From Rescue To Love

Are you ready???

2011-02-04T00:22:00.002Z

Ok.. the video will reveal all.

(and no my new sisters & brother are not root vegetables, thats just to throw you off the scent BOL)

Ben xxxxx

New Sisters & Brothers

2011-02-02T21:52:00.002Z

Psssst....

Did I tell you I had 46 new sisters and a new brother?

No?

Goes to explain my absence a little... huh? The secretarys been kinda busy!

Now should I explain further or should I let you all speculate for a little while?

Speculation sounds good, I'll get my popcorn and sit back for a while.. let your minds boggle hehehe

Ben xxxx

UPDATE - PLEASE READ

2011-02-02T14:55:00.002Z

Hello lovely furpals,

I am posting this update with a heavy heart.

Bens family have announced in the last hour that Ben's body has been recovered from the River Calder. Naturally this is devastating news but I would like to thank each and every one of you who took the time to visit, repost, blog, tweet and facebook Ben's Poster. Your kindness and community spirit is very much appreciated.

Please send out love and healing vibes to the Manning Family who have showed strength and admirable courage throughout this ordeal.

RIP Ben - Though the caterpillars life is over, the butterflys has only just begun, spread your wings and fly xxxxxx

A FURRY HEARTFELT PLEA - HELP FIND BEN MANNING

2011-02-01T12:32:00.007Z

***IMPORTANT EDIT****

If you have arrived direct at this post via another blog then please read the latest update by clicking HERE

I would like to thank each and every one of you who took the time to blog/tweet/facebook Ben's poster. Your willingness to help and your kindness was very much appreciated.

Ben & Sue xxxx

Hello Furpals everywhere,

I know I have been absent for some time (blame the useless secretary not me!) but today I am here to make a heartfelt plea to you all.

I want to mobilise you all to help me in a furry important mission, I really need your help and I hope lots of you will join me on
MISSION: HELP FIND BEN MANNING

A young man from my area is missing, it has now been over a week since anyone saw or heard from him and as you can imagine his family and friends are desperatley worried and need all the help they can get.

Our mission is simple.. below are some details of where Ben was last seen, clothes he was wearing, items he may have been carrying etc below that is a poster showing a recent photograph of Ben. All I ask is that you post it to your blog, no matter how close/far you are geographically. The more widespread the picture then the higher the possibility that someone will see it that has information to aid the search for Ben. Please ask your followers to blog it, email it to their contacts, show it to friends/family/colleagues or random passers by! The more people that see it the better.
This has not hit the national news, only the local news, getting Ben's face and the details of his disappearance out to a wider audience increases the chances of relevant information becoming available to the family/police.

QUICK EDIT & UPDATE: Please can I re-iterate that no matter where in the world you are, please, please, please post the missing poster with Bens photo on your blog, you may have readers in the UK that would never visit this blog, the more his face is seen the higher the chance of information, paw power furfriends, lets get his face worldwide and give his family the best hope of answers to his disappearance - Ben xxxx

If you blog it please take a second to come back and post a link to the post so I can personally thank you and let Ben's family and friends know the level of support we can achieve when we fire up the power of the paw!

I know my wonderful furry friends won't let me down on this!

Thank you, I love you all.

Ben.

MISSING - BEN MANNING

Seventeen-year-old Ben from Swillington in Leeds was reported missing by his mother on Saturday January 22 after he failed to return home from a Friday night out in the city.

He was last seen near the JCT 600 garage on Denby Dale Road having walked from Westgate, down Queen Street, along George Street at the side of Gala Bingo across Ings Road and along Denby Dale Road.

His last contact with family and friends was at around 1.30am on Saturday when he sent a text message to his mother.

Ben is described as white, around 5’8” tall, of slim build, with light brown hair. At the time of his disappearance he was wearing white Converse high-tops, grey jeans, black t shirt and a grey fleece-type jacket.

items that they believe he had with him when he went missing.

* A bronze coloured yale key on a bronze coloured key ring
* A black coloured Blackberry Curve 8520 mobile
* A passport in the name of Jamie Karl Manning (Ben's brother)

Peek A Boo

2009-12-06T22:43:00.002Z

REAPPEARING AT A BLOG NEAR YOU SOON (hopefully!!)

I MISS YOU ALL

Hello all

2009-06-10T13:46:00.004+01:00

Hi all,

just a quickie to let you know that me, the fuzzbrat, the beans and all the family are fine.. Mum has had some kind of blogging breakdown, partially due (at least I'm blaming her) to the fuzzbrat and her exhausting antics. What she hasn't chewed isn't worth mentioning and she STILL needs to be constantly watched, which i figure is kind of exhausting!
I love you all and I miss you all a LOT but i'm not promising when I will be back on a full time basis as the secretary needs a little more time. Its taken me this long to get her to assist in this short post!
All is well and I promise to return ASAP with photos etc. (flashy box has been on overdrive lately)

Smooches, snooter rubs and kisses to all,

Ben xxxxxx

Poor Grandma

2009-04-03T22:18:00.002+01:00

Hi all,

Grandma (Ginger Jasper's Mum)
is not feeling too good, she has a nasty virus that is making her feel really ill. If you are a visitor to GJ's blog he may be AWOL for a little while until Grandma is feeling better. I'm sure if we all go send some paw power and doggy zen to her we will have her fighting fit in no time.
Sorry I didn't post the photo's etc yet. Will get round to it real soon I promise.

love and tailwags,

Ben xxx (puppy kisses from the fuzzbrat xxx)

Can you see my halo??

2009-04-01T22:04:00.003+01:00

Hi everypup,

can you see my halo?? is the glare from it blinding you?

no?

well it should be, because according to Mum & Dad I am an ANGEL.. a perfectly behaved ANGEL!! (someone document that for future notation please!)

Why you ask?? well for one reason..

THE FUZZBRAT AKA STEALTH PUPPY

What has she done now?? I hear you cry! Well unfortunatley I don't have the time or bandwith to list every misdemeanour she is guilty of, but to give you a general idea I will list some of her more ~~hilarious~~ heinous crimes.

Firstly she has single handedly destroyed my entire toy collection! For 14 months I have been building up an awesome collection of balls, wubbas, kongs, tug ropes, stuffies, frisbees etc.. in all that time I have only ever destroyed my frisbees (and when I say destroyed I mean played with them and buried them until they were slightly bedraggled and dirty and therefore got replaced) In two weeks Millie has managed to rip/tear/marmalise/de-construct/murder/pulverise/shred/defile EVERY toy I own! Including my treasured HUGE Lobster and Crab that were last years Easter gifts, My purple Mr Monkey that was my homecoming gift and every single other toy I own! Mum did offer to replace them all for me.. but lets face it.. whats the point???

We all know about the shoe destruction.. well that hasn't eased up any, so every two legged in the house (including visitors) now has to de-shoe upon entering the house and lock their shoes in a cupboard - LITERALLY! As for slippers... well forget it.. she will try to eat them while they are wearing them (I kid you not) or destroy them the second they remove them from their feet.

So now we have two leggeds walking around the house bare footed (did I mention she tries to eat socks off their feet too??) Now bare footed two leggeds opens up a whole new world of entertainment for her.. the *lets place items that will be painful to stand on in their paths* kind of entertainment. So pine cones/sticks/rocks (to name but a few) are retrieved from her outdoor stash of torture equipment and strategically placed in just the right place, at just the right time to ensure at least one of the four 2 leggeds gets a painful surprise!

Now onto the counter surfing antics.. and again this is only the tip of the iceberg, (the actual full list of counter surfing incidents could run for several blog posts or more!!).
If Mum blinks (yes she is that fast) then Millie will have obtained something from the kitchen counters/dining table/any other surface in the house.. you name it she has stolen it, with the stealth of the invisible man and the speed of light!
Cookies/uncooked pizza/plastic bottles/kitchen utensils/sponges/rolls of foil etc etc .. if it is within her reach she will take it, if Mum is distracted for more than the blink of an eye then she will destroy it.

The Lilli Factor... poor Lilli seems to be bearing the brunt of the fuzzbrats mischief. Firstly the majority of footwear destroyed has been Lilli's. Today she pulled of the ultimate crime against her. Lilli came home from school clutching a little pot, hand decorated with wobbly eyes and a big smiley face and sprouting a wonderful head of Cress. Grown by her own fair hand at school. On arrival at home the pot was placed in (what so far has been) a fuzzbrat free zone. a place that even Mum has difficulty reaching! Within minutes the question was asked.. "where is my cress??" within a few seconds of the question being asked suspicious eyes were looking at the fuzzbrat. She lay (looking as innocent as a newborn) in the dining room with a "who me??" look on her face. For a second Mum questioned her sanity.. had she actually put it elsewhere, I mean the fuzzbrat looked so innocent.. no-one had seen her even move, there was no suspicious evidence to suggest mischief of any kind. Yup.. for a few blissful minutes Mum assumed that she was in fact losing her marbles.. that she has reached the age of forgetfullness and was full of hope that the lovingly reared pot of Cress was safe somewhere .. if only Mum could remember where that somewhere was! Her delusions were shattered a few minutes later when an empty mangled pot devoid of any contents was discovered in the garden. The Cress had indeed been subjected to the full Stealth Puppy Attack treatment.. how? when? these are questions that may never be answered. She hasn't even revealed how she manages to be so destructive so quickly and silently even to me!

Now onto the element of mystery destruction.

Mystery destruction is Mum finding strange unidentified remains of an unknown object (this also happens a lot) We have no idea what she has destroyed, where she got it, how she managed it in the three seconds we were not looking ... I think this mystery destruction is the one that drives Mum the most crazy.

If ever there was a walking advertisment for reasons NOT to get a puppy then Millie is the four legged version of it.

So.. is she going back.. has Mum finally got sick of the new grey hairs (the hairs she hasn't pulled out yet that is) ???

Nope!! because despite the absolute hair-tearing/sanity testing/frankly exhausting exploits we all LOVE HER!

She loves her cuddles and kisses (though she really needs to learn that leaping on Mum at 4.40 am and then sitting on her and licking her face isn't the greatest of ideas.. there are times to be loving and times to let the exhausted old dear sleep!!)
She has the most adorable face (which is fortunate because no-one can stay mad with her when she is bratish and lets face it thats 99% of the time)
She is gentle as a lamb (as long as you are a living creature.. any objects are just asking to be destroyed) and greets everyone like they are her best friend in the whole world.
She is comical and makes us all laugh

Mum says puppys are all about patience and training and that eventually Millie will learn doggy etiquette, but for now her puppyness should be embraced and considered as something we will all look back on and laugh about.. (yeah yeah Mum - I believe you but are you trying to convince me or yourself??)

I'm just wondering what colour rinse to buy Mum for her hair.. that grey really isn't a good look!

Tomorrow I will post some pics of destruction.. AND I will post pics of me opening TWO parcels that arrived for me this week! (Mum needs to get them all off the camera.. she forgot.. but I forgave her since she is a little traumatised today!)

and PeeeS.. I know it's April 1st but I promise you none of the above is an April Fools.. She really is that bratish!!

Tired Feet

2009-03-30T21:34:00.003+01:00

Well what an awesome weekend I had!!

I was given a reprieve from watching over the fuzzbrat and was able to take up Petey's invitation to a weekend of romance and dancing.

Look how beWOOtiful my girl Khyra looked!! and let me tell you .. that girl can dance!! Not only is she beaWOOtiful and a wonderful dancer but she is very understanding too.. she didn't even blink when I took Kira and Sophie (amongst others) for a spin around the dancefloor! - I just hope my buddy Joe is as understanding! (Beets and Carrots Sophie!!)

I had an absolutely wonderful time! and I'm happy to report that the fuzzbrat didn't seem to have got into any mischief whilst I was gone! (Well unless you count stealing cookies and chewing up sponges - but in my opinion that should be applauded!) Mum has stopped calling her the Fuzzbrat though and now refers to her as "Stealth Puppy" so goodness knows what went on that no-one is telling me about!

Although my feet were pretty tired from all the dancing I was happy to accompany Mum, Dad and the beans to the woods for the "wear out the puppy" session. Chasing a trial bike around the woods seemed to do the trick and she was out like a light within minutes when we got back..

all in all a very pleasant weekend.

Here are me and Khyra (so beaWOOtiful...sigh) dancing up a storm. Am I the luckiest dog on the planet or what???

Friday Photo Finish

2009-03-27T21:10:00.008Z

I've decided to round off the week with some photo's .. despite all the puppy madness Mum has still found time to wave the flashy box around a fair bit so I thought I would choose a few to share with you. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, I will be spending mine trying to wear out the fuzzbrat so I can get some well earned naps!!

Sharing the puppy prison (well no good big brother would let his little sister serve out the sentence alone!)

Watching TV - I love the Paul O'Grady Show, Olga is my favourite TV Star. Millie doesn't share my passion for TV (She is usually too busy looking for something to chew!!)

Cuddles with Dad

Big Brothers Watching You!

The Fuzzbrat Sleeps! (Hallelujah!)

Woof Factor

2009-03-27T12:20:00.004Z

**The competition is now open and will close on 29th March 2009 at 9pm**

Older rescue-dogs charity Oldies Club is celebrating older dogs by holding a fundraising photo competition especially for dogs aged seven and over and there is only two days left to enter your dog’s picture!

ThePet.net co-founder vet Marc Abraham is one of the judges, alongside fellow dog-lovers Brian Blessed and Victoria Stilwell!

The winning pooch will get to represent Oldies Club for the following year. The only rule for this competition is that dogs entering need to be veterans, they do not necessarily need to be rescue dogs.

Oldies Club is a lovely charity that rescues and re-homes older dogs via a network of foster homes and works with other rescue centres to publicise the plight of their older dogs too.

Oldies Club has divided the UK up into 7 regions (North East, North West, South East, South West, Midlands, Scotland and Wales). The winner of each region will go forward to the Grand Final.

As well as becoming the face of Oldies Club for 2009/10 the winner will also win a dog bed worth up to £50 kindly donated by Kudos Pet Products and a signed copy of Pet Photography Now! by Paul Walker of Paws Pet Photography.

For information on how to enter your dog for the ‘Woof Factor’ here

Counter Surfing and Shoes

2009-03-26T10:31:00.004Z

Hi everypup,

Mum is still "busy" so sorry I'm a day late with the tale of Millie's counter surfing. Mum says when I tell you all what Millie has been up to you may understand why she is so "busy" (I say it's still no excuse but thats just me!)

Before I spill the beans on little sissys crimes just a quick note to say all the red snooter pics are now up on the Dughallmor Beagles blog and you can vote for your favourite, there are some awesome pics!

So on Tuesday the eldest Bean Mollie had a cookery lesson at school and came home with a delicious looking pizza all ready to be popped in the oven.
Mum had already made dinner so she popped the pizza on the counter and said she would cook it for supper. The pizza was on a foil covered plate and wrapped in cling film (saran wrap) and she placed it at the very back of the kitchen counter so in her two legged mind (she really needs to start thinking like a dog) she thought it was safe.

Everyone sat down to dinner and then Dad heard some suspicious rustling in the dining room and went to investigate. He found a neat pile of cling film and a foil covered plate... minus one uncooked pizza... and one little fuzzball Millie with incriminating strands of cheese all around her chops. She hadn't even made a tear in the foil or the cling film (how she managed this is beyond even me) boy did she get a telling off!! More so because Mollie had made the pizza and Mum felt really bad that she put all that effort in and didn't even get to eat it!

You would think that she would have learned her lesson .. she really had her ear chewed off about it.. but nooooooooo

next morning the beans brought their breakfast dishes into the kitchen and put them on the counter while Mum was out enjoying the wonderful task of poopie scooping. Mum came back into the kitchen just in time to find Millie with her head in the second bowl (having already demolished the first) feasting on the cereal (chops covered in milk this time - she really must learn to clean off the evidence!!) Mum had barely had time to register the scene in front of her when ear busting screams resounded from the living room.

There was then a comical moment with Mum attempting to reprimand one guilty looking pup, wash her hands and scramble to see what all the commotion was about at the other side of the house. I tried not to laugh.. really I did!

On reaching the source of the screaming Mum discovered a very upset Lilli holding one of her favourite pink shoes - well technically it was no longer a shoe more like a pile of shredded pink leather barely clinging to a teeth addled sole. in the middle of the floor was a pile of yellow foam.. formerly known as one of Mollies flip flops. Yup.. not content with two incidents of counter surfing in as many days Millie had decided to eat a couple of shoes too ... and being the naughty little fuzzball she is instead of eating the same pair she ate two different shoes thus wrecking two pairs in one swoop. At this point Mum had to confess to Lilli that the fuzzball had also eaten one of her High School Musical shoes the day before!! after pizzagate too!!

uh-oh at this point I decided a hasty retreat from the volcanic explosion about to occur was a good idea so I did what any intelligent dog does in these circumstanses and took refuge in Millies crate - a self imposed prison sentence seemed like the best plan!

slight break from the story here to report that Mum just had to momentarily stop typing for me as she needed to go out in the garden and retrieve one of Mollies slippers from the brats jaws. She was quick enough to save it from total destruction but it's minus its beading now!!

So anyway.. Millie had yet another firm telling off (not that it worked obviously) The shoes were moved to yet another secret location and secured (clearly that didn't work either) and Mum had to promise Lilli that she would buy her some more pink shoes and some more HSM shoes so that peace could be restored. Lilli told Millie that she wasn't her friend anymore (that lasted all of 5 seconds) and Mum did one of her weary sighs. Yup that brat is sure keeping Mum busy but in a strange way (and don't tell Mum I said this) I'm quite impressed!

Sorry for the lack of photographic content, there was nothing left of the pizza to photograph and Mum didn't figure that photographing the mauled shoes was a good idea as Lilli may be even more traumatised then!

