Humility Is A Virtue

Cocorue, a dear sweet dog with a heart of gold who hails from the beautiful country of Malaysia, has presented me with the lovely "Beautiful Blogger" award. *blush I have been called many things in my life, but being called "beautiful" is certainly one of my favorites. Followed closely behind by "gorgeous," "stunning," "spectacular," "magnificent," and "breathtaking." I am honored to be the recipient of this most apt award. Thank you Cocorue! I was so thrilled to receive this award that I did not have time to prepare a speech. OK, actually I did have time to prepare but I have been busy lounging in the warm rays of the sun these past few days. I must continue to look my very best and the sun makes me look radiant!

Now that my beauty has been officially recognized I decided it was time to put together a portfolio. I had my human, K, take some snapshots of me but as you can see they are less than perfect. The first is me under the almost-full Walapana moon, which means "windy big moon" in Hopi language (Hopitu Shinumo). A bit off center for my liking and I think I look a tad too stiff. For the next three photos I decided upon a very scenic spot next to a creek, since it was one of the few places left with wonderful snow. Unfortunately, K made me look as if my head were holding up the tilting tree. I was none too pleased. But, we have another photo shoot scheduled for later in the week and I am sure those photos will turn out much better. K has been mumbling that I have been acting like I am "all that, and then some" since receiving the "Beautiful Blogger" award, and that my looks have gone to my head. I woofed to her that she was exaggerating my behaviour and that I am the same sweet, delightful, and enchanting Suka she has always known and loved. I then informed her that I will no longer get out of my doghouse for less than 10 meaty treats a day. I'm just sayin'...

How Sweet It Is!

I am very honored to accept the above award which was bestowed upon me by my sweet pals the Cyber-sibes, Jack and Moo [a.k.a. Jack-a-roo and Moo too, and a.k.a. Jack of Hearts and True Blue Moo]. Jack and Moo are two beautiful fur-sibs who have such beaming personalities that you can’t help but be drawn into their fun, adventurous, and lovely world. Thank you Cyber-sibes! Now, onto my acceptance howl. Ahem…I am very humbled to once again be chosen as a recipient of a charming award. I have worked hard to make my blog something worthwhile for those who happen to sniff their way over, and I have spent many long hours pawing away at the keyboard to come up with the perfect post. All of my hard efforts would be pointless, however, if it weren’t for the love and support of my many fur-friends, human friends, and of course, my Pack. I am very grateful for having all of you in my life and…hey, there is that music again! I am not yet done! Grrr...I always get cut off by the orchestra. Being succinct is not yet one of my talents.

On another sweet note, it snowed today, on and off. Huge snowflakes that were so light and fluffy that the did not stay on the ground for very long. Not sure where they went off too. I guess to where the all the other snow ends up. Regardless, it was nice to sit and walk in the falling snow today. It would have been even better to be able to chew on a nice meaty bone in the falling snow. Alas, my deer blob has run its course and I am no longer interested in it. Since I am now chained all the time outside (thanks, K!) I can't go off and find a new meaty morsel on my own. So, I am hoping - paws crossed! - that Silvius finds something yummy and drags it home again for me to "find" and eat. I really need to expand my repertoire of food. If anyone wants to sponsor me to travel the World eating dog food from all around this Big Blue Marble, I am ready, willing, and able! As soon as I get my doggy passport. And I refuse to go through airport scanners. I protect my modesty and my DNA. I'm just sayin'...

Look of Love

I have the look of love, and I need a Valentine to turn this gray sky to blue. Will that be woo? Who will be my Valentine?

It is St. Valentine's Day. A day for sweethearts to express their love. But you don't need to have a sweetheart to celebrate Valentine's Day. Share a Valentine with your friend, your kennel mates, your dog park buddies, or any animal or human whose friendship you enjoy, or whom you notice needs some love in their life!

