-12T20:01:00.003-05:00

I haven't seen any yet this year but my boy says that it's mating season for those smelly little skunks.

That means they are going to be out there bothering me and I just can't help but chase them.

Even after a few snoutfuls of spray, I just have to chase after them. When will I learn?

Here is where he got the information on the skunks and Valentine's day

Dangerous Dog Breed Warning

2010-01-07T20:30:00.001-05:00

If you are an owner of a dog that belongs to a 'dangerous breed' category and you also have a child or a visiting small child please take this as a warning.

Don't leave your dog with a small child unattended under any circumstances!

Only one little moment was enough for the following to happen.

Thank you on behalf of me and other dogs

Thanksgiving Miracle!

2009-11-25T11:42:00.003-05:00

The miracle isn't that this dog allowed his humans to dress him this way. The miracle is that he is not making that pesky cat his own personal drumstick. Oh well, that's the holiday spirit.

Happy Thanksgiving from me and all of us at ClevelandPets.Com

Catering to Cats

2009-10-26T11:59:00.003-05:00

I just read astory about Alex the Cat.

Alex was not healthy and living in a tough environment (or so he claimed) with a couple of dogs.

Then he was taken, temporarily of course, by relatives while the family was away and lo and behold, he started getting healthy and having fun!

So the new family (parents) decided to keep Alex and he has become an important and loved part of their family.

I guess I'm a sucker for a happy ending, even when it has to do with cats.

Health Care Reform - the dog way

2009-10-19T12:03:00.003-05:00

Uh oh. The cat's out of the bag (sorry cats). A human has figured out the best health care reform option - and it's based on what we've been doing for years with our veterinarians!

She writes about it in a funny column called Sit - Stay - Pay.

It's a doggone good idea! (Sorry. I couldn't resist. Woof!)

Therapeutic Horse Riding

2009-10-11T11:38:00.005-05:00

I guess it's not just the noble canine that helps humans when they are sick.

I heard about some horses who do the same.

Horse riding is a partnership; both the horse and the rider have to work together. Horses are immense and powerful creatures yet they allow a person to get on its back and ride. Good for them.

I have a lot of little kids try to ride me but even at 100+ pounds. that doesn't work too well.

Pictures and more information on therapeutic horse riding.

Special Needs, Special Horses: A Guide to the Benefits of Therapeutic Riding (Practical Guide)

Horse the Handicapped, the Riding Team in a Therapeutic Riding Program: A Volunteer Training Manual

Fall Migration

2009-10-11T11:34:00.002-05:00

There sure are a lot of busy squirrels out lately. As soon as I chase one away, more show up with their cheeks stuffed.

The squirrels stick around all winter but there are a lot of animals that migrate for the winter. Some pass through my area and it's fun to watch them.

My boy posted some of the animals that we can watch this fall. Take a look.

I'll probably be too busy chasing those pesky squirrels to look for other animals.

Are you the Big Dog?

2009-08-29T17:55:00.002-05:00

Better be nice to others, even if you are the big dog. Because, as you will see in this series of photos, in time you may not be the Big Dog anymore. Just the old dog.

Here is the first picture.

Wait till you see the other pictures!

I'm so glad I was nice to my friend Roger when he was a 40 lb. Great Pyrenees. Now he is about 150 lbs and makes me look small!

I've been there!

2009-08-24T09:49:00.003-05:00

Skunks may look harmless but trust me, you want to steer clear of them. It looks like this dog has learned the same lesson that I have.

Build it and they will come

2009-08-24T09:46:00.002-05:00

I love to play around in playgrounds and parks and I guess it's not just us dogs who enjoy it.

I'm not a big fan of the slide but these bears seem to like it.

See some more photos of the bears in the playground.

It's my birthday!

2009-07-08T13:26:00.003-05:00

Sometimes in the summer one day blends into the next. Good thing my people have a calendar because today (July 8) is my birthday!

I am 5 years old today!

I wonder what my brothers and sisters lives are like. I hope they are as happy as I am.

I think my people have a special treat planned for me tonight. I can't wait!

Summer Scoop

2009-06-29T19:07:00.002-05:00

I'm still only 4, almost 5, but I look out for older dogs. So I am posting this item for them.

Join us at the Brookside Reservation within the Cleveland Metroparks August 8 from 3 - 7 PM for an afternoon of fun and games for old dogs and the people who love them.

