Blue Moon New Year's Eve

It's a Blue Moon tonight, and also New Year's Eve. I plan to howl a few tunes, paw my New Year's resolutions, and drink some of the bubbly (if I can sneak it away from my human, K!). I may even wander over to the bulls across the street and see what crazy things they have going on. Those bulls can get pretty rambunctious! I am excited for 2010 but some recent events in the animal world has given me pause. For instance, I heard that there has been a mysterious worldwide change in the song of the Blue Whales. And according to the Siberian Yupik Shaman Council "the Blue Whale ‘Guardians of our Earth’ are now singing the “Song of Death” as an ‘announcement’ to all human beings to prepare for the ending of all things.” Yipes! That makes my fur stand on end! And then we have the case of the mysterious disappearing Sea Lions from Pier 39 in San Francisco. Where are they? I was in San Francisco last year for Christmas, do you think they just miss me and want to find me? And what's up with a "Blue" Moon and "Blue" Whales? Is there a "blue" connection? What do the sea creatures know that us furry four-legged’s don't? If they are privy to some important information I wish they would send it my way. I mean, should I be howling a song of doom and then disappear? K has been trying to calm me by explaining that “every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end," so I have nothing to fear since new beginnings bring an infinity of wondrous possibilities. That made my tail wag! So, here’s to 2010! A New Year ushering in infinite amounts of beauty, love, peace, and kindheartedness for all the World to share! And an end, once and for all, to wars and greed. As the immortal John Lennon sang, “…a happy New Year, Let's hope it's a good one, Without any fear. War is over, If you want it…” Well I want it so no more wars forever! Suka has spoken! Suka has said, so it shall be! I’m just sayin’…

Holly Jolly Christmas!

Two days to go until Christmas! Even Porgy is excited, and was hanging out with Santa Clause earlier today, checking to see if he was on Santa's Naughty or Nice List. I assured Porgy he is on Santa's Nice List! I went to wish the bulls a Merry Christmas and one walked over to me to wish me the same but, seriously, what's up with his glowing eye? I won’t be posting tomorrow, on Christmas Eve, as I will be anxiously watching the sky for Santa Claus’s sleigh and reindeer. I will be looking for Rudolph’s red nose shining bright in the night sky. And I can’t wait to see what Santa Claus brings me. Will it be a meaty bone? A big bag of yummy treats? I would not even mind something from the Island of Misfit Toys. The suspense is building! I am even licking my chops just thinking of the goodies I might be eating in two days! But even if I receive no gift, because I know times are hard economically, to have the love of my human and my pet sibs (Silvius, Porgy, Kitty, and Havana), and a safe, comfy house with food and water every day, is really the best gift of all. To be loved, to have love, and to give love – what more is there? (OK, I know, yummy bunnies!) As Band Aid sang, “In our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy; throw your arms around the World at Christmas time.” May Peace and Love reign in our World between all humans and animals. And I hope all of my animal and human friends are blessed with their wishes fulfilled on Christmas. Have a warm and loving Christmas Eve and a Holly Jolly Christmas! And for all the pups playing in the snow, don’t be afraid if you happen to run into the Abominable Snowman. Just pretend you are a bunny and he won’t eat you. But I might…bunnies are yummy. I’m just sayin’…

Christmas Bells Ringing Through The Land, Bringing Peace To All The World And Good Will To Man And Animals

Three days until Christmas! I had a very cool visitor yesterday, a little reindeer. He was looking very festive all decked out in Christmas garb. I felt a bit naked as I have no Christmas threads to wear but he didn't seem to mind. We hung out in the yard for a while chatting, and even Havana, the little kitty, came to meet him. We had an interesting discussion about Santa Claus's reindeer. He is an eighth cousin twice removed of one of Santa's reindeer but I can’t remember which one. So needless to say he had some pretty interesting stories to tell about goings on in the North Pole. I promised to keep my chops sealed, though, but suffice it to say, the North Pole sounds like a pretty hopping place to be! I started to feel a bit sleepy so we headed to the back deck where I got comfy on my sleeping towel. As we were discussing the pros and cons of being one of Santa's flying reindeer I started to doze off. How rude of me, I know! I apologized profusely but the little reindeer said it was ok and that he had to be getting along anyway. So, after a nice visit little reindeer then offered a holiday toast, and I, the Alpha Male dog, saluted my host. And then with a grunt he was quickly on his way, each knowing we’d meet on the next Christmas day. In the Spirit of Christmas and to help end all suffering on Earth, please boycott all products that test on animals. There is no excuse why animals need to be tortured in labs. In this day and age with advanced technology there is absolutely no reason to continue the horrific research done on animals. Look for the "Not Tested On Animals" logo when buying products. Your local co-op and health food store are great places to find cruelty-free products. Perhaps I should create my own "Not Tested On Animals" logo, such as a picture of my very distinguished Alpha Male face with the catchy phrase "Suka Says Approved!" I'm just sayin’…

All I Want For Christmas...