So.. Millie has well and truly arrived and Mum is being treated to the whole *puppy* experience in all it's glory! These next few months are gonna be fun.. I'm off to count Mum's grey hairs now!!

Ben xxxx

Red Snooters and Uh-Oh Trouble!!!

2009-03-24T19:30:00.007Z

Finally I get to post!!! She who never remains nameless (aka useless secretary) has once again been "busy". I prefer to say she has not been managing her time adequatley and has most definatley not been doing her tasks in order of priority (If she had then the blog would ALWAYS come first!!)
Well I finally nudged her hard enough to get her to collect my parcel from the post office..and to let me post.. and hopefully I will get caught up with visiting you all too.. honestly I know I keep saying this but a monkey would be a better secretary!

anyhoo.. my parcel.. what can it be???

It's my Red Snooter Parcel from the Dughallmor Beagles!! My beaWOOtiful girl Khyra requested that they send it over to me rather than over the big pond (and I think she secretly wanted to see me wearing a red snooter!!)

ooohh and treats too!! Back off little sis!! It's MY name on the envelope!!

THANK YOU - what a great parcel!!

Now first things first.. eat the treatables of course!! and in the spirit of generosity I will share them with Millie!

and now to model the red snooter.. considering the size of my snooter in ratio to the size of the red snooter and the fact that the fuzzball wanted to be involved some improvisation was required.. thankfully I didn't need to rely on the useless one for this bit or we would all have been waiting for several years! So thank you Dad for stepping in and doing what was required!

without further ado... i give you...

RED SNOOTERISATION!!

Millie is in big trouble today.. a counter surfing incident that would make any Husky proud (I think she is actually part Husky as she counter surfs like a pro and actually Woo's!!) I'll tell you the full story tomorrow.. when hopefully she has been forgiven!!

love and tailwags,

Ben xxxxx

Happy St Patricks Day

2009-03-17T09:38:00.002Z

Little Sister is EXHAUSTING ME!!!

2009-03-15T18:20:00.011Z

Wow, having a little sister is tiring business, she is a non-stop furball of energy!
This morning Dad took us both to the field and the lake (no photos as he had his hands full with us) and then this afternoon Mum, Dad and the Beans took us to the woods.. Mum had charged up her other camera so we were able to get some shots of our walk.

Back to the car.. we were both pretty pooped at this point..Millie was truly filthy, honestly the girl is an absolute mud magnet! The photo's don't do the filthiness justice.. she was plastered in stinky mud!

Then home.. after a little de-mudding I allowed Millie on MY couch..

So far so good. We have behaved very nicely with each other despite the fact she would steal my food out of my mouth given half a chance (Mum says we need to work on her food manners) I have shared my toys, even allowed her to sniff around in my beloved bed and the biggest test of all.. allowed her on MY couch! I'm sharing Mum, Dad and the beans nicely too.. although Mum says I am suddenly giving her more kisses than usual and claims I am jealous.. pah! rubbish.. I'm not jealous at all!!

I'm VERY happy with my new sister and would like to thank my angels at Pawz For Thought for not only rescuing me and giving me a whole new life and future but for the wonderful gift of a beautiful sister too! All the Pawz Angels work so hard, are so committed to the rescue and welfare of the animals they take in and do it all out of the kindness of their hearts, no wages or benefits!
They are truly special people and I hope they realise jut how much their hard work, dedication and friendship means to us. I LOVE YOU ALL!!

The furball of endless energy seems to be taking a nap (thank doG!) so I shall take this opportunity to grab 40 winks before the insanity starts again! Sorry we haven't done much visiting this week, we will get round to you all very soon .. once me and Mum have recharged our batteries!!

love and tailwags,

Ben xxx (and puppy kisses from Millie xxx)

Secrets Revealed

2009-03-14T19:54:00.008Z

Hello everypup,

Well I can finally reveal why we have been busy this last week and where our mystery destination was today!

We went for a very long road trip but it was soooo worth it!

First we went to Uncle Kevin's house and met Cara and Jet and their foster sister Millie and then we went to the beach and met up with Bobby, Pip and Evo and Sasha, Taylor, Jasper, Whiskey and crew and of course Uncle John, Auntie Brenda, Uncle Bri and Auntie Liz.

I met loads of other dogs too! Here we all are at the beach

Ok.. I have kept you all in suspense for quite long enough.. at then end of our pawty on the beach we all went for a little celebratory drink in the pub... why? Well because Millie and I decided that we quite liked each other and it would be a lot of fun if she came home with us.. so yes! I now have a beautiful sister .. who is curled up next to me asleep as I type.. unfortunatley there are no photos of this because at the beach I pushed Mum over into the sand and broke the camera!! oops!
Mum will charge up the batteries on the big camera tonight and we promise you LOTS of photos tomorrow.. the best thing about having a sister so far??

We can take turns in distracting the two leggeds so some serious counter surfing can take place!!

Heaven!!

Be Still My Beating Heart

2009-03-09T21:13:00.007Z

Confessional time.. and long overdue too I must add.

Whilst I am more than happy to escort any of the beautiful ladies who I am lucky enough to have as friends on a *date* yes even you Laciegirl ;) I have to say that it must be a purely platonic buddy date... you see...

I have given my heart away, a little while ago I sewed it into a a very cute stuffy toy (who is called Dave UK) and sent it across the ocean to my true love.. the one who makes my pulse race a little faster, my day a LOT brighter and my dreams a lot sweeter.

I'm sure there are very few of you who will have to read any further to know exactly who I am talking about but for the benefit of those of you that do... I will continue to gush

My girl is beautiful, smart, funny and kind hearted and its about time I publicly declared how much I love her..

I present to you...

The Very Gorgeous Miss Fluffy Tail herself.... Khyra

and here is my girl meeting Dave UK (and my heart) for the very first time..

so there you have it folks... it's official.. My heart is taken!

and I better go hide now because when Khyra spots this post I may be in trouble!! Sorry BeaWOOtiful.. just couldn't resist!

Oh and while we are on the subject of love.. It's Mum & Dads Wedding Anniversary today!! Happy Anniversary Oldies

Ben xxxx

PeeeS.. kinda got a busy week coming up getting ready for .. umm.. something.. well maybe something.. well who knows.. but anyway... if we are a bit quiet don't worry normal service will resume shortly. We will get around everyone as best as possible this week.

OH - MY - DOG!!!

2009-03-05T18:58:00.013Z

Today I read this comment on my last post..

Now Ben...
It has come to my great surprise THAT YOU AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN ON A DATE!!!!
I've penciled ya in for next month...(sorry..booked solid till then...)
I have only one request...
Could you please leave all of KHYRA'S FUR at home? For some reason, that girl makes me nervous...and when I'm nervous I tend to YAP and SHRIEK....
Loved that book on bloggin' for dummies!! Very creative, Ben!!
Love and soon to be dated kissies...
Laciegirl

say what!??

Now.. I'm not saying I'm adverse to dates (what hot blooded hound is?) but

Dear doG I'm quaking in my BOOTS! Can you see the TERROR in my face??

Ive been around for 12 months now, I've read the reports on Lacie's "Dates", Ive seen the fear, the trauma, the permanent ear damage!

To ensure my sanity I have decided that Lacie was joking, she didn't pencil me in, there will be no date..BUT just in case I have taken a few precautions

First I called guy advertising on www.dodgypassportouttahere.com

after an agreed exchange

he handed me these

So thats the new identity sorted should I need it!

Then I decided to look for place to hide (just in case I can't get to the airport fast enough)

I thought this would be a good place

but it already had a resident, who was a bit miffed (to put it mildly) at the intrusion

but then I realised that I have something right here that should work like garlic to a vampire, like a silver bullet to a werewolf, you know what it is don't you? Worth more on the black market than all the debts of the planet combined... and all MINE - The ULTIMATE canine protection aid (Well protection from Lacie anyway)

My Bag of Khyra Floof

so now I am exhausted from all the over-thinking.. time for a nap I think!

RSPCA and Puppy Trafficking Awareness

2009-03-04T09:10:00.002Z

A little while ago a lovely lady called Jayne contacted me. She is currently working with the RSPCA to highlight their Give Animals a Voice campaign.

Jayne asked me if I would promote the campaign and include a infograph that illustrates what questions to ask when buying from a breeder.

The campaign is working hard to highlight the puppy trafficking business and the consequential welfare issues that arise from it. I am of course very happy to add my voice and support to this campaign.

You can watch a short video and sign up to the global campaign to show support HERE

We can help make a difference, we CAN have a voice.

Ben xxx

Ensuring she knows her place!

2009-03-03T21:22:00.005Z

As you are all aware Mum AKA The Secretary has not being doing her job properly of late.
She seems to think it's acceptable to be a slacker.
I thought it was time to get some ground rules firmly established before she gets totally out of control.

First I went shopping and bought a book, which I left on her desk.

She didn't seem to take the hint, so I thought I better make things a bit clearer. I stuck this on the laptop screen..

Hmmm that provoked a slight reaction (if her screwing it up in a ball and tossing it in the trash counts!)

She still didn't seem motivated to get to work though. So I confess that I blatantly lied, I told her that in exchange for a years worth of solid blogging, no slacking and no excuses this was her reward..

Dumb dodo fell for it too! So don't expect me to disappear for at least 12 months.. Mum has her eye on her prize!!

Desperate times force desperate measures folks

Ben xxxx

Don't worry Dave I'm not planning on dog napping you for real.. just don't tell Mum that!

Farewell Dear Klaus

2009-03-02T09:19:00.006Z

We are so saddened at the news that Klaus Our friend Bogart's Daddy has passed away. We know that the whole DWB community has prayed so hard for his recovery and today I know that all of us have both Lulu and Bogart in our thoughts and hearts.
We couldn't provide the miracle we all so dearly wished for.

To Lulu and Bogart, though our friendship can by no means replace what you have lost, we want you to know that it will always be here for you. Thank you for sharing with us your happiest of times and for allowing us to share in your saddest of times too. Our hearts ache for you. We love you.

To Klaus, may your soul soar, you touched so many of our lives and our hearts, this is not goodbye, but see you in the next life.

Ben, Sue, T, Mollie and Lilli.

Khyra Floooof and More

2009-02-28T08:21:00.006Z

Well I promised to enlighten you as to how I managed to get my paws on a substantial amount of Khyra Flooof.

Last week a parcel arrived.. for me!

Mum made me wait till she got back from collecting the beans from school to open it, I was beside myself with excitement, a very familiar, very yummy smell was emanating from the box.. the smell of gorgeousness!!

When Mum and the beans got home I was finally allowed to open it up

oooohhh thats MY name!

Theres MY girl!!

Mmmmm a HUGE bag of Khyra Floooof! Hubba Hubba aroooooo!!

Oh my dogness! Not one.. but TWO mini Khyras!!

A miniture version of me wrapped in fairy lights!!

and three little jittery critters for my furry relative GJ

Time for another snooter full of flooof!

I better check out the Critters for GJ.. just in case, ya know!

Behold my "Dog that got the Floooof" face.. I walked round with that grin on my face for quite some time.. it comes back everytime I revisit my bag of floof for a top up Khyra boost

Thank you beWOOtiful Khyra and her equally beWOOtiful Mom, you made me one very happy dog! Photo's of GJ enjoying his Critter gifts here

I know that Bogart and his family are very much on all of our minds right now and last night Mum was listening to some music and one song made her think of them all so we would like to share it with you and dedicate it to Klaus, Lulu and Bogart and all who love them. Get well soon Klaus, we love you.

Ben xxxxx

Oh and (if you didn't already) please read Mum's Book Review for the book written by Pen from Nowzad Dogs and the details of how you can nominate Pen for the Dogs Trust Dog’s Best Friend Award 2009.

UPDATED One Dog At A Time ~ Saving The Strays Of Helmand

2009-02-26T11:35:00.005Z

A couple of weeks ago a copy of Pen's book "One Dog At A Time ~ Saving The Strays Of Helmand" arrived in the post.

We were soooo excited!! So I will now hand todays blog over to Mum who, as promised, will review the book and give you details of where you can purchase your very own copy!

So I settled down to read, book in one hand, cup of coffee in the other and box of chocolates at my side. The coffee went cold, the chocolates remained untouched, engrossed doesn't seem an adequate word.. I couldn't put this book down!
You don't need much imagination when reading this book, from the very start you feel you are on a journey with Pen.
The book begins in the weeks before his deployment to Afghanistan. His thoughts, fears emotions and expectations. By the time you have got to the part where he leaves his wife Lisa and their dogs Fizz and Beamer to begin his tour of duty you are sharing every raw emotion and every fear with him... no really.. by the time Pen arrives at the outpost in Nowzad you can literally feel the searing heat, the dust that clings to everything and you will be swatting away imaginary flies!
His first encounter with Nowzad at a dog fight, his fury at the senseless cruelty of it, his frustration as a dog lover will take you on a rollercoaster of emotion.
Nowzads arrival in camp some days later seems almost like fate, battered, wrapped in wire, his ears and tail cruelly cut off (to make him a better fighting dog) this dog had absolutely no reason to trust humankind, no reason to believe that anyone of the two legged variety would show him anything but abuse and cruelty. Temporarily placated with a sausage he was warily released from the wire, possibly the first act of kindness he had ever been afforded. Here in the book is where you may want to pause and arm yourself with a stock supply of kleenex, you are about to embark on an incredible journey, The subsequent bond which forms between these two unlikely friends is a journey I wouldn't want to miss and nor should you. It's ups and downs, the arrival of several more impromptu "rescue" dogs each of which this burly Royal Marine just couldn't turn his back on is captivating. The struggle to get the dogs to safety, the red tape and lack of communication with the outside world will leave you hanging off your seat, the failed attempts, the ticking clock as time runs out will have you chewing your fingernails down to nothing!
I have laughed, I have cried, I have felt frustration, disbelief and have held my breath till I needed to be reminded to breathe!
If I thought I knew the Nowzad story I was wrong, If I thought I was about to read a book where I knew the beginning and end I was wrong. The story is so much more than that of a dog loving marine who couldn't walk away. This is a story of love, fear, compassion, grief, determination and courage.
I won't spoil the book for anyone wishing to read it by giving away any more of the content, but I will sum it up by saying that the book is A MUST READ!
It is brilliantly written, the honesty and emotion is breathtaking and when you come to the end of the last page you will wish there was more.

Whether you are a dog lover, have loved ones serving in Afghanistan or just love a good story then this book is FOR YOU!

Sue

The book can be purchased via Amazon HERE

or directly from the Nowzad Dogs Website (where you can also pay by cheque) HERE

Okay now back to me, it's my blog after all!!

We have nominated Pen for the Dogs Trust Dog’s Best Friend Award 2009. The award is For a special human who has gone that extra mile for dogs, through fundraising, rescuing, or rehoming abandoned dogs. We think Pen truly deserves the title. If you wish to nominate Pen you can do so HERE
Lets show him how the four leggeds of this world appreciate his hard work and compassion.

Ben xxxx

PeeeeS: Especially for Miss Fluffy Tail Khyra (See I DO love you and I DO listen to you) a little photo of me enjoying a big ole handful of.....

KHYRA FLOOOOOOOF!!!

hubba hubba!!!!! (More piccies to come and the story of how I came to be in possesion of such a wonderful amount of Khyra Goodness amongst other things!! Very Soon!!!)

Auntie Lynne! What did you do????

2009-02-07T10:26:00.002Z

Auntie Lynne! What did you do?

Telling Mum to go look at these pictures:

Taylor & Evo

Millie

has turned her into a pool of smushiness!! She keeps going back and looking again...and again...and again!!!

Oh my!! She is totally smitten! with all 3!!!

These three beautiful pups are all awaiting adoption at Pawz For Thought and if she could Mum would race down there ninja style and kidnap them ALL!!!

Hey I don't think I would be complaining! They look like a cool bunch! Tyler and Evo look like they would be lot's of fun and Millie looks like she would be a VERY cute little sister!

Hey I just had a thought! She is called Millie... now that is a combination of Mollie and Lilli!!! It's almost MEANT TO BE!!

Maybe if I put really sad puppy eyes on and refuse to eat... do you think that would make Dad think it was a good idea? (lets face it, we don't have to convince Mum!)

I'm going to go practice being sad in my basket for a while now!

Ben xxxx

I'm back...

2009-02-03T00:03:00.004Z

I'm back... finally!

Ive sulked, begged, pleaded, pined, whined and made threats. All (up to now) to no avail.
The secretary is pitifully useless and anyone wishing to apply for the post PLEASE DO!! I would have sacked her but for the very important point that no-one was knocking her out of the way to take the job!
Anyhow, I have LOTS of catching up to do, LOTS of thank you's to say, LOTS of gazing at beautiful girls (Khyra... sigh) and... oh soooo much to do!

Its blowing a real blizzard outside and the secretary claims to be tired from chasing me around in the snow all day (someone should explain to her the difference between "chasing" and "plodding along after") so for today I will herald my return with a little footage of the days frolics and do the real catching up in my next post.

I MISSED YOU ALL!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Oh My!!!

2008-12-08T18:10:00.004Z

Will the torture ever end??????????

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Bendolph???

2008-12-05T10:53:00.000Z

Well at least she didn't paint my nose red!!

Apologies and Explanations

2008-12-04T20:54:00.002Z

Hi all,

Bens Mum here hijacking the blog for one post only. I decided I should make this post since this post is all about apologising and it is I that owes you all an apology and not Ben.
Those of you who visit Khyra may already know the reasons behind our absence but i shall explain for those that may not know.

Our wonderful Grandma passed away, finally pain free and reunited with Grandad who she missed so dearly. Our hearts are broken and our spirits low and we needed time to digest our loss and spend time with other family members and support them through their grief also. I hope you understand that whilst we love and have missed each and every one of you, the time away was very much needed.

