Bogart Handsome Devil!

Today we are so pleased to have Bogart Handsome Devil with us.  Bogart is a 3 year old Airedale Terrier who lives with his family in Portland, Oregon and maintains a fantastic blog, To Aire is Divine.  If you haven’t seen this site, you really have to visit because he has great pictures of all his adventures.  Today we’re going to discuss getting ready for the holidays.

MAX:  Bogart, what are you planning for the holidays this year?

BOGART:    I had much destruction of holiday decorations in mind, but the humans seem to have thought of that before I did.  In the last few years, my cats (I share my house with 5 of the furry little buggers) have taught me a lot about holiday destruction, from cracking delicate ornaments to vomiting on family heirlooms all the way through to climbing to the very top of the tree from the inside.  They are very talented, indeed.  But since we are in a new place (we moved from Los Angeles to Portland just a few months ago) the humans decided to forego a tree and all of the various accoutrements.  Yes, I am disappointed, but can be appeased if a brightly-wrapped bag of treats appears (maybe).

MAX:    Bernie and I used to take all the decorations off the tree too!  For a long time, Mom and Dad just decorated the top half of the tree and left the bottom half bare!  What do you like best about the holidays?

BOGART:  Mostly the increase in the scraps of human food which reach my waiting jaws.  Mmm… bacon.

MAX:   I always liked anything on the counter that was edible.  I bet, you didn’t know I was a World Champion Counter Surfer for many years!Will you have a real or artificial tree?

BOGART:  No tree this year - the silver one we had last year went to that great Christmas Tree Stand in the sky after massive feline intervention.  I’ll just have to settle for the big trees in the forest outside of our house.  At least I can pee on those and no one yells at me.

MAX:  How do you help decorate?

BOGART:  I assist in weeding out the unworthy decorations by breaking them, bringing them into other rooms, or burying them in the backyard.

MAX:  Some decorations just call out to be buried-like that one of Larry Bird that my Dad is so fond of.  Do you have a favorite holiday snack or treat?

BOGART:  I am partial to the chicken jerky that dad makes - other doggie cookies only occasionally interest me - and I am very good at exasperating pet store owners (and dog treat makers) with my ability to resist almost any treat offered to me.  So nothing fancy, just jerky and LOTS of it, please.

MAX:  Try my recipe for Ahhh-mmm Morsels.  Trust me, you’ll like it!  Will your dad be brewing up anything special for the holidays at the Black & Tan Brewery?

BOGART:  I certainly hope so.  Something that will go with the snowy winter that we’re having to keep us all warm and toasty.

MAX:  Will be playing any reindeer games with your family or friends?

BOGART:  I will not be strapping on any of those silly stuffed antlers - I hate wearing anything on my head - but am open to other games that involve tennis balls, soccer balls, or sticks…

MAX:    Nothing on the head, I agree!  What is the one gift you’re hoping to get?

BOGART:  I’m hoping to find a girl Airedale under my figurative tree - I am lookin’ for love - I’ve been trying to find my very own baby mama for awhile now.  I am an intact boy, ready to mambo, and can promise that I will make spectacular, intelligent, and dashing pups.

MAX:  Looks like you found a pretty sweet Baby Mama.  You’re such a stud! What is your favorite gift to give?

BOGART:  My love, of course.  I have to limit most humans to a certain number of head tilts, nose pokes, and stump wags as their delicate hearts cannot take the levels of cuteness that I am capable of giving.  And yes - I AM A GIVER.

MAX:  What is the best gift you’ve ever received?

BOGART:  I’m sure that mama would want me to say that coming to live with her was the greatest gift I’ve ever received… so don’t tell her I’m saying this.  But truly, the best gift ever was coming to live with mama and dad because they treat me like a King (of Terriers) - they take me with them everywhere, I get to go on lots of walkies and big adventures, and I am really, really loved.  Other than that, I do really like the industrial dehydrator that arrived last year so that dad can make me my fresh jerky.  Oh, and anything that squeaks.

MAX:  My family was my best gift too.  Anything else you’d like to say to our blog audience?

BOGART:  Living life to the Max is a FANTASTIC thing, and something I also aspire to, as both an Airedale Terrier and a young fuzzy man.

Bogart, I want to thank you so much for visiting our blog today.  Sounds like you’re really living Life to the MAX!  Will you think about your New Year’s Resolutions and come back and visit us before the New Year?

BOGART:  I will definitely visit you often - Woof!

Thanks Bogart and you have arfully happy holidays too.  And remember to visit Bogart at his blog at http://www.toaireisdivine.com/blog/.  Enjoy your holidays to the MAX!

At several of our recent booksignings, we have been offering free dog treats for our four-legged friends.  Since that time, they have been begging us for more so here’s the recipe.  Now all you have to do is get your family to make them!

