Pretentious Pooch Blog

 

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog" or "that's a lot of money for just a dog". They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog".

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog".

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog", but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog", and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me the comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog", then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend", :just a sunrise", or "just a promise".

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks, and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog", but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog", but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man(woman)".

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog", just smile, because they "just don't understand".

--Author Unknown  

        

 

Chai's Camping Trip 2007

Chai journeyed to Promised Land State Park in Pike County, Pennsylvania, for a few days over the fourth of July holiday.  But Chai is a bit spoiled, you know, so she had to make a few modifications to the normal camping excursion. 

First, she was only a day camper.  After a long day in the park hiking, swimming, and socializing, she headed back to her hotel room for a nice bath and a snooze in a queen sized bed of her own with lots of pillows.

Second, she couldn't sit on the ground -- oh no!  She had a special doggie cot to lay on while we spent time around the campfire.  One night that wasn't even good enough--she must have been exhausted because she insisted on going into her Grandma's R.V. to lay on the couch while everyone else was outside around the fire.

Last, she ate like she was on vacation.  We went for ice cream at the lake store twice and she got her own child's cup of vanilla soft-serve.  She got a hot dog each night around the fire.  She got bacon for breakfast.  She even worked a pork chop, steak, and a hamburger.  She ate good!

Her favorite things to do were hiking in the woods (even when we would hide on her and she would come running back to find us).  She liked walking along the streams and romping in the creeks.  A row boat ride proved most interesting because all C-Dawg wanted to do was bite at the lilly pads (no one told her about the state park rules about not hurting the vegitation).  Most of all she liked swimming in the lake, though. 

See video of Chai swimming: Download HPIM0133.AVI (Be patient the video has to download before it will play.  It took about 30 seconds on my computer.)

After three days she became exhausted.  On the day we were to leave, she didn't want to get up from her hotel bed.  Everytime I looked at her she would close her eyes and pretend to be sleeping and as soon as I looked away she would open them again, as to say, "I'm sleeping, too tired, leave me be." 

She spent a whole day sleeping when we returned just to recover from all of that fun.  I bet she'll be ready to do it again next year, though.

Tom Berger
Pretentious Pooch
A Baltimore Dog Store
1017 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
443-524-7777
www.pretentiouspooch.com

Ode to a Pretentious Pooch

The pretentious pooch struts downtown,
Turning heads and sniffing around.
Up a street and through a park,
Thinking of playtime from dusk 'till dark.

That pooch has toys, and treats, and a bed,
Even a pillow to lay the pooch head.
A coat when it's cold; boots when it rains,
Fancy shampoo for the mud and grass stains.

But what pooch likes most, doesn't come from a store,
A park, a toy, or an open frig door.
That spoiled hound likes, most of all I must tell,
A cuddle, a home -- love we don't sell.

[Submitted By Nancy Woodside]
A pooch I don't have, I must say with sorrow; 
So if I ask nicely, there is one I can borrow.
Chai is my grandpooch that sometimes I sit;
I hate her to leave - we both have a fit.
But I know she'll be back - I love her so;
I've been there all along and watched her grow!!

If you love your dog first the spoiling comes naturally.  I welcome additional stanzas submitted from our readers about your pretentious pooch.  Please match the rhythm established.

Inspired by: Chai the Dog
Pretentious Pooch
A Baltimore Pet Boutique

Written By:
Tom Berger
Co-Owner
Pretentious Pooch
A Baltimore Pet Boutique
1017 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
443-524-7777
www.pretentiouspooch.com

What about seatbelts?

What about seatbelts, folks? Do you strap your beloved pet into your automobile when you take off.  Take a look at Chai -- she's been wearing a seatbelt since puppy-hood and knows she cannot ride without one.  Dogs that are strapped in are much better behaved and content riders than those who wander about the vehicle, sticking their head out the window and slopping up all the windows.  Statistics show that many animals are kllled or seriously maimed in car accidents, just the same as people.  You wouldn't leave home without strapping in your children, your loved ones, or yourself.  Why not strap in Fido???

Chai at Pretentious Pooch

I am Chai's grammie [Nancy, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania] and am a little biased but I have to admit that she is one of the most intelligent animals I have ever met.  She is amazing in how she can pick up her own toys, stay confined, and out of areas she is now allowed into, and many other items.  She has manners and behaviors that surpass most children.  I don't know whether she is an extremely intelligent animal or whether Tom and Chris are exceptional pet owners, but maybe it is a little of both.  If you have never been to Pretentious Pooch go just for no other reason than to meet Chai.  If you have been there, go one more time just to say hello.