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Dirty Bow Wow
Amos and Quacking Duck
Amos and Quacking Duck spent their youth together engaged in a series of high jinks. As his name suggests, Quacking Duck was not the silent type, which, given his rambunctious partnership with Amos, was a blessing. When the two invaded the next door neighbor's backyard-the aroma of barbecue too hard to resist-Quacking Duck's distinctive voice helped Amos's family locate just where the two rascals had gone. Now, as they grow old together-Amos a little slower and grayer and Quacking Duck headless-their escapades have been scaled back a bit. They can often be found reminiscing about the good old days and the pleasures of absconding with the occasional burger, ketchup and mustard not necessary.
Annie Goodman and Pink Purse
What French-American princess goes out without the perfect fashion accessory? Certainly not the trendy Annie Goodman. In fact, the nine-year-old canine fashionista goes to great lengths every day to excavate Pink Purse from her extensive collection of couture accoutrements. Annie rarely leaves home without the chic tote, a gift from her Aunt Pam, which holds an interesting yet practical assortment of items, including a collapsible water bowl, a leash (pink, of course) and a brush. Attention to appearance is every urban poodle's prerogative.
Beauregard aka beau beau and Big Red
Beau Beau and Big Red have been friends from the start. No fair-weather friendships for this diminutive dachshund. No ball, bone, or bear (and there have been many) can turn his head or bring two-year-old Beau Beau such bliss. There is only one thing that excites him more than playtime with Big Red. An energetic romp with his family in the verdant meadow that surrounds their house is an irresistible treat. During these extensive nature rambles, the always thoughtful Beau Beau leaves his beloved Red indoors. For as much as Beau Beau would love to share his love of the outdoors, his short stature makes searching in the tall grass for Red something of a challenge.
Belle and Quilt
Belle had been homeless, hungry, cold, and on the run when she was picked up and placed in a foster home, only to escape again after just a few weeks. It was another month and a half of living on the streets during a frigid Maine autumn and winter until Belle was finally found and taken in by the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Having survived a series of brutal December snowstorms that left her with a frozen paw, she was being patiently nursed back to health by caring volunteers when Astrid came to the adoption center and took Belle home. Astrid not only provided a warm and loving household for her peripatetic pal, but a warm and cozy quilt as well. Though Belle is a roamer by nature, she now finds enough comfort living with Astrid to keep her close to home.
Bliss and Orange Horror
Names can be misleading. Bliss was terribly abused early in his life. Found in a gutter, he had been sliced with a machete and left for dead. Bliss was nursed back to health by Pamela. He's doing pretty well these days, the only residue of his terrible past manifests in his being shy, skittish, and easily spooked. Some of the credit for Bliss's recovery may be due to his best buddy, Orange Horror, who is indeed orange, but hardly a horror. It's ironic that after all this young dog has been through, an object named Orange Horror would bring Bliss such, well, bliss.
Bugsy and Bear
Who could resist a face like this? Certainly not Bear. Who wouldn't love Bugsy's cute-as-a-button nose, expressive mouth, and velvety coat? As if these traits weren't reason enough to fall head over heels, consider the adage-the eyes are the window to the soul-and you'll understand why this smitten teddy was swept off his paws by the four-year-old pug. The two have become inseparable. Some might say it was love at first bite, although, remarkably, Bear's fur, features, and appendages have remained almost entirely intact-a testament to Bugsy's gentle manners and generous nature.
Buster and Soccer Ball
The Lenox Massachusetts Youth Soccer league is short one ball, thanks to Buster. Like many of the young athletes, the soccer field is his favorite place to play. One day a couple of years ago, Buster emerged from the brush at the edges of the field with a ball that had either been forgotten or left for lost after a game. You might think that the rule of finders-keepers would have been at play here, but not so. "I promised to return the ball just as soon as Buster was done with it," said Tom. But given how much fun Buster has had with it, that may not be any time soon.