Max’s AH-mmmmm Morsels

Ingredients:
2 C       Whole Wheat Flour
1 Tbsp  Baking Powder
1 C       Peanut Butter (chunky or smooth)
1/2 C   Chopped Carrot
1 C       Milk
dash     Cinnamon

Instructions:
In one bowl, combine flour, baking powder and cinnamon. In another bowl, combine peanut butter, carrots and milk. Slowly add dry mixture to peanut butter/carrot/milk mixture and blend well into dough. Roll dough out to 1/4 inch thickness on lightly floured surface and cut out shapes using cookie cutters.  Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 375˚ F for 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Cookies can burn easily, so watch carefully.  Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.

These are great treats for the holidays or any day!  Yummy!! I can’t wait for some more!!!

Krissy with 'dale friends in Tucson

Krissy and I had a great time at the Home for the Holidays Fur Affair on Saturday in Tucson.  Krissy got to meet a lot of big Aire-heads and their dogs were nice, too!  Just kidding!!

Everyone was pretty calm here but when the boxers (dogs, not underwear) and Santa showed up, we had quite the vocal protest!

Toby, (pictured in the red “Adopt Me” vest), the Poster Child for Airedale Adoptees, thought Santa was some kind of monster alien!  We all thought Toby was going to tear Santa a new one, but when Krissy and I went over by Santa and Toby saw that Krissy wasn’t afraid, he finally decided it was okay-not great-but okay.  You have to wonder what Santa did to him in another life!

Sidney Hardie with Toby; Robin & Krissy

Anyway, it was great to meet some of the people we have been working with, but haven’t met face-to-face before:  like Sidney Hardie who heads up Southwest Airedale Terrier Rescue in this part of the country.  Sdiney has been a tireless volunteer for Airedale rescue for several years and I just loved hearing some of her stories about the dogs she’s saved, fostered and placed in forever homes.  Some of these dogs have quite the story to tell and you can find many of these tales unders “Happy Tails” on SWAT’s website. To read these stories and find out more about Southwest Airedale Terrier Rescue, click here.

"Santa just took it out of me!"

At the end of the day, everybody was tuckered out and (fingers crossed) we think Toby may have a forever home.  Though the event was small, we were able to raise another decent amount to support Sidney’s efforts with rescue.  What a GREAT day!  Now this is living “Life to the MAX!”

This is very last minute, but Krissy and I am going to appear at A Home for the Holidays Fur Affair tomorrow, which is being held Sabino Canyon Pet Resort, 2001 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. in Tucson.  This event goes both Saturday and Sunday, but we will only be there on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.  Look for us in the space for Southwest Airedale Terrier Rescue where we will be talking about all things Dale, rescue and selling and signing Life to the Max books.  Remember 25% of the book price goes to support Southwest Airedale Terrier Rescue and at this event, we’re going to pay the sales tax!  Ho-ho-hope to see you there!

We have been so busy around here that I did not get a post written before Thanksgiving. So even if it’s a bit tardy, I do want to take the time to say thanks to all of our supporters who have showed up at booksignings, shared kind thoughts about our book and of course, all you who have BOUGHT books have paid us the highest compliment!  You all have made our journey even more memorable.

I am so grateful for the many things that Max taught my family and soin the spirit of the season, I’d like to share the top 10 things I’m grateful that Max taught me:

Thanks to you, Max:

1. I know how to let out a great big groaning sigh when I’m completely relaxed.
2. Thanks to you I know how to sleep in a little ball because you and Bernie have taken up the rest of the bed.
3. Thanks to you I know that after you get up from a nap, you should always stretch.
4. Thanks to you I know that dogs smile.
5. Thanks to you I know the difference between I love you and feed me!
6. Thanks to you I know what it means to be happy everyday no matter what happens.
7. Thanks to you I know how to put ointment on a place neither you nor I wanted to discuss!
8. Thanks to you I know that you can make a difference just by being yourself.
9. Thanks to you I know that teachers can come in many forms-even if it’s the one at the end of the leash.
10. Thanks to you I know what unconditional love is.

Tonight when you go home, take the time to really appreciate the moment.  Stretch, relax, have fun, laugh and tell someone that you love him-even if it’s the dog!

With all the economic turmoil lately, there is no doubt that times are tough for a lot of people.  If you think it’s bad for you, just think about the pets!  Every week, more dogs and cats are dumped in neighborhoods or left in abandoned homes.  Maybe it’s just because I’m a rescue myself, but I think you should consider your situation from a canine perspective.  Here are five long-term investment tips to help you when things get ruff:

1.       Capitalize on the bond market. If you’re looking for a great investment with a high return rate, rescue a dog. There is nothing like the unconditional love and acceptance of a canine companion.  This is one bond that will appreciate on a daily basis.

