A Star is born

A STAR IS BORN
Hello I'm Dr Halley. As you might have guessed by my name I have been called after Dr Edmond Halley, the man who gave his name to the Comet that is now passing our small planet Earth. I am one of a litter of six puppies three boys and three girls, I am now twelve weeks old, and am a lovable bundle of fur, a real live teddy bear. Last Saturday, I went to my first show with the permission of the Club secretary. Every on stopped to pat me and cuddle me and I gave friendly licks to all, before the show, I went for a walk on my lead around the show grounds with my Mistress. We looked at the other dogs, there but found nothing to compare with us Chows. As we were passing some people sitting on the grass, a man let go of his Rottweiler, who, as quick as lightning flew at me. Now as you know I am very small, and I got a terrible fright, when I saw this big brute was going to try and eat me. He just missed me as my Mistress grabbed me up into her arms; she got a nasty fright As well, for the dog could have bitten her as well. She hates these dogs as her Auntie was badly bitten by three of them a few weeks ago in Florida.
Well we went back to our spot, and I had some milk and was examined to see if any harm was done, thankfully not. Soon it was our turn to go to the ring in which we were to be shown. Again on my way, two very large Saint Bernard's that thankfully were tied down also thought I was something to eat, and the both flew at me, choking themselves on their chains.
This was just about enough for one day; I must have been born lucky! Well I was called into the ring and was placed 1st in the Minor Puppy class and then up against Julie, I took best Puppy, now I had to compete against Lady and Monique for the Best of Breed and Best Opposite Sex. Well in this class Lady Loretta surprised all by beating Monique for the first time in her life to take best of Breed and I just a little scrap of fur took best opposite Sex of which I am very proud. All in all it was a lovely afternoon except that I shall never like Rottweiler or St Bernard's ever in my life, just as Monique does not like Irish wolfhounds. I guess the Comet is my guiding star and when I'm older I hope to shine as brightly!

Bomb at the O.K. Bazaars

SATURDAY AT THE O.K.

Hello again all you Chowists, I hope this is a wonderful New Year, even though it started with a bang.
I was going shopping with my mistress, to the O.K. Bazaars on the Saturday morning on the 11.1.1987, I go with her every Saturday morning, think she feels safe with me close to her, and she needn't worry about pick pocket thieves, when I am around. The shop windows had been shattered by a bomb that had been set off the
Day previously and a lot of damage had been done, now because of this they were having a sale on the ground floor, everything was going at the price of 2 for 1. There was still Christmas decorations hanging in one
Of the windows, which were also advertising a record "Stille Nag" these are definitely not silent nights or days.
If you have never been in a large store, you would be amazed at what goes on there, with hundreds of humans milling about and buying things that they don't really need. Well my mistress needed a couple of new T-shirts and as everything was going cheap, she thought now was the time to buy what she needed.
Now because I am a dog, I really don't like being in a crowd of people pushing and showing, but I take it in my stride and have never even had my paws trodden on. People especially the dark ones, tend to keep out of my way as I think they are a little afraid of me, and I growl and show my teeth If they do come to close for comfort. Well my mistress was standing on one side of the counter away from the queue.
After buying her T-shirts and was waiting for her friend Mandy to pay for her purchases, when we saw the police, coming into the building, they were telling the Humans to please leave the store, due to a bomb.
Now I don't know what a bomb is, and have never seen or even tasted one but the way people started pushing and screaming and running towards the exits, this must be something very nasty, so I lay down close to the
Floor, at my mistresses feet and tucked my head beneath my paws, She called Mandy and together they stood well away from the mad people rushing for the doors, People of all colors rushed passed us to get out, I have never seen humans so afraid in my life. I growled my fear, and crept closer to my mistress. One dark man went running straight through the plate glass window, there was blood everywhere, and a white lady due to whelp, was pushed over and trampled on, Thank heavens my mistress had the sense to stand still and not join the rushing crowd of humans, as I am sure I would have been hurt, or I might have bitten somebody. Once the store was nearly empty we calmly
Walked out, safe and sound, only to hear that it was only a bomb scare and that there was no bomb.

