The year in review, according to ME, Sam.

Hello Pals,

As I take paws to keyboard, I am thinking of all the experiences that my sisters and I have had this year.

This has been a great year of change for all three of us, not to mention Mother. Zorra competed at the CPE Nationals (Agility) in Kissimmee, FL. She took a long trip with Mother and the Supreme Commander through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida to go compete for 3 days. Katherine and I were forced to stay home with Auntie, and we did not have as much fun as Zorra.

We've all competed in agility trials closer to home. We have all done very well and have had fun. We've all gained a couple titles or so in the past year as we go toward the ultimate goals of the top titles.

Katherine has started a new sport that Mother says is just for her. Hurmph. I am going to try it one of these days when Mother isn't looking. It is called lure coursing and Katherine loves it. She would rather do that then anything else.


Most of our time and adventures have been gained through Flyball. When we go to flyball tournaments, we tend to go with the Supreme Commander and stay in her RV trailer. It is usually Spirit and Yippee, who are in charge of the Supreme Commander, and all of us. We like traveling with the trailer, as it is:

• airconditioned
• has a bathroom
• roomy
• has a kitchenette

Mother says that at some point, we may have to sleep in our tent like we used to, but she can stay in that leaky tent. We want to stay in the cushy surroundings!

Although, at times I do wonder about Mother's mental state. Earlier this summer, she managed to lock the Supreme Commander and all of us..... (wait for it) INSIDE the trailer. Yes, you read that right, pals. We were locked inside. At some point when Mother walked inside, she managed to somehow break the door mechanics and we were imprisoned! Luckily, The Supreme Commander got on her cellphone and called our teammates Boogie and her mom, Gloria. They came over right away (ten feet) to release us. It was the worst 10 minutes of my life. Seriously, there's something wrong with my Mother sometimes. It is a good thing that she was with me, and I was able to bring a calmness to the situation.


Of course, now for me. This year I took up the fast and exciting team sport of Flyball. Oh my goodness pals, it is the best thing. I can run as fast as I can, retrieve a tennis ball (which I love to do) and bring it back to the Platoon Sargent. I started in March, and now I am the top Wire Fox Terrier in U-Fly and the #8 in NAFA. I can't tell you how much fun it is, and I wish everyone could play with us.

I've met lots of interesting friends on our SWAT team. They are from Ohio and we don't see them often, but when we do it is a grand time.



Our own team is Extreme Insanity Flyball team and we have a grand time together. We competed in the NAFA nationals where I received one of my flyball titles this year.

We lost our beloved kitty brother, Harley, who we all still miss terribly. Out of respect, we have given DaKota (our kitty sister) a pass for a while before we start chasing her again.

We're ending this year and beginning the new one at an agility trial with our cousin Cal. Some of our friends are going to be there as well, and we can't wait.


Katherine, Zorra, mother (Platoon Sargent) and I are wishing all our pup pals a very happy new year with many treats, pats and hugs.

Our Brother, Harley

Our brother Harley went to the Rainbow Bridge yesterday.  We sure are going to miss him.  He was ten years old, but had been sickly most of his life.

Mom found him in Auntie's garage when he was a kitten.  He was really thin and Mom thinks he was starving to death, so she hand fed him.  He grew bigger and stronger and played with our other kitty siblings Bob and Sabrina who are both at the Rainbow Bridge now.

About five years ago, Harley caught pneumonia in the middle of the summer and almost died.  In fact, the vet had pretty much resigned himself that Harley was a goner.Our mom, thought not. She took him from the hospital and gave him IVS and hand fed him again until he was better. Everyone at the hospital was amazed that he pulled through and was all better.  They said only our Mom could have saved him.

A few months after that, Harley got out of the house right when a snowstorm hit.  We had 9 inches of snow and we were all worried sick about Harley.  He showed up 9 days later, and you know what?  He was fine.  We figured out he had gotten into a rabbit hole and waited out the storm.  He wasn't dirty or anything!  Just hungry, so he got some food and was soon fine again.

Harley was also the only cat we knew who did the following:

1.  Loved Dale Earnhart, Jr. and would tap on the tv whenever his car was in a race
2.  Never learned to wash his face
3.  Climbed up to the top of the 10 foot window to look out and have alone time.
4.  The only cat in the world I never chased.

We'll miss Harley "Bubba".  RIP 2000-2010.

Our pal Roux

Hi mates,

Listen, my pal flyball pal Roux has a new website. He's really big into flyball and also has a huge head. Roux isn't conceited, he's just got a huge head. He's a Staffie, and he is THE MAN for flyball. He's quite a nice bloke, though. This chap has given me some great tips on running on a flyball team, like never give up your tug until you are ready to race. It keeps you focused!

Anyway, if you have time and want to see a new dog on the block, go see Roux as he talks about flyball and his cute friend Cruz and Torhq. Big Head Roux

Fergie - Fergalicious

I love Fergie. I think she and I are a lot alike. Katie and Sam say we're polar bear opposites. HA. I'm cool........