I pawed this Valentine poem for my human, K, using one of her favorite songs:

When I see you with bones, my tummy sings in delight. You love me, yes you do, and I love you lots, too. You give me toys and treats, and long walks in the park. I am a lucky dog, for being in your heart.

Nothing trumps Love. Nothing can conquer Love. Love is Eternal. Love is Omnipotent. Love Is. And with the power of Love we can defeat anything. Let the light of Love shine through in your hearts, your mind, your thoughts, your actions, your deeds, and your speech. There are so many unhappy and lonely animals and humans in the World whose hearts would sing with just the smallest gesture of love. So be generous in sharing and giving your Love, for the power of a kind word, a kind act, a kind gesture, is amazing.

I shall end this Valentine's Day post with a lovely poem entitled "Love's Philosophy," written by Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822):

The fountains mingle with the river
And the rivers with the ocean,
The winds of Heaven mix for ever
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single,
All things by a law divine
In one spirit meet and mingle -
Why not I with thine?

Be lucky in love. Happy Valentine's Day! I hope I get more than one Valentine because the more Valentines I have, the more boxes of chocolate covered yummy bunnies I will get! I'm just sayin'...

Semi-Charmed Life

Happiness abounds! For me at least. Sure my human, K, has been having a run of bad luck lately, but my luck has been delightful. So much so that I feel I am living a bit of a semi-charmed life lately. I do feel bad for K, though, but life is about balance and right now I think K and I are experiencing a Yin/Yang balance of bad and good. She has the bad and I have the good. Works for me! But before I share my recent three happy events I would like to take a moment to woof a huge thank you to all of my animal and human friends for their thoughtful words of support and kindness regarding my last post about K’s run of bad luck. It really made K feel better, and it made me feel great knowing that I have such wonderful animals and humans as my friends. Blessed! Many woofs of thanks to all of you! And K sends warm thank-yous as well.

Now, on to me. My happiness times three consisted of (1) I got snow! Sure, it was not much snow, but it was snow none-the-less. I was so happy to see the snow falling that I almost couldn’t contain myself! Sadly, I have heard from the birdies, who stop by to pick food out of my dog bowl, that out East a huge snowstorm hit and caused a lot of bad things to happen. As much as I love snow I know that too much of a good thing can be bad (except when it comes to yummy bunnies). I am keeping my paws crossed that all the animals and humans in the snowstorm stay warm and safe. (2) I got sun! “The sky was gold, it was rose, I was taking sips of it to my nose.” And through my fur. It felt delicious! Although the sunshine melted much of the snow I had just gotten I was not too upset about it because I have not had a sun-shiny day in a long time and I had been yearning to feel the warm sun’s rays on my fur. No sunscreen for me! Plus, I needed the hit of Vitamin D. (3) I got a deer blob! OK, this may gross out some of my human friends, but Silvius had dragged home another blob of deer legs and skin from a deceased deer he found, so I have had a yummy treat to munch on all week. Yes, I have heard the saying, “Finders keepers, losers weepers,” and I know Silvius found the deer blob. However, one day Silvius had left his deer blob unattended so I found it and therefore I get to keep it. The last photo is me guarding my deer blob, in case Silvius tries to "find" it back. It's not that I am greedy and don't share, it's just that I wouldn't want to know if I am a "losers weepers" kind of dog. I'm just sayin'...

Suka, Interrupted

Ever heard of the human saying, “bad comes in threes?” Well, that is my human’s life right now. K is experiencing a trio of bad luck. And of course, what effects my human effects me. Which is why my presence in the blog-o-sphere was interrupted. I thought the bad luck started with the end of my Midnight Runs. But no, I guess my bad luck is separate from K’s bad luck. Which is good, because other than the end of my Midnight Runs and having to be chained all the time outside, I have not had any more bad luck. Paw on dirt. However, K’s bad luck keeps on coming so I have tried my best to cheer her up. I think that is one of the things us dogs do best, bringing happiness and love to our humans and helping them to see the beauty in life. So, using my furry dog powers I woofed to K that everyone goes through bad times as well as good. That is the cycle of life, Yin and Yang if you will. So, although things seem overwhelming right now, it will get better. There is a balance in Nature, so just Trust that things will work themselves out. "This whole darn world can fall apart, you'll be OK follow your heart." And always remember to fly high, because what’s real can’t die. And what is real is Love. I think I helped K, as she seems to be smiling a little bit more. She even watched the Wolf Moon rise with me the other night, even though I howled through most of it. I've been thinking of releasing my own album, er, CD. I am pawsitive I can win a Grammy. My howling has a great beat. I rock! It would behoove any DJ to play my howls in their mixes. Jammin' with Suka! I’m just sayin’…