Kennel in the sky

THE KENNELS IN THE SKY

The Sun rises very early in the morning, and by 6am our flat is lit by daylight, Monique, Halley and myself have our kennels out on the balcony, which is open to the sunshine and all weather conditions, we each have our kennel, and our runs are made out of swimming pool fencing and are quite roomy We have a nice wooden box in which to sleep and these also protect us from the rain and the midday sun. Our kennels are spacious enough for us to play in and to keep us out of any harm. Monique is kenneled separately from Halley and myself, we share adjoining kennels, and this is only because Monique and I are not the best of friends and will fight if given the chance. Up until now Halley shared his kennel with Monique, but now he is old enough to be on his own, and he resents it, but he is not alone as he has both of us to keep him company during the day.
On awakening in the morning, each of us takes a turn to go into the flat to be with our humans, and we love this, as the first place I make for is Carol's bed, Halley of course, goes to the Kitchen, to share his breakfast with our four cats. Monique loves Robin and wakes him every morning for work. But we have each other for company and the cleaning girl comes in every day; She always comes to see us as she fed all of us when we were very young - so we trust her. I must admit I can't wait till five o'clock in the afternoon, when Carol comes home from work. This is the time for our walk in the park. First of all Halley and I spend a lovely time running and playing catch in the dog park across the road from our flat.

This dog park was kindly erected for our use by the park board, after my Mistress wrote them a letter, requesting that a dog park be erected for all the city dogs. So, of course, we have to share it with a few other dogs. We spend a half an hour in the park, then it's time to go back home and Monique has her turn. After this it's suppertime and then we all get a to lie around the flat until bedtime at about 11pm. Weekends we love, because our mistress is home all day and we (that's Monique, Halley and I) are allowed inside for four hours each during The day, one at a time, then we spend two hours in the park.
Sundays are our favorite days as we either go to a dog show, or we go for a long walk around Hillbrow. Being admired by a great many people! Halley still being young does not walk very fast and now and again he has to be carried, which is difficult, as he is very heavy.
He does not like crowds or noisy places. After our long walk its back home, in time for supper and the to bed, and a good restful night, before the start of another week. I must admit, we are all rather spoilt, but then we are also loved very much and are treated as part of our family.
I, myself, have been to work a few times with my mistress when her doctor is away. You see - I may not be able to talk the human language but I can understand her.

Well my friends, now you know what life is like on the top of the roof- The Kennels in the Sky! It can be done and we are healthy living proof of it. Between Monique and I, we have raised 15 puppies so far, up here in the Sky. Where there is no chance of Parvo Virus, ticks or fleas.
Our kennels are cleaned each day and washed down once a week with antiseptic. Members are always welcome to come and visit our "Kennels in the Sky".

A Star is born

A STAR IS BORN
Hello I'm Dr Halley. As you might have guessed by my name I have been called after Dr Edmond Halley, the man who gave his name to the Comet that is now passing our small planet Earth. I am one of a litter of six puppies three boys and three girls, I am now twelve weeks old, and am a lovable bundle of fur, a real live teddy bear. Last Saturday, I went to my first show with the permission of the Club secretary. Every on stopped to pat me and cuddle me and I gave friendly licks to all, before the show, I went for a walk on my lead around the show grounds with my Mistress. We looked at the other dogs, there but found nothing to compare with us Chows. As we were passing some people sitting on the grass, a man let go of his Rottweiler, who, as quick as lightning flew at me. Now as you know I am very small, and I got a terrible fright, when I saw this big brute was going to try and eat me. He just missed me as my Mistress grabbed me up into her arms; she got a nasty fright As well, for the dog could have bitten her as well. She hates these dogs as her Auntie was badly bitten by three of them a few weeks ago in Florida.
Well we went back to our spot, and I had some milk and was examined to see if any harm was done, thankfully not. Soon it was our turn to go to the ring in which we were to be shown. Again on my way, two very large Saint Bernard's that thankfully were tied down also thought I was something to eat, and the both flew at me, choking themselves on their chains.
This was just about enough for one day; I must have been born lucky! Well I was called into the ring and was placed 1st in the Minor Puppy class and then up against Julie, I took best Puppy, now I had to compete against Lady and Monique for the Best of Breed and Best Opposite Sex. Well in this class Lady Loretta surprised all by beating Monique for the first time in her life to take best of Breed and I just a little scrap of fur took best opposite Sex of which I am very proud. All in all it was a lovely afternoon except that I shall never like Rottweiler or St Bernard's ever in my life, just as Monique does not like Irish wolfhounds. I guess the Comet is my guiding star and when I'm older I hope to shine as brightly!

Saturday at the O.K

SATURDAY AT THE O.K.