See, we look just alike!

I'm Zorra-licious .... Z to the o to the r r aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa licious. I like to blow kisses........

Flyball and such

Hello Pals,

Oh, my sisters and I have been so busy going to flyball tournaments and agility practice. We have actually met ourselves coming and going.

I must tell you that I find flyball so very exciting. Of course, everyone who sees me comes up to my mother and and asks about me. I'm quite well known. Some people think I am an Airedale puppy, of all thing! Obviously, they have never met my good friends Maggie and Mitch!



Others marvel at how Mother has been training me to do flyball. They say they've never seen a wire fox terrier doing flyball! How odd, I would think that everyone wants to do it. My mother says that she was naive in the ways of wire fox terrorism and just assumed that I could be trained, or die trying. In reality, I owe little to my mother, and I owe it all to the Supreme Commander. She is the one I take orders from. My mother is merely a platoon Sargent. My mother and I must seek out the Supreme Commander before our flyball runs, which I receive secret orders to carry out during the mission. I guess I can tell you most of the orders of my secret mission, dear friends. Just don't tell my mother. Most of the time, my commander says.. Run as fast as you can, Sam, over all four jumps. Get the ball, bring it back to the Platoon Sargent. I must complete the mission successfully to receive my ration of bits of nicely prepared rare steak. YUM.

In fact, dear WFT pals, our breed is so rare in performance sports that I have won two awards just being me at flyball tournaments. I have received the award for most unusual flyball dog! And, for the dog that loves flyball so much, I run with all my heart. For that one, I won a HUGE gift basket, which unfortunately I had to share with my sisters and cousins.

I have managed to become the #1 wire fox terror in U-fli and I am currently #10 in Nafa. I'm doing this for all the WFTs that have received a bad rap for not being trainable in sports! HURRUMPH is what I say. I have just had more chances to try things than other pups. I want you all to be proud of our accomplishments as I do it for one and all.

Next event - agility!

Hello Mates

Ah, hello my fellow readers. I hope you are all rolling in bountiful treats, toys and lots o' pets from your hoomans.

I have decided that I wish to write my memoirs. I have many, so I should get started soon. As you can see below, I have already sent it off to the publisher for the first printing. I truly look smashing in my portrait.



I shall write about my good pal, Andy Warhol. I helped inspire some of his work. As you can see below, his portrait of me "Terrier in Arms" was quite a hit with the crowd. People pushed into the gallery to see his interpretation of ME, Sam. The piece sold for 75 gazillion dollars and Andy became a household name. It was bought by a private collector who signed a confidentiality agreement that he would not sell my likeness to any ne'er do wells.



I'll also tell everyone the heartwarming story of how I inspired the first graffiti competition. Here is a snapshot of the two chaps who spray painted their way to fame.

Here is my good friend, Victoria or as she's more well known, Posh Spice. We dated briefly, until I had to break her heart. She insisted that I become exclusive. My goodness, how can I not allow other lovely, lovely ladies the chance to be wined and dined by me, Sam. As you can see, she carried a photo of me everywhere, until she met that football player, whatshisname Beckman Blecham, BooBoo. Obviously, just a rebound relationship on her part.... that fellow will never amount to much, you know.


I did leave her with some chocolates. I said, Poshy.. do eat something. You're too thin.


Oh no, the publisher called and wants me to start on my book tour soon. I'll have to start thinking of a sequel to my memoirs. Will write soon.

As always, your faithful terrier,

Sam

Athletic Endeavors

Ahhh, hello mates.

Yes, again, we have been MIA. But, I must tell you that since our last meeting I made my flyball debut with outstanding results! However, I am sure my dear friends knew that whatever I do, I do with style and success.

Over the July 4th weekend, I went with my flyball team to Sandusky, Ohio and the Fur In A Blur tournament. This was my debut to run on a team. Of course, I walked in with my usual self confidence. I was measured in to determine my jump height. You see, since I am one of the shorter members of the team, it is imperative that I am measured properly. I came in under 16 inches, so it was a thumbs up.

I shared the height dog spot with my dear friend Scrubby, an older Sheltie. Scrubby has many trick to relay to me, but every time I tried to talk to him about his experiences, he was off to find a treat from one of the hoomans.

My mother, sigh... oh, she tries. However, she ruined 2 of my runs by making a mistake. I guess she should have had more training. Luckily, the other hoomans are assisting her.

Pals, I ran like the wind every time it was my turn. I raced to the box, grabbed the ball, and raced back to the end. Unfortunately, no one was able to document my historic runs, and we will have to wait until Auntie can attend a flyball tournament in October. I have another tournament next Sunday and I am sure I will set the place on fire.