Bring your friendly older dog and all your friends and neighbors and don't miss the fun. The activities of the day will feature the Old Dog Olympics, photo opportunities, games, and contests.

Bobbi, a senior search and rescue dog, will offer a tracking demonstration. Come on out and see senior dogs in action.

Plenty of refreshments will be on hand, including pizza, chips, beverages, and desserts. And, of course, treats for our four-legged friends.

It's the Old Dog party of the year

THE SANCTUARY FOR SENIOR DOGS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, adoption, and lifelong care of senior dogs abandoned in shelters and pounds.

All of our dogs live in Sanctuary-approved foster homes until a permanent home can be found. Senior dogs too ill to be safely adopted stay in a Sanctuary hospice foster home for life. All senior dogs are spayed or neutered prior to placement.

Seeing eye cat

2009-03-28T13:18:00.002-05:00

Though I usually do not like cats and their sneaky ways, I have to admit that this one is an exception.

Libby the cat is helping a fellow lab who is blind and deaf. Good for you Libby!

See more awesome Cleveland Pets (even a few cats!)

My friend Brown

2009-03-18T15:17:00.003-05:00

I have a friend in the neighborhood that everyone calls 'Brown.' He lives across the street a few doors away. Actually, nobody knows where he lives but he usually sleeps on the porch of that house.

We think Brown was abused and then abandoned by his humans. Grrrr.

My humans have brought him some toys but he doesn't even know how to play! He is even very suspicious of doggie treats and will not accept them. It is sad.

The neighbors have tried to help. Read more about Brown's story.

Belated Valentines Day Card

2009-03-01T16:43:00.002-05:00

I forgot to share this Valentine's day card from my friend Augie. Augie is in training to be a Leader Dog this summer.
Thanks Augie - the feelings are mutual.

Recon, the Chocolate Lab - A sad, then happy story

2009-03-01T13:39:00.002-05:00

Recon is a 5 year old Chocolate Lab. he was treated very badly by his family. They kicked him down the stairs, hit him, neglected him, stopped feeding him and didn't take him to the vet. It's a very sad story. Why would people do that?

But there is a happy ending. recon got away from the bad family and is now with a great family that treats him very well. The vet put him on lots of medicine for all his problems and he is getting food and attention and love from his family.

What more can a dog ask?

Read his story

New Year Advice from Kittens?

2008-12-29T19:27:00.003-05:00

Now I've seen everything. It's bad enough that we have to look at all those pictures of kittens pretending to be cute but than they have the nerve to offer us advice for the new year?

See the kittens pictures and advice (if you can stomach it)

What do kittens and cats know about anything?

Why I should write out my own advice for the new year - something really useful. Not just stupid cat advice.

But I still have some of my rawhide Christmas bone to chew on and I think I saw a squirrel in the backyard and... what was I going to do?

Oh yeah - Happy New Year!

Shiba Inu Puppies

2008-11-15T12:53:00.001-05:00

I had never heard of this breed before but the puppies sure are cute.
The six Shiba Inu pups (3 boys and 3 girls) turned 5 weeks old on November 11th. This is the first litter from their mom, Kika.

Girls:

- Autumn (Purple collar) - 3 lbs 5.8 oz (as of Nov 11th)
- Ayumi (Yellow collar) - 3 lbs 3.4 oz (as of Nov 11th)
- Amaya (Red collar) - 3 lbs 6.6 oz (as of Nov 11th)

Boys:

- Aki (Green collar) - 4 lbs 0.4 oz (as of Nov 11th)
- Akoni (Black collar) - 3 lbs 12.6 oz (as of Nov 11th)
- Ando (Blue collar) - 4 lbs 1.2 oz (as of Nov 11th)

Counting the Days

2008-06-11T19:46:00.002-05:00

It's been rough (ruff?) since the surgery. Even though I feel fine a lot of the time, I'm not allowed to run or jump or even sleep on my boy's bed with him like before.

It itches where they shaved my fur and sometimes I have days where I only use 3 legs because the healing process hurts.

And to add insult to injury, I got stung by a bee in my shaved area - right in my own house!

But enough complaining. I had my 4 week checkup and the vet said I am coming along good. In fact I can now go for some short walks and increase their length as I get better.