The Grass Is Always Greener Over There

Today was not a good day so I've posted some happy photos to cheer me up. These photos have nothing to do with this post, but they are pictures that make me grin and I need some cheer. The little birdie was one of many that visited all winter snatching food out of my, and Silvius', food bowls. And check out Havana’s new sleeping spot, in the stinky dirty clothes hamper! I guess cats can’t smell. Or else they like to sleep in stink!

I got it bad, you don't know how bad I got it. Fenced pups got it easy, they don't know when they got it good. It's getting harder just keeping life and Soul together, I'm sick of being chained, even though I know I should. The urge to roam is biting through each and every nerve and fiber, my chained Spirit is bored to the core; don't wanna be chained no more. Too bad, said K, because I've really done it this time. I've had my unleashing privileges revoked. No more Midnight Runs of freedom for me. At least not in the foreseeable future. This morning was the first sunny morning in what seems like forever in dog time, so my Spirit sang in the sunshine and I was in the wandering frame of mind, which happens to be my normal Malamute disposition. Anyway, with Silvius by my side we headed out early in the morning and we were gone by the time K got up to chain me. And we stayed gone. Silvius showed up at home about 11:30 a.m., so K assumed I would be right behind him since Silvius and I usually run together. I never showed. K received a phone call from a nice man informing her that I was hanging around his farm, so K hopped in the car and retrieved me. K learned that both Silvius and I had been hanging out at his farm but then Silvius had taken off and I stuck around to sniff things out. There is a lot of sniffing to be done at a new farm! K could not believe how far Silvius and I had gone. We had crossed the highway (yes, the highway!) and then meandered a further three miles. When we got home K immediately chained me and told me that I had lost all unchained privileges. Woofing my case, I barked to K that I was just doing what was natural to me. It is in my blood to roam. It is my instincts to roam. It is my Nature. K compassionately listened and said she understood but that she just could not risk having me unchained anymore, especially now that I have been across the highway. *whimper... But K assured me that we will be moving soon (paws crossed!!) and we will move to a place with a huge fenced yard so I can run and play chain free (paws double crossed, if that is possible!!!) I am really bummed that I can no longer run free at night. Wouldn't it be good if I could run unchained without a care? It's not that I don't like my home, but the grass is always greener over there. I’m just sayin’…

Awards Galore

Aren't these Awards pawsome?! They were recently bestowed upon me by some of my very hip furry friends. These are my first awards for the new year and the new decade! How cool is that?! I hope this trend continues! It is very humbling to be so kindly acknowledged for my hard work at blogging. I have pawed this before but feel it appropriate to bark again: I know my blog is not updated daily (thanks, K!) but when I do sit down to blog I always try my best to make it witty, funny, interesting, enlightening, educational, and enjoyable. Obviously, I don’t always achieve these goals, but I try my best and it means a lot to me to be acknowledged for my hard work. So thousands of tail wags, licks, and play bows to you for bestowing these incredible awards to me!

The sweet and lovable Cocorue gave me the “Show Me Some Love,” “High-Five,” and “Circle of Friends” Awards. Cocorue hails from that beautiful land of Malaysia. She has a huge heart of sunshine, and she is one extremely creative pup! Thank you for these three marvelous awards! Tail wags and play bows!

