Essex's Fifth Bark-Aversary

Dad woke me up this morning, singing "Happy Bark-Aversary Essex". We have been together for five-years. You can read about our early days together in the following posts: How I Met Dad and My First Week in Key West. I really love Dad folks, when he is sick I sleep by the foot of the bed watching over him. He has said "Getting Essex was the best thing he ever did in his life." Strange thing is I know he is serious cyber-paw pals. Deacon looked hurt, but Dad told him "If it wasn't for my great reports to the Great Dane, Deacon probably would have chosen another family and Dad loves Deacon a whole lot too." Deacon licks Dad's face and collie tails are wagging.

Bark-Aversaries are a good time to share old photos. Here are some pictures during my first year with Dog Dad.

Essex

Exploring my yard

Nibbling on a coconut.

Look at this palm frond folks

Catching some Zzzzz's

First Bath
Napping in my crate in Miami

Our friend Ludo gave us an award a couple days ago. "The award states that "This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships!"

In other clearer words, "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

We graciously thank Ludo for the award and pass it to eight more pupsters. We tried to check to make sure you didn't have, so forgive us if we give you an award you already have.

1 - Gomer & Opie

2 - Tosca

3 - Abby & Aiden
4 - Sunny, Scooter & Jamie

5 - Candi the Cavalier
6 - Madison

7 - Jake & Just Harry

8 - Nat, Mika and Wall-e

Dog Speed,

Essex & Deacon

No 1 Cousin Update

We just got an update from our No. 1 cousin.

= = = = = =

Dear Essex & Deacon,

I just wanted to let you know that I found my furever family. It is a grrrreat family, I really love everyone. I have to admit, I am a bit scared to go outside though. I wish that I could have met you two, but things are what they are. This family is a full time job, so I doubt you will hear from me again.

Woofs and licks,

No. 1 cousin


======

We sure are glad that No. 1 Cousin found his furever home. He hadn't barked at us since a couple days before Collieween, so we were wondering. He is a super sweet dog and hearing he found a furever home is the bestest Essexmas present of all.

Dog Speed,

Essex & Deacon

Merry Essexmas

We hope that everyone had a great Essexmas, just like us. We went for several walks today and then Dog Dad took us over to meet our Guardian Dog Angels Foxy's Mom & Dad. Both of us gave a big swishes of with our tails. We know good people.

We wanted to share some pictures but the camera has been misplaced. We will have to find it tomorrow, wo we can share some pictures.

Merry Essexmas,

Essex and Deacon

Essexmas Eve

We hope everyone has been a good pupster, kitties, hamsters and such. Santy Paws knows how you have been there is no fooling him. All the good pupsters should get plenty of treats and belly rubs this Essexmas. We are thinking of all of you out there. How do we know it is Essexmas, well check out the ornament at the top of the tree. It sez Essex, so it must be Essexmas.



Many of you up North will have a White Christmas. When ever Dad is blue during the winter he checks out Grand Forks, North Dakota. He worked there for over four years. This morning he got on the computer and saw that it was -15 F (-26 C). That sure brought a smile to his face. He told us we would have been peeing pupsicles if we lived there today.

Well we have plenty to do and Dad will be over his neighbors house tonight. So that means we are going to Angel Paws early. We see him getting the leashes. Until tomorrow.

Dog Speed,

Essex & Deacon

Essexmas Baking

There were sure a lot of Essexmas goodies on the table for hoomans this morning. Dad was getting it all together before taking it to work. It sure made us hungrrrrey. Dad made all this from scratch. There was Angel Food Cake, Cuban Flan, Placzek, Anise Oil, Czechoslovakian Cookies, Mazurki, Pecan Delights and Walnut Rounds. Then of course there were all those smells from his baking the last two weeks. Arrrrgggg.

We gave Dad our best puppy dog eyes and barked "What about us?"

He replied, "This weekend guys, I'll bake Cheddar Collies and Peanut Butter Labs for you and your pals to celebrate Essexmas. Maybe I'll even try a new recipe."