Yes, it's hot and I want to be in the pool or at the dog park or even just running in the backyard but I heard my people say that I have 3 more weeks to go till I go back to the vet and hopefully he gives me an all clear.

I can't wait.

I got shaved!

2008-05-10T10:52:00.003-05:00

As you can see from this picture, I've had a rough time lately. I think I first hurt my back leg back when the snow was high and I was jumping and running in it.

My people took me to the vet and they said to try some anti-inflamatory drugs and to rest it. That didn't work out too well so they took some x-rays.

Nothing was broken but they spotted a tear in my leg and sent me to a special dog orthopedic vet.

They checked me out and said I needed surgery. Yikes!

They shaved my fur, gave me a shot and when I woke up I was very sore.

For the next 2 months I am not allowed to go for walks or play or jump. I am only allowed outside to do my business.

I can't even jump up on my boy's bed to sleep at night! It's terrible.

I might have more time to write in this blog now - and will try and send some pictures too.

I can't wait until July when I am healed and can run and jump and play again. I already miss my dog and human friends.

Good thing I have 4 legs

2008-04-12T18:58:00.002-05:00

I haven't had the best spring so far. Back when the snow was high, I somehow hurt my right rear leg playing in the snow piles. It was so much fun that I didn't really pay attention to it.

For the last few weeks I have been sore in that leg. My people took me to the vet a few times and they said it doesn't look like I need surgery (as of now at least) but that I have to rest it for a few weeks!

They are even supposed to cut back on my food so that I will have less energy and so I won't gain weight while I am just laying around. That's terrible!

To tell you the truth, I've been pretty tired since it happened anyway. I think my body is telling me to take it easy for awhile. The pills that the vet gave my people to give me are probably adding to my lethargy.

I get along fine. I usually just walk with my one leg in the air - but that freaks my people out. Of course they only have 2 legs to start with.

I can't wait till this is better so I can get back and see my pals, and make new friends, at the dog park. I bet there are some great mud puddles that are just waiting for me.

Like cats and dogs?

2008-04-12T18:55:00.003-05:00

I will never understand how a dog can live in the same house with a cat. Cat's are so sneaky that they must be terrible to live with.

Yet you hear about it all the time.

I just read about Sandy Lesko, the former Channel 8 weekend news anchor and it says that she has a dog and 3!!! cats.

There are pictures here so it must be true.

That poor pooch!

I Love a Parade

2008-04-01T15:27:00.004-05:00

I think that I would love a parade. All the excitement and all the new smells. But I've never been to one.

But these pictures of Irish Wolfhounds and other dogs (and some horses!) at the St. Patrick's Day Parade sure look like fun.

Maybe next year.

Snowy Photo

2008-03-16T20:35:00.004-05:00

I thought I saw the boy pointing his camera at me. Sheesh - sometimes he's worse than TMZ!

But I have to admit, it's a pretty good picture.

I love the snow!

2008-03-10T12:43:00.002-05:00

This last weekend has been a blast. We had about 20" of snow and it was so much fun playing in it.

The only problem was I had to find places where I coudl do my business. The usual spots were too high - covered with snow. I even ended up going in the street once when I was taking my boy for a walk.

Poor Finn, the Silky Terrier next door, is only a few inches tall so he could not play in the snow. Even I had to jump from spot to spot in the snow because it was so high. What fun!

I saw my boy taking some pictures of me in the snow so you might see some here.

I hope it keeps on snowing and styas this way forever!

Beagle is best of show?

2008-02-13T13:20:00.002-05:00

Don't get me wrong. I like beagles. Some of my best friends are beagles. But I was surprised that a beagle named Uno won the best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club this week.

I am glad because he, like us labs, is seen by some as more 'common' than some of the fancy breeds (over 169 breeds at the show) that often win these shows.

I also liked that Uno barked (a lot!) and jumped around with excitement when he won.

They said that while the beagle is consistently listed as one of the most popular breeds (thanks Snoopy!) this is the first beagle to win the big prize.

No beagle had even won the Hound Group since 1939!

Congratulations Uno and let's hope a (black) lab wins next year!

2008-01-22T09:31:00.001-05:00

Hi Hogan. My name is Dawby - my owners are big Harry Potter fans! I'm a bunch of different kinds of dogs but I'm not too big. I think that's another reason they named me Dawby - I have big ears and I'm only about 40 pounds.

