Caption this Scottie

[caption id="attachment_797" align="aligncenter" width="320"] Teenage mutant, ninja...Scottie?[/caption]



Today, we're participating in BlogPaws' Wordless Wednesday, a popular Internet practice of posting a photo on your blog that requires no explanations. Mr. K thinks this photo speaks for itself (How could it not? He's one very silly pup, after all!) but wants to hear what you think the caption of this photo should be in the comment section below. Happy Woof Woof Wednesday, Scottie friends and fans!

As Seen Watching TV

[caption id="attachment_789" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Mr. K has the best seat in the house...cuddled up with Scottie Mom.[/caption]

When the day is winding down and just before Scottie Mom retreats to the other room to write up a Scottie tale for Heather and Mr. K's new friends every night, Mr. K makes sure some quality CT (cuddle time) is achieved while his mom and dad watch an hour or so of television together. Alas, snuggling against Scottie Mom's side or keeping her toes warm is almost never enough for Mr. K. He not only likes to hang out with his hoomans but actually insists on sitting around like one and enjoying whatever show Scottie Mom and Dad are watching.

This feat is usually achieved one of two ways: by climbing on Scottie Mom's belly and sit facing the television or approaching Scottie Mom and staring her down until she gets the message that it is time to cuddle. When she gets his message, Scottie Mom then pulls Mr. K close and he lies back like he's a baby in his mama's arms (which, of course, he is!). Friends and family who get to witness this bonding moment often get a good laugh as Mr. K is known to sit like this for hours on end, seeing the show or movie through to its finish and often times, even after Scottie Mom's arm has long since fallen asleep. But both he and Scottie Mom agree: the experience is totally worth it!

A Trip to Piedmont Park

Recently, Heather and Mr. K took a field trip to Piedmont Park. Here are some of the photos from their afternoon adventure. There was so much for two small doggies to explore that there simply wasn't enough time to do it all. There's no doubt we'll be back again soon. I'm pleased to report that during our visit, we ran into a pair of Scottie/Westie mixes who were so friendly (and fiesty!) that they played in the BIG dog park and weren't even a year old yet! 

Who's there?

[caption id="attachment_754" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Do you hear that, Heather? We've got new neighbors...[/caption]

Forget things going bump in the night. They bolt right out of doors here! Every evening, Heather and Mr. K go on their fourth and final walk for the day between 10:30 - 11 p.m. The other night was just like any other, except for the new neighbor across the hall who came out simultaneously, said hello and commented on how cute my puppies were. We then headed in separate directions - she to the trash chute, Scottie Dad and I to the elevators - when I hear her say, "oh, crap."

I turned to make sure everything was okay and, to my horror, I see a rottie mix coming toward us. Now, for those of you who've followed Mr. K's adventures, you know he has a history with rotties that (quite literally) once left him hanging from a not-so-friendly Rottweiler's mouth. So, you can imagine how I felt when I saw one trotting toward us. As luck would have it, I turned to see the rottie - who actually looked quite friendly, although you'd never know it by the temper tantrum Mr. K was throwing - and saw a second rottie mix come bounding out of the apartment and the nice new neighbor of mine taking her sweet time walking toward us, saying they're harmless and probably want to play.

Finally, the new neighbor came for her dogs, apologized and I was able to continue on toward the elevator. I was so shaken up by that experience though. All it takes is for one bite and Mr. K could be out of luck, right then and there. And the simple thought of having to put him down after everything we've been through is enough to make me sick. People laugh when I tell them that neither of my dogs are particularly friendly with other dogs. They always say something sarcastic like, "yeah, they look like real killers." What's more, so many of them continute to walk with their dogs off leash, including these two rottie mixes that have just moved in.

Another neighbor of mine was waiting for the elevator the other morning with his dog. She's not too friendly either, but she graciously allows Mr. K and Heather to join her in the elevator if her dad picks her up. So, there they are, waiting patiently when the elevator door opens and the two rotties come bounding out of the elevator, knocking my 6'2" neighbor on his back and leaving his dog terrorized. The rottie mix owner apologized but was later seen that day escorting the rotties through the lobby (a big "no-no" according to this building's HOA) off-leash.

Moral of the story (and I may be speaking to the choir on this one, Scottie Moms and Dads): keep your pets on leash and be considerate of those who may not have an overly friendly pup! Everyone is safer that way and it certainly would save this Scottie Mom from suffering an early heart attack, that's for sure.

Up Close & Personal: Heather

The other day, Heather came to me asking for some time in the spotlight since Mr. K got his own one-on-one interview last week. Of course, it is only fair to grant her this wish. After all, her new friends and followers need to know just as much about her as they now know about Mr. K! Warning: Heather's so likeable, you may fall into Scottie Love before you finish reading this post.