Tails wagged and mouths drooled. Some homemade treats for the Collies this Essexmas.

Arooooo, we love our Dad.

Essex & Deacon

Angel Food Cake

Anise Oil Cookies

Clockwise from top right:

Czechoslovakian Cookies, Walnut Rounds,

Pecan Delights, and Placzek

Mazurki

Cuban Flan

The goodies Dad baked

14 December

Dad has been busy. A vet visit and Essexmas baking. Deacon had his distemper shot and checkup. He is doing grrrreat. He weighs a whole 74 lbs and all his tests were good news. The vet loves seeing us because we are in such good shape.

Dad continues to make human stuff for Essexmas. He said he has a ton of baking left to do. I think he is ready for all the baking to end.

Grand-Paw is out of the hospital and is in an assisted care facility until he becomes more functional. While Dad doesn't like that news, it is what needs to be done. Hopefully Grand-Paw will be back on his own in a month or two.

Well, we here the buzzer going off. Another batch of cookies done.

Dog Speed,

Essex & Deacon

Deacon's Second Anniversary

Deacon - 10 DEC 2008 - Angel Paws

Deacon - NOV 2006 - Holmhaven

It has been two years since I came to live with Auntie Essex and Dog Dad. I love and enjoy being with both of them. They have taught me a lot during our time together.

To celebrate we went to the dog park early and stayed late. There was a some extra sharp cheddar cheese. Dad gave me a big lick from the tip of my nose to between my ears and a big hug. Dad may be quirky, but that is what I love about the guy.

Today I wish all our cyber-paw friends and regular friends a extra special dose of the Collie Blessing. "May your tail wag, your belly be full, and may you have a forever family to rub your tummy and scratch behind your ears."

Dog Speed

Deacon

Plan Dog

Dad was in strangely quiet this morning. He drank his coffee and scratched us behind the ears. Then he said to us, "We must never forget."

We gave him our best you lost us Dad look.

In a low quiet voice that was almost a whisper he told us of a time before Dog Dad was a twinkle in Grand-Paw's eye. Back when Grand-Paw was a young man. The world was in upheaval. Europe and China were ablaze. The United States had watched but had not entered the war. On Sunday, December 7th 1941 everything changed. The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Almost every American living then could tell you were they where. Grand-Paw remembers of that we are sure. He was a soldier during WW II and served in Europe.

Grand-Paw and pups circa 1942-43

Grand-Paw and a pup

Mojave Desert, Calif - 1942

Some saw the approaching storm and started making plans. In 1940 the Chief of Naval Operations wrote a memorandum that was given to President Roosevelt on 12 November 1940. That memorandum described four courses of action A through D. The recommendation was to go with option D. D stood for Dog in the Joint Army/Navy Phonetic Alphabet. The options were:

• A - Defend the western hemisphere.
• B - Go on the offensive in the Pacific against Japan while remaining on the defensive in the Atlantic.
• C - Fight equally committed in both the Atlantic and Pacific.
• D - Go on the offensive in the Atlantic (against Germany and Italy) while remaining on the defensive in the Pacific.

Our names have strong ties to WW II. Deacon came from Grand-Paw being the Chaplains assistant and driving around the front lines during the war. Grand-Paw and the Chaplain were even strafed by a Messerschmitt. They abandoned the jeep and scattered into the woods. When they got back there was a cannon hole between their seats. Dad's college roommate's aviator father served on the Essex during the Korean War, but the Essex was built and saw battle during WW II.

Dog Dad slowly took a sip of coffee. Faced west and saluted. We know Dog Dad won't forget.

Essex & Deacon

Favorite College Team

We were sitting with Dad on the sofa watching football when he asked “Essex, Deacon what is your favorite college team?”

We howled back “Guess.”

He named off “Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC, Florida and Notre Dame.” We rolled our eyes. Then he said “It must be a dog.” Tails wagged. He said “The Washington Huskies, Georgia Bulldogs, Connecticut Huskies, and North Carolina State Wolfpack.” We shook our heads no.

Dad said “I give up, who is your favorite team?” We barked “Texas A&M.”

