The Life and Times of Master Brodie MacBroderson von Brodenstein de Brodeaux

My Backyard

2009-08-22T09:54:00.004-04:00

I moved into a new house this summer, and I got a backyard!

Mindy came to stay with me for a couple of weeks, and we had fun sunbathing in my yard.

Mommy and Daddy even put some herbs in my yard so I have something nice to smell.

Second Annual Dog Birthday Party

2009-08-19T21:56:00.007-04:00

Today is my birthday! Mindy and I had a joint birthday party again this year.

Mommy made me my favorite, carrot cake.

Mindy liked the cake too.

Mindy's lifelong dream of having a bed full of tennis balls finally came true. The stuffed animal on her bed is my birthday present, a gorilla.

Post-Vet Update

2009-08-03T23:14:00.003-04:00

I recently went to visit my vet for my annual check-up. Once again, I had the whole clinic wrapped around my paw as they marveled at how cute and smiley I am. My vet said I was the happiest looking dog he has seen in a long time.

While most of my exam was full of good news and praise, I did get some not so great news. I'm still testing positive for lyme's, which is a bummer more to mommy and daddy than it is to me, since I don't really know what Lyme's is anyway. So I got another round of meds and we'll see what happens next year.

My mommy and daddy were also curious about the little "speck" in my right eye that often shows up in photos of me. My vet said it was iris atrophy, which means that when I am an old man, I might have some trouble with that eye, but I see just fine now, so nothing to worry about.

Me and My Lady

2009-05-08T14:52:00.002-04:00

Here's a photo of me and my lady, Mindy, in the back of Mindy's car on Easter. Everyone thinks we are super cute together, mostly because we are.

My First Trip to Gettysburg

2009-04-04T22:06:00.005-04:00

Mommy and Daddy took me to this place called Gettysburg this weekend.I got to ride an elevator...
...and then I slept in a hotel for the first time...

...and then I met President Eisenhower...

...and then I found a cave...

Double Doggy Badness

2009-03-30T12:01:00.002-04:00

I went to visit Mindy this weekend to enjoy some spring time sun.

We ended up enjoying a midnight raid on the trash. I never go through the trash at my house, but Mindy said it was okay because she does it all the time. We had a great time spreading the trash out over three rooms while the people were sleeping.

Learning new things with Mindy

2009-03-16T19:00:00.002-04:00

My best friend Mindy and her family came to visit me this weekend.

I learned to give eskimo kisses.
I also learned how to play tug of war with Mindy.

More Snow!

2009-03-02T18:20:00.002-05:00

We got so much snow last night that it even snowed on my deck. I like to sniff snow. You can probably see the snow stuck to my nose from all of my snowy sniffing.

Snowy Night

2009-02-16T19:20:00.002-05:00

It finally snowed here in Charlottesville enough for me to make tracks!

Mommy let me run around in the snow without having to wear a leash. It was so much fun. Too bad the snow was all melted by noon the next day.

Brodie v. Brodie's Daddy and the Couch

2009-01-29T17:25:00.006-05:00

Daddy and I have a lot of extra energy to work off over our Super Bowl excitement. Daddy's most favorite team in the whole wide world, the Steelers, are playing. I can't wait! You might even notice the Steelers pillows on the red couch that Mindy's mommy made. I love it when Daddy chases me around the house.

Mommy and Daddy think it's funny how for a second, I laid down on the couch like a person.

Why I Didn't Get a Baby Brother for Christmas

2009-01-19T19:31:00.002-05:00

One afternoon, just a week or two before Christmas, I had a momentary lapse of reason and did some badness. I pulled out two paper grocery bags that were tucked neatly behind the kitchen pantry shelf (my parents used them to take out the recycling), dragged them into the hallway, and tore them up into lots of pieces.

I don't know what I was thinking, but I'll share with you what I learned from the experience:

1). Never do any badness on a day when Mommy is in a really bad mood because her job situation is very stressful and she had to walk the whole way home from work in heels because she was 2 seconds late for the bus.
2). When Mommy and Daddy said "Santa Claus is watching," they weren't joking. I wanted Santa to bring me a baby brother for Christmas, and sure enough, I didn't get one, all because my one badness of the year happened right before Christmas.
3). Should I ever have any badness again in my life, I should probably not leave the evidence right next to the front door.