Heather, tell your new friends a little bit about yourself.

My name is Heather but I also go by Little Girl, Heather Bether, Shakira (for my fantastic tail waggin') and Miss H. I'll be turning eight years old next month and I love everything life has to offer. I wake up each morning with a smile on my face and I dream sweet dreams of chasing squirrels by night so there really isn't ever a time when I'm not happy.

When would you say you are the happiest?

When I'm eating. Or when I know you are just about to feed me. Or when you come home and I bury my face in my pillow bed while you scratch my back. Or when we go on walks. Or during car rides. Oh, I don't know - it's so hard to choose one!

What's the secret to finding happiness? How do you stay so positive?

The secret to happiness comes from within, and it's all about your attitude and perspective. Having spent some time on the streets, it doesn't take much to keep me happy. Who needs much more than a good bowl of food every day, some fresh water and lots of kisses anyway? Sure, some treats from time to time make life a little sweeter but it's the simple things that make me smile. Oh! I just figured it out: what keeps me so positive is knowing there are sweet indulgences to be found in the most unexpected places. I love a good surprise (especially the tasty ones) and you never know when, where or how Scottie Mom will bring the next one...but she always does.

What did you think of Mr. K when you first came home last year?

Man, he's grumpy!

And now?

He's plain crazy. And, if I'm being completely honest, a little whimpy.

How so?

Well, when I first got here, he was mad. All it took is a woman telling him his behavior was simply not appropriate (which you did) and from then on, he was fine. I took your cue and taught him a lesson myself about who's top dog around here.

So that's how you became the alpha (fe)male.

Yes. But if you ask him, he'll probably tell you some dramatic story about some epic battle we had to determine who was going to take the alpha role and how I probably cheated or something. Totally not true. I just sat down and told him how it was going to be. End of story.

Fascinating. Would you say you get along well with Mr. K?

Oh, yes. Our arrangement is quite favorable. Even though he can be a little rowdy at times (I can't tell you how many times he's actually run me over in pursuit of his precious toys while I was sleeping comfortably in my bed), he has a very loyal heart and I know he watches over us ladies of the household when we're walking the city streets.

You're quite the character yourself on walks, Miss Scottie in the City. Have you noticed how many people stop to pet you on our walks?

What can I say? We wheatens aren't as common and people are always in awe of Scotties like me when they didn't realize we existed prior to seeing one for themselves. I must say, it tickles me to see how people respond sometimes and I enjoy the extra attention. This one time, a man stopped running the Peachtree Road Race just to ask you what kind of dog I was and to say I was beautiful, remember that? Boy, he knew how to make a girl blush!

Well, beauty comes from the inside out. He must have known you're a good pup.

I certainly try to be! I love making hoomans happy. It makes me happy. That's why I say hello to every hooman who steps on the elevator with us on our way to and from our walks. Do you see how many smiles I get back when I look up at them and flash my pearly whites? Mr. K ignores them, even when they're talking to us. I work my hardest to cheer them up and make new friends. Getting a smile back from a hooman is the best feeling ever. Makes my tail wag. I don't understand why some neighbors don't say hi back, though, but I guess it doesn't matter. I'll keep staring. Eventually, they're bound to return a smile or offer up a quick pat on the back.

You certainly are one loveable pup! Any advice for those out there looking for the love and attention you get?

Yes. My first suggestion would be to adopt a Scottie. We're good at giving you all the love you could possibly ever need. If it is hooman love you're looking for, just be yourself, smile often and wag your tail. It works for me!

Mr. K vs. the Intruder

[caption id="attachment_728" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Rest unassured, strange man, for I WILL hunt you down. - Mr. K[/caption]

Rewind the clock about two years. The scene of the incident is an apartment located just north of Atlanta, Ga. sometime in the night. Mr. K is staying with a friend while Scottie Mom is away for a few days. He is snoozing peacefully on the sofa when suddenly, he hears keys jiggling at the door. Mr. K's ears perk up. Scottie Mom's friend enters the apartment, with a strange man in tow. Who is he and what is he doing in my temporary home, says Mr. K, as he jumps up to investigate and question this man. He passes through Scottie security with a warning. Mr. K returns to his seat, watching the strange man carefully. Scottie Mom's friend and the strange man proceed to the kitchen laughing. They each grab a drink, chat for a few minutes and soon head to the bedroom.