Firstly I would like to apologise for being a terrible secretary and blatantly ignoring Ben's blog for far too long, I have had my reasons and they are very valid ones but I apologise that I didn't post and explain that Ben would be MIA for a while.
Secondly I would like to apologise for anyone (and i'm sure this applies to only one person) who is waiting for their DWB What it Means To Me submission to be posted. I will be getting caught up there very soon.
Thirdly I am truly truly sorry that in all the chaos I appear to have missed the final post for air-mail which means that aside from the ones i already had mailing address' for the majority of you may receive e-cards rather than snail mail. I feel truly truly terrible about this, especially since Ben has already received an abundance of beautiful cards but unfortunatley this is the only way to get greetings to you in time for the holidays. So please email me birthday dates and i promise that i will make it up to each and every one of you.

I would also like to apologise publicly to the Three Musketeers and to the lovely Blue, both of whom sent Ben wonderful parcels that I have not yet posted about

and I would like to thank the very beautiful Khyra and her wonderful Mom for taking the time to post of my whereabouts but also for their friendship and support. To Joey and Tanner, Rocky and everyone else who took the time to email just because you care and to apologise to you all for not being around and not always replying. Your friendship and support is so very valuable.. more than you could know.

I promise to get my mind back on secretarial duties and allow Ben to visit you all very soon. We love you all.

Update on Meg

2008-10-30T20:46:00.005Z

It is with a heavy heart that I bring you the very sad news that Meg's body has been recovered today.
Yesterday Lisa asked that Meg give a visual on her location via the communicators, the communicator relayed that Meg was in a corner of a sunny field playing with the kittens and Dragonflys.
Earlier that day in a field close to where the communicators had suggested Meg may be located a searcher had commented on the huge Dragonflys that were around, a comment made because in the bitter cold weather they should have been long gone.
So when the reference was made to Meg playing with kittens and dragonflys.. although it was against all the hope those involved in searching for her held, the mood turned from hope of finding Meg alive, to one of a desperate desire to locate Megs body and bring her home, it was clear to those who loved Meg and believed in the communicators that Meg had gone to the bridge.
Sadly, today, Megs communication of her whereabouts was confirmed. She is indeed running free in sunny fields playing with the kittens and dragonflies.

Run free at the bridge sweet Meg, free from pain and safe from harm.

To the countless number of people who gave up their time to search for Meg in truly awful conditions.. you are angels. To those that prayed for her safe return and kept Meg in their hearts THANK YOU. To all at GAP who cherished and loved this little girl and worked so hard to find her our deepest and heartfelt condolences. You showed the true spirit of Dog Rescue.. Meg may have been adopted but she was still YOUR girl, still in your hearts and her welfare and safety was still important. We salute you, you are wonderful.

Calling all bloggers in the SO40 area

2008-10-29T15:23:00.003Z

Urgent plea to anyone living/working in the SO40 (UK) District of Southampton.

Meg is missing she is microchipped to Greyhound Gap and the name on her chip details is MAGIC. She is a 4 year old black and white greyhound girl and is spayed.

She went missing around 5pm on Friday 24th October in the Ashurst area of the New Forest (UK) on a walk.

Meg is wearing a pink collar material martingale, red muzzle and is tagged.

Please contact Lisa at Greyhound Gap on 01782 544728 or 07917422489.

The rescuers have been working with two independant animal communicators and so far they have both been spot on. The information they are giving now is that her tummy is hurting she is sleeping comatose and her priorities are changing.
If anyone can go and help please please do. Alisa knows the area that needs searching and the postcode to the car park is SO40 7AR. Alisas mobile number is 07961069567

The search will be called off at loss of daylight, but (so far) today has yielded no signs of Meg. If you can assist the search team tomorrow PLEASE PLEASE contact one of the above numbers for instructions and directions.
Meg is muzzled and conditions at nightfall are getting colder day by day.

I will update this post with any further information I get.

For those (like me) who are too far away to help with the search, please keep Meg in your thoughts and prayers, lots of Puppy Zen needed here buddys!

Ben xxxx

LeeLou's Launch Party

2008-10-28T09:43:00.002Z

My new blog design was created by the very talented LeeLou, she is relaunching and is once again taking orders for customised blog headers and designs, check her out she does some great designs!

Mum didn't get the camera out on Sunday as threatened, it was raining most of the day and all in all miserable out. She did however get some halloween costumes for me.. and she thinks (and I stress the *thinks* here) that she will get me in a few of them later for a photo shoot.. I of course have other ideas!!
The beans are on holiday for a week so we are planning on getting the house decorations up soon too. It's my first Halloween with my family so I am really excited! It seems to be a lot of hard work for Mum though!! I heard the beans say something about treats, I'm always up for anything where treats are involved!!

Sorry we are still not getting to everyones blogs, these beans keep Mum busier than I anticipated!!

Ben xxxx

At Last....

2008-10-25T22:55:00.002+01:00

Finally I get to blog!!

Apologies to all for our absence and my haphazard blog visiting this week. Mum has been sick and it was the beans last week at school before they broke up for the week.
Mum is feeling much better now and so has promised me that we can catch up on everyones blogs very soon. She is also threatning to get the camera out tomorrow and take some new pictures of me.. thats fine as long as she is not expecting me to co-operate!
Mum has most of the addresses for the Grand Prize Draw winners and will be making a trip to the Post Office to mail out the prizes next week sometime. She honestly meant to go last week but sickness prevented her from doing pretty much anything but whine about how sick she felt!
So I'll keep this short and sweet for today...don't want to wear the secretary out!

Miss you all, we will be over to see you soon!

Love and Tailwags,

Ben xxxx

Horror-Scopes

2008-10-21T12:23:00.003+01:00

I share a star sign with my Mum.. so I thought it would be fun to check out what the starsigns say for an Aquarius Dog!

AQUARIUS

The Aquarius dog can be weird and wacky. His tastes are not always what you might expect of a canine. His interests are as diverse and wonderful as they are offbeat and unusual.
Aquarius dogs are known to 'bite back'. Don't push them too hard, they are well aware of their limits and play is not always on the agenda.

Aquarius dog likes time alone as much as the time they spend with you. Occasionally grumpy and always studying your next move with intent to 'out-think' you. A complex but ultimately lovable character.

hmmm so tell me.. does this sound like me?

so following on from that I decided to check out my horror-scope to see what is in store for me this week ..

Aquarius

Antagonistic neighbours or visitors are so annoying you're propelled to start communicating a bad attitude at the wrong time. Given the choice would you want to fall into an altercation with someone bigger and stronger than yourself? If the answer is no, you're under advisement to appear as respectful as possible when you encounter one. Letting your companions know you're present is one thing, but stepping on their toes is another; restrain yourself and avoid getting a telling off.

none of the neighbourhood furrys are bigger or stronger than me.. so.. I guess thats the green light to go right ahead and steam into that altercation!... If only I wasn't too busy napping!

Goodies Galore

2008-10-20T22:11:00.003+01:00

Finally Mum agreed to help me paw the photos and recipes for Saturdays Goodie Fest!

First we made Stinky Salmon Cookies, this is a recipe we snagged from Sherman a while back and they are now a firm favourite in this house.

So first you will need:

1 cup of rolled oats
1 cup of grated cheese
2 eggs
can of salmon with juice
2 shakes of garlic powder

(we doubled up on this recipe because my beans love these too and so we made sure there was plenty stinky goodness to go round)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Cover cookie sheet with foil and spray on a little non-stick spray.

ok.. now dump all the ingredients into a bowl like so..

then give it all a good smooshing around like so...

Once it is well and truly smooshed, dump it all onto your cookie sheet and press flat into a thin layer about 1/4 inch thick, add a little more grated cheese on top if you wish

Now throw it in that oven and wait for 25 horribly long minutes till it is ready.
Once the 25 minutes have crawled by.. remove from oven and cool (yet more horrible waiting) then cut into manly sized chunks like so..

and now for those most important bit.. this bit is crucial..

feed the dog the tasty goodness for approval!

Mmmmm Stinky Salmon Goodness!!

Next we made Milk Biscuits

now for these you will need:

3/4 cup hot water
1/3 cup margarine
1/2 cup powdered milk
1 tsp salt
1 egg (beaten)
3 cups of whole wheat flour

Preheat oven to 325 degrees
Grease a couple of cookie trays

In a large bowl...

pour hot water over margarine
stir in powdered milk, salt and egg
add flour 1/2 cup at a time to form a dough like this..

knead the dough for a few minutes till it is nice and soft then pat or roll out to about 1/2 inch thick.
Cut into shapes (we usually go for bones but went for something different this time) can you guess what shapes we had cut out?

Bake your cookies for 50 (VERY LONG) minutes then turn out and allow to cool and tell your furry friend several times that NO they are not ready yet!

They will dry out quite hard and this recipe makes about 1 and 1/4 lb of cookies!!

batch number 1..

Cookie Mailmen and Turtle!

Why a turtle I hear you cry!!

well actually it was LOTS of Turtles..

and they were in honour of Tadpole and Figs Mom's birthday.. seems she likes the Turtle Creatures!

and don't forget the all important furry friend taste test

Mmmm num num num!!

Oh and this is the Peanut Bread that I got to sample.. smothered in Peanut Butter!! I ate that too fast for photographic example though!!

If you want the recipe for the Peanut Bread or for the Peanut Butter Pops.. (which Mum forgot to photograph!! though they are on my blog elsewhere) then just holler!

Ben xxxx

Ratchet is safe and Thank you for your support.

2008-10-19T23:44:00.002+01:00

Thank you to all who signed the petition for Ratchet, he is now en-route to Kuwait and is due in Minnesota later this week, you can read the whole story HERE.

Secondly a huge THANK YOU to all who supported my week long fundraiser for Nowzad Dogs. If you participated by displaying a Nowzad Button or by Donating to Nowzad then please help yourselves to one of the images below, your support and generosity was very much appreciated.

Check out this great opportunity to own this fantastic pastel portrait of Nowzad by Sarah Gough, and a chance of a 2nd place prize of an oil painting portrait of your pet (unframed), that she will paint from photo's you supply.

Tickets are just £1 ($2) each and all the money raised will specifically support the current ongoing rescues of dogs that have adopted Servicemen and women in Afghanistan like ARNHEM.

Competition will close when all 2000 tickets are sold.

Sorry I haven't got around anyones blogs today or posted photos/recipes of my yummys. Mum has been a lazy mare.. I have no other excuse! Still, I guess she is entitled to a day off now and again!

Love and Tailwags,

Ben xxxx

Mum is a DOOFUS!!

2008-10-18T17:14:00.002+01:00

Mum is fiddling with my blog.. and has managed to lose my entire list of blogging buddys!! I told her to leave well alone.. but would she listen?? Noooooo!

Stick to the kitchen woman!

So it may take a couple of days (I'm an optimist!)for me to hunt you all down! If I don't swing by your blog in the next couple of days, it's because I'm still looking for you! (Thanks to the DOOFUS formerly known as Mum)
Luckily we have a notepad saved with most of your linkys on from when I started using the blogger gadget to see when you all updated. Anyone who I added in the last three weeks .. well I'm hunting for you as we speak!

On a more positive note, Mum has been baking up a storm (between screwing up my blog) so I will post piccys and recipes later!

Ben xxxx

We called a truce!

2008-10-17T20:55:00.003+01:00

Well after the earlier humiliation Ive forgiven Mum.. I know what you are all thinking.. how could I forgive something so awful?

Well it was simple really she promised to make me Stinky Salmon Cookies, Peanut Butter Pops, and Cheesy Puff Cakes.. so I decided to see the funny side of her prank and forgave her.

For those that wondered, no thats not my howl-a-ween outfit, It's the eldest beans, I doubt very much I will be wearing anything but my good looks at howl-a-ween.

As I type there is Peanut Bread baking.. and Mum has promised that when it is ready she will let me have a little bit.. so all is tranquil in the Rotti's house again.

Thank you to everyone who offered to come rescue me, you are the sweetest bunch!!

If you donated to Nowzad Dogs during my fundraiser please check HERE to see if you are one of the Grand Prize Draw winners as several of the prizes are still unclaimed. For those of you that have already claimed your prize Mum will be posting them out early next week, she has been holding out for the rest of the prizes to be claimed as she was hoping to do all the posting in one trip (because a) she is lazy and b) there is usually a queue about 100 miles long in the post office!)

Ben xxxx

Help Me!! ... I'm Abused!

2008-10-17T12:14:00.002+01:00

This is a plea for everypups help.. I need rescuing.. can anyone please rescue me from this blatant abuse..

prepare yourselves..

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WTF... You have GOT to be freakin kidding me MUM!!

Is this your idea of a sick joke?? Dresses are for GIRLS!! Is this the best you could come up with!

You better get this thing off me right NOW!!!!!

Thats it.. the straw that broke the camels back (or the dress!!) I'm officially placing myself up for adoption with any family that won't feel the need to humiliate me for their amusement.. Auntie Liz.. COME GET ME!!!!

The Letter T

2008-10-15T20:56:00.003+01:00

The Letter Game looked like a fun game to play so I asked Lady Kaos for a letter and she gave me the letter T

So now I have to list ten things I Love that start with the letter T.. so here goes..

1. The Beans

See how happy I am when I am with them?? Oh how I LOVE my Beans. They love me, play with me, bake me treats, snuggle with me on the couch, bed, floor.. just about anywhere! They sing to me, play hide and seek with me and just make my world a VERY happy place!

2. Time for napping with the Secretary (AKA Mum)

Oh I know I moan about her, but Nap Times with Mum are the BEST!! She squeezes into the tiny space I leave for her on the couch and snuggles right in, It's like having my own personal hot water bottle.. and she doesn't snore!!

3. Trucks..

well more specifically Landys.. especially MINE!! I don't care who claims ownership.. the keyword here is MINE!!

4. Trial Bikes

Whats not to love?? Even though Dad and the Bean won't let me ride theirs I still love them because I get to chase Dad and the Bean all over the woods and there is mud and critters to seek out and sniff and hills to run up and down and, more often than not, the day involves Mum falling down a hill into a big pile of mud (in her capacity of photographer she doesn't actually share our love of bikes!!) and spouting expletives whilst getting laughed at! .. makes for a fun day out all round!

5. Tennis Balls

Of the several thousand I have not one is in a state that is recognisable as a tennis ball.. due to me chewing them within an inch of their life!! They also provide the added entertainment of regularly sending Mum into a heap on the floor, everyone else in the house can see them and avoid stepping on them.. Mum is "Tennis Ball Blind" so leaving them at the top of the stairs or some equally perilous place is very entertaining!

6. Toast

I'm just gonna say YUM! no further explanation should be necessary on this one!

7. T Towels

These are multi functional fun towels.. or T-Towels as they are more commonly known as in my part of the world.. they are great for a game of tug of war.. even better if they happen to be draped over Mum's shoulder at the time.. "Why are you on the floor again Mum??"

8. Treats

Who doesn't love Treats! I especially love the yummys that Mum and the Beans homebake for me.

9. Teeth

I love my fearsome Teeth! They are especially good for convincing Mum to have a nap with me!

and last but most certainly not least I love..

10. Tanner

He may well be a Doofus (What?? Joey said it!!) but I love him anyway, he makes me howl with laughter! Of course we love Joey and ALL of you guys and gals too... but Tanner has the advantage of his name starting with a T!

If any of you would like a letter so you can play the Letter game just let me know!

That was fun!!

Ben xxxx

Uh-Oh

2008-10-14T11:09:00.003+01:00

Last night Mum made a fatal mistake when clearing up after cooking dinner, she didn't move the bag of grated cheese fast enough...

She also wasn't fast enough to react to the suspicious rustling noise coming from the kitchen

end result?

empty bag of cheese and a severe ticking off for me for counter surfing (again!)

do I look suitably sorry?

What?? It wasn't for me??

I'm sure I heard you say Help Yourself!

Sorry, I promise to never do it again (till next time)

Mooching Monday

2008-10-13T12:45:00.004+01:00

The very beautiful Khyra does a wonderful weekly post called Walking Wednesday where we can all swoon and gaze upon her beauty via the magic of video, so in her honour I present to you Mooching Monday..

(please accept my apologies for the utter incompetence of my human to control me and a camera simultaneously! Really, it's appalling.. she needs some serious practice!)

NowzadDogs Fundraiser Grand Prize Draw

2008-10-13T11:41:00.006+01:00

Mum has all the names eligible for the Grand Prize Draw and the Grand Total Raised so we are now able to announce the lucky winners. Because the majority of information we have is your pawents names and e-mail address' for the reasons of privacy we did not hold a video draw.

The following 8 runners up will each receive a Nowzad Supporter Bandana

Samantha S
Susan V
Rosemary B
Karen K
Gucci
Rhonda J
Amy K
Bryan K

Congratulations, please e-mail me (from the e-mail address you used to donate) with your postal address so we can get your prize out to you.

and the two Grand Prize winners below each win a Boxed set of British Force Goodies, comprising of a Watch, Torch, Wallet and Pen in camouflage design

Bev T
Angela P

Congratulations, please e-mail me your postal address (from the e-mail you used to donate) and I will get your prize right out to you. Since I have no idea (with the exception of Gucci) which pups belong to these two leggeds then I can't visit your blogs to let you know you have won!

We double checked and there are no duplicate names with the same surname initial so you should all know who you are!!

a HUGE HUGE THANK YOU to all who donated and all who participated and made this fundraiser such a huge success. A grand total of £500 was raised ($847.30)

I'll be back a little later with Mooching Monday.. my Mums rubbish attempt at filming me taking a walk!

Ben xxxx

Kai

2008-10-12T12:22:00.002+01:00

Hi everypup,

Kai over at the Zoo Crew is not doing too good at the moment, If you get the chance please pop over and show your support, his Mom is so upset and I'm sure she could use the DWB circle of support right now. Please keep him in your prayers.