Cute Cuddling Canines

2009-01-15T22:39:00.005-05:00

Mindy and I have decided to take our relationship to the next level.

We now will share a bed together, and sometimes, when we think the people aren't watching,

we will cuddle.

First we shared one of my beds at my house.

And Mindy put her arms around me in a loving embrace.
(Although, maybe I was snoring and she was trying to get me to stop)

Then Mindy got a new bed at her house for Christmas.

It didn't take me long to figure out that her new bed was clearly big enough for the two of us.
I love Mindy.

Canine Comings and Goings of 2008

2009-01-13T19:22:00.006-05:00

The last couple months of 2008 brought many changes to my canine social circle and blog cast of characters.

I got a new neighbor named Cooper this fall. Here's a picture of Cooper nibbling on my ear. Cooper lives next door to me, and his daddy is in med school like my daddy. He's grown a lot since this photo was taken. I think he's going to be bigger than me soon.

In early December, my daddy's childhood dog, Ollie, passed away. We think he stuck around long enough to see my daddy one last time when we went to visit him for Thanksgiving. I liked my cousin Ollie a lot because he let me nap with him on the couch. He also taught me how wonderful bone toys are. Ollie is survived by his little sister Maggie, who also happens to be my cousin too.

I'm very happy to have a new cousin, Josie! Josie's mommy is my mommy's cousin, Lindsay. Just like me, Josie had a mysterious life before she was adopted by her mommy and daddy. I haven't met Josie yet, but I heard she's really tiny. My mommy said Josie loves people and likes to cuddle a lot, just like me, so I think Josie and I could be good friends.

Fun With Boxes

2008-10-15T19:10:00.002-04:00

After Mommy and Daddy unpacked the box, it was fair game for me to play in. Naturally, I jumped in and pretended it was an airplane.

Brodie v. Crate and Barrel

2008-10-15T19:04:00.003-04:00

A box arrived at the door the other day, and I was super excited to play with it and find out what was inside. Turns out, the box wasn't as exciting as I thought it was.

Attacking Daddy on the Couch

2008-10-11T22:16:00.007-04:00

Sometimes Daddy falls asleep on the couch, and I jump up and smack his head to wake him.

Daddy might still be recovering from the long days and lack of sleep from his surgery rotation, but I don't care. I don't understand why we can't both be napping on the couch together.

I love my daddy.

"Big Boned" or "Husky"

2008-10-06T15:13:00.004-04:00

I have heard that some of my readers have been worried about me since I haven't posted an update on my life in a while. Here's why I haven't updated in a while.

My daddy has spent the last two months on his surgery rotation. Because he was gone for the first month and home only for bedtime during the second month, I've had no one to wrestle with, so I've gained a little bit of weight. It's harder for me to type on the blog with this extra weight, so that's why you haven't heard from me.

Just kidding, I'm still all fit and hot for the ladies. Mommy thought this picture was funny since it looks like me if I gained a lot of weight. If I'm 60 pounds now, this is probably what I'd look like at 80.

Doggy Birthday Party

2008-08-21T13:05:00.006-04:00

Last weekend I went to visit my lady love Mindy in Richmond with Mommy and Daddy. Since Mindy's birthday is August 27th and my adoption "birthday" is August 19th, our people threw an amazing doggy birthday party for us.

Mindy and I both wore festive Birthday King and Queen attire. We both got a lot of cool presents. I gave that really pretty t-shirt to Mindy. It says "Yield to the Princess" on it.

Uncle Andrew and Mommy held Mindy and I up to blow out the candles.

Because carrots are my favorite snack, Mommy baked a carrot cake for us dogs (dog healthy with no nuts or raisins). It sure was yummy!

Mindy is now 11 years old! I turned ? on my birthday. Since I never had a birthday before, I don't know how old I really am, but Mommy and Daddy tell everyone I am 4.

The Ce-ment Pond

2008-08-02T13:55:00.005-04:00

The other night Mommy and Daddy took me up to the giant bath tub they referred to as a "pool."