“The Aggies, why in dogs name are you Aggie fans?” Then we told him about Reveille.

Reveille VII from Wickipedia

Reveille is Texas A&M’s Collie mascot. She is a cadet general, and wears 5 diamonds on her maroon-and-white blanket. All freshmen cadets refer to her as “Miss Rev, ma’am.” She picks a sophomore to be the mascot corporal and Miss Rev goes classes and accompanies him on dates. Reveille has her own cell phone and student identification card. If she decides to sleep on a cadet’s bed, the cadet sleeps on the floor. We looked at Dad. He laughed his friendly low laugh and said “In your dreams guys.”

The story of Reveille started in January 1931. Several members of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie band were returning from a party when they unexpectedly hit a small black and white mixed-breed stray dog. They smuggled her into school, but the dog began barking when “Reveille” was blown by the bugler, thus the origin of her name.

Reveille I from Wickipedia

During the opening football season, Reveille I became the official mascot and led the band onto the field for their half-time performance. During WW II Reveille I was given the rank of Cadet General by the U.S. Army. When she crossed the rainbow bridge on 18 January 1944, a military funeral was held at the football stadium and she was buried at the north entrance facing the scoreboard so she could always watch the score of the game.

Reveille Grave Site from Wickipedia

The students tried but were unable to raise funds for a second dog. An alumnus donated a sheltie, who became Reveille II. Reveille II was the mascot from 1952-1966. “Miss Rev” marched with the Aggie Band during football games and she had a habit of relieving herself on the football field. Bets were often placed as to which yard line.

Reveille III – VIII have been purebred Collies. Some interesting things include when Reveille IV crossed the bridge in 1984 over 10,000 hoomans attended her funeral. Reveille V was mischievous and loved to steal erasers from chalkboards during class. Reveille VI became a movie star in the 1996 film "Reveille, My Life as the Aggie Mascot." Reveille VIII became took over in 2008 and was whelped in Topeka, Kansas. We wonder if Topeka is close to Wichita where Great (Great) Uncle Bobby used to live.

Hmmm, if we start licking Dad’s face and nibbling on his ear, maybe we can get our own cell phone and time on the bed. It is worth a try, right cyber-paw pals?

Dog Speed

Essex & Deacon

Monday Night

This is Essex the "Moondog" reporting that something strange was going on with the night sky Monday. Our photograph doesn't do it justice because Dad couldn't keep his paws really really still. Deacon wanting to lick Dad might have had something to do with that but I digress. We saw a crescent moon with two bright dots in our sky. Those dots were Venus and Jupiter. From what was barked us supposedly it looked like a smiley face down under in Australia and New Zealand, but was frownie face here in Key West.

We hope those of you that like this stuff got a chance to see it because it was way pawsome. We were a bit upset because the clouds got in the way, so we only could catch a glimpse now and then.

Unfortunately, we were a bit disappointed because we were hoping to see a moondog too.

Dog Speed,

Essex (aka Moondog)

Cheddar Collies

Cheddar Collies

We hope everyone is having a pawtastic weekend. Grand-Paw keeps improving. His voice is weak, and he is going through physical and speech rehab. He is positive and every one is telling us he is quite a pawsome guy. We knew that already.

We wanted to share a picture of our Cheddar Collies. To answer Jake and JH, yes you can make make Cheddar Wire Fox Terriers (WFTs). Though they don't have quite the nice ring as Cheddar Collies. The place we got our cookie cutters had 78 different breeds. We don't mind sharing the site with our cyber-paw pals. If you e-bark us, we will send you the hyper-link. To e-bark us, either press the picture with the two collies on the right or type in the address. No we don't own stock in the company, Dog Dad just likes baking stuff.

Dog Speed,

Essex & Deacon

Happy Thanksgiving

We want to wish all our pals out in cyber-paw land a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We hope your hoomans give you plenty of attention and treats. We are starting to smell some of those wonderful holiday smells.

Dad is making some human treats flan and pumpkin-cup cakes. After that cheddar collies for us and our pals at Angel Paws. We