Hello again all you Chowists, I hope this is a wonderful New Year, even though it started with a bang.
I was going shopping with my mistress, to the O.K. Bazaars on the Saturday morning on the 11.1.1987, I go with her every Saturday morning, think she feels safe with me close to her, and she needn't worry about pick pocket thieves, when I am around. The shop windows had been shattered by a bomb that had been set off the
Day previously and a lot of damage had been done, now because of this they were having a sale on the ground floor, everything was going at the price of 2 for 1. There was still Christmas decorations hanging in one
Of the windows, which were also advertising a record "Stille Nag" these are definitely not silent nights or days.
If you have never been in a large store, you would be amazed at what goes on there, with hundreds of humans milling about and buying things that they don't really need. Well my mistress needed a couple of new T-shirts and as everything was going cheap, she thought now was the time to buy what she needed.
Now because I am a dog, I really don't like being in a crowd of people pushing and showing, but I take it in my stride and have never even had my paws trodden on. People especially the dark ones, tend to keep out of my way as I think they are a little afraid of me, and I growl and show my teeth If they do come to close for comfort. Well my mistress was standing on one side of the counter away from the queue.
After buying her T-shirts and was waiting for her friend Mandy to pay for her purchases, when we saw the police, coming into the building, they were telling the Humans to please leave the store, due to a bomb.
Now I don't know what a bomb is, and have never seen or even tasted one but the way people started pushing and screaming and running towards the exits, this must be something very nasty, so I lay down close to the
Floor, at my mistresses feet and tucked my head beneath my paws, She called Mandy and together they stood well away from the mad people rushing for the doors, People of all colors rushed passed us to get out, I have never seen humans so afraid in my life. I growled my fear, and crept closer to my mistress. One dark man went running straight through the plate glass window, there was blood everywhere, and a white lady due to whelp, was pushed over and trampled on, Thank heavens my mistress had the sense to stand still and not join the rushing crowd of humans, as I am sure I would have been hurt, or I might have bitten somebody. Once the store was nearly empty we calmly
Walked out, safe and sound, only to hear that it was only a bomb scare and that there was no bomb.

A chow chow christmas

A CHOW CHOW CHRISTMAS.

It's Christmas Eve, and this year we have decided to spend it in the safety of our own home. The tree has been decorated, and the lights are flickering on and off there are a few little presents that we have bought for each other, The chickens in the oven and the salads are in the fridge, We are all ready for a day of prayer and peace. But we will not be alone this Christmas; we will be sharing it with a variety of furred and feathered friends. With us will be Leo and Lady and baby Monique the three Chow Chow's, Susie an Diana the cats, Tex the rat, and Romeo and Juliet the two little mice, In their cages will be Fred, Tammy and Storm the cocktails in the fish tank is Cleopatra and Caesar the two goldfish. Outside we will also share our day of peace with the pigeons and two little wild doves. For you see Christmas is a time of loving and sharing, and our love for our animals comes before our love of visiting friends.
For they are helpless creatures of God and he has given them into our care and safekeeping. Hanging on the Christmas tree is a little something for each of our animals, a gift of our love.
It's early Christmas morning when I am awakened to the sound of crackling paper coming from the lounge. I look across to see if Robin is up at this early hour, but find that he is still sound asleep. Getting out of bed and silently walking to the door, an amazing sight meets my eyes. The dogs have started Christmas without us. Monique has managed to open a few of the parcels with her baby teeth and lady has helped to decorate the lounge floor as well as the rest of the flat by undoing the toilet roll and scattering it all over the floor in small chewed up pieces. Leo has somehow managed to take the little fairy off the top of the tree, and has chewed her all to pieces. Not to say who ate the dog chocolates or the special goodies we had tied onto the tree for them. I stand flabbergasted, unable to say a work, Thank heavens the chicken is in the oven.
The dogs see me, and stand with their heads bowed, almost touching the floor, they know they have done wrong, but Monique [being the smallest] comes up to me, wagging her little tail in welcome, What can one say to three animals you love very much, on Christmas morning you would not scold them if they had been children of the same age, you would have patted their dear little heads and possibly helped them open the rest of their parcels, So that is exactly what I did with my three dogs, I patted them on their heads, and put the outside. While cleaned up the mess. Unfortunately they could not spend to long outside because as soon as I had cleaned up the mess, then down came the rain, so back inside they had to come, by this time I had got Robin up, and we had our breakfast, as well as feed the cats and other animals.
It was now time for the dogs to be groomed before we made our way to church. When you own three Chows the grooming never stops. You cannot miss a day for fear of one of them getting a skin irritation and they must be kept clean at all times. I checked the oven to find the chicken has cooked nicely everything is no ready to us to eat when we get back from church. You may be thinking, what about the dogs, yes they went to church with us and were very well behaved.
After lunch we are all pretty tired from all the good food that has been consumed, and it is now time to rest for a couple of hours, with a nice hot toddy and a new book to read for a while. It’s 4 o clock and is now time to take the dogs for a run in the park the grass is soaking wet, so it's on with old clothes and tackies, anxious dogs now waiting at the front door, ready to go walkies. The minute the door opens they charge out to the lift and wait while I lock the front door, Can you imagine what a hand full it is for two people to take three very strong dogs for a walk. They tie themselves around your legs and around them selves, {Just what Barbara Woodhouse would love] so it's walkies, or let's say jogies, as we make our way to the park just down the road, the dogs leading the way. On arriving at the park we are pleased to see that a lot of others have also taken their dogs walkies, on this Christmas day, so You are afraid to let Leo off the lead, as being male he may go for the other males around, or they may go for him. So poor Leo is kept tied until the other male dogs go home, but in the meantime, you have to keep an eye on Monique and Lady in case they happen to wander off to far on their own, or happen to pick up an old chicken bone that someone has carelessly thrown to the ground, just in front of their very highly sensitive noses. If they happen to find one of these bones you have a job of digging it out of their unyielding mouths.
At last all the other male dogs have gone, and it is o.k. To let Leo off his lead, He may look fierce but really has got a heart of gold and would not harm a flea, but you cannot tell this to strangers.
So Leo is let loose to run and enjoy his freedom. Soon it starts to get dark and it is time to take the dog’s home again.
It is almost the end of another Christmas day, but it has been rather special. It is only when I am alone that I think of the other dogs and cats, that are not as lucky as mine, and wish I could make a New years resolution for other people who have animals, that is if you don't love animals, then don't have them like children they are your responsibility, If you are cruel to animals, are you also cruel to your children? Christmas is for all to share, and the New Year is just around the corner waiting there.

