Did I mention that he's a Spoiled Brat?

He can't just let me have something without sharing, and while it was a loving gesture to put his cheek to mine and try to stick his pink tongue into my glass, I wasn't feeling especially "Lady and the Tramp," so I gave him the last couple sips.  He's got the slurp down, but somehow, it's still not very refined.  Oh well, he's still my sugar, but next time, he's getting his own glass.

C'mon, don't hold back... there's still some left!

He's quite an Asiaphile...

At least his taste in movies is good.  We snuggled in bed to watch Red Cliff the other night, the most expensive Asian movie ever made at $80 million, and Cassius, who is usually oblivious to what we're watching, sat up and became quickly engrossed.  I'm not sure whether he was into the actors or maybe he just had to pay close attention to read the subtitles.  Either way, we fell asleep, so he'll get another chance to watch it soon.  The only other TV show he really likes is, of course, the Dog Whisperer, but I'm not sure that he likes it as much as he feels the need to reprimand the "red zone" cases.  My typically sweet and loveable boy turns into a fierce guard dog when those dogs start snarling and misbehaving.  He also protects me from small children that descend the stairs too quickly.

Today on our walk, a line of fur the length of his spine stood on end as we passed the neighborhood landscapers, one of which commented what a beautiful dog he was.  When she approached us though, he licked her face and lay down to let her rub his silly pink polka-dot tummy until he nearly fell asleep.  At that point, I think she could have slaughtered me in cold blood and he would have barely budged.  Thankfully, she didn't.  

He's become such a part of our family, it's hard to remember when he wasn't here, even though it wasn't long ago.  He'll be 5-1/2 months old tomorrow and he's close to 70 lbs, I'm sure.  I think that's cause to celebrate at the Barkery!  I can't wait to see their faces when he comes in to pick out his own treat.  Let's just hope they don't ask about his ears or call him a Dalmation ;)

Don't you just love that John Woo?... now I can brush up on my Mandarin.

That is one BIG baby!

Cash had his 19 week check-up at the vet today and weighed in at 59-lbs!  He did his usual charm-and-slobber rampage through the office, entertaining the girls and scaring the little old ladies.  Dr. Brown thought he was super handsome and gave him a clean bill of health.  The vet tech called him a prodigy after he figured out how to work the pedal on the elevated exam table.  I think all that classical music we play when he's alone in his crate is really paying off ;)

OMG! I missed you so much! It's been 3 whole weeks!!

Tell me you don't just want to smooch my big pink velvet nose!!

This "leave it" trick  is SO HARD... well, for most dogs ;)

Imperial Buffoon

Today we went to Great Dane Drag-Your-Mom-Around-the-Woods-Until-Her-Biceps-Look-Like-Pythons-and-Feel-Like-Noodles Fun Day.  It really was a perfect day.  The weather was unseasonably warm for October, and the autumn colors added a festive, storybook air to the event -- leaves falling, the smell of an outdoor fire, and a pond too tempting not to splash in.  We met so many lovely people, affirming that Dane owners really are a special bunch -- and glad to now be a part of that privilege.

I think we saw every color, shape, size - all so unique in their appearance and personalities, which made me want to spend time getting to know each of them.  These animals have such a soulful depth in their eyes, like they are the ones being so patient in their teaching of us.  Their strength and power are obvious, but shadowed by the majesty of their demeanor.  Lol, I say that, but giggle when I picture Cash eating socks... or poop.  Try to resolve that dichotomy, would you?

My photography skills were tested and failed miserably while Cash pulled like an 80-lb Wahoo in a deep sea fishing expedition.  I did manage to get a couple of shots that didn't come close to doing justice to the pretty puppies we saw.  We also learned more about this amazing breed to give us lots to look forward to.  First call on Tuesday?  Obedience training.

Maybe just a quick break before I take off again.

EASY , Cash!

It must be tradition... or karma... no, tradition.  Every baby we've had initiates Daddy into parenthood with an injury.  With the kids it was always scratched corneas or a lucky shot between the legs.  With our pets, its been an uppercut to the jaw or even the infamous christening from our Dobie, Apollo.  I had always heard that Dane owners were often accused of being abuse victims because of all the bruises and injuries their clumsy babies cause, and while I have been no exception to this, Daddy got it this time.  When a spirited wrestle got a little rowdy, Cash used his hammer paw to play whack-a-mole with Daddy's face and sliced open the side of his nose.  Thankfully, it didn't need stitches and I think will look as good as new with some Neosporin and a week away from any more hullabaloo.  Maybe we could borrow some sparring gear??  Anyone??

If I told you once, I've told you a hundred times... this is MY chair!

Chew, Chew, Chew...

Just when I thought he couldn't chew any more than he already does... he starts eating the most random, gross, creepy things!  Top of his list is socks - ANY sock, swallowed whole and FAST!  Thankfully... expelled later, but scaring me to death waiting for that pleasant event!  The other fun surprise is when he spits it up in the middle of the night.  You can imagine how vigilant we've all become at sock guarding -- Guerrilla warfare vigilant.  Fur pillows, shoes, shoes, and more shoes, dish towels, rugs, clothes, weeds... and people.  Nothing is safe.  He has toys.  Man, does he have toys, but everything else is just too hard to resist.  Pretty soon, he'll think his name is "Leave it."

When he's all grown up, I'll remind myself how cute and charming this phase was (fingers crossed) and how short it lasted (toes crossed,) but until then... wait, wasn't I just wearing socks?!

Steve Madden?  Whatever, that just makes them taste better!

C'mon, G-Ma!  Is that all you got?!

This pork femur isn't too bad.  I'll humor them for a while, but my eye's on mom's shoes.