2.       Create your own stimulus package. If you feel like you can’t afford to adopt a dog, volunteer to foster a pet or work at a shelter. The stimulation you receive from playing with a furry friend will take your mind off your shrinking 401K.  In fact, the pet will never even mention it!

3.       Invest in creature comforts. It doesn’t have to be something you bought from the store. Without much coaching your dog will cuddle next to you and lick your face.  Just petting your dog can lower your blood pressure.  You won’t get that from the Dow Jones!

4.       Get easy credit. Your dog already thinks you’re the greatest person in the world. Just give him a little attention and you’ll be very rich indeed.   He’ll even let you win at Monopoly!

5.       Profit from the fallout. If you act fast, you can get a great pet right now.  With so many abandoned animals, shelters are full of healthy, adoptable pets from purebreds to mixed breeds.  There is nothing more rewarding than giving a dog or cat a second chance at life.

Even with all the recent publicity, pets are still being left in foreclosed homes at an alarming rate.  Sure, you may be scared, but just imagine how scared a pet would be to be left in an empty house.  As I say in Maxim #1 of my book, “Worrying about it won’t change anything. Trust that you’ll get through it.” Instead of running away, take your dog for a run.  It will take your mind off it for a while and it will ease the stress for both of you.  And that’s something you can bank on!

Dear President-elect Obama,

In the next few weeks, you are going to have to make a very important decision–what kind of puppy are you going to get for Sasha and Malia? I know that a lot of people have weighed in on this issue already, but now I think you should get it straight from the dog–that’s me, Max.

Now I know I’m going to be accused of bias, but there are very good reasons why you should consider an Airedale Terrier. From being one myself, I know the following to be true:

1. Airedales have great personalities. We are very smart, playful and loyal. We like to be a part of the family and we are devoted companions. Leave us alone in the Rose Garden by ourselves, however, and we’ll dig our way to China. Look on the bright side; you can make yours a special envoy.
2. Airedales are known as “the thinking breed.” In a household with obvious intelligence, surely you will want a dog that can match wits with you. Be aware that we can be a bit like Congress, however. Just calling us will not always work. You have to find out what motivates us. Otherwise, we’ll find something better to do. Like chase cats.
3. Airedales are great teachers. Given the opportunity, we will pickpocket your daughters’ socks, redistribute toilet paper and tissues and turn your trashcan into our toy box. This will teach Sasha and Malia to keep their things picked up, the puppy out of their bathroom and a lid on the garbage. All good to know!
4. Airedales have a history of service. Airedales were used in World War I to carry messages behind enemy lines and to help the Red Cross find the wounded on the battlefield. Airedales are stoic about pain and we will continue to perform heroically despite very grave injuries to ourselves.  A handy attribute when dealing with the press corps!
5. Airedales have a presidential look. When appropriately groomed and trained, Airedales have a dignified, strong look that can make the most unruly legislator, staffer or visiting dignitary get in line. Truth be told, our bark is worse than our bite. But I wouldn’t cross us. LOL! No, really. Don’t do it.
6. Airedales have White House experience. Presidents Calvin Coolidge, Warren Harding and Theodore Roosevelt all had Airedales while they were in the White House. In fact, Harding’s Airedale, Laddie Boy, had his own chair for Cabinet meetings. Just make mine padded.
7. Airedales shed very little. I know that you have a real concern for Malia’s allergies. Airedales are often chosen for people with allergies because our wiry, double coat sheds very little as long as we get the proper grooming. Surely you will have access to a great groomer in the White House. If not, give me a call and I’ll give you the name of mine.
8. Airedales are comedians. You know, when you take office, you are going to face a lot of tough issues that are no laughing matter. That’s when you’re going to be glad to have an Airedale because that pup will make you laugh about something everyday. You just can’t resist those mischievous bearded faces and those wacky Airedale antics.
9. Full bred Airedale Terriers are available from rescue. My family adopted me from the Humane Society after the local Airedale Rescue group told my mom and dad that I had been surrendered there. National Airedale Rescue has a nationwide network of rescues that can help you find just the right match for your family.
10. Airedales make great philosophers. If you want to see what I mean, read my book, “Life to the Max: Maxims for a Great Life by a Dog named Max.” (Sorry, Airedales like to show off!)

President-elect Obama, I have given you ten good reasons to choose an Airedale puppy for your girls, but don’t just take my word for it. Let me share what literary journalist Chip Brown once wrote about Airedale Terriers. Airedales possess “style, brains and comic wit-everything one looks for in a spouse.” After you think about your girls, just think of Michelle. You’re going to be busy.

Love, Max