I don't get out too much right now cuz it's just too cold. I hate the cold and snow. I can't wait for summer. I saw your video in the pool, so I know you love summer too. But I also saw you playing in the snow so maybe you just like everything.

Not me - my owners say I am a very particular, picky dog. I just know what I like. Like food - I love too eat! I'm not always happy with the stuff they give me though. I can smell really good things coming off the table, but that's not what I get!

But I love my owners. I was something called a rescue dog - I think that means that if they didn't bring me home when they did I might have been killed!!!!

I think I'll go cuddle up to my owner right now. Talk to you later,

Hi Hogan, it's Bear

2008-01-17T10:25:00.000-05:00

We met at the dog park and I've been reading your blog.

I would like to chat with you about the dog park, our humans and even squirrels.

Talk to you soon

Bear

Dalmation Danger

2007-12-16T11:46:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody,

Sorry it’s been so long since I posted here. I’ve been really busy – eating, walking, sleeping, playing, eating, sleeping, eating – you know how it is.

This message is for your humans so I hope you have them read this too.

The other night we were out walking and a Dalmatian was out without a leash. She was having a great time; running through yards, chasing things, barking at everything. Lots of fun! Her owner made several attempts to get her but there was no way this human was going to catch this young Dalmatian.

She came over near me but sensing that my boy would try and bring her back home, she didn’t get too close. She followed us on our walk for awhile.

All of a sudden she darted into the street and a van was coming! My owner yelled and she just missed the back end of the van – she had to jump up at the last second to avoid hitting it. We were both scared.

So even though we love to get loose and run free it can be very dangerous out there with those big metal things that humans drive speeding by. Especially when it’s dark and they can’t see us or the weather is bad and they can’t stop fast.

So please be careful out there and remind your owners to keep you on the leash except for trips to the dog park or a fenced in yard.

That was just too close with that young Dalmatian. She was lucky.

What's Up Doc?

2007-09-19T09:47:00.000-05:00

I am going to have to speak to the humans running ClevelandPets.com.

I was browsing the site and saw that their featured pet this week is a rabbit!!!

After all the work me and my friends have done to keep those furry pests from our yards. It's bad enough that squirrels are everywhere gathering nuts and acorns. And they somehow know exactly how long our leashes are.

But a rabbit? As featured pet? Take a look at the critter.
They might as well start putting cats up there too.

Woof

Back to School

2007-09-05T19:57:00.000-05:00

My friend Bonnie is ready to go off to school to learn to be a real therapy dog.

Her human only got to keep her for a year and then has to say goodbye. This is really sad for both of them, but once Bonnie is working and helping people they'll both appreciate what a great thing they did.

I can't wait to meet the new puppy that comes in to be trained for a year in Bonnie's place.

Good luck Bonnie! Write to me!

Guide Dog Nicky - a real Hogan's Hero

2007-08-21T19:48:00.000-05:00

I admit that sometimes I think of Poodles as being kind of fussy and pampered.

But then I heard about Nicholas who is a poodle and also a Guide Dog.

He is really helping out a lady who can't see. He is a true Hogan's Hero.

Here are some photos of Nicky with the nice lady who trained him for a year and of his new human - the one who can't see. What a great group!

We are proud of you Nicky and I won't say bad things about poodles anymore.

Water, water everywhere

2007-08-21T19:47:00.001-05:00

This rain has been getting to me. Well, not to me. I love the water and if I find a puddle I will play in it. But it seems like my humans are reluctant to take me out to play in the rain. And we haven’t been to the dog park or to Hub and Luke’s house or Roger’s yard for a loooong time.

I think all the other humans feel the same way though. When it does stop raining for awhile I see a whole bunch of my friends out walking with their humans. Then if it starts to rain, they all scurry back inside.

Don’t they know that water is fun?

Hub and Luke

2007-08-10T18:33:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody,

2 of my best friends in the world are Hub and Luke. They are Bernese Mountain Dogs and every so often (not often enough!) our people let us play together in their fenced in yard.

Hub and I used to play and then Luke came along too. What fun! Luke is now bigger than Hub.

There are some great pictures of Hub and Luke here.

I was on TV!