Happy Winter Solstice! Well, not so happy for me. Some Winter...not a flake of snow in sight! And I am getting worried. The Wicked Witch of the West may have shrunk due to water being thrown on her, but I am shrinking from snow-dehydration. Pretty soon you won’t even be able to see me! Just look at my photos, I am smaller than tractor tires! And the smaller I get, the easier it becomes for those Kung Fu Bunnies and Ninja Cats to get me. So, Santa, I don’t want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need. I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree. I just want snow for my very own, more than you could ever know. Make my wish come true, all I want for Christmas is snow. And in the Spirit of Christmas, please cross your paws for these animals and all the others who are losing their homes and being separated from their humans due to the bad economy. A good way to start bringing the economy back is to keep your communities strong and active. Boycott big banks and use local banks or credit unions, start local bartering systems, buy local products and food as much as possible, and use locally-owned stores as much as possible. Also, get to know your neighbors and utilize each others talents. And keep all dogs, but especially me, with a continued fresh supply of treats and toys. Because happy dogs make a happy World! And a happy Suka makes the World a better place! I’m just sayin’….

Last Christmas

The countdown begins! Christmas is Friday! I am so excited! I hope I get a big, juicy meaty bone. Last Christmas K gave me a meaty bone but the very next day I chewed it away. This year, to save me from hunger, I’ll make it last two full days. Well, I will try. I can’t guarantee anything. In the meantime, I have been chewing on this deer leg that I found during one of my Midnight Runs with Silvius. During deer hunting season we occasionally come across scattered deer parts, so of course we carry them home to eat them. The humans around here are very good at using almost all of the deer they hunt, and the parts they don’t use are available for the resourceful animals who find them (such as Silvius, and yours truly). K is vegetarian but feels that hunting is much more humane than the Hell-on-Earth horrific slaughterhouses that most animals for meat are tortured in, and I agree. So, in the Spirit of Christmas, and to help bring about Peace on Earth and end suffering, if you eat meat/poultry/pork, please boycott all slaughterhouse meat and either buy farm-raised humanely slaughtered meat or just hunt your own meat. And send all non-used juicy meaty bones my way. I’m just sayin’…

The Whole of the Moon

It was a perfect December evening...well, as perfect as can be in December with no snow! But I digress...it was a perfect December evening, nice and chilly with a few bird tweets here and there, when I happened to notice the full moon rising. There have been many things on my mind of late, and since I just love the moon - you can't howl at the sun! - I found this to be the perfect opportunity to go and find a nice spot to lay down, watch the full moon rise, and reminisce about life. My thoughts wondered to unicorns and meaty bones, dog houses and squirrels, trumpets, towers, and mountaintops, wide oceans with wavy whirls, flag, rags, yummy bunnies, squeaky toys and cars, every precious dream and vision underneath the stars. Suddenly I was startled out of my thoughts by my human K urging me to look at her for a photo shoot. I was having none of that! So I got up, gave her a look of annoyance, and walked off in a huff. Alas, I only saw the crescent, but she stayed and saw the whole of the moon. She will also hear the whole of my howling under her window when she is sound asleep. I'm just sayin'...

Suka Snowflake

Snow! What more is there to woof? It snowed a few nights ago and I was so happy that I ran around in the falling snowflakes howling 'come out every-pup and play with me because the snow hasn't long to stay.' No neighborhood pups came to play with me but the coyotes were out running and howling that night more than usual. I think they were just as happy as me to see the snow. Silvius and I had fun together in the snow, and you can see Silvius in the last photo if you look hard! Sadly, however, by the next afternoon almost all the snow had melted away and now the only indication left that it snowed are the wet mud puddles all over the yard. And mud puddles are not nearly as fun to play in as snow. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. I am sure more snow will be falling soon but I hope that the next time it snows that we get at least six feet of it, then I will be as happy as a clam! Wait..what is a clam? And why are they so happy? And what do really happy clams say? I think they should say that they are "as happy as a Suka." Because I am a really happy dog! And since I reference the clams, shouldn't they reference me? I'm just sayin'...