Ben xxx

7 x 7

2008-10-11T21:42:00.003+01:00

Lady Kaos has tagged me to do this, so here goes!

7 Things I Plan To Do Before I Die

1. Get a fur brother or sister (hint hint Mum!)
2. Get my own couch that no-one minds me drooling/shedding/tending to my privates on
3. Taste chocolate and see if it tastes as good as it smells!
4. Ban school and work so all the two leggeds get to stay at home with me everyday
5. Get my own lake
6. Travel the world and visit all my friends
7. Marry a certain fluffy tailed beauty and have hundreds of beautiful fur kids (which may prove difficult since the vet stripped me of some necessary parts!)

7 Things I Do Now

1. Poop all over the garden as soon as i get back from a long walk
2. Spend 70% of the day napping
3. Follow Mum around as if there is an umbilical cord attaching us
4. Attack Dad as if he has been gone for three weeks everytime he comes home (yes even if he has only been gone for 5 minutes)
5. Lay on the newspaper when Mum is trying to read it
6. Get in bed with the beans and snuggle them back to sleep when I am supposed to be waking them up
7. Dream about marrying a certain fluffy tailed beauty

7 Things I Can't Do

1. Type (its the lack of thumbs!)
2. Drive (but its still MY Landrover)
3. Eat Chocolate (grrrr Mum)
4. Go 2 hours without a nap.. really.. why would I?
5. Be graceful (I'm big and clumsy and strangely proud of it!)
6. Go to school with the beans (apparently no dogs are allowed.. what kind of place is that!!??)
7. Get a fluffy tailed beauty out of my mind!!

7 Things That Atract Me to The Opposite Sex

1. Fluffy Tail!!! (bet you didn't know that was coming!!)
2. Gorgeous Smile
3. Rebel Qualities
4. Kind Heart
5. Beautiful Eyes
6. Beautiful Soul
7. Nice fluffy belly to rub

7 Things I say Most Often

1. Its Nap Time
2. do I have to get up?
3. you want me to get off the couch??
4. yeah, yeah, yeah..I'm shedding.. did you not notice i am a D_O_G!!
5. Its Mine!!
6. I drooled on it, can i have it now?
7. i like to poop in MY garden.. ok!

7 Celebrities That I Admire

1. Nowzad and Tali
2. Jim Morrison (he sang great songs and Mum says that when he was alive he was a rebel just like me!!)
3. Will Smith - because he is cool and has 4 rottweilers too!
4. Whoever Invented Rope Frisbees
5. Good Dog Carl
6. Snot (the rottie that starred in National Lampoons Christmas Vacation)
7. Joss Stone who has a beautiful voice and who has a rottie caled Missy and a poodle called Dusty!

7 Who Get to do this now
1. anyone
2. who
3. didn't
4. yet
5. and
6. would
7. like to

and a quick update on Ratchet. If you didn't already sign the petition to try and save this little fella you can do so HERE

Lots to do....

2008-10-10T11:29:00.005+01:00

Hi all,

Sorry I haven't been around everyone's blogs as frequently as usual. Mum has been a little busy and we are still in post-fundraiser recovery. For those that asked I will be posting a final total raised next week when I announce the Grand Prize Draw winners.

There are 10 prizes in total and any donations received up to midnight GMT Sunday 12th October (using the special donation button on the NowzadDogs homepage) will qualify for entry into the draw.

This is for the AO4 .. who would like us all to click daily and vote for the MaPaw Siberian Husky Rescue for a chance to win them $25,000 to help continue the fantastic work they do.

here is all you have to do - CLICK HERE! Once there, scroll down a bit. Under Search and Vote for a Shelter, please enter MaPaw for the name, USA for country, and PA as the state. Then click and cast your vote! (You may be asked to confirm your vote after that.)

That's it - just click! You can vote once a day, every day, from now until December 14th. (It will even save your info to make it easier for you to vote the next day!)
Please click daily and help Sibes in Need

Don't forget to e-mail your submissions to either myself or Lady Kaos for the DWB What it Means to Me Blog and have a guess at what date the 1000th member joins DWB to win a great prize.

Also Chef and Abby are now accepting submissions for the Autobiography Week and those will be published on the 20th October.

If you didn't already then please run along and sign the petition for Clemency For Ratchet (see previous post for details)

and don't forget to sign up for this years DWB Holiday Card Exchange, and while we are on the subject.. if you could be so kind as to save your postage stamps this year then they can also raise much needed funds for Nowzad Dogs.
Just make sure the stamps have a small piece of the envelope around them as a border. To make life easier, please wait until you have a large pile of used stamps before sending them. "Nowzad Dogs, PO Box 193, Exmouth, EX8 3WU, United Kingdom".

phew.. thats an awful lot of things to remember.. and it reminded me to paw at the secretary to work on my own submission for Autobiography week!
I think I have broken some kind of record in not talking about myself for a considerable length of time! Normal vain (all about ME ME ME) blogging will resume shortly!

Ben xxxx

Plea For Clemency

2008-10-09T21:30:00.005+01:00

Hi Everypup,

I have a small favour to ask you all. I know it is all I seem to do at the moment but it really will just take a moment of your time.
Yesterday Gus, Louie and Callie posted a link to an article about a puppy called Ratchet who was due to be rescued from Iraq and brought to the US to be reunited with the servicewoman who had befriended and cared for him whilst serving there.Sadly her commanding officers seized Ratchet on his way to the Airport and there is a very real threat that he will be killed.
You can read the whole story HERE

I forwarded the link to Nowzad and today they have sent me the link for an online petition to appeal for clemency for Ratchet. You can sign the petition HERE
PLEASE SIGN AND FORWARD THE PETITION LINK TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.

Thank you,

Ben

Prizes

2008-10-08T21:48:00.003+01:00

Hi all,

just a quick note to say that all the prizes have now been posted. Most were sent via airmail so should be with you quite quickly but a couple of the heavier ones have been sent via surface mail and so could take 6-8 weeks to arrive with you. Please accept my apologies for this but the cost of sending via airmail was so high that it exceeded the value of the prize even! Mum *thinks* that the surface mail ones were Rocky and Lorenza's .. but don't quote her on that as she has a memory like a sieve and is nowhere near as useful!

Thank you for the continued donations, all who donate will be automatically entered into the Grand Prize Draw.

Please note that winners will be announced via the name they donated from
for eg: You donate to paypal in the name of Fred Smith.. winner announcement Fred.S.
In some cases I only have an e-mail address so then it would be announced as follows..
You Donate using immafrootloop@hotmail.com.. winner announcement: immafrootloop

If you would prefer to be announced via your pets name then please e-mail me the name of your pet from the e-mail address you used for the donation (So i can tie it up .. all I have is a list of names/e-mail addys and in some cases just an e-mail address)

No idea if any of that makes any sense at all, the secretary (aka Mum) has reverted to inane rambling due to over exertion.. she needs to take a leaf out of my book and take a nap!

Ben xxxx

Competition Numero Seven~O Results

2008-10-06T21:18:00.003+01:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Congratulations to the lucky winner! Please p-mail me your address and we will get your prizes off to you.. this is what you have won.

So that draws to its conclusion the NowzadDogs Fundraiser Week. Thank you to each and every one of you that participated, I hope you enjoyed it and don't forget to check back next Mon/Tue for the announcement of the grand total raised and for the Grand Prize Draw. All who donated are automatically entered.

Now especially for the very beautiful Miss FluffyTail Khyra... as promised.. ME.. looking slightly worse for wear after Gucci's Party!

MESSAGE FROM NOWZAD & Final Daily Competition.

2008-10-04T22:21:00.005+01:00

COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED ~ WE WILL BE BACK A LITTLE LATER TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER - BEN.

Before we announce the final daily competition (we will get to that later in the post after this important stuff) we would like to share with you the following message that Nowzad and Tali have sent for everyone who has supported my Nowzad Fundraising Week..

Absolutely brilliant effort – a big thank you to Ben and all his friends in dog blog land – raising awareness of what Nowzad Dogs is all about through Ben’s blog is a super cool way of doing it. We are forever grateful and everyone’s contribution really is appreciated.

This is Arnhem who was smuggled to the Afghan rescue just last week – and this is his story

Arnhem the puppy

Arnhem was found on the 17th September 2008 (the 64th anniversary of the battle of Arnhem, hence the name) by the Pathfinder Platoon on Op Herrick 8. He was seen at the side of the road by a member of the passing patrol, looking very miserable and very poorly. The PF lads stopped, scooped him up and continued on their route back to Camp Bastion. As soon as they got back to Bastion the puppy was rushed over to the vet at the dog section who gave him an all-clear, but warned that he was very weak and vulnerable, having been separated from his mother at such a young age (approx. three and a half weeks old).
It was quickly decided by the blokes that he couldn’t be returned to the wild as he wouldn’t last five minutes without a parent to look after him and raise him, so he was smuggled into the accommodation pods and kept for one week in a cardboard box, regularly let out to sniff at and wrestle with stray socks and wash bags.
A makeshift kennel, pieced together from a hesco frame, cardboard and hessian was built for him and the lads contacted Nowzad Dogs, who had been lightning quick to offer their help in getting him home.
The lads were ecstatic that there was a way of getting him back to the UK, where one of the lads from the path finder platoon would take care of him.
Arnhem is a Labrador type dog (although you can never be sure with these Afghan cross-breeds), with blond fur, who enjoys chewing socks, sandals, feet...etc. He is very sociable and enjoys lending a paw when everyone is cleaning their weapons at the bottom of the compound. He is very popular and very photogenic, having posed with pretty much the entire Platoon for individual photos. Currently he is about five weeks old and lives on weetabix and milk, with meat gradually being introduced to his diet.
He would have died on the side of that road where he lay if the blokes hadn’t found him that day, and if it wasn’t for the Nowzad Dogs charity helping him get back to the UK then this sweet little puppy would have had no chance of a life fending for himself without a mum, in a country like this.

THANK YOU EVERYBODY – NOWZAD & TALI OCT 2008

That message has made this week even more worthwhile to me, it highlights the importance of supporting the vital role that Nowzaddogs play in so many stories like this one. A very very worthy cause I am sure you will agree!

Don't forget that all who have made/ do make a donation to NowzadDogs have been/will be entered into the grand prize draw which will be drawn sometime after the 12th October. Any donations made up to and including the 12th October using the BenTheRotti Donation button on the Nowzad homepage will be eligible for entry.

Now onto our final daily competition, as it is the final one it will remain open until 3pm Monday 6th October and the winner will be drawn and announced once the beans get home from school. Usual entry rules apply.

Competition Numero Seven~O

How did Arnhem get his name?

you may enter via comments..

Good luck, and thank you from the bottom of my big rottie heart for supporting Nowzaddogs.

Ben xxxxxx

Winner Announcement

2008-10-04T21:17:00.006+01:00

The draw has taken place for Competition Numero Six~O (once again apologies for the lack of video today, we have been out most of the day and so were late making the draw.. so the beans are away in dreamland)

The lucky winner is.....

*drumroll*

SHELLY

Congratulations Shelly! Please pmail us your postal address so we can post your prize out to you. Mum will have a scrabble in the prize chest tomorrow and find something really nice for you and we will edit this post to add a photograph.

Thank you all for entering and we will be back in a little while with a new competition and A Message from Nowzad and Tali

Ben xxxxx

Competition Numero Six~O

2008-10-03T22:08:00.003+01:00

EDIT: THE COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED. WE WILL BE BACK SHORTLY TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER.. NO VIDEO TODAY.. THE BEANS ARE IN BED!!

Ok so Mum finally stopped scrabbling around in the prize chest and found prizes for the last two winners, so now onto Competition Numero Six~O

Usual rules of entry apply and the competition will close at 7pm GMT on Saturday 4th.
Answers may be left as comments.

Good Luck!

What breed of dog was featured in the "Good Dog Carl" books.

Results for Competitions Numero Four~O AND Five~O

2008-10-03T18:35:00.004+01:00

Hi folks,

well we are finally catching up and so here we are posting the results of competitions Four~O and Five~O. No beautiful me to gaze upon I'm afraid, I'm still raving it up at Gucci's party.. but thats another story

First Numero Four~O

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Congratulations to the lucky winner! Please paw us your postal address so we can whisk whatever it is into the mail to you. Mum thought this was the pawfect prize for you.. i'm personally miffed since I REALLY wanted to have it myself.. my own mini Khyra! *sob*

and now onto the prize drawing for Competition Numero Five~O

(Please note that we will not be reading all of the entrants names out as we put them in the hat for this draw.. simply because there are over 20 and the bean is getting tired.. but we assure you that all who entered will be in the hat)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Congratulations!! Paw us your address so we can mail out your prize! and here is what you have won..

Now Lilli would like to do her bit to encourage you to support Nowzad Dogs.. she is a little shy and has not really said much.. but here is her personal contribution.. if you enjoy this (and you haven't already done so) then please go to the NowzadDogs Home Page and click that BenTheRotti Donate Button..you know you want to! You never know.. it may encourage her to do more guest appearances!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Thank you all for supporting Nowzad dogs! We will be back in a little while with photos of the winners loot and a brand new sparkly competition!

Ben xxxx

Results for Competition Three-O and a new Competition

2008-10-02T21:03:00.003+01:00

COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED, WE SHALL BE BACK SHORTLY WITH RESULTS FOR COMPETITIONS FOUR~O AND FIVE~O AND DETAILS OF A NEW COMPETITION

Hi all,

Well FINALLY we have the results for competition Numero Three-O AND the new competition.

Dont forget you can still enter Competition Numero Four-O till Midnight GMT too.

Now as most of you who have known me for sometime will know, I'm not the best rule keeper in the world, so as a one off for Competition Three-0 I threw the rule book out of the window. The answers amused me so much that even those who didn't even try to answer got entered, and even a few who sneaked in after the competition closed. In fact.. in honour of WHAT RULES?? DAY (as I have declared today to be) then anyone who commented on the post up to the time we drew it .. is in the hat!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Congratulations to our lucky winner.. and you have won a snazzy Nowzad Supporter Bandana!!

and since there are two of you, we will further break the rules by sending two!! Please e-mail me your postal address so I can get them in the post to you.

Now onto Competition Numero Five-O

What is the name of the author of the book due for release February 2009 which will tell the Nowzad Story? (CLUE)

answers in comments please and this competition will close at 7PM GMT Friday when we announce the results for Competition Numero Four-0 (which you can still enter till Midnight GMT)

Thank you for all continuing to support my fundraising efforts, it is very much appreciated.

Ben xxx

New Competition & Sleepy Mum

2008-10-02T07:19:00.006+01:00

CURRENT TOTAL RAISED £231

Due to a technical hitch (if you class Mum falling asleep at 7.30pm due to sheer exhaustion and BEFORE the draw had been made as a technical hitch) then we have not yet drawn a winner for yesterdays competition. So we will get the new competition in motion and when the beans get home from school Mum will draw yesterdays winner and announce them and their prize.. please forgive her, she claims to be only human!

ok so here is Competition Numero Four-0

Which of the following is NOT one of the original Nowzad Dogs.

A) Nowzad
B) Jena
C) Pinkytoes
D) RPG

you can answer in comments.. I will leave this competition open until midnight GMT.. (since we are late posting it) and announce the winner tomorrow, check back this evening for competition Numero Five-O and the results of yesterdays Comp.

Thank you all for your suport it is very much appreciated.

oh and thanks to Mum's snooze-a-thon we are also way behind on your blogs, we will be catching up with you soon.. if i can keep her awake long enough!

Ben xxxx

Competition Numero Three-O

2008-09-30T20:34:00.008+01:00

EDIT: COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED WE WILL BE BACK TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER AND NEW COMPETITION LATER

TOTAL RAISED TO DATE £166

and now for Competition #3

again.. all who have either displayed a Nowzad button and/or pledged a donation or donated to Nowzad may enter the competition.. blah blah

so today we have a brain teaser for you..answers in comments please.

A completely black dog was strolling down Main Street during a total blackout affecting the entire town. Not a single streetlight had been on for hours. Just as the dog was crossing the middle line a Buick Skylark with 2 broken headlights speedily approaches his position, but manages to swerve out of the way just in time. How could the driver have possibly seen the dog to swerve in time?

Competition will close tomorrow at 7pm GMT all correct entrys will be in the draw. You may submit as many answers as you wish.

Good Luck.. Ben xx

oh and I almost forgot.. that Ginger Floofball.. the bain of my existence.. the cat that steals my Mum's affections and eats all MY spiders!... has joined blogland!
I guess I need to start being nice to him???

or you could all go be nice to him instead.. save me the job?

Visit him HERE

ok..ok..stop prodding me Mum..

Grandma.. if you are reading this I think your giant ball of ginger fur is just pawesome.. wonderful in fact.. the best animal creation ever..

can i have the treats now Mum??

Announcing Winner #2

2008-09-30T19:46:00.004+01:00

Firstly apologies to all who thought their name was not in the hat yesterday.. due to the volume of entrys (32) my genius Mum thought just a token few of the names should be read out (to keep the suspense to a minimum).. but didn't engage her brain enough to tell the bean to explain this in the video. I can reassure you that all who entered were in the hat.
Secondly I apologise for my apparent lack of interest in yesterdays draw.. I was fine until the bean announced to the world I had a crush on Khyra!! I'm over it now and am wiser for it.. she will be party to no more of my secrets!

I assure you there is marginally more face shots in this evenings video draw..

an NO embarrassing revelations!.. and we are reading ALL entries out

so on to this evenings draw..