2007-07-16T11:52:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody,

Guess where I was today? I was on TV! Do you recognize this set? (Set is a TV term I learned today - it means the place where they point the cameras.)

It's from the Good Company set on Channel 3. While I was waiting to be on TV, I snuck over to their set.

I will tell you all about it and post more pictures soon. But keep the morning of August 12th available. That's when I will be on the Golden Opportunities Show on Channel 3.

Woof!

It's My Birthday!

2007-07-08T08:23:00.000-05:00

Today is the big day! It's my Birthday! I am 3 years old today. WooHoo!

I don't know what my humans have planned but I overheard some talk about going to the Dog Park (I hope lots of my friends are there) and maybe setting up my pool in the yard (it sure is hot).

I also heard the girl talk about cutting up a peach or two for me - I love peaches!

If I don't see you at the Park, I'll let you know how the day goes.

4th of July

2007-07-03T19:53:00.000-05:00

As my fellow canines will confirm, the 4th of July is not our favorite day.

The sudden and extended loud noises from fireworks can be very scary. And if people shoot them off too near us, we can get hurt.

I hope that all the humans will be very careful if they have to blow off firecrackers on the 4th.

Here are some tips on keeping all of us safe on the 4th of July and throughout the summer months.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

2007-06-29T13:19:00.000-05:00

I wonder what it is like to be part of a famous family and travel the world. An Italian Bracchi dog named Palio is part of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's family. He is travelling with them and their 3 children on their country music tour.

They will be at Quicken Loans Arena for a concert.

Kathleen DeBernardi, owner of Love Is Mobile Dog Grooming in Mentor, received an exciting call the other day. She will be grooming Palio before the concert tonight!

Here are more details and a picture of Italian bracchis.

I hope Kathleen gets some more pictures at the concert - and maybe a pawtograph!

Hot enough for you?

2007-06-17T18:12:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody,

Today sure was hot. I went to the park and then got brushed and hosed off but I was still hot. But then, a great thing happened.

My humans pulled out the pool and started filling it up. I couldn’t wait. I LOVE the water!

I played in it for a long time and am hoping to get back in this evening too.

What did you do in the hot weather? Let me know. And please e-mail me your pictures to Hogan@magnuminc.com so I can see what you look like and post you on the blog or on ClevelandPets.com

Click on the Play button below to watch me play in my pool!

You can be Famous Too

2007-06-13T13:41:00.001-05:00

Thanks for all the nice responses to my picture on the magazine cover.

My humans said that we can put your photos up at ClevelandPets.com too!

Just send them a photo (or 2 or 3) via e-mail (if digital) to pet@ClevelandSeniors.com or mail photos to

ClevelandPets

3150 Payne Ave

Cleveland, OH 44114

and they will scan them in and put them up.

Don't forget to include a little about yourself and why your humans think you are so special.

I can't wait to see what some of you look like!

On the cover of a Magazine!

2007-06-09T14:03:00.000-05:00

I can’t believe it. Nine of my friends and I (and 2 cats - grrrr) are on the cover of a magazine!

We are on the cover of the current issue of FiftySomething Magazine.

In case you can’t tell I am in the 2nd row in the right column.

It makes sense for us to be featured in FiftySomething Magazine because dogs and other pets are tremendous additions to the family and can be great additions to the lives of those 50 and over.

Be sure to pick up a copy of the magazine and I will be glad to put my paw print autograph on your copy. That should be worth a lot on eBay, right?

My Vacation

2007-05-16T09:32:00.000-05:00

I just came back from a vacation.

One of my humans took me on a really long ride - I thought we'd never get there. I didn't know where we were going but it sure took a long time.

When I got there I met a really nice man. He played with me and the next thing I know my human was gone. She left behind a blanket and some toys and I found out later she left me a couple really good bones too.

I don't know how long they were gone, I'm not really good with time. But this new guy was really nice to me and played with me and I got to go in or out any time I wanted!

Then my human showed up and I was really happy! We went for another long ride and I was back at home.

All of my other people were waiting for me. Everybody was happy to see me and I was happy to see them too!

What fun!

15 Most Beautiful Dog Breeds

2007-04-13T19:04:00.000-05:00

I see where they surveyed humans and they voted on the "most beautiful breeds of dog."

They broke it up into Small, Medium and Large Breed and, of course, Labrador Retrievers were a winner in the Large Breed category.