Another Night

Just another night, another dream, another vision, of bones, and bunnies, and snowy lands a’ plenty! But when I woke it was just another day of the doldrums. So I went up on the back deck to contemplate my life and the meaning of it all. The wall held up my hind legs for me as I ruminated on higher Truths, such as why I exist, is this life all an illusion, and why kung fu bunnies and ninja cats make me nervous. Then my human K came out and took Silvius and I for our nightly walk on Farmer B’s property. The bulls were in a circle grunting at each other, with a few moos here and there. So of course K had to yell “moo” back to them and a couple of bulls looked over at her. I was so embarrassed that my tail dropped and I prayed the bulls did not notice me. But I think they did. I mean, I am a pretty noticeable dog! Plus, they looked like they were snickering at me. I hope the bulls have short memories and forget this whole humiliating event. Anyway, I look forward to another night, another dream, and the day when K won’t embarrass me in front of my fellow animals. I’m just sayin’…

Wake Me Up

It was a crisp Autumn day. The sky was overcast, there was a slight breeze, and the chill in the air made it perfect for napping. So I curled up in my pile of dried, crinkly, crunchy leaves and drifted off to doggy dreamland, where mountaintops filled with snow loomed before me and yummy bunnies hopped all around waiting to fill my tummy. Suddenly, I felt that something was not quite right. It seemed as if I had been sleeping for an awfully long time. Usually that is not a problem, but before my nap my human, K, had mentioned that she would be going into town later in the day. I specifically barked to K to wake me up before she goes. I thought I could join her and perhaps convince her to buy me a meaty bone. But did K wake me up? No. She left me sleeping in my pile of leaves, and I was dreaming when I should have been with her instead. And I didn't even get a meaty bone! Grrrr....When I want to be left alone she wakes me and when I want to be woken up she leaves me alone. K needs to move out of Opposite Land and come live in Do As I Woof (or bark...or howl) Land. I'm just sayin'...

Shattered Dreams

The sunlight was weaving in and out of clouds, the day was still young, and Kitty and I decided to nap. Quickly we both fell into a deep slumber. How Kitty manages to stay atop the railing while in deep sleep without falling over is beyond me, but I digress...Dreams filled my head and I became lost in my new reality of meaty bones at every turn and snowy landscapes welcoming me to run to my heart's content. But wait, a strange noise. What could it be? I think it's someone calling my name. "Suka!" "Kitty! Suka! Look!" Jolted from slumber I rise my head just a bit and there is my human, K, smiling and taking photos of Kitty and I. Shattered dreams for a photo. I think next time it will be a shattered camera. I'm just sayin'...

This Is Not My Beautiful Dog House!

Wait a minute...what the?! Hey! That is my beautiful dog house! And there is a kitty in my dog house. Grrrr...go out for an afternoon run to find deer bones and this is what happens. Now I have to fumigate! And Silvius, dude, what's up with sharing your dog house with a kitty? Silvius, you need to set some boundaries and stop being a kitty-mat! Seriously. Little kitty Havana is walking all over you! Kitties don't belong in dog houses, they belong in dog tummies. I'm just sayin'...

Suka Van Winkle

Now I know how Rip felt! But at least I didn't sleep for 20 years, just three months. OK, I have not really been asleep all this time, but I needed a good excuse as to why I have not posted in three months and I just don't have any! I could lay all the blame on my human, K, but I won't. Although it is her fault. She has been "too busy" and "preoccupied" to let me blog. But I won't blame her, even though she wouldn't let me near the computer to blog without her. Nope, I won't blame K. We will just pretend that I have been asleep for three months. I sure have a lot of catching up to do! I have really missed all of my blog-o-sphere buddies and need to run along and paw "heys" to all of them. I hope they have not forgotten about me. Say...is that even possible? Could I, Suka, be forgotten? Am I a forgettable dog? No, I refuse to entertain such thoughts! I am unforgettable! Unless I do something bad, then just pretend you never heard of me. I'm just sayin'...