Mommy tried to coax me into the pool, but I wasn't going to budge.

I much preferred checking the giant empty planters out with Daddy.

A nap pool-side. Does it get any better than that?

Sir Sniff-A-Lot

2008-07-13T22:34:00.002-04:00

If there's one thing I love, it's sniffing things... oh and eating and cuddles. Mummy and Daddy often get a little frustrated with me when I spend too much time sniffing on a walk and not enough time doing business.

I also enjoy crawling around into bushes and leaves after a scent. It reminds me of my days in the wilderness.

Play Date

2008-07-08T21:24:00.005-04:00

Mommy said I could have a friend over to play last night, so I called up my friend Spot. I've met Spot on a walk a few times before, but this was the first time we got to play inside together without leashes! Spot's mom is in Mommy's medwives group and her daddy is in medical school like my daddy. Spot and I like to wrestle and play chase.

Just like me, Spot was once a stray. She lived at the SPCA before she was adopted.

Fourth of July Weekend

2008-07-07T22:39:00.004-04:00

I spent my first Fourth of July with Mommy and Daddy at Mindy's house for a long weekend. I always enjoy a chance to play with all of Mindy's toys, sleep in her bed, and sniff in her backyard.

Mindy and I both wore our patriotic bandanas in celebration of the USA! You can see in this picture how Mindy and I differ in our approach to the backyard. Mindy is waiting for someone to throw her the ball, and I am off sniffing something.

Mindy enjoys resting on the hardwood floors to keep cool. That's fine with me, because it means her bed is up for grabs!

Say Cheese

2008-07-03T15:35:00.000-04:00

Mommy told me to smile for the camera, so naturally, I stuck my tongue out.

Rescue Anniversary

2008-06-06T09:44:00.002-04:00

According to my paperwork, yesterday (June 5th) was the one year anniversary of my rescue from the Louisa County Animal Shelter. Most of you know that I was picked up as a stray by animal control. I spent five days in dog jail, and when no one came to claim me, I was eligable for adoption (or plan B- yikes!). My friends at the Green Springs Humane Society thought I was cute and had potential to find a mommy and daddy of my very own some day, so they rescued me and found me a foster home where I hung out until I met my Mommy and Daddy a couple months later.

Here is a picture of me that was posted on www.petfinder.com by Green Springs Humane Society back when I was looking for a mommy and daddy. I was a lot skinnier back then before I bulked up my muscles by doing push-ups all day!

A Visit to the Vet

2008-06-04T21:57:00.006-04:00

Mommy took me to the vet today to have my annual wellness exam and vaccination updates. It was my first trip to the vet since I was adopted. I was a very good boy.

Everyone at the clinic said I was such a handsome boy and was the friendliest dog. My vet also marvelled at my "Giant Beagle" size (60 pounds!). He said I had good muscles.

Because I am positive for Lyme Disease parasites (which does not mean I have Lyme disease, I just have the bacteria that can lead to Lyme Disease), my doctor gave me some meds to kill the bacteria. I have to take 3 pills a day for about a month. Hopefully when I go to the vet again next year, I will test negative for Lyme Disease.

Here's a picture of me running around the exam room sniffing.

Mindy's Coming!!!!!

2008-05-23T14:07:00.003-04:00

Hooray! Mindy, my bestest girlfriend, comes to visit me today! She will be spending the whole Memorial Day weekend with me. I'm so excited I could just jump around crazily all day! She is also bringing my grandparents and Uncle Andrew with her. I hope Mindy brings all of her toys. I like her toys better than my own.

I have a super fun weekend planned for us. It involves barking at stuff together, eating stuff together, cuddling together, and wearing bandanas.

America's Next Top Dog Model

2008-05-15T15:43:00.003-04:00

Mommy and Daddy are big fans of the show America's Next Top Model. They know a lot about the industry from being such huge fans of the show, and they think I have potential. Here is a great picutre of me working my angles and smiling with my eyes as my Uncle Andrew holds me.