Here are the other results.

It's hard to argue with the 15 breeds that they chose but there are so many other good-looking breeds.

And the word "beautiful" is not the best choice. Some of us guys would rather be called "handsome"

Muddy Day at the Dog Park

2007-03-25T11:42:00.000-05:00

I really needed some exercise so my boy took me up to the dog park this morning. There were about 8 other dogs there but I didn't know any of them.

There were a few dry spots by the fence but a lot of the park was wet and muddy. Yippee!

Being a Lab, I just can't resist a nice puddle. So I dove in and some of the other dogs followed me.

I was all nice and muddy and it felt great but when my boy got me home he didn't even let me in the house until he gave me a bath. Sometimes I just don't understand humans.

Here are some more pictures from my morning.

Famous Friend

2007-03-20T12:13:00.000-05:00

I have a new friend. She is a rescued boxer name Lilly.

She is the Featured Pet this week over at ClevelandPets.com

Her human was a TV star! The human’s name is Margaret Bobonich (read more about her ) and she was on the TV reality show called Survivor.

Margaret gave Lilly a nice Nike headband because they are an athletic family.

Some people don't like white boxers because they are not "recognized" - whatever that means. Many of them, like Lilly, can't hear either. But I think she is great and so does her family.

Forgetful (and strange) humans

2007-03-20T12:12:00.000-05:00

Woof! Did you ever find yourself in this position? When my people leave the house, they have always put me in my bed while they are away.

So yesterday, I was resting on the couch (hey, it was a tiring morning!) and the girl gets her coat and keys and says goodbye to me. Then she walks out the door!!!

I waited a minute or two to see if she was coming back but I heard her car drive away. So I got off the comfortable couch and walked over to my bed in the kitchen. Just because she forgot me doesn’t mean I won’t do the right thing.

The odd part is that when she came back, she was laughing that I went to my bed by myself. What did she expect?

I can’t figure out these humans sometimes. I went back to the couch and reflected on it for awhile.

Miss Scarlett protects her girl

2007-03-12T11:07:00.000-05:00

My friend Miss Scarlett is a Rhodesian Ridgeback. She's almost 8 months old. She heard a strange noise downstairs and, of course, had to investigate. That’s what good dogs do.

It seems her human girl was sitting on this thing and spinning around. It made a terrible noise. Scarlett didn’t know what to do so she sniffed it out carefully and then decided she had to pounce to protect her human.

Good for you Scarlett!

See the photos here.

Everybody into the pool?

2007-03-04T15:47:00.000-05:00

Woof!

I guess I'm glad to see some of the snow melting. Sure it was fun and I love the cold, but I love to be outside too and my humans won't let me stay out there too long when it's freezing.

And the walks we went on weren't as long because very few of the sidewalks were shoveled. The street isn't much fun to walk in.

I have seen more squirrels and even some chipmunks lately so spring is coming.

What I'm really looking forward to is getting to swim this summer. My boy keeps telling me he's getting me into water this summer, but we're not sure where to go.

Any good ideas? Let me know

More Friends - Bailey

2007-02-21T20:26:00.000-05:00

To tell the truth, I didn’t know there were so many different kinds of us around. For example, I had never even heard of a Schipperke until my friend Bailey came along.

She is 7&1/2 and her humans sometimes call her Sparkles.

There are only a few Schipperkes in Northern Ohio. Wow! There are a lot of us Labs, that's for sure.

Bailey is so interesting that she is the featured pet this week at ClevelandPets.com. So see more of Bailey here.

Wasn't that snow a blast!

2007-02-21T20:22:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody. Sorry I haven’t posted anything for awhile. But there was all this snow out there and it was just too much fun playing in the snow.

Now that’s it’s starting to melt some, I will write some more.

I had a great time at the Dog Park with Buddy, Spike and some other dogs the other day. That's me and Buddy saying hello in the photo. I put some more photos up here.

The Westminster Show

2007-02-11T09:58:00.000-05:00

My people and I like to watch the dog shows and the Westminster Kennel Dog Show is coming up this week. It’s lots of fun but I heard that some humans actually place bets on the results!

They bet on breed, group, sex and age of the winner. For example, a male dog is the big favorite to win.