New Kid On The Block

New Kitty On The Block! Another stray kitty has made its way into our home. The other night we heard a loud meowing coming from across the creek. K went to check it out and saw a little kitty near the bank of the creek but was unable to cross the creek to get her/him. We felt bad but were hoping the little kitty would work its way around the water and find us. She/he didn't, so the next day Silvius and K took off down the road and K found little kitty high in a tree a bit further away from the creek. I did not go because I have to be on a leash and K thought I might scare little kitty. Bummers! I miss out on all the fun! Anyway, K was able to coax her/him down from the tree and then brought her/him home. Since coming here little kitty has been pretty much living in the tree by the back deck (see above photos). She/he will climb down once or twice a day to eat and drink but today she/he actually stayed down from the tree for almost four hours. Kitty does not like little kitty. Kitty will sit at the base of the tree just staring up at her/him and when little kitty comes down Kitty will growl. Above is a photo of Kitty and Porgy before little kitty joined us. I also added a photo of me [of course!] hanging out with Porgy on the back deck. K has been trying to figure out a name for little kitty. So far she calls her/him Baby C for "baby cat." I am not sure I like the name Baby C because as a male, I sound girly saying "Baby C" and I am not a girly-man. Or girly-male dog. Sometimes K will call little kitty "Baby C to the T in the D" meaning baby cat goes to the tree in the dark. "Baby C to the T in the D"?? I guess K thinks she is a hip-hop star now. Well, I can try my paw at rap. Just call me Snoop Suka Dawg {I hope Snoop Dog doesn't mind}: "Baby C is checking out the green Porgy as she climbs up the tree to escape from growling Kitty." I'm just sayin'...er, rappin'...

Midnight Run

Up until this week it has been a very hot and humid summer. So humid, in fact, that for the past two weeks I have not been able to take my daily evening walk. And that is not for lack of trying on K's part. K, my human, tried for a few evenings to get me to walk, but I would have none of it. At the first attempt I let K take me as far as the beginning of the path across the street, then I refused to go any further. So home we went. The second attempt saw me go as far as the driveway. K kept trying to convince me to keep going but I woofed 'no way, no how!' By the third attempt, on yet another very hot and humid night, I would not even move off the back deck, so K finally relented and let me be in the heat and humidity. Well, K was feeling bad that I was not getting any exercise so at about 10 p.m. every night K has been freeing (unleashing) me. Ah, the joy of freedom! I usually spend the first couple of hours of freedom just chillin' on the back deck. At around midnight Silvius and I take off for our run, but I am not sharing where we go or what we do, as that is between us dogs. Suffice it to say, though, some of the animals around the neighborhood are beginning to call Silvius and I rebel rousers! Alas, humidity is not just cruel in daylight, it is just as brutal under the moonlight. As you can see from the pictures above, when I return from my midnight runs, usually after 1 a.m., I am awfully hot and panting up a storm. K thought I looked funny with my tongue hanging out as I panted to cool down, so she tried to take a bunch of photos. However, I was in no mood for photos, and I certainly did not find it amusing. As you can see, I tried to ignore K but she managed to get some photos. I refused to let her post the others as they are by no means flattering. I mean, rabble-rouser or not, I have my dignity. I'm just sayin'...

Salute to The King Of Pop

Last week a gentle and kind Spirit left the World, Michael Jackson. His tragic passing has left both me and my human, K, deeply saddened. Michael Jackson was a truly gifted and talented human being. He had an amazing voice; he wrote some beautiful lyrics; and he was a phenomenal dancer. Millions of people loved him and were touched by him, as evidenced by the outpouring of grief and emotional displays shown around the world on hearing the news of his death. I am honoring MJ because he loved animals and any human that loves animals is very special in my book! I thought by wearing my one white glove and fedora I could do one of MJ's iconic poses. But, K messed up the fingers on the glove. Yes, I blame K. It's not my fault they don't make gloves for paws with claws! I'm just sayin'... Michael Jackson - an extraordinary human being with a beautiful Soul. May you rest in peace. Michael Jackson: 29 August 1958 - 25 June 2009.

Happy Independence Day!!

Let Freedom Ring!! I want to wish all Americans a Happy 4th of July Independence Day! Enjoy good food, good fun, good music, and great fireworks! And don't forget that a lot of us animals do not like the loud booms and bangs of fireworks. So if you are shooting off fireworks and/or attending a fireworks show, please be sensitive to your pet and the other animals around you. Take care to put your pets in a safe and secure place where they will be comfortable and where the noise of the fireworks will be at a minimum. Today is also a good day to reflect that freedom is for ALL living creatures of Earth, not just human beings. We should all work together to guarantee that all animals and all humans are able to live freely, peacefully, and respectfully in this world. You can do your part by not supporting products that are tested on animals and not supporting companies that conduct research on animals. Buy cruelty-free products and if you eat meat, buy meat that has been humanely raised and slaughtered. Or hunt the meat yourself. Nothing says "I am a part of Nature" than hunting and gathering your own food. Unless you are hunting me, then I say head to the supermarket. I am a predator, which means I go after prey when I am hungry. Usually I need go only a few steps to the back deck where my food bowl is kept. But sometimes my food bowl is empty and my tummy is growling, and then my predator instincts really take off. Those kung fu bunnies better be careful when I am hungry! I'm just sayin'...