Like any Top Model, I'm sure you are dying to know what designer I am wearing. It's a team shirt from Mommy and Daddy's Medical Football League (MFL) team. Daddy was the captain, so I got to be the official mascot and have my own custom shirt. It was during my run as official mascot that my modeling potential was firmly established. I was the star attraction at every game.

Powdered Nose

2008-04-29T12:55:00.001-04:00

I was helping Mommy bake cookies, and I somehow managed to get flour all over my face and nose.

Souvenirs

2008-04-20T22:37:00.003-04:00

My parents went to Jamaica and all I got was this lousy bandana.

Mindy got one too. How precious do we look in our matching clothes?

Tailgate Party

2008-04-12T10:50:00.003-04:00

I went to the kennel with Mindy last weekend. When our people came to pick us up, we were stinky and dirty, but still adorable. Our doggy cuteness was so great, that we had to pose for pictures in Mommy's car before we could get out.

My First Easter

2008-04-08T18:33:00.004-04:00

I celebrated my very first Easter with Mommy and Daddy this year by going to the Richmond Easter Parade with my grandparents and Uncle Andrew. Dogs wore funny hats and clothes, so I wore my favorite Jester attire. I didn't win the pet Easter bonnet contest, but I was a crowd favorite because I showed more personality on stage than any other dog.

Brodie v. Laughing Baby on You Tube

2008-03-22T00:02:00.002-04:00

What kind of devilish creature makes such a noise?

Westminster

2008-02-13T09:32:00.004-05:00

It is with great pride that I announce to my faithful readers, that I, Champion Baldwin-Ross's Brodie MacBroderson von Brodenstein de Brodeaux, was crowned winner of the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.

Okay, so I didn't win the show, but I am extremely proud of my brother Uno, who became the first beagle in Westminster history to be named Best in Show. This was a huge win considering that a beagle hadn't even won the hound group since 1939. I would also like to add that if I had papers and proper dog man parts, I'm pretty sure I could have won. Although, I would have to compete under a new breed listing, that of Giant Beagle, since I have about 20 pounds and 12 inches on Uno.

I heard reports from my grandparents that my best bud Mindy was cheering on Uno the beagle from her perch on Uncle Andrew's lap. Apparently the only dog she paid attention to during the whole competition was Uno. I'm pretty sure she thought it was me on TV.

I usually try to keep my political opinions to myself, but I would like to close by saying that if anyone out there has caught beagle fever and would like to get one of their own, you should look to your nearest animal shelter. For some reason, beagles are frequent residents of animal shelters even though we make wonderful pets. I was once a shelter dog myself, and I think I have done quite well for leaving my wilderness dog days behind and fully embracing the life of a family pet.

Brodie v. Kitties on TV

2008-02-03T09:23:00.000-05:00

So I was watching Animal Cops with Mommy, and there were some kittens on it making a lot of strange and curious noises.

Go Patriots!

2008-01-21T19:06:00.000-05:00

I am so excited that the Patriots are going to be playing in the Super Bowl. Although I am sad to retire my Steelers bandana and Yuengling Black & Tan binges with Daddy until next fall, I'm really happy to break out my Patriots gear to support Mommy's team. From now on, I will only answer to the name of "Tom Brodie."

Up to No Good

2008-01-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

When the people weren't looking, I decided to play a little prank on Mindy while she was sleeping in her bed. I collected all of her toys and put them right on top of her! She even looks like one of her stuffed animal toys.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-01-02T21:01:00.000-05:00

I've been enjoying the lazy dog days of the holidays. Christmas was the best! My grandmother Merrill made me my very own stocking, and because I was such a good boy this year, Santa came and brought me lots of doggy treats too. Mindy and I had fun wearing our holiday sweater finery. We even got to chase a rabbit that was in the backyard Christmas night.

Also, I got lots of presents from my friends, family, and fans. My great-grandparents in Massachusetts sent me some delicious treats that came in a bag. I made sure to sniff the bag thoroughly to make sure no cookies got left behind.

I also got some tasty treats from my cousins Mac and Rennie in New Hampshire. Don't you love the great action shot of me with the rawhide chew that they gave me?