Last year's best-in-show winner was a male Bull Terrier. A winner this year from the same breed would pay out at 30/1 odds. That’s a lot of biscuits!

The Fox Terrier (wire) is this year’s favorite at 12/1 odds. The Scottish Terrier is also a strong favorite at 15/1 odds. Listed as long shots are breeds such as the saluki, chow chow, rottweiler and shih tzu, all of which are currently listed at 100/1 odds.

What about the Labs? Come on Las Vegas, give us a chance. I guess we really are the underdog.

Dusty - another new friend

2007-02-04T14:55:00.000-05:00

My friend Bonnie sure has a lot of friends. She introduced me to Nicholas and Leo and here is a picture of another friend of hers named Dusty.

Dusty is a Husky/Coyote mix and lives with Bonnie until she goes to school.

Be sure to read Bonnie's comment (below) about acting like the "annoying little sister". ;-)

AKC Show

2007-02-04T14:49:00.000-05:00

Did anyone else watch the Dog Show last night? My family had it on and I watched along with them. It's fun seeing all the different breeds. Some looked very familiar. But some I've never seen before - like the Komondor - doesn't that hair get in the way?

My people made a few snide comments about me being lazy - when the dogs on TV were doing something special. I just rolled over, gnawing on my bone and ignored them. Except I had the boy scratch me behind the ears for awhile as we watched.

Even More New Friends!

2007-02-04T14:45:00.000-05:00

Woof!

What Fun!

I got comments from a dog named Leo. Leo is a working Leader Dog.

Leo was honored as a Hero Dog by the Northeast Ohio German Shepherd Club and they gave him the award that he is wearing in this picture. Be sure to read all his comments (below).

Can't wait to meet you Leo - keep up the great work

Hogan

It's a small world!

2007-02-02T19:16:00.000-05:00

Gee, this Internet thing is great. I am hearing from all kinds of dogs – and from all over. We just got a message from Nicholas who is attending formal Guide Dog training at Leader Dogs for the Blind all the way in Michigan!

As her comment says, she used to live with Bonnie’s Mom.

I don’t know where Michigan is but it sounds far. Maybe my boy will walk me there someday so I can meet Nicholas.

Bonnie, the Yellow Lab

2007-01-31T18:28:00.000-05:00

I got a nice message from a new friend – Bonnie. She left a comment (below) about Mailman Ken.

She is only five and a half months old but is already going to school. She is in training to become a Guide Dog for a blind person. What a great thing to do.

Good for you Bonnie.

I see that she likes to lay in the snow like I do. She made a nice snow bed in this picture she sent. Looks cozy!

Keep us posted on how school goes and have fun in the snow.

Your new friend, Hogan

Mailman Ken

2007-01-30T15:14:00.000-05:00

Woof

I know, I know.

I’m not supposed to like the mailman. I’m supposed to bark at him and try to bite him.

But I’ve known Mailman Ken since my humans brought me home and he’s a very nice human.

He talks to me and pets me and even gives me a treat sometime. What’s not to like?

But don’t get me started on those squirrels. Grrrr.

PS So far I've heard from Chestnut, Roxie, Hub, Luke and a secret admirer. This blogging is fun! Woof!

Snip Snip - What were my people thinking?

2007-01-29T12:41:00.000-05:00

One of my good friends had to get an operation last week. I had the same operation when I was younger – it’s something that male dogs get. Ouch!

But when I had my operation, I had to wear a funny collar for a couple days. I looked really stupid and the squirrels were laughing at me when I was in the yard. My friend didn’t have to wear the collar – he sure was lucky.

I don’t know what my humans were thinking. If they asked me nicely not to bite at my incision I am sure I would have listened. But no, they had to out that ridiculous collar on me.

It’s bad enough I was snipped. Oh well, they did give me a nice soup bone when I felt better.

I love the snow!!!

2007-01-29T11:40:00.000-05:00

Woof!

We have about 5” of new snow. Yippee! My boy took me out this morning and we had lots of fun in it. I tried to tell him that I wanted to stay out longer but he didn’t understand (he’s not always the brightest, you know). But the time we did have in the snow was a blast!

I hope I can visit my friends Roger or Hub and Luke to play in their fenced-in yards today. If not, maybe the boy will take me to the doggie park when he gets back from wherever he goes every day.

I better rest up now so I will be ready to go.