Finally, Mr. K thinks to himself, it's bedtime. Wait a minute. Scottie Mom's friend didn't call him in to sleep. How could she have left her snuggle bud behind? After all, is it not he who keeps her feet warm at night? The door's open and everything's quiet. She must have forgotten. Mr. K shrugs it off, stands up and stretches, about to make his way to join Scottie Mom's friend for a good night's sleep when he hears something coming from her room. It's the strange man. And some dreadful creaking. Oh no, Mr. K says, that strange man will NOT terrorize any of Scottie Mom's friends. Like a brave soldier, he takes off in a moment's notice and rushes to save the damsel in...err, distress.

Running full speed ahead, Mr. K enters the bedroom yelling, "Aarf, arrf, aarf, arrf, AARFFF!" He dashes from one side of the bed to the other, desperate to find a way up and help his Scottie Mom's poor friend. He wonders why she has not acknowledged his presence and valiant efforts to save her when he realizes she is too hurt to move. The strange man is immobilizing her! Mr. K has to do more. He takes a few steps back, still yelling at the strange man to stop and charges as fast as he can before he makes a giant leap. For a brief second in time, everything stops. Scottie Mom's friend and the strange man look at Mr. K, who is glaring at the strange man with cold, unforgiving eyes from atop the bed. Then, as quick as it stopped, time started up and Mr. K pounces on his enemy when, in mid-air, he is scooped up and escorted out the bedroom door in a flash.

By the time he turns around, Mr. K finds the door has been shut behind him. Oh noooo, says Mr. K, I have failed! The strange, evil man has locked me out of the bedroom and I MUST find a way in to protect Scottie Mom's friend. SCRATCH, SCRATCH, SCRATCH. Aarf, arrf, AARFFFF! Why does this door not budge? That strange man has entered the home of a dear friend who Scottie Mom left me to protect. She said nothing about a strange man coming. How dare he enter this temporary home and disrespect Scottie Mom's friend in such a way? Mr. K says to himself, "I'll teach him a lesson..." and darts off to find any trace the strange man left of himself around the apartment and pees on every trace he finds. "That'll show him who's house he's in," says Mr. K.

After his vigilante work is complete, Mr. K settles by the bedroom door to await the strange man's reappearance. His eyes are about to close when he hears movement from behind the closed door. Ears perked up, Mr. K sits up presently, waiting for the moment when the door will be reopened. When it finally does, Scottie Mom's friend isn't upset with the strange man and actually emerges with a smile...that is, until she sees Mr. K's artwork around the apartment. She escorts the strange man out of the apartment before Mr. K has a chance to attack and begins to clean up the mess. Mr. K sits by her side, smiling and feeling confident now that his temporary territory has been marked, the strange man will never dare to re-enter this apartment with such blatant disrespect. Mission: accomplished.

Or, so he thought. Turns out, that strange man did visit a few more times but only once more while Mr. K was visiting. And that time, the bedroom door remained closed from the time he entered. Mr. K clearly was not happy with this arrangement as his antics were similar to the aforementioned incident but, in due time, the strange man left that apartment for good - never to return. The important lesson for Scottie Mom's friend was that if Mr. K doesn't like your "friend," there's probably a reason for it and you best drop that strange man as quick as you found him. These days, this same friend of Scottie Mom's has embarked on a new relationship with a promising future...albeit that cannot be said for sure, since Mr. K has not been called in for final judgement.

A Girl in Love

[caption id="attachment_721" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Do you see the stars in Heather's eyes?[/caption]

A girl's first kiss is never forgotten. For some, it is a magical experience that stands the test of time. For others, it's just an awkward memory better left behind and never mentioned again. Either way, a first kiss is a pivotal moment in any girl's life and this weekend, Heather added her first reciprocated kiss to her list of milestones achieved since joining the Scottie Mom family a year and a half ago...and even better, she didn't have to steal it!

Scottie Mom and Dad hosted some friends from out of town this weekend and as per usual, it didn't take long for Heather to work her magic and win over the guests. From the time they arrived on Friday afternoon, it was clear Scottie Dad's friend was smitten with the pups. Scottie Dad's friend would call Heather and coo over the little girl walking back and forth with her tail wagging so hard it was moving in circles. Clearly, Heather was just as smitten with him and even dared to join Scottie Dad's friend on the couch (a rare gesture on her part) not once but twice!

On the third and final night of his stay, Scottie Dad's friend offered up a kiss to sweet Heather and, with just a second's hesitation, she graciously accepted. It was a series of quick kisses on the lips and I dare say I'm afraid she may have snuck a little tongue action into the kiss as well, but Scottie Dad's friend didn't seem to mind. (This might be a good place to point out the human girl who was seen stealing kisses from Scottie Dad's friend earlier in the weekend did, in fact, mind and was not pleased to witness Heather stealing her man in this magical moment.) Alas, the kiss was short-lived but I am certain it changed Heather's life and will remain in her heart forever. Let's hear a hip-hip-ArrRRoOOo for Scottie love, people!