I'm in the movies

WE'RE IN THE MOVIES.


The great day has come, we have been invited to see a preview of ourselves in a great movie called "You're in the Movies" You all know about my days filming so let me tell you now about our evening at the movies. We went with our human companions, Carol, Rick and Robin, who took us into the Cinema, we went up a lot of stairs before coming to what they decided were suitable seats, Carol, Rick and Robin sat down, then Leo and I made ourselves comfortable on two extra seats, I sat close to Leo as I felt a little nervous, this was the first time I had ever been in a cinema, and all these people around me were rather frightening. I looked at Leo and then placed my paw on top of his, feeling a little comforted. The lights dimmed and everything went black, the curtains opened and I saw what looked like a giant TV screen, now I often watch TV but never expected to see anything like this. As the film started, first up was Robin, spinning around in a post box, well I knew it was Robin, as he told me so himself, I turned and gave him a big lick. As the film progressed I was faced with the biggest gorilla I had ever seen it seemed to jump right out at us and I barked at it and almost landed on Leo's front paws. We both got such a fright. There were lots of scenes in which I saw Rick, and Leo stretched over me to give him a big lick As well, I guess no one could miss him and his bald spot on his head.
Suddenly I saw Leo, on the screen, and I was so excited, I barked so loudly and at the same time upset my popcorn all over the floor. Oh he looked so handsome and all shining black, how lucky I was to have a boyfriend likes him.
Then suddenly before my very eyes "That's me" I barked, I was so excited "Did you see me" I licked my mistress’s face all over, She looked good as well, and I was walking backwards, really walking backwards.
I looked lovely and my fur was shining clean I was really proud of myself "Woof Woof" I'm so happy.
Well I am not going to say to much about the movie, as I hope you are all going to see it, as it will be the last time you see Leo He was sold to new owners a few weeks ago and I have been very heart broken, but he made me pregnant before he went, so I hope to have some little ones just like him soon. After the movie, we went to the Cheese and wine party, I love Cheese and wine, but Leo does not. We were congratulated by the Directors and the producer and patted on the head by just about everyone. It was a really grand time for us all.
By six o Clock we went home all a little tipsy, but I was a very happy little Chow Chow.