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Congratulations to our winner! Please e-mail me your postal address and Mum will get your prize in the post. You have won a fleece blanket.. with a real cute doggy on it! We didn't take a picture because Mum was paranoid that if she took it out of the packaging I would adorn it with my black fur and even worse my drool.. wouldn't that make it more precious???

Thank you to all who joined in and helped me support Nowzad Dogs.

We will be back in a little while with Competition number 3.. stay tuned!

Ben xxxxx

Competition Numero Two-O

2008-09-29T21:21:00.006+01:00

EDIT: COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED, WE WILL BE BACK SHORTLY TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER AND THEIR PRIZE - BEN

Time for the next competition folks..

What term do I use to collectively describe my skin sisters?

A) The Ugly Sisters
B) My Beans
C) The Furless Ones

You may leave your answers in the comments box

All who have displayed a badge on their blog for Nowzad Dogs or pledged/made a donation to Nowzad Dogs may enter.

Competition is open till 7pm (Greenwich Mean Time) Tuesday.

Winner will be drawn from all correct answers.

Please continue to support Nowzad Dogs, as just this last Saturday saw another dramatic bid to get three pups to safety at the Afghan Rescue. Only the efforts of the Nowzad team (who were up till 4.30am making frantic calls to Afghanistan) ensured these pups journey to safety and saved them from at best a life of misery and at worst certain death.
Please donate if you can and continue to spread the word about their cause.

Ben xxxx

Also.. if you get a minute can you please run over to Jan's Funny Farm and read the latest update regarding Carrol Crockers fight to save over 70 dogs, if you are not aware of the Carrol Crocker story then all the info is in that post.

And the winner is....

2008-09-29T21:10:00.004+01:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Congratulations!! These prizes will be winging their way to you soon, please e-mail me your postal address.

Thank you to all who entered and supported Nowzad Dogs, the next competition will be announced shortly (because the incompetent human hasn't thought of one yet!)

Ben xxx

Closing Soon

2008-09-29T17:56:00.005+01:00

EDIT: COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED, WE ARE OFF TO FILM THE DRAW. WE WILL POST RESULTS AND THE NEW COMPETITION LATER. BEN.

Hi all,

Just a quick reminder that Competition Numero Uno closes in One Hour at 7pm (Greenwich Mean Time)

So just time for some last minute entrys.

My skin sister Mollie will be drawing the winner out of the hat and we will announce the winner, the prize and a NEW competition later tonight

Thanks to all who entered

Ben xxx

Competition Numero Uno

2008-09-28T00:38:00.005+01:00

Well its finally Sunday (In my part of the planet anyway!) so let the competitions commence.

Scattered around my blog there are five pawprints (not including the one below)
Find the five paw prints and email me the titles to the five posts they are displayed on. All correct entries will be put in a hat and the winner drawn out. You have until 7pm (GMT) Monday to send in your entry.

This is what you are looking for..

Winner and their prize will be announced sometime Monday evening.

Good Luck!

Ben xxxx

EDIT .. WELL IT SEEMS THAT MY IMAGE HOST IS SUFFERING SOME DOWNTIME.. GREAT TIMING HUH? SO SINCE THIS WILL MAKE FINDING THE PAWPRINTS IMPOSSIBLE THEN ANYONE WISHING TO ENTER WHILST THE IMAGES ARE DOWN MAY E-MAIL ME THE NAME OF THE CHARITY MY FAMILY ADOPTED ME FROM.. THAT WILL COUNT AS A VALID ENTRY.

Competition is open to all who have either donated to, pledged a donation to or displayed a button/link for Nowzad Dogs on their blogs/websites.

The Fun Starts Tomorrow

2008-09-27T10:19:00.002+01:00

Tomorrow is the launch of our weeklong fundraiser for Nowzad Dogs We hope you will all join in and have a lot of fun in the process, and of course we are hoping to raise as much money as possible so that the Nowzad Dogs charity can continue their amazing work.

Before the fun begins we wanted to take a day to remember what it's all about. Please watch the videos, please come and join us this week and please please donate if you are able. There is a special donate button on the Nowzad home page which will guarantee you an entry into the grand prize draw.
We will also be holding a daily competition which you may enter if you have donated, pledged a donation or displayed a Nowzad Dogs button on your blog.

Also if you would like to set me a challenge to complete during Nowzad Week I will give a prize to anyone who suggests the challenge I take up!

Thank you.

Ben

The Nowzad Dogs

The Nowzad Dogs Come Home

Simon & Gizmo

2008-09-24T12:59:00.006+01:00

Our planned blog for the day is suspended, our hearts are truly not in it today.

Our beautiful friend Simon from the Fleas Blog has been reunited with his sweet sister Shelley at the Rainbow Bridge.

The Fleas Blog was the first DogBlog we started to read, the reason we found and joined DWB, the inspiration so to speak.
For that reason Simon, Shelley and Scarlett have always held a very special place in our hearts. A little bit of our hearts left with Scarlett and now a little of our hearts are leaving with Simon.
Jason, Judy and Shelley we are so sorry, we will miss your little fella so much and our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you.

Godspeed to the bridge dear Simon, and your reunion with sweet Scarlett.

EDITED TO ADD...

We didn't think today could get any sadder, but now we have had the news that Deetzy's brother Gizmo has also left us for the bridge.
Gizmo was a tiny dog with the heart of a lion and though we didn't know him long he touched our lives hugely, his last post was the most moving post we have ever read.

We promised Gizmo we wouldn't cry when the time came, Sorry buddy but we have let you down.

Godspeed lil Man .. you will be missed.

Shameless plug

2008-09-23T18:56:00.004+01:00

Did you all read Nowzad's Story over at The Nowzad Dogs site?

If you haven't yet then I urge you to read it now, you should also read The Marines Side of The Story

These are the stories that inspired my fundraiser.The roller coaster of emotions that I experienced reading them made me determined to do something to help.

One of the thoughts I had on reading these stories was that they should be in a book, as great and as inspiring as they were, they left me hungry for more!

So I'm happy to report that (if like me) you are hungry for more you don't have too long to wait.

Pen (or the Hero Marine as I like to call him) has written the book that will tug a million heartstrings and probably make us cry, laugh, scream and cheer in equal measures. Without even reading a page yet one thing I'm certain of is that this book is going to make us sit up in awe at the dedication and determination of a bunch of Marines who just couldn't walk away.

The book is due for release 5th February 2009 (so I don't have to think too hard about what to buy Mum for her birthday this year!!) and can be pre-ordered from Amazon's UK Site Here or you can sign up to be notified when it is available to order from Amazon's US Site Here.

I will be doing a book review upon it's release.. (well.. within a few days of it's release.. once Mum has finished reading it)

Personally I can't think of a better Valentine gift for your two leggeds!

Whilst we have talked a lot about Nowzad and his pals, we haven't said much about Pen and his fellow Marines...

Can I get a HUGE doggy round of Woos, Aroos, Wrooofs and Doggy Admiration for these truly inspiring men! (come on guys.. they are two leggeds but they ARE awesome two leggeds)

Ben x

Nowzad to the Rescue and Moody Monday

2008-09-22T23:05:00.003+01:00

Well finally things are less complicated, don't thank my utterly incompetent Human.. trust me she doesn't deserve thanks just a kick up the.. hmm .. anyway..

I'm sure all previous ramblings about how the donation/prize draw etc etc has been making your brains fry, I know I have needed extra naps to rest mine!!

Well finally someone with plenty of grey matter between the ears (something the human sadly lacks) swooped in and saved the day... none other tha Fizzdog of Nowzaddogs.. (actually Pen the human hero claims he did all the work while Fizzdog slept but because I'm a dog.. and this is MY blog.. and I can do as I wish.. then for the purposes of canine solidarity I will give Fizzdog all the credit!)

So now a snazzy new donation link has been put up on the Nowzad Home Page.. featuring a very handsome dog.. (whaddya mean who?? Me of course!!) Donating using that new button means a guaranteed entry into the grand prize draw and a simplistic way of calculating a total sum raised at the end of all this madness.. cool huh?

So don't worry about e-mailing me if you donate.. just e-mail if you are just pledging an intended donation. I'll keep you all updated as to totals pledged (maybe not in the sidebar though as the human is too stupid to work that out).

Why am I suddenly referring to Mum as the Human? Frankly I'm embarrassed to be related to her today!

now onto my day..and Mum has Monday Moodiness (again!)

Dad and the beans were back to school/work today BOOOOO! I dislike Mondays for that very reason. There was the usual scenes of chaos that every Monday brings.. lost homework, lunch money etc.. Mum saying "Do you want to be late??" a zillion times!
I retreated to the harmony of the bedroom and did my best to ignore them all!

Mum came back from the school run and took me for my walk.. though it was more like an olympic race! It was raining so I was being my usual reluctant self.. Mum had a zillion things to do and was in no mood for my rain aversion tactics so the end result was a mad dash down the usual route and then home.. where i typically FINALLY decided to do my business right outside the open back door.. just to ensure she got a nostril full of its freshness. She didn't seem to appreciate the gesture and her monday moodiness got into full swing!
I ignored her disgusted rants as she did her poop scooping duties and took up position on the sofa for a nice nap.. again, she didn't appreciate that and I was rudely awakened and booted off the furniture!
Now my nap had been interuppted.. so rudely!.. I decided that while she was busy making phone calls and scribbling on bits of paper that I would do a little investigating in the kitchen.. ooohh whats that on the counter top... butter!

yum yum.. ok all done investigating i sloped off for a (hopefully) peaceful nap on the bed.

It didn't last long.. Mum discovered the empty butter carton and immediatley figured it had to be me! (how does she do that??) I then had to look like I was interested and alert while she lectured me for hours (thats how it felt) on the reasons I should not steal butter.. and what she anticipated the end result would be (calm down woman there was only a scraping left in the carton, its not like I ate a barrel full of the stuff!!)

After looking reasonably sorry and offering her all my paws in turn I was excused and got back to napping. Mum disappeared out to get some shopping and pick up the beans and I took up residence on the sofa.. all warnings to not do this had fallen on deaf ears!

She came back in a better mood, and I didn't even get told off when she found several suspect hairy spots on the sofa! Me Dad and the beans have all been fed, watered and walked.. and Monday Moodiness seems to be over... TDIAT! (Thank Dog It's Almost Tuesday)

Nowzad Fundraiser Competitions and Donations

2008-09-22T12:51:00.003+01:00

Competitions will run from Sunday 28th September 2008 to Sunday 5th October 2008.

There will be at least one new competition daily.

Anyone can join in the competitions for fun, but in order to win a prize you must either pledge a donation to Nowzad dogs (by e-mailing bentherotti @ gmail dot com) or place a button linking to the Nowzad site on your blog (or make a post about them linking to their site)

You are not required to make an actual donation until the fundraising week is over, but I do ask that if possible all donations are sent in by 12th October. (simply so we can hold the grand prize draw asap)

Mum just made a donation as she is being told by those that have donated that there is no facility to add additional details in. You are correct! There isn't!

Since donators will all be elibible for a grand prize draw this presents a problem! I have a solution (which I hope is acceptable to you all) once you have made a donation please e-mail me and let me know what name the donation was made in (don't worry this will be treated in the strictest of confidence) I will then be able to liase with Nowzad to determine exactly how much was raised by this event, and I will also know who is eligible for the final grand prize draw.

Once the donations are in and I have a final total raised, I will hold the Grand Prize Draw.

Don't forget though that there will be lots of opportunities to win prizes all week long even if you can't afford to donate right now (only the Grand Prize Draw is exclusive to donators), all we ask is that you publicise Nowzad's cause with a button on your blog or a post linking to their site.
So please come along and join in the fun, drag all your friends along too, heck.. drag strangers along if you like!

Please throw a few challenges at me to complete during the week too, anyone who suggests a challenge that I take up will win a prize.. regardless of all the above rules.

If I am a bit lax getting around everyones blogs etc for the next couple of weeks then forgive me (though I will do my best) we are already inundated with e-mails to reply to!!

Lastly.. Thank you so much everyone for the overwhelming support, encouragment and promotion you have all been giving us.. even before the fun starts!.. we are truly overwhelmed! So from us.. and of course all at Nowzad..

THANK YOU!

just gotta figure out how to get the pledge/donation amounts in the sidebar now.. eeek!

Ben (and a slightly frazzled Mum)

Mums a Doofus Brain!!

2008-09-22T00:31:00.003+01:00

You guys are all too good.. because I didn't anticipate anyone actually donating before the event even began I .. or should I say Mum.. didn't think it was necessary to harp on about what to do when donating yet..

but since it seems some folk are already sending donations then I guess I better do the blurb thing now.

Here is how it will work.

To pledge a donation e-mail me at bentherotti @ gmail dot com, all that is required is what your intended donation will be so that I am able to post a daily running total of the amount pledged over the course of the event.

I won't be publishing who is donating what, just a running total.

When you make your donation it must be paid directly to Nowzad on their site via their Paypal Account. In the additional comments please include the following information (THIS IS IMPORTANT SO THAT YOU CAN BE ENTERED INTO THE FINAL GRAND PRIZE DRAW)

Since most of you will probably be scratching at the humans to make the donations then I won't have a clue who is who and oh it will get very confusing so please state when donating:

That the donation is in respect of the BENTHEROTTI FUNDRAISER/REFERENCE (here please state something to identify yourself to me, dogs name/blogname..)

Nowzad will then send me a list of all blog/dog names and I will know who is eligible to enter.

If you have already made a donation and would like to be eligible for the prize draw then please e-mail me and I will make sure you don't miss out.

Hope that all made sense, it's late, Mum is tired.. I am grumbling at her and .. the old woman can't keep up with me!! hehehe

Ben xxx

I can officially SPILL THE BEANS

2008-09-21T00:16:00.005+01:00

Ok.. it's 1.15am.. which means it is officially Sunday.. and today is the day that I am allowed to spill the beans about what I am up to!

All covert behaviour ceases here!

First I would like to tell you a story... are you sitting comfortably?

Then I will begin...

In Southern Afghanistan, where desert meets mountains, lies the small war torn town of Now Zad. Here during late 2006 a group of Royal Marines attempted to look after several stray dogs that had been abandoned by their owners. The choice of leaving them to fend for themselves was not an option, the dogs were scared, lonely and in a poor state of health. The dogs became the Marines' companions for the 3 months they spent in the small town facing the daily threat of attack.

The dogs became known as "Nowzad", "Jena", "RPG", "AK", "Tali", "Dushka" and "Patches". An Afghan dog's life is not one of comfort at the best of times; most of the day is spent hunting for scraps of food or hiding from the hot desert sun during the summer and the freezing cold of an Afghan winter night.

There is no pampered pet status in Afghanistan. When their tour of duty in Afghanistan was over, the Marines couldn't leave the dogs behind.

With the fantastic support from fellow animal lovers the world over, they managed to rescue "Jena", "Nowzad", "Tali" and "Helmand" to safety in the US and UK and the Nowzad Dogs charity was formed, Registered Charity Number 1119185.

The Nowzad Dogs have a special meaning for us all - they represent the dogs and animals of the world that have no voice and no hope.

This is the story of how the Nowzad Dogs Charity began. Heartwarming I'm sure you will agree. So I hear you ask.. what does that have to do with covert shopping trips and me having my mouth taped shut for a week?

Well...

Although Nowzad, Jena, Tali and Helmand are all now safe in their new furever homes in the UK and US the work of Nowzad Dogs is only just beginning. They didn't walk away from their beloved camp dogs and they are not about to walk away from the dire situations of the hundreds of other dogs suffering.
They know that they cannot simply bring all of the strays of Afghanistan back to the UK or the US

BUT

they can help support those soldiers who find themselves trying to look after the Afghan strays that seem to have no hope and by further funding the vital work of the Afghan rescue by helping them with their educational programme for children, free neutering programme for stray dogs and cats bought into the rescue and to help with the further welfare and local re-homing of rescued animals. They also support the Mayhew Animal Homes' training programme for vets from developing countries who are working to help the animals in their local communities.

So what does all of this have to do with explosions of doggy/kitty related articles in my house I hear you all cry again..

Ok... Ok... I'm getting there!!

From Sunday 28th September through to Sunday October 5th I shall be hosting the

Supporting Troops Supporting Dogs Nowzad Fundraiser

It will be a week of fun, competitions, challenges and most importantly (I guess) LOTS AND LOTS of prizes! All are welcome to come join in the fun, win prizes and have some fun.

All are welcome to join in .. everypup, kitty, hamster, bird.. no species is prejudiced.. not even your two legged owners, bring them along too! E-mail your friends, phone your Grandma, refuse to pay your Vet till he joins in, grab everyone you can think of and lets have some fun, this isn't limited to regular blog visitors, and there is no requirement to keep visiting once its over..

THIS ISN'T ABOUT ME (did I actually just say that!!)

This is about making a difference!

now here comes the catch... you knew there was one right?

Throughout the week of frolics I will be asking.. in fact shamelessly begging for folks to pledge a donation to the Nowzad Charity. You will not be required to send your donation in until the frolics are over and done with (though you can if you wish) All donations will be required to be paid direct to the Nowzad Paypal account (on their site).. not to me.. I have no use for money.. I just spend Mum's!

I know we are in a biscuit crunch right now (umm Mum says Credit Crunch but biscuit sounds much yummier) but any amount you can afford will be so very much appreciated and every penny/cent they receive goes straight to helping the dogs/cats.. the two leggeds who run this charity do not get paid.. they are just kindhearts. Even a £1/$1 can help, but if you really can't afford to donate then please consider adding a button for Nowzad Dogs on your blog.
Anyone making a pledge, or adding a Nowzad button to their blog will be eligible to enter to win prizes throughout the week.
Once the week is over and the pledged donations are made then all who donated to the charity will be entered into a grand prize draw with a chance to win something really cool.