I partied a little too hard early on New Year's Eve. By the time the ball dropped, I was passed out and missed the whole thing.

'Tis the Season

2007-12-21T12:39:00.000-05:00

I don't know what Christmas is yet, but I've been hearing Mommy and Daddy talk a lot about it lately. So far, I know that there is a strange tree in my house, and this magical new cave behind it with lights in it that I have just discovered. I also know that Christmas involves my "holiday sweater," which I am quite fond of wearing, because whenever I wear it, people come over to the house. I love meeting people and making new friends! Christmas is the best!

Goldilocks Dog

2007-12-15T09:13:00.000-05:00

When I visit the homes of other dogs, I like to eat their food, play with their toys, and sleep on their beds. In the above picture, I'm sleeping on Ollie's bed. In the below picture, I'm sleeping on Mindy's bed. Finders keepers!

Brodie v. Dancing With the Stars

2007-12-13T18:01:00.000-05:00

I can dance like the best D list celebrities!

I'm Helpful

2007-12-12T21:26:00.001-05:00

Since being adopted, I have been given certain chores I'm supposed to do around the house. Most of my chores are simple house pet duties, like guarding the house when Mommy and Daddy aren't home and cuddling Mommy and Daddy when they are home. I also have other responsibilities as well, like making the beds each morning.

Requiem in Pace, Window Blinds

2007-12-08T09:48:00.000-05:00

When Daddy got home from school yesterday, he noticed that the door to the guest room (where dogs aren't allowed) was open. Since I was being a good boy laying on my bed, he figured that the door hadn't been closed all the way and had just been pushed open by me leaning against it. I thought everything was golden for me.... until Mommy came home. When Mommy went into the guest room, she saw my badness right away. It was no longer a secret that I had managed to destroy the window blinds and make a big mess. Mommy said I have to pay for new blinds out of my allowance.

My First Thanksgiving

2007-12-02T19:32:00.000-05:00

For my first Thanksgiving, Mommy, Daddy, and I went to Erie, PA to visit with Daddy's mommy and step-father. I had a great time meeting my new grandparents. Thanksgiving is a great holiday to be a dog because there is a lot of tasty food around.

I also met my new cousins, Ollie and Maggie. Ollie is the old white man and Maggie is the wild brown girl. We had fun barking at stuff together.

Grandma Bubba and Scott live right on Lake Erie. I liked going down to the edge to look at the water below. It reminded me of my days as a stray dog when I would go fishing with bears in the wilderness.

Gored by a Deer

2007-11-25T21:45:00.000-05:00

My bestest girl friend cousin Mindy had a very harrowing experience recently. While valiantly patrolling her yard to protect it from horrible beasts in the night, she was attacked by an evil deer. My bestest girl friend cousin Mindy was gored by a deer antler and had her insides torn open. She had to be rushed to the emergency vet to get 10 stitches! When I lived in the wilderness, I had my fair share of run-ins with deer beasts, but I never got stabbed by them. Mindy and my Uncle Andrew have started an anti-Bambi club. I can't wait to go to Mindy's house and fight that mean buck that hurt my bestest girl friend cousin.

Here are some pictures of Mindy's wound. As a medical update, Mindy has survived the experience in high spirits and managed to pull out her stitches. She is so cool!

Run for the Lungs 5K

2007-11-18T19:21:00.000-05:00

This weekend I ran my first marathon. I was victorious. Okay, so it was only a 5K race, but I was still happy with my finish. I placed second among male canine racers. Mommy and Daddy ran with me too. The Run for the Lungs 5K raises money to benefit Lung Cancer research at UVa.

Hooray for New Food

2007-11-15T22:02:00.000-05:00

Mommy and Daddy bought me new food. I could barely contain my excitement at the sight of so much kibble. Seeing all of that kibble was like all of my Christmases came at once.

I figured I better sniff the kibble just to make sure Mommy and Daddy bought the right kind.

And then I figured I better have a little taste. Perhaps this container of kibble is meant to be my new dog food bowl. No? Oh well.

Brodie v. Dyson

2007-11-10T20:13:00.000-05:00

So I was watching TV one night with Mommy and Daddy when all of a sudden, the strangest and most wonderful noise started to come from the TV. I got up to see what it was, but I never quite figured it out, so I just went back to my spot.