Chili and Rope
"No tug-of-war and no ropes for this little guy!" was the first instruction from the trainer when the Hemley-Weisberg family brought little Chili to puppy obedience class. More than a little chagrined that their cockapoo had pranced in with his most beloved possession-the aforementioned rope-clamped proudly and intractably in his youthful jaws, the Hemley-Weisbergs promised to find a substitute toy. But, like most youngsters, Chili had a mind of his own. And like most dog-loving families, the Hemley-Weisbergs found it hard to resist indulging their puppy in his favorite game. Six years and many ropes later, Chili Hemley-Weisberg has trained his family well.
Chloe and one of her many balls
How does she do it? How does Chloe make the ball levitate? Is it Bernoulli's principal at work? Houdini-like concentration? Is she a disciple of David Blaine? Or a student of transcendental meditation? The goldendoodle (a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle) loves to learn and has an energetic, fun-loving disposition-hallmarks of both breeds. So maybe it's just the sheer magic of Chloe's inherent good nature and indefatigable charm that allows such a trick. Or, perhaps, more clever than anyone could imagine, Chloe has trained her people, teaching them to toss her favorite ball right on cue.
Circe and Gorilla
In Greek mythology, Circe, daughter of the sun, was a sorceress who was able to turn men into animals. Circe's house was filled with lions and wolves, drugged victims that were once human. With her superb knowledge of magical potions, she even turned Odysseus's shipwrecked crew into pigs, leaving us to wonder just what this Circe's beloved Gorilla once was. Like her mythological namesake, Circe the coonhound also has a menagerie, albeit hers are plush animals that are kept in a basket by the back door for those rare occasions when she gets tired of the toy now known as Gorilla.
CK and Sock Monkey
CK lives with Joey, a soft-coated wheaten terrier. Eighteen months after bringing CK home, Michael grew concerned. CK's breed typically has a silvery blue coat that should have complemented Joey's wheat-colored coat, but not match it. But match they do-so much so that everybody assumes that they are related. Last Christmas, Michael's wife, Martha, decided to take action. On Christmas Eve, armed with a big brush and a weak solution of blue food coloring, Martha transformed CK, if only for a day or two, into a bluer Kerry blue than even Michael had in mind. Truth be told, the result was rather greener than Martha expected, but it turned out to be the Christmas gift that kept on giving because Michael has never mentioned CK's unusual coloring again.
Cody and Blankie
With his large, almond-shaped eyes, expertly ringed with eyeliner, and long elegant neck, it seems as if Cody is channeling Audrey Hepburn's character Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's. It's not just his graceful stance, slender physique, and seductive glance that conjure the actress. Cody's sleek fur matches his blanket and is reminiscent of the stylish ensembles that the always perfectly attired Hepburn wore in the movie. But despite being secure in his good looks, Cody's not that different from the rest of us. Sucking the corners of Blankie when he's tired and it's time for bed reminds us that no one is too sophisticated for a security blanket now and again.
Daisy and Stick
A Southern girl, Daisy has plenty of charm, lovely manners, and confidence. Added to that is her environmentally friendly policy of going green-even in her choice of toys. This is one eco-conscience and thoughtful young lady. Daisy knows what's important in life (and for the planet). Her attraction to recycled wooden treasures (sticks)-whether to use for a rousing game of fetch or in a more contemplative way when she meditates on the meaning of bark-are enough to keep Daisy content while keeping her carbon paw-print admirably dainty.
Dee Dee and Yellow Ball
One of Dee Dee's favorite activities is her own signature version of tug-of-war. Here's the game: Dee Dee approaches with her now scuzzy yellow, squeaking ball. She has several fresh, clean ones, but they are of no interest to her. Once she engages you and you actually take hold of the matted, spitty sphere, she melts your heart (and your resistance) with those enormous, liquid eyes. Dee Dee triumphantly seizes Yellow Ball, squeaks it like mad, and runs away to hide it in the laundry basket (preferably filled with laundry). Game over. Until Dee Dee returns a minute later with Yellow Ball, using those pleading eyes to cajole you into losing just one more time.