Teddy Bear and Siku Marie (aka White Dog) presented me with the "Superior Scribbler" Award. Teddy Bear is a wonderfully caring and fun doggy. He is great at having fun no matter where he is, and he excels at helping out his family, and his fur-sister Sierra. Siku Marie and I both share Eskimo names. "Siku” means “ice" in Eskimo language (Athapascan). Siku Marie is an incredibly wise and charming doggy. She sees things in a very encompassing way which is very refreshing, and she has a very engaging personality. I really appreciate the award and the very kind words you both wrote about me on your blogs. Tail wags and play bows to you both!

Huffle Mawson, Explore Cat, one of my oldest {not in age} blogging fur-friends conferred to me the "Proximidade" award. We need to hop in the WayBack Machine for this award, because Huffle Mawson gave it to me way back in December of 2008. Hey, don’t look at me! It’s my human’s fault! Anyway, Huffle Mawson lives in the Land Down Under {that would be Australia} and is one of the kewlest cats I know. Witty, funny, clever, and kind, Huffle Mawson always has something going on! Thank you for this great award and I humbly apologize that it took me, er, my human,over a year to acknowledge it. I trust this won’t effect your continuing to present me with other awards?

Anyway, I do have a small speech prepared. Ah-hem! I am very appreciative to have received these fabulous awards, but I could not have achieved this highpoint without some fantastic furry, feathery, and scaly animals. Let me start by first thanking my parents, for without them I would not exist, and my siblings, with whom I am sure we had fun times playing. I would also like to thank my agent...wait, I don't have an agent. {Mental Note: hire an agent.} Anyway, huge thanks to my Pack - my human K, Porgy, Silvius, Kitty, and Havana. We are a rag tag Pack of misfits but we have lots of exciting adventures and fun times and...OK, there is that music again. Grrrrr....I have a lot more furry, feathery, and scaly animals to thank! Stop the music! Grrrrr....Again, much thanks for these pawsome awards! I hope to continue to live up to the standards that these awards entail. And now for something completely different…Pie! I think I ought to go hunting for a bigger blog now. This blog is just to small to adequately display all my pawsome awards. And I am sure there will be plenty more awards heading my way. I'm just sayin'...

Destination: Unknown

I looked back at my human, K. Her mouth was moving and sound was coming out but it meant nothing to me. I walked a bit more then stopped to take one more look at K. She still had sound coming out of her mouth but it was of no consequence to me. I wasn't about to turn back and go home. So as I trotted off I wondered, what are words for when I don't listen at all? Since I don't listen it's no use for K to talk at all. And at this moment, with the snowy road open and inviting before me, K might as well go up and talk to a wall because all her words are having no effect on me at all. Silvius and I had embarked on our journey, anxious and excited about what adventures awaited us ahead. We had no plans because how can you tell where you're going to? You can't be sure of any situation, something could change and then you won't know. Spontaneity ruled the day! Destination: Unknown. Life is so strange. I'm just sayin'...

Party Like It's 2009!

Hey! How can it be seven days into the New Year already and yet this is my first post? Crazy! I wonder if it has anything to do with the huge bottle of bubbly I finished off on New Years Eve? I did become quite loopy. I partied like it was 2009! Oh, wait...actually, it was 2009. Well, two thousand-one-zero party over, out of time. Now back to reality. In truth, I barely remember the night but I am sure I had fun. I was gone for almost two full days. My human, K, was very worried, but hey, it was the New Year and snow was everywhere, what was I supposed to do? I recall it was a strange journey. I mean, one field's very like another when your head's full of the bubbly, oh brother! And, it's a drag, it's a bore, it's really such a downer to be looking at empty fields, not looking at snowy mountains. Still, I can't complain. Two days of freedom running through snow, it was grand and gave me lasting memories. It also gave me some great ideas for adventures on the next New Years Eve! I'll be partying like it's 2010! Oh wait...it will be 2010. I think I still have some fuzzy bubblies in my head. I'm just sayin'...

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’…