ARE YOU ALL STILL AWAKE????

a medal to all of you that are!

Anyway... feel free to ask any questions, and here is a little taster..

this week I would like you to suggest a few challenges for me to complete during the fundraising week..

I'm game for almost anything..

Ben xxxxx

Nowzad Dogs is a registered Charity # 1119185

Please click the image below to visit the Nowzad Dogs Site. If you would like this button for your blog e-mail me (e-mail address is up there on my sidebar) and I will send you the code.

I would also like to say a huge thank you to

Dannan and George for awarding me the Gold Paw Award

and to Thor for awarding me the Kiss Ass Blogger Award

I love you guys!

I will be passing on these awards to some of you very soon..

I know I promised I wouldn't tell... but....

2008-09-19T11:09:00.002+01:00

Enough of the covert operations..

I know I promised I wouldn't breathe a word but I'm about to burst!

Mum has been going on lots of covert shopping trips, having hushed telephone conversations and pinging e-mails about and though she has been working for me and under my instruction she BANNED me from speaking about what was going on!!

Well.. she has gone out.. and as punishment for leaving me home alone I am going to let a few cats out of the bag so to speak..I won't reveal all.. she may never forgive me.. but a few clues won't hurt.. huh?

Clue #1.. I have tipped the contents of one of the covert shopping bags out and had a good sniff.. no drool though i promise.. and here is what I found..

I would have tipped the others out too.. but who knows when she will be back so i figured I needed to be quick!

Clue #2.. Ohhh look a shiny yellow ribbon appeared on my sidebar.. where did that come from?? Maybe you should click it and see!
Note to my Breed Brother George... who may just be in on the secret! SSShhhhhhhh

Clue #3.. See anything you fancy in that photo? Yes? hmm maybe you should check back soon then..

Ok.. I hear a key in the door!!! Gotta run!!! Promise I will reveal all VERY SOON!

Ben xxxxx

DWB Stuff and a TRUE HEROINE

2008-09-15T18:24:00.004+01:00

Well me and the beautiful Lady Kaos have been (kinda) put in charge of celebrations for the 1000th DWB member.. kinda hard to believe that there are almost that many of us!!

We have bandied a few ideas around but we need YOUR help. If you have any suggestions please comment on either mine or Lady Kaos' Blog.

We were thinking a "1000 reasons to celebrate" theme. Here are a couple of thoughts we had..

Participating Pups make a post describing what DWB means to them - Entrys would then be voted on.
Participating Pups submit a photo of them with the theme "1000 reasons to celebrate" - Entrys would be voted on

These are just ideas for now, feel free to pour scorn on them, praise them or add ideas of your own. This is everypups community and everypups input is important.

Some of the more talented pups may like to make us a button to display on the blogs.. on the theme of "1000 reasons to celebrate"

So there we go, we want to know what you DWB'ers want.. I know I can convince Mum to rustle up a prize or three if we want competitions. Get your thinking caps on and let us know.

Also, Mr T-Bone Beasley and Humans are organising this years DWB Holiday Card Exchange so if you haven't already signed up you can read more about it at their blog or click the button below to get straight to business and sign up.

Public Service Announcement Over..

You may now resume your usual business!

Please all pop over to Amber's Place and read (and watch) about Chloe's Heroics, Mum wept bucketloads but it's truly heartwarming!!

Ben xxxx

Shopping.. No Thanks!

2008-09-14T21:07:00.003+01:00

Well its been another beautiful day, lots of sunshine with just enough of a cool breeze to make it pleasant.

Mum, Dad and the beans left me to do a spot of shopping at lunchtime. I was less than impressed at being left home alone until I saw the kinds of things on sale where they had been..

hmmm.. thank dog I was at home napping! Dad says they were shopping for fishing tackle! What kind of fishing uses tackle called that!

They also did some more covert shopping.. more bags of stuff I cannot tell you about.. YET! .. not even for a bully stick!
I assure you the purchases were not made at the same establishment the above photographed items were seen at though, and trust me when you find out what all this covert shopping is about you will be VERY relieved to hear that!

All in all it's been a relatively lazy day for me, just how I like my sundays.

Finally awake from my nap!!

2008-09-12T10:41:00.003+01:00

Well I went for a nap on Monday and ... finally I have woken up!!

Just kidding! Mum got sidetracked.. whatever that means! (I asked the kids and Mollie said you spell it L-A-Z-Y)

My prize from the Waggle of Whippets arrived on Wednesday

A parcel... for ME!!

Lemme at it!

almost there now

Look Mum, it's my prize!

Hmmm.. Now where should I hang it?

Thank you so much! Mum is saving it and will give it pride of place when the new kitchen is complete.

Then yesterday.. another parcel for me!! It was my new collar and leash from DogWalkers.Net Am I gonna look cool strutting my stuff in this or what?

Photo's of me modelling it as soon as.. well as soon as I model it really!

Oh and I have a little secret.. but I promised not to tell!

I didn't promise not to give some clues though!

Mum has been arriving home with bags full of stuff that I am not allowed to touch, sniff, drool on and most definatley not cover with my beautiful black floof!

Why you ask?

hmmm can't say.. but watch this space!

On a more sombre note.. Mum and Dad had some very sad news on Monday

Heaven gained a new star on Sunday.

RIP Steve, no speed limits in Heaven mate.

Steve Norbury 1971 ~ 2008

Our heartfelt condolences to Jim, Adele and Family, Sally and to all at Team Lockside.
Also wishing Rick a speedy recovery.

Trophy Pets and Another Award

2008-09-08T21:40:00.004+01:00

Do you all remember the fantastic prizes I won from Trophy Pets for winning the Pet Idol competition?

Well today I want to do a little shameless promotion.

Not only are Tim and Vicki from Trophy the NICEST people you could meet, Trophy also happens to have a great Ethical Policy.

You can read all about it on their website and also send off for free samples etc no matter where you live.

Even better..

If you happen to live in the Leeds area of the UK and Tim and Vicki cover your area, or you shop at Wetherby Market where they have a stall each Thursday then Tim and Vicki have kindly agreed to offer a discount if you mention My Blog when shopping with them!

This discount can only be used when purchasing from Tim and Vicki's franchise and not on items from the Trophy website or other franchises of Trophy Pet Foods, but if you happen to be in the area then take full advantage because they have a fantastic range!

So huge thanks to them for being such great friends!

Thanks also to Sunny, Scooter and Jamie over at the Texas Sun Dogs Blog for this award

I'm truly honoured!

I will have a scoot around and pass the award on to more doggys later.. right now I am due a nap!

smooooches

Ben xxxx

Even Sunnier Sunday and An Award

2008-09-07T22:01:00.005+01:00

Hi all,

Well today has been positively BOILING!! The sun was out and not a cloud in the sky. According to the weather schmucks the heavens will open again on Tuesday and more torrential rain will abound with risks of flooding. Fortunatley for me I live quite high up and we have never yet suffered from flooding. Quite a few of the roads out of town flooded after Fridays downpour but we are safe and sound (Thanks to all who enquired)
Our thoughts and prayers do go out to those who have suffered from the floods in this country and to the families of those who have been killed.. and of course to all overseas who are suffering at the hands of the hurricanes.

It was far too hot today for our usual long ramble. I wasn't complaining though, a nice spot in the shade and lots of cool water suited me fine!

Not much to report from today, It has been how Sundays should be.. Lazy!

Mum had swollen glands for a couple of weeks (which have now gone down) but she can't shake of the stinky cold. She sounds so funny when she talks.. all stuffy nosed and croaky. She says it won't go away because she is constantly tramping backwards and forwards to the kids schools in the rain and that the two days she didn't have to go out it stayed sunny!.. she is convinced the rain will flow again from tomorrow when she has to resume the school runs... cross your fingers it won't.. Mum is grumpy when she is sick!

Huge thanks to Huffle who gave me this lovely award for posing nekkid during Meeshka's week of 100.

I would like to pass this award on to

Bobby
Jacks, Narra, Tuchuck, and Rousseau
Lady Kaos
Waggle of Whippets
JB My Cool Cat Friend
Mack, Paris & Lilly
My Breed Brother George
My Buddy Sherman
Handsome Pippa

Sorry if any of you already had it.. Mum was too lazy to look!

Finally..

Asta's friend Roscoe is sick, please pop along and leave some pawsative healing thoughts at his blog, his family are so worried about him

Ben xxxx

Sunny Saturday

2008-09-06T20:53:00.002+01:00

I kid you not, it was actually sunny today! After yesterdays 24 hours of torrential rain I had given up all hope of the weekend being anything but a washout, but, the day has been dry and sunny, which somewhat goes to prove my theory that the weather folks are about as much use as a chocolate fireguard and about as trustworthy as a magpie with the crown jewels!

I got my tush outside to enjoy the fresh air and that is pretty much where I have been all day. It seems I wasn't the only one out enjoying the sunshine either..

and this little guy took a shine to Mum

They were quite cute in an un-furry critter type of way. Mum and the beans let them jump all over them for a while and were quite amused. I was my usual indifferent self after all they were too small to chase and they didn't look like they would taste that great!

Do you like Mum's bracelet? The littlest bean made it for her and she hasn't taken it off since! hurrumph, I give her loads of little gifts.. piles of my shedded floof, muddy unidentifiable treats i find in the garden, drool portraits on her leg etc etc.. and does she treasure them??

No.. she makes disgusted noises and gets rid of them! They all beat a bracelet if you ask me, she is soooo ungrateful! and since i have started ranting i may as well get it all off my chest..

We all know she has an obsession with Sherman, but what you probably don't know is that it doesn't stop there..for sometime she has been obsessed with Boston Terriers (You have a lot to answer for Mack, Joey and Tanner!!) and has now developed a thing for Huskys!! Oh and lets not forget the Airedale obsession.. in fact... to cut a long rant short, it's a good thing we are not millionaires or I would probably have several thousand brother and sisters!

One brother or sister might be nice though Mum.. *hint hint*

Ben xxx

Had to share this

2008-09-06T14:58:00.003+01:00

I just had to share this photograph of The Mop from over at Bobby's Place

Mum laughed so hard that coffee flew out of her nose (not the most dignified look Mum!!) and i was speechless!

Just don't go getting any idea's Mum.. NO WAY NO HOW!

Hmm actually on closer inspection I'm not sure that is the Mop, it may be just some random Photo John found somewhere, I guess I will have to wait for Bobby to clarify.. but either way its just hilarious!

Ben xxx

7 Months in...

2008-09-05T11:42:00.004+01:00

Mum and Dad have this board that has on it the names and dates of birth of all the family and extended family. I've looked at this board a lot, My bridge brother is on there even the two bridge bunnies are on there, but someone was missing.. ME.
Every so often I will wander over and have a look.. just to check if I am on there yet, I don't know why but I always feel like seeing my name on there will mean I am truly here forever. I have never had any reason to believe I won't be, but not being on that board sometimes gave me an uneasy feeling.
Yesterday I looked and FINALLY there I am!!

Benjamin Samuel Bear 26th January 2007.

Great huh? Except for one fundamental issue. 26th January is my Gotcha Day. Mum and Dad brought me home on 26th January 2008! I decided to point this out to them. Mum told me that I was 11 months old when the rescue got me in December 2007 so they figure my birthday is in January sometime. Since they brought me home on the 26th January they have decided to take this date as my birthday.
This is where the humans are assuming I am a dumb animal. Am I fooled into thinking this is a great idea?

NO

by doing that they have cunningly ensured that my Gotcha Day and my Birthday are celebrated together and you all know what that means! One Cake.. One set of gifts!

the words.. tight and asses ... spring to mind!!

To add to my grumpiness we are in the midst of ridiculously heavy rain, according to the weather forecast (and i trust that like i trust a magpie with the crown jewels!) we are in for a month's worth of rain in three days. I have news for them, we have had a months worth in the last 12 hours! I think I may have my own personal lake in the garden if this keeps up for three days!! Mum keeps trying to drag me out for a walk.. hmmm I don't think so Mum.. you be a fool and go out in it if you like, but no way no how am i taking any leisurley strolls in that!

On a happier note, my lucky winning streak continues and it seems that it is catching.

The eldest bean won a PS3 and Kung Foo Panda game, My Mum just got an e-mail to say she won a DVD (Everyones Hero), and I won this wonderful booty..

over at Meeshka's Blog and all for doing what I do best.. moaning about my Mum!! If you haven't been over and checked out the "Week of 100" Challenge then do it NOW!! It's full of hilarious posts and is all in aid of a very good cause. Thank you Meeshka and Khyra!

Oh and last week I was in a magazine here in the UK!

Maybe I should pick the lottery numbers this week!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone.

Ben xxxx

All bow to Queen Meeshka... In my Nekkid Glory

2008-09-03T18:01:00.006+01:00

I can't believe I'm going to do this, but Meeshka is our very own Queen and she is doing an awesome job of raising funds for Harnessed to Hope Northern Breed Rescue by doing the week of 100 (100 posts in a week!!) You can read all the details and see her (soon to be) centenery of posts (and of course how to donate) on her blog Here

so...

deep breath....

hold onto your drool girls.....

Don't tell Mum about this.. I'll be grounded for the rest of my life!!

and yes Huffle.. you are braver than me.. I kept the collar on!

Ben xxx

Pity The Fool...

2008-09-02T20:53:00.007+01:00

Before I start.. please could you vote for my dear friend Lady Kaos in the Jeep Dog Photo Contest. You can read how to vote at her blog Here.
Make sure to ask your friends to pop along too.. thank you

Well the day didn't get off to a great start. First Dad went to work, then the little beans started getting ready for their first day back at school. I moped around feeling sorry for myself while Mum was chatting to the kids about their new teachers. Then I heard Mollie say... Mr T.

My ears pricked up at that, Mr T?? What does he have to do with school?? Mum said that Mr T was going to be Mollie's new teacher this year.

WHAT???!!! Mr T???!!!

You mean to tell me Mum that Mollie is going to have to face this every weekday for the next year??

at this point I placed myself in front of the door and decided that no way on planet earth was i letting Mollie go to school.. That Mr T is big and.. to be frank.. scary looking!

Mollie seemed quite relaxed about the whole thing and Mum didn't seem troubled at all!! What kind of Mother is she?? How could she send my precious bean to school knowing THAT huge scary guy will be in charge of her ALL day? My Mum went right down in my estimations at that point!

After 10 minutes of them trying to move my substantial sized butt from in front of the door they finally confessed that Mollie's new teacher is in fact not the very scary Mr T in the picture above, but a very nice Mr T (who was in fact a teacher at Mollie's school when my Mum went there so he must be at least 150 years old) and poses no threat to my little beans safety whatsoever.. well that was a relief.
I relented and let them all out of the door, relieved but still not happy that they were abandoning me all day!

Mum tries her best bless her but it's just not the same without Dad and the beans at home.

Me and Mum had quite a relaxed day. Mum was pottering around doing housework and I was pottering around in the garden (trying to look like i was on guard duty but i was actually trying to remember where i buried my frisbee).

Finally it was time to go get the little beans and I could see by their happy little faces that they had enjoyed their first day back and that none of their new teachers were gremlins... Mum asked how their day had been and Mollie told Mum that her first lesson (Literacy) had been about Greyfriars Bobby. Mum loves that book (even though it is guaranteed to make her cry the big nancypants) and oddly enough she had been reading about another dog just the other day with a very similar story so she sat me, Mollie and Lilli down and told us the story of Russwarp a very brave dog. Again it is a sad story but both these dogs are inspirational so I decided to share their stories with you today.Both are true stories.. do you have the kleenex to hand?

Ok.. then read on

Greyfriars Bobby.

Russwarp.

Do your love your Master/Mistress that much?

I know you all do.

Ben xxx

Treats,Prizes, Cuddly Pals and Caught Red Handed!

2008-09-01T11:27:00.007+01:00

What a great week I have had!

Firstly Mum, Dad and the beans popped over to Wetherby to spend my Pet Idol prize vouchers. They came back with an impressive haul!

Booty!!

Yummy..Treats! Sea Biscuits (these are so smelly!) Salmon Crunchies, Peanut Butter Bones and a big ole bag of crunchy bones!! Mum says these are my training treats.. I say.. Bring on the training!

Toys!!

And the slightly boring practical stuff (Sorry Mum) Travel Bowls and Bottle, Clippers (shudder) and a baggie for Mum to carry my training treats.

So once again, Thanks to all who voted for me in the Pet Idol competition and a big thank you to Tim and Vicki from Trophy Pet Foods. If you are ever near Wetherby Market on a Thursday you should stop by and say hello, they have sooooo much stuff.

I've decided that I need some assistance with guard duty (I need my nap time) so I would like to introduce you to Ben Jnr who takes up the post when I am napping, eating, playing, unavailable (basically 99% of the time). The theory is that Mum and Dad won't notice that i'm slacking because they will think he is me hehehe

Do you think I will get away with it?

I won another prize.. Mum says I must have been born under a lucky star or something!

Check this out..

How awesome is that!! Huge thanks and Rotti-Smooches to all over at Patience Please. You made me one very happy dog!

Now onto the more serious issue of my family trying to get away with telling a few untruths! (They really ought to know better than to try and get one past me!)
Yesterday they *claimed* they were popping out to do some really boring chores.. I was immediatley suspicious when Mum took the camera, then they came home with all these strange smells on them and with smiley faces (not the kind of face you would have if you had just spent the morning doing boring chores!!) A quick look at Mum's camera revealed what they had really been up to!!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Moral of this footage... If you are going to sneak off without your lovable canine pal then DON'T take the camera!
In fairness to Mum and Dad (She made me add this bit) there are no dogs allowed at the farm... in my opinion they shouldn't have gone then!! They owe me BIG TIME!!

and finally I'm all sad and crabby today. Dad has gone back to work after being at home with me for nearly 3 whole weeks, and the little beans have to go back to school tomorrow after nearly six weeks of being at my beck and call. Back to just being me and Mum.. no offense to Mum cos I love her lots.. but no Dad and no beans just SUCKS!