Mindy's Visit

2007-11-05T13:17:00.000-05:00

Mindy came to visit me this weekend. I showed her how to do agility challenges on a nearby playground.

Here's a picture of Mindy trying out the playground agility challenge with the help of her Mom and Dad, who just happen to be my Grandma Penney and Grandpa Grumpy.

One of my neighbors lost their black kitten this weekend. Mindy and I spent some time out on the deck looking for it. Don't you think it's funny the way my tail curls down and Mindy's curls up?

Go Red Sox!

2007-10-25T16:28:00.000-04:00

I'm super excited that my first World Series as a house pet will be spent cheering on the Boston Red Sox. When I was a wilderness dog, I caught a few Red Sox games on TV as I snooped through the garbage of sports bars while looking for dinner. Daddy and Mommy are proud members of Red Sox Nation, and so am I. So if you are wondering how I plan to spend the next few nights (and it will be few because my Red Sox are going to sweep the series), I will be curled up in front of the TV with a Sam Adams, cheering on my team! (Okay, so it will be just Mommy and Daddy with the Sam Adams)

Brodie v. Mindy

2007-10-22T14:37:00.001-04:00

Mindy loves to play fetch. I don't really understand the game myself, so I decided to create a far more exciting version of the game. While Mindy retrieves the ball, I tag her and bark at her. It is way more fun to play fetch by my rules.

Weekend at Mindy's

2007-10-22T14:13:00.001-04:00

This weekend I went to visit Mommy's parents, my uncle Andrew, and my friend Mindy in Richmond with Mommy and Daddy. Mindy and I enjoyed our long weekend sleepover party. Here's a picture of me and Uncle Andrew.

Mindy and I had fun playing in the yard together. I really enjoyed having the extra space to run around in. I even got to help Mindy bark at deer! Mindy loves to play fetch, and I love to try to fetch Mindy instead of the ball.

After a busy day of playing and chasing eachother, you can imagine how tired we were each night. Everyone thought our doggy sleepovers were super cute.

The Most Exciting Thing Ever

2007-10-17T15:53:00.001-04:00

The most exciting thing ever happened today. I was hanging out on the deck today with Mommy when a leaf blew right in my path.

Being the astute and curious dog that I am, I had to investigate the intruder. What kind of beast would dare invade my deck?

I decided that the only way to determine the true identity of the invader was to pick it up in my mouth. After careful scrutiny, I deduced that the invader was a leaf. I then escorted the leaf to the edge of the deck, from which it floated down to the ground. I'll bet you a box of dog cookies that leaf will think twice before trespassing on my property again.

Brodie v. The Printer

2007-10-16T13:47:00.000-04:00

Here is footage of me checking out the new printer.

My Autobiography

2007-10-16T11:39:00.000-04:00

In June 2007 I was picked up by Animal Control as a stray. I was taken to the Louisa County Animal Shelter where I stayed until my friends at the Green Springs Humane Society came to rescue me. They found me a foster home on a farm and got to work looking for a forever home for me. In August, they took me to Petsmart one Saturday to help me find a family. Heather and Jeremy just happened to be there that day buying food for their pet geckos. Heather noticed how cute I looked in my red "Adopt Me!" bandana. When I saw Jeremy, I knew right away that I wanted him to be my daddy, so I let him know it by showing him how cute and friendly I am. Sadly, Heather and Jeremy didn't take me home that day and I left the store with no new family.

A week later, my foster family took me on a field trip to another farm. I didn't know what the plan for the day was, so I decided to go for a swim in the farm pond. Because of my swim, we were a little late to arrive. To my surprise, Heather and Jeremy were at the farm, all ready to adopt me! We went for a hike around the farm with the other farm dogs and my Green Springs friends. At the end of the afternoon, Heather and Jeremy had adopted me, and I finally had a mommy and daddy and home of my very own.

I've settled in quite nicely to my new life as a house dog. I love napping, playing with my toy squirrel, going for walks with mommy and daddy, and most importantly, I love dinner time!