Pay Dirt!

One of the many amazing, incredible, wonderful things about us Malamutes is that we are very smart, like elephants. And also like elephants - we never forget. Case in point: when K gives Silvius and I bones I have noticed that Silvius likes to take his away and bury it, saving it for a rainy day, so to speak. I, myself, prefer to eat mine right away. Patience is not one of my enduring qualities. I watch Silvius and make a mental note of where he buries his goods. Usually Silvius is smart right back and will bury his stash further out into the yard where my chain won't reach. Touché, Silvius! Well, a few weeks ago I noticed that Silvius had buried a bone near an old tree at the far end of where my chain will reach. I played it cool for a while, being patient, waiting for the right moment when I could really use a good bone to munch on. Then the day came. As Silvius and I were wondering around the yard I nonchalantly meandered on down to the old tree and began to rummage around and voilà! Pay dirt! Silvius was not happy, as you can see in the above picture. I am not one to advocate stealing, and I certainly don't like making my friends, especially Silvius, unhappy. But a yummy bone is a yummy bone. Finders keepers, right? I'm just sayin'...

(Almost) Famous

I'm famous!! Well, almost. The Animal Humane Society in Minnesota, the wonderful place that saved me when I was found wandering the roads, and where my human K adopted me, has created a new feature in their newsletter called Success Stories in which they profile their successes. I am a success! So, I was profiled! You can read about me here. I am so excited! This is the start of my show-biz career, I just know it! So, to prepare for all the agents that will start calling I had K take a few modeling shots. The top photo is a standard full-body profile shot. The middle photo is me pretending to growl, in case I am needed for an acting gig. However, I don't think I look like I am growling, so I think I need to work on my acting skills. The bottom photo is me chillin' with the barn cats up the road. I included this photo since I thought it would be good to show that I am easy to get along with and non-confrontational. Just think, once I hit the big time all of you can say you knew me when! And I will gladly send you my paw-tograph for free! K says I am getting pretty big headed right now - "egotistical" she said. Well, I don't think so because I certainly don't feel like my head has grown! Anyway, please visit the Animal Humane Society website and read all of their heart-warming success stories! Now, where is my Personal Assistant? I need a fresh bowl of Evian water. I'm just sayin'...

Happy June!

The lazy days of June are upon us. Heat, sun, heat, sun...and a few fun thunderstorms here and there. And ticks. Ick! That's Silvius and I just chilin' on the deck (my human K said to ignore the ugly old patio furniture). Kitty and Porgy sometimes join us too. Porgy doesn't like the camera so he was a bit fluffed up when the photo was taken. Actually, "doesn't like" is an understatement. Porgy hates the camera and always tries to attack it when it is out taking photos. But, alas, Porgy has not yet succeeded in a full camera assault, which I think is good since I need photos to post! I have a new friend! She (he??) is a beautiful cardinal. I have not named her (him?) yet, but she has been hanging out on our deck for the past two weeks. Usually she just flies into the glass door for hours on end - yes, silly, I know! - and when K, my human, comes outside she flies up to the tree. She sings pretty songs when she is sitting in the tree, which is nice to listen too as the hot sun is beating its yellow rays down upon me! Oh snow, how I miss thy white fluffy chill! Did I just say "thy"? The heat is affecting my brain. Fare-thee-well! I'm just sayin'...

Chillin' With My Homey

Suka: Dude!! Hey! What up?! Mr. Bull: Hey dude. Just stopped by to see what's hangin'. Suka: Cool. I'm just chillin' in my front yard. Mr. Bull: Kewl. Nice crib. Suka: Dude. Thanks. Mr. Bull: Not much to eat in your yard, though. Suka: Nope, the humans keep it mowed. Sorry dude. Plus, your standing by the driveway. But there's some high grass in the backyard if you wanna go hang out back. Mr. Bull: Thanks dude, but I better get back to my place before they realize I'm missing. Suka: 'k. Thanks for stopping by, dude. Mr. Bull: It's been real. Suka: Yeah. See ya later tonight on my walk to your place. Mr. Bull: Stay cool. Suka: As always. No one is cooler than me. I'm just sayin'...

Happy Paws!

Don't I have pretty legs and paws? April Fools! Those are not my legs and paws! Those are icky Kitty's legs and paws! My legs and paws are much better looking than icky Kitty's, and they make the girl dogs swoon! Icky Kitty's legs and paws just make the dogs salivate...because kitty legs are tasty treats! And better with bar-b-que sauce! I'm just sayin'...