Ben xxxx

I'm Alive!!!

2008-08-26T00:10:00.004+01:00

Where have I been? Well actually nowhere.. as in I didn't leave the country or join the witness protection program or anything. As Mum would put it.. life got in the way of blogging for a while. It also got in the way of me visiting blogs.. which annoyed me somewhat.. but as Mum pointed out, a break is as good as a rest.. whatever that means!

So much to tell you and i'm not even going to attempt it in one post, so for now a little catch up via the power of photographs (Mum got a new camera and boy oh boy don't me and the kids know about it!!)

So whats in the slide show? Well.. My handsome self of course! My little beans.. Moll turned into a biker chick whilst I was on hiatus and both the beans had birthdays! Moll turned 10 and Lilli was 5 a few days ago!! Look out for the photos of my new girlfriends Sheba and Penny.. umm actually Sheba hates me and trys to chew my face off everytime we get together but i'm sure my charm will win her over in the end! Ooooh OOOhhh OOOHH and look for the photos of me wearing "DOGGY CAM"!!! More about that soon! In addition to the new camera the oldies have a camcorder now too so no doubt there will be footage appearing at a blog near you sometime in the near future.

I'm well.. and i grew a few inch and filled out some too! I missed all my bloggy pals and promise to catch up on your blogs very soon, and of course update mine with all the tales of what i have been up to!

Love, licks and tailwags,

Ben xxxx

PS: I apologise for the song choice on the slideshow.. and yes Mum actually sings that to me!! as for Mum's singing.. how can i put this.. umm.. lets just say that if she auditioned for the XFactor then Simon Cowells ears would bleed!! Feel free to heap sympathy on me!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Prizes, Goodies and Beans Galore

2008-06-06T23:02:00.006+01:00

Wow, I don't think I have ever been silenced for this long!!

Firstly, my apologies for not getting around everyones blog much recently, my two little beans have been on holiday from school and Mum has been pretty busy with the three of us so blogging got waylaid.. well thats her version of events.. I just think its inexcusable and outrageous and that she should get her priorities straight.

anyway, enough of all that,

Wow, I have so much to tell you that I don't quite know where to start..

Firstly I had my photoshoot for the newspaper, I was as aloof as ever faced with a camera and the whole thing took about an hour.. I ensured that the photographer got plenty of "rump" shots. She finally managed to get some half decent shots and it appeared in the paper a few weeks ago.. I'm officialy a "bit" famous!! I've been recognised a few times! Mum got my prize through the post today £50 of vouchers for Trophy Pets... thats one heck of a lot of toys!!

Next was a parcel in the post for me!! ... My name was on the envelope!! What could it be??
It was from my friend Grumpy Bobby.

A T-Shirt.. and.. thats ME on the front!!

Now Bobby says that it's for Mum as they didn't know my size.. hmmm.. BUT... it's MY name on the envelope .. sooooo... we shall see just who it fits!!

hahaha.. sorry Mum, but that looks pretty conclusive to me! It fits me.. it's MINE!!
Thank you soooo much Bobby, you made Mum's eyes leak at your kindness! Mum says she will wear it with pride... when I let her!! hehehe

oh and lets not forget the International Goodie Exchange.. I took a parcel to the post office for Molly & Taffy

and today.. another parcel arrived for me!! Yes.. this was my International Goodie Exchange parcel from Harry and Cassidy I was soooo excited!

Hmmm how do I get in here?

Oh my doG.. something smells GOOD!!

Get the labels off Mum I wanna play!!

and a letter.. for me!!

Where do I start??

Cranberry Treats!! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Oooh and Chicken and Veg!! Mmmmm.. chill out Mum I will be cleaning all that up.. with my mouth!!

Playtime!!

THANK YOU Harry and Cassidy for sending me such a great parcel, I'm truly over the moon with it! and BIG THANK YOU'S to Mr T-Bone Beasley and
Chef for organising the International Goodie Exchange and for all your hard work to make this happen. You can visit the Goody Exchange Album and see other doggies enjoying their goodie packages too.

oh and also.. I was accused of a crime today.. a crime I completely DENY being involved in. I stand accused of digging up the garden.. but I ask you.. does this face look guilty of such a crime??

I mean.. look a little closer, do you see the innocence shining from my eyes??

and last but not least.. since my brush with fame as a Pet Idol, I decided I would quite like to become a Rock Star or something.. I reckon looking at this next shot of me I have what it takes.. if David Bowie can get into the business with two odd coloured eyes then I guess I'm halfway there.. one brown/blue eye.. one brown/green eye.. I was born to be a SuperStar!!

Love, Licks and Tailwags,

Ben xxx

Heavy Heart

2008-05-27T10:19:00.003+01:00

Well today I intended to play catch up and fill you in on my eventful week and the holiday weekend.. but having just read the news about my beautiful friend Tasha's passing to the bridge I am just heavy hearted and extremely sad. The trivia of my week can wait, I would like, instead, to pay tribute to a very beautiful girl.

Tasha.

September 1997 ~ May 24th 2008

A silent tear rolls down my cheek
My memories are all i have to keep
My friend's final journey has been made
but my memories of her will never fade

Safe in my heart is a wonderful place,
My memories of Tasha and her beautiful face
I've filled it with love and it's there to stay,
Till we meet Sweet Tasha, at the bridge someday.

Mum, Dad, Mollie, Lilli and myself would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies, love and support to Doug, Vicky and darling Eva at this time.

A Walk In The Woods

2008-05-19T12:30:00.003+01:00

Hello Everypup,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I had a relaxing Saturday but yesterday we all decided to take a walk in the woods. It was great, lots to explore and sniff at.

Ready for the off..

Come on Dad, I'll pull you up!!

Finally ditched the leash!

Now for some sniffing around!!

Ooooh Sunshine!!

Stop making me stop to pose Mum!!.. there are things to sniff!!

Even the Beans are having fun!!

This critter looked crunchy, but Mum wouldn't let me eat it!!

Time for a quick shake

Having a rest!

Hey!! Where did the little beans go??

they found a tree to climb into!!

That looks like fun! I think I will climb in too!!

Woah!! It's a long way down!!

Dad to the rescue!!

I smell critters!!

Lemme at em!!

I'm going in!!

Anyone home??

What do you mean I need a bath??

They never did let me off the leash near that hole! Grrrrrr!! They really are spoilsports!!

Ben xxxxx

Pssssst....Guess What??

2008-05-16T16:03:00.003+01:00

Guess what.. Guess what...

Mum got a phone call this morning and...

*drumroll*

I WON Pet Idol!!!

OMD!! I am so happy I could pee!!

That floofball of a ginger cat can stop looking so smug now because I WON!!!

The Newspaper is going to call Mum on Monday to arrange a photo-shoot!!! I'm soooo excited!! I am also going to get a prize from a company called Trophy Pet Foods.. though I don't know what this will be yet!

THANK YOU to everyone who voted for me.. you have made my year!!

Just a few short months ago my future was uncertain.. now I have a new family, a new home, all my lovely new friends and I'm a Pet Idol!! None of this would be possible without my Angels from Pawz For Thought.. Little did you know just how much you would change my life that day you decided to help me! I love you all!!

Ben xxxxxx

What Have I Been Up To?

2008-05-14T18:41:00.004+01:00

I'm loooong overdue for a post!! Finally Mum has a little time to help me get updated! About time too.. vacations from blogging are no fun at all!!

THANK YOU to all who voted for me in the Pet Idol competition, voting is now closed so I am keeping my paws crossed (for Mums sake) that I come somewhere in the running... failing that, Mum is going to have some SERIOUS sucking up to do!!

Rather than writing a long post about what I have been up to I decided a picture diary would be more fun.. so here is my blogging hiatus.. in pictures!!

I promised photos of the state of me after a late night at the DWB 2nd Anniversary Chat Pawty.. so here I am looking slightly worse for wear!!

Mum and Dad went to a wedding reception and came home "claiming" that they spotted Dr Who's Tardis.. now of course.. no-one believed them.. even though they claimed to have photographic evidence...

So.. the next morning they took the kids there...they have now convinced the kids, but since I wasn't invited and STILL haven't seen it with my own eyes.. I'm reserving judgement on how much "truth" is in their claims of a close encounter with the Tardis!

Then there was my day out with Dad at Trial Bike Practice!! They didn't buy me a helmet or let me take the bikes for a spin but I had a great time anyway!!

We've arrived!!.. Let me out!

hmmm.. a long lead!! For some reason Dad doesn't think chasing the bikes is a good idea! Grrr.. he is no fun!!

I wonder if one of those helmets will fit me??

Dad comes up the hill on two wheels

I come up on four paws!

All this climbing is thirsty work.. Where is the water Dad?

The sun has been shining (for a change) so there has been lots of walks

with Dad...

and with Mum...

and I have been doing a lot of what I do best... posing!!

Some chilling out (and unsuccessful duck watching) at the Lake

and enjoying the sunshine at home.. ummm I mean guarding the house..

Oh and a quick word of advice DO NOT COMPLAIN YOU ARE TOO HOT or this may happen to you too!!

Dry me please!!

For doGs sake.. put the camera down and DRY ME WOMAN!!!

Whatever! I'll dry myself!!!

and what photo post would be complete without a.. "Mum thinks its funny to dress me up" photo??.. Mum you just kill me!!

So thats about all I have been up to.. I could have included several thousand photographs of me napping.. since Mum claims that is all I do besides eating!!.. But I'm sure you can all visualise that for yourselves hehehe

Love, Licks and Tailwags,

Ben xxxxx

Mum does it again!!!

2008-05-10T08:56:00.002+01:00

Hi folks... almost at the end of my blogging hiatus!! Grandma gets back from Thailand on Tuesday so Mum should be able to help me out with my blog a little more soon.
Today I am going on a little adventure with my Dad, the Landies and the trials bikes so I will get Dad to take lots of pictures so I can show you all how much fun I had.

The weather is quite hot here at the moment, Mum looks like a boiled lobster hehehe
I've been spending most of my time chilling out in the shade. Mum threatened to put me in a white t-shirt!! Hmmmm.. I think not Mum!!

Mum has entered me in a Pet Idol competition in a local paper (about time too!!) but.. and I stress the but here... she entered me then FORGOT to buy the newspaper on the 6th.. the penny only dropped last night and so she checked the website and she now only has till the 13th to vote for me!!! Honestly ... how RUDE!!!!

She can only e-mail a vote once a day, so looks like she will have to spend a heap sending in text or phone votes at 60p a pop .. at least she better after the fiasco of not entering me for the last one and letting that ginger furball WIN!!!!.. he still looks like the cat that got the cream!!

Anyway, if you would like to vote for me you can send in votes by e-mail once a day to:

epcompetition@ypn.co.uk

the subject line should be: PET IDOL VOTE

and you need to include the following info..

Pet Code:#2103

Name:

Email:

You can vote once per day up to and including Tuesday 13th May.. I'm sure Mum would appreciate a few extra votes being thrown my way, she is going to have some MAJOR sucking up to do if some furball wins this time!!

You can also Text YEPPETIDOL followed by a space then the code 2103 to 81800
Or call 09016 565928, follow the instructions and enter the four digit code (2103) but calls and texts cost 60p.. so e-mail votes are just fine.. and FREE!!

I'm off to try and fit in a few blog visits now before I head off for my adventure, Mum is taking Great Grandma and the kids to a Spring Fair at the Church.. no doubt she will come back an even deeper shade of Lobster hehehe

Miss you all.. can't wait to be back next week!!

Love, Licks and lots of giddy Tail-Wags

Ben xxxxxxx

Missing in Action....

2008-05-01T08:50:00.002+01:00

I may be a little lax on visiting friends blogs and updating mine for the next few weeks.
My grandma has gone on vacation to Thailand and so Mum is spending more time with my great grandma while she is gone, this alongside walking me, taking the beans to and from school and the million other things she seems to have to do.. she doesn't have much time left over to help me with my blog or to visit my friends *pout*

We will try to make time to visit a few blogs everyday and hopefully get some entrys posted on my own.. but just in case we don't.. I'm not AWOL.. just lazing around sulking a LOT!!

Hope I don't miss anything fantastic!! *double pout*

Ben xxxxx

Old Friends, New Friends, Lucky Charms and Sad Goodbyes.

2008-04-27T03:55:00.004+01:00

Well.. what a weekend. I've been catching up with old friends, making new friends and sadly saying goodbye to one friend.

So firstly I would like to pay tribute to my friend Cooper.

Cooper is now in a beautiful place called the Rainbow Bridge. I didn't know Cooper for very long sadly, but I loved to visit his blog and I will miss him very much. Our thoughts are with Coopers Mum and Dad, Don and Jean, please stop by and send them a hug or two.

May your spirit soar sweet Cooper.

So the DWB 2nd Anniversary Chat Pawty has been a blast so far, I have met up with lots of my friends and made new friends. It's been a riot.
The Tanner cam has kept Mum enthralled and ever so slightly in puppy love!!
Ive been keeping Mum up late so she looks kind of rough... well actually she looks kind of rough most days hehehe

Mum has been craving Lucky Charms

You can no longer buy them in the UK and it annoys the hump out of her, so if any of you doggys know of a place here in the UK that sells Lucky Charms.. please let me know so I can cram her mouth full of them and shut her up!!

She settled for Cookie Dough Ice-Cream and ate it ALL.. she didn't even give me so much as a lick of the spoon! The greedy heffer. She claimed it was too late for me to be eating ice-cream!! Talk about double standards! Then she whinged that it hadn't really scratched her itch and she still wanted Lucky Charms... Jeeeze, she will end up the size of a house!!

I also discovered that the Thuglets live in the area that Mum and Dad adopted me from! What a small world it is!! Mum is hoping to get to one of the Pawz fundraisers at some point so it would be nice to meet up with them. They are one handsome bunch!

Well, the beans have a birthday party to go to and I need my walk so for now i will finish... Mum took some photo's of me spark out after the pawty but Dad borrowed her camera today so I will post those later.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Ben xxxx

Anyone want 1,000,000.00 Euros???

2008-04-25T19:16:00.002+01:00

According to the following I just won 1,000,000.00Euros (yeah right!!) being a dog I don't have much use for it so feel free to use my winning numbers and take up this wonderful opportunity (read as: criminal scam)

Contact!!!‏
From: Postcodeloterij (nedmesage@libero.it)

Sent: 25 April 2008 12:30:46
To:

Contact!!! REFERENCE N0 :KH067/0068183JK. BATCH N0: KC/977/0617569601.PRIZE NO: PR/CA08/54302. You have just won 1,000,000.00Euros(One Million Euro), in the POSTCODELOTERIJ N.L, The Netherlands, which was held on the 21st April,2008. Your winning numbers are given above,For further Clarification and procedure please Contact: Contact Tel: +31-659-002-044Contact Person:Dr.David MatoyaContact Email: remitvsnsbnk@aim.com Congratulations. Yours faithfully,Alexander MaestriGames/Loterij Coordinator.www.postcodeloterij.nl

should i write back and tell them where they can shove their euros?

HAPPY ST GEORGE'S DAY

2008-04-23T11:35:00.005+01:00

HAPPY ST GEORGE'S DAY

To all my British pals a Very Happy St Georges Day.

Oh and yesterday was Earth Day.. I did my bit by conserving the Earth's water supply... I went to the park and peed up every tree... Mum was not amused at my efforts... I'm a dog.. what did she want me to do??

Mum is partially recovered (in that she looks human again) so I have been let off the doggy doctor duties for a little while. I demanded a little time to catch up on everyones posts.. which will probably take me the rest of the week!..so bear with me!
She didn't have a cold (thank doG.. being sneezed on is NO fun) She has a cyst in her eye which made her eye and face swell up so she looked like a cross between Shrek and the elephant man. The human doctor gave her some eye drops and some antibiotics.. and the antibiotics made her sick. She says you have to get sick to get better, which made NO sense to me at all.. but she looks normal again (well as normal as she ever looks) so i guess all this toilet worshipping IS making her better.. in some wierd human way!

Mum says thank you for all the get well wishes.. they really cheered her up... try not to cheer her up *too* much though, she hasn't been singing while she has been ill and whilst I do want her to get well.. the singing isn't something that I will welcome back!!

Mum being ill was bad news for the economy too, she hasn't been slurping the usual copius amounts of Latte so coffee producers of the world are probably experiencing a huge slump in sales.. just to reassure... she will no doubt make up for it when she is fully recovered!!

anyway.. enough about her.. she has had quite enough attention from me this week!!

A package came for me at the weekend, I was so excited. I ripped it open and... it was a bandana!! Now I don't mean to sound ungrateful.. but I can think of about a zillion better things that could have been in there! Take note Mum.. treats and toys are good.. silly things to dress me in are bad! Here I am looking suitably disgusted!

I think I will start a petition for BETTER and MORE INTERESTING gifts!!

Ben xxx

Doctor in the house

2008-04-21T10:19:00.002+01:00

Sorry if I don't post for a couple of days or so.. or get to catch up on anyones blogs.. Mum has been under the weather over the weekend and is still not so good so I have volunteered to be her personal Doctor and will be tied up prescribing love, cuddles and healing kisses for a few days.. love to all my friends.. will catch up soon.

Ben xxxxx

Twinkle ... Look what you made me do!!!

2008-04-17T12:28:00.003+01:00

Well.. don't say I didn't warn you Twinkle buddy

mwahahahahaha

I will remove this picture if justice is served and Ben-Ben is set free

Attention Spammers... I'm a dog.. but not a stupid dog!!