In an earlier tournament a couple of months ago, I was running a single dog race all weekend. Oh, it was fun. I raced against other dogs. It was extremely exhilarating. And, not only was I recognized for my sheer speed and stature, I also received a very special award. I received a reward for "Most Unusual Dog." I was ill prepared for my acceptance speech, as I did not even know I had been nominated. Before I knew it, MY MOTHER went to accept the reward on my behalf. WHAT?? In the introduction, I briefly heard them say something about "We're giving this award to Sam, the wire fox terrier. None of us have ever seen a wire fox terrier do flyball. They are a rare breed in this."

Well, hoomans.. OF COURSE I am a rare breed. I think hey were just so amazed at my talent and sheer athleticism that they had to honor me. Everyone seemed to be quite pleased with their selection, but I feel I was a shoe-in for this award. What do you think, friends?

As a result of my racing skills in Sandusky, I have new initals after my name for my flyball title, FDX. After all, Zorra is only an FD in flyball. LOL.

Until next time,

Sam

Help me pals!!!

Oh, pals.. I need your help. I have been hearing whispers that I am going to get a dreaded...

....

....

....

HAIRCUT

Oh, my mother says I'll be cooler. Whatever... I don't want a haircut. My mother gives me a homestyle haircut. Have you ever seen a wire fox terrier with a bowl cut?

I'm pleading....

Mom also said that my hair needs to be trimmed because I have to get measured for flyball. I need to be "as short as possible." WHAT??????!!!!!!!




I am a big boy! Oh sure, I am the smallest one in my house, but why should that spread to the flyball world. Hurmph. Oh, so what if the team needs a height dog, and I am a little taller than what they want. My mother is calling me, too tall Sam.

Good thing I am a wire fox terrier and I have a big enough ego and self esteem that I don't have to listen to this garbage about my height. I just want my fur to look nice for my big debut at the NAFA tournament.

I'll let you know how it turns out. Of course, if I don't like it, I can always resort to this to get my mom back...... BOL



Update!!!! My mother just watched EXTREME POODLES on the telly. Oh, plz help!!! It was all about artistic grooming! Yikes.

Free day?!! What the heck?

Hi kids!  Whew, we have been so busy the past few months with everything going on that we found we had an entirely free weekend.  Like, whassup with that?  No agility trials, no flyball tournaments, no traveling, no nothing......

I'm not one to just sit around, so I decided to take a few photos today......

Here's a self portrait of what I will be doing later this afternoon.  i call it,  DOGDAY AFTERNOON.

Zorra and our cuz, Honeycomb, are going to spend the afternoon hanging out, too.  (Beware, Zorra doesn't like Honeycomb much of the time.  Notice her look!  BOL)  This still piece is called CUZINLY LUV.

And, here's my goofy little brother.  He's SOOOOO annoying.  He thinks he's from England, but he's NOT, he's from nothern Indiana.  Right now, he's resting  but, soon, he'll be up and pacing around to watch "football." This afternoon.  We have gotten in several arguments, that it's called soccer in the US of A, IN MY HOUSE, not football.  If he doesn't start listening to me, I am going to sit on him!  I took a pic of him, too.  His portrait is ANNOYING LITTLE P**SANT.

I'm not sure what we are going to do the rest of the day.  Mom is going around grumbling to try to get things done and honked off that it is raining so we can't play outside.  I say.. hey, everyone deserves a day off.  After my nap, I think I'll just follow her around everywhere she goes, and I do mean everywhere. BOL.

NASA Face in Space

Join me, pals! My sisters and I are going!

NASA Face in Space

Trip from h-e-double toothpicks

Hi everyone - Zorra here.  I know we have been MIA for a while.  Our mom wouldn't let us use the computer, and we haven't been too happy about that.

I confiscated it tonight while mom is sleeping.  My story needs to get out!  My mom and some of my aunties (not my real auntie, she stayed home with Katie and Sam) traveled together to Florida.  Before I knew it, I was in the tail end of a van! That's Yippee in the middle and Dixie on the far left.We were stuck in there from Indiana all the way to Kissimmee, FL!  If only my mom hadn't taken away my cellphone before we left, I would have been calling someone to save me.  They kept saying we were going to an agility trial.. yea, I bet.

It was horrible, being in that crate.  I let my mom know it, too.  I made a voodoo doll of her while I was in my incarceration.  Luckily, she hasn't found it yet.  I am actually lying on it here.  She just doesn't know what I am going to do to her later.....

Not only was I forced to ride in the crate, my mom made me pose in front of stupid things....

She even made Auntie Debbie pose with Dixie and Duffy!  There's no end to her madness!

She made me sit in front of this bull statue.  Obviously, mom didn't even notice what is above my head, which is why I look extremely upset!

I thought this look was my best... I was giving her the evil eye. 

But, alas, nothing I did could change my mom's mind........  She kept putting me in the back of the van and she and my aunties carted us all over the place.  I will plot my revenge... some how, some way.  Be on the lookout, for I am Z!