2008-04-17T10:59:00.003+01:00

No-one ever e-mails me, so imagine my delight when i saw I had a message waiting for me!! I was so excited I almost peed on the laptop!

this was my e-mail...

FROM: MR.WILLIAM MUYEKE
DESK OF CHAIRMAN
Sub-Committee on Finance
South African World Cup bid 2010
24 Steven Bikko Blvrd Pretoria,
Republic Of South Africa.
Tel : +27-72-587-0437
Email: w_muyeke@hotmail.co.uk

Attn: Sir,

Greetings you must be aware now that my country The Republic of South Africa won the bid to host the world cup by 2010,prior to this bid my committee was mandated to lobby the members of board of Federation
International Football Association (FIFA) on selection of the country to host the world, the bidding was intensive but at the end we got the hosting right. Mycommittee was given the sum of $29 million dollars to lobby the members of the FIFA ruling body to make sure that we win the hosting
right considering the gain that comes with the hosting right like South Africa?s economy will receive a massive direct boost from hosting the 2010 World Cup,
financial impact report for South Africa's World Cup bid committee shows that the 2010 World Cup will pump R21.3-billion into South Africa's economy, and creating an estimated 159 000 new jobs.With the help the living legend of our time 89-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr.Nelson Mandela who made an emotive case for The Republic of South Africa, we got the bid without spending all the money, I and my committee members saw this as a God sent opportunity to secure our future and that of our family therefore was mandated by other committee members to look for a
way to move the remaining money to a safe place with the help of a foreigner who we can trust and is ready to assist us to move the funds considering the fact that we are still members of the bid committee and in the eyes of the public. we have in our possession the sum $21millon since we spent just $8million for lobbying.We are ready to give you 20% for all your assistance then me and my colleagues will keep 80% lf you are willing kindly reply to my letter for further directive. we will want to invest our share into Real-estate and air taxi business in your country with your assistance,bearing in mind that confidentiality is of great essences so is time in this project I will await your response.

Best Regards,

Mr.William Muyeke.

All responses should be sent to: w_muyeke@hotmail.co.uk

Now I may be a dog.. but I clearly I have slightly more grey matter between the ears than Mr Muyeke.

This is my reply...

Dear Mr Muyeke,

Re: your e-mail dated 16th April 2008 (URGNET PLEA FOR ASSISTANCE {this is not spam}

before i respond to the content of the e-mail please may i point out that URGNET is not a word recognised in the english dictionary.. am I to assume that you mistyped and actually meant urgent? Sorry to be so anal, but if you are asking me to deal with you in respect of millions of dollars then I would feel far more comfortable about it if you could at least use a spell checker when corresponding with me!

Now down to business..

Whilst I would just love to assist you I think there are a few points that I need you to clarify first.

Now as I am in the UK.. dollars are no good to me so lets talk British Pounds, doing a few calculations in my head, you have a sum of 21 million dollars, which roughly equates to £10,661,522.. you want to keep 80% ofthat so I am looking at a figure of £2,132,304 for my trouble. Now I don't want to seem ungrateful.. but that seems rather imbalanced. So before I could consider finalising any assistance to you my financial advisor insists that renumeration must be at least £3.5 million (taking in to account the low value of the US dollar and the approaching credit crunch in the UK)

Now lets assume that you are prepared to accept these terms.. there are a few other issues which I would need further claification on.

You say that you would use the remaining money to invest in Real Estate and Air Taxi business in my country. Firsly the housing market is in a slump and downward slide so this would be a very unwise investment, it worrys me somewhat that you have clearly not researched matters to any great degree.

Although you don't clarify as such in your email, I assume that the arrangement would require me to have some kind of bank acount .. now this may present a HUGE problem as I have no bank account and am not in a position to obtain one.

Also, although you again do not clarify this, I assume that in order for me to "assist" you and be rewarded with a chunk of your millions you will require me to make some kind of Western Union money transfer to you, for legal papers etc.. This could be a problem as I don't actually have any money, not a bean, not a penny, not a dime.

Ok I'm done messing with you now.. let me spell it out to you

You see the fundamental point that you missed when you decided to SPAM me with your very obvious and rather pathetic attempt at a scam was that I am a dog.. albeit a dog who clearly has more greymatter between the ears than you and your little scammer friends.

My e-mail is only posted in one place.. A DOG BLOG.. therein you see was the clue.. that I-AM-A-DOG.. how many dogs do you know that have the facilities at their paws to launder money??? Maybe you knew I was a dog.. Maybe you have finally realised that 99.9% of the populating humans of this planet will never fall for that scam so you have decided to target us canines (wrongly assuming we are less inelligent) To save you the time and effort.. I will tell you now that we can sniff out rotten meat a mile away and probably have more intelligence than you could ever hope for.

I am going to hazard a guess that you haven't read this far.. already moved onto the next would-be victim... but just in case you did.. a little heads up.. I would get rid of that e-mail address pronto.. I have a funny feeling that you may be getting a little more mail to it than you bargained for!

THE DOG.

*sigh.. thats 30 minutes of my life I will never get back!!

Turbo.. go sic em!!

Ben xxxx

Boys and their Toys

2008-04-15T12:41:00.006+01:00

In order for my sulking to cease I have now been issued with this...

so whilst I am not ready to forgive I am now no longer sulking.. it's way more fun ordering the peasants about

It seems I forgot to show you any photo's of my easter gifts (I know I'm a slacker!!) so to placate those who enquired...

Here I am with a couple of them.. namely the giant lobster and caterpillar..

Now onto more important issues, there is a cheese thief in this house and it is MY cheese that is being stolen.. so I decided to do a little investigating.. after questioning Mum, Dad and the beans I decided they were innocent and then...

I caught the thief in the act!!

HEY!! Thats MY cheese!!

I'll take that thank you very much!!

I think the safest place for this cheese is in my belly!!

Now take that you evil monkey!!

WARNING to other Cheese Stealing Monkey Dudes... Don't mess with MY cheese!!

That Monkey dude distracted me from my initial intentions.. so back to business.. Boys and their Toys..

here is Dad with his toys.. looks like a lot of fun and Me, Mum and the little beans are going along next time, although apparently I don't have the appropriate licence so I shall be a mere spectator... hmmm we will see about that!!

here is the bike Dad *killed* before anyone got any photo's of him riding it..

and look at the state of this one when he had finished!!

Peter went along with Dad and Cooper but just spectated from the safety of the Landrover, he is much better and can't wait to get back out on the bikes.
Mum thinks they are all totally INSANE but... being a girl... she just doesn't understand Boys and their Toys.

Oh and before I forget, Pippa has pencilled me in to star as Love Rival in his upcoming movie.. I've been practising looking handsome.. whaddya think?

Oh and I almost forget to tell you the exciting news, Abby agreed to be my girlfriend!! I have a girlfriend!!.. I will catch up with Pippa the stud muffin soon!!!

I'm feeling quite exhausted after all that typing... nap time I think!

Ben xxxx

Sucking Up... Part 1

2008-04-13T12:40:00.004+01:00

The sucking up has begun.. Mum is desperatley trying to make it up to me for blatantly letting that cat get one over on me.

Yesterday she and the skin kids decided to make me some yummy treats so they made me some of Sherman's Super Stinky Salmon Cookies. YUMMY!! Ive been pleading with Mum to make some of these since Sherman's Mom posted the recipe (Thank you Sherman's Mom)

She got my little bean to do the hard work!!

Hurry up already!!!

Mmmmm stinky heaven!!

and I confirm that eating too many of these leads to the *stinky* part..all's fair in love and revenge though :)

Ben xxx

Upstaged by a CAT!!!

2008-04-11T23:35:00.003+01:00

Ok I'm slightly humiliated.. actually VERY humiliated. I have been totally upstaged by.. of all things.. a CAT

a giant ginger furball!

Jasper belongs to my Grandma, now i kind of like him (in the sense I drool when i see him and lick my lips a lot) but ultimatley I KNOW that I am better than him.. this is fact. But the ginger furball has got one over on me!!

The local paper ran a competition called I LOVE MY PET. Owners submitted pictures of their pets and readers voted for their favourite. Categories were:
Best Dog
Best Cat
Best Other (any other animal/critter)
Best Overall Pet

and the ginger furball only went and won the Best Cat category!!

and worse still... Mum voted for him!

and even worse Mum didn't even enter me so I wasn't even able to show the ginger whinger that I would have blown his socks off in the best overall pet category!!.. my only consolation here is that he was beaten in that category by a Lizard!! Oh how i laughed!

Mum has some major sucking up to do.. and i MEAN major!

The feline furball is gloating like crazy GRRRRR

and now he gets to have a professional photo shoot.. and be treated like royalty! Mum will probably get one of the shots and hang it on the wall.. just to rub salt in my already VERY deep wounds!

Judge for yourself.. is this floof monster more handsome than me??

Foster Carers... and Grumpy Bobby

2008-04-10T23:32:00.004+01:00

I would like to introduce you all to my friend Bobby

or Grumpy Bobby as he is also known as.

Bobby is currently in Foster Care with John from Pawz For Thought (A charity rescuing and rehoming dogs) based in the North East of the UK.
Check out Bobby and Johns blog Here its full of Bobbys tales.. John's hilarious antics and stories of dogs who John has cared for who have found their forever homes. It's a funny and heartwarming blog. Now I know I already told you about this blog a few days ago.. but I just want to sing the praises of everyone who has ever fostered a dog, in fact everyone who has ever worked in rescue. Mum says they are heroes in her eyes and the job they do is extremely important for every dog out there searching for the love of a family.

Here is Mum's poem that she wrote as a tribute to all those who foster, but especially for Liz & Bri.. John and the many other foster carers who selflessly volunteer their time, homes and hearts to the doggys rescued by Pawz For Thought and of course to Lynne whose life is completely over-run by her dedication to Pawz and every dog that passes through.
If you live in the UK and think you could offer Bobby (or any of the Pawz doggys) a home, please contact them using the blue contact button on their website.

Love you Auntie Liz and Auntie Lynn XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Ben.

To Angels Who Foster

Have you ever loved something enough to let it go?
Even though it breaks your heart to watch, you know,
That in order to flourish it's wings must spread,
In order to grow it must move on and look ahead.
Like a first child leaving the proverbial nest,
Your heart aches, but you know it's for the best.
You have nurtured, nursed and taught all that you can,
They were never your's to keep, that wasn't the plan.

Could you volunteer to have this pain week after week?
To break your heart quite literally, so to speak.
Open your home, your heart and your mind,
To the abused, the needy, the unloved, the blind?
Could you nurse them back from pain and despair?
Make them understand that love is out there?
Watch them come back to life before your eyes,
Knowing soon you will say your goodbyes?

It's a special person who can foster a dog.
Turn around it's life, push sunshine through the fog.
Be a gentle hand,a calming voice and a loving ear,
Soothe all it's pain away and calm every fear.
To love it so much after seeing it's pain but prepare to let it go,
To find it a new family they know can love it so.
And when their heart is breaking as they watch it walk away,
Open their door to the next dog knowing it will all end the same way.

So to you angels out there who foster, mostly unsung,
Thank you from all the foster babies, old and young.
Thank you from the families whose lives you have transformed,
When you gave them that bundle that you so much adored.
Without you these dogs would have far less chance.
Have you any idea how many lives you enhance?

Do you know how many people stand back in awe?
You are utterly amazing, you couldn't do more.
Thank you for having the courage to let go,
The strength to do it all again, I admire you so.
To the dogs you are angels, their saviours and their friend.
Just know each one remembers you, with love until the end.

Some more Pawz doggys currently looking for their forever homes:

Benji

Buster

Libby

Cool Hand Luke

Meg

Milly

Molly

Mr Robinson

Mr Jones

Noro

Paddy

Pushka

Saffy

Snoopy

Toby

Yodi

Tagged

2008-04-09T21:27:00.004+01:00

Maggie and Mitch tagged me for the middle name meme, it was some time ago.. oops!! Sorry guys I was away when you tagged me and then in the midst of catching up I kinda forgot!

Here are the rules:

1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers.

2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use your maiden name or your mother's maiden name).

3. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person (or blogger of another species) for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged.)

My name is Benjamin Samuel

S - Soulful Eyes (according to Mum anyway)
A - Acrobatic.. when i can be bothered i'm one flexible pupster
M - Mad as a hatter - sanity is overated
U - Uber Gorgeous (If I say it enough the girl doggies may start believing it!!)
E - Egotistical - It's all about ME
L - Lazy - What can I say.. who doesn't love to nap!

So ummm.. who to tag..

I tag Lizzie, Cara The Collie, Abby and umm anyone else who hasn't done this already.. hey i'm a rebel.. I was never any good with rules!!

Ben xx

Doghair Despair

2008-04-08T10:45:00.006+01:00

Mum is a little sad today. Houdini (one of her Australian RedClaw Crayfish) has passed away. Mum was so upset that Dad had to get her out of the tank as Mum couldn't bear it. Mum has had them since they were tiny babies and so she is really gutted. Dad immediatley started eyeing the tank up for his fish and so Mum got real mad at him. It does make sense to shift Little H into the smaller tank now she is on her own but Mum was in no mood to discuss it. Swim free at the bridge Houdini, your antics will be sorley missed :(

Dad picked Peter up for a visit on Sunday evening. His stitches are all out from his face and it is healing nicely, he has lots of staples in his knee and a wierd splint kind of contraption on his leg but he says it is feeling much better and he can hobble about now at least.
I was soooo happy to see him, I missed him as he is usually a very regular visitor, so Mum and Dad had to keep reminding me not to jump on his bad knee.. when he is better i am jumping on his knee for a cuddle and not getting off for a week!! He managed to play tug with me for a while though so I was happy.

Mum decided to make a pasta bake last night and look what happened when she opened the peppers...

Rasta Peppers!! Red, Gold and Green in one single pepper.. this prompted mum to start singing Bob Marley tunes at the top of her voice (and trust me.. this isn't a good thing!!) Me and the kids ran for cover with our paws/hands over our ears. She then insisted on speaking in a Jamaican accent for the entire time we had dinner!! Seriously.. anyone know a good therapist?

Mum is despairing at the moment about my hair (would she rather I was bald??) She says she has never known a dog shed so much (which i'm sure is an over dramatisation of the situation) As fast as she sweeps the hair up it is all over the floor again. She *claims* that brushing me yields enough hair to produce sweaters for the entire civilised world... hmm likes to embelish facts a little i think!!
Well newsflash Mum.. I'M A DOG - SHEDDING MY COAT IS WHAT I DO... GET OVER IT!

now I think it may be nap time, I think Mum thought she was competing in an olympic dash on our walk this morning and so I am bushed.

Ben xxx

Pawz Doggies and Kind Hearts

2008-04-07T10:19:00.004+01:00

Hi all, just a quickie post to ask you all to pop along and take a peek at a couple of great blogs.

Life and Times of Lizzie is a great blog from another doggy rescued by Pawz For Thought who has found her loving furever home.Lizzie is just adorable.

Kind Hearts is the blog of Bobby and his foster carer John. Bobby s still looking for his furever home but he has many stories of the dogs who did find love and some still looking. This blog is just full of humour and warmth.

So please pop along and say hi.. tell them the handsome Rott sent you ;)

Ben xxx

PS.. another Pawz doggie is now blogging.. so feel free to pop along and say hi to very gorgeous Cara The Collie

From Rescue To Love

Are you ready???

New Sisters & Brothers

UPDATE - PLEASE READ

A FURRY HEARTFELT PLEA - HELP FIND BEN MANNING

Peek A Boo

Hello all

Poor Grandma

Can you see my halo??

Tired Feet

Friday Photo Finish

Woof Factor

Counter Surfing and Shoes

Red Snooters and Uh-Oh Trouble!!!

Happy St Patricks Day

Little Sister is EXHAUSTING ME!!!

Secrets Revealed

Be Still My Beating Heart

OH - MY - DOG!!!

RSPCA and Puppy Trafficking Awareness

Ensuring she knows her place!

Farewell Dear Klaus

Khyra Floooof and More

*UPDATED* One Dog At A Time ~ Saving The Strays Of Helmand

Auntie Lynne! What did you do????

I'm back...

Oh My!!!

Bendolph???

Apologies and Explanations

Update on Meg

Calling all bloggers in the SO40 area

LeeLou's Launch Party

At Last....

Horror-Scopes

Goodies Galore

Ratchet is safe and Thank you for your support.

Mum is a DOOFUS!!

We called a truce!

Help Me!! ... I'm Abused!

The Letter T

Uh-Oh

Mooching Monday

NowzadDogs Fundraiser Grand Prize Draw

Kai

7 x 7

Lots to do....

Plea For Clemency

Prizes

Competition Numero Seven~O Results

MESSAGE FROM NOWZAD & Final Daily Competition.

Winner Announcement

Competition Numero Six~O

Results for Competitions Numero Four~O AND Five~O

Results for Competition Three-O and a new Competition

New Competition & Sleepy Mum

Competition Numero Three-O

Announcing Winner #2

Competition Numero Two-O

And the winner is....

Closing Soon

Competition Numero Uno

The Fun Starts Tomorrow

Simon & Gizmo

Shameless plug

Nowzad to the Rescue and Moody Monday

Nowzad Fundraiser Competitions and Donations

Mums a Doofus Brain!!

I can officially SPILL THE BEANS

I know I promised I wouldn't tell... but....

DWB Stuff and a TRUE HEROINE

Shopping.. No Thanks!

Finally awake from my nap!!

Trophy Pets and Another Award

Even Sunnier Sunday and An Award

Sunny Saturday

Had to share this

7 Months in...

All bow to Queen Meeshka... In my Nekkid Glory

Pity The Fool...

Treats,Prizes, Cuddly Pals and Caught Red Handed!

UPDATED One Dog At A Time ~ Saving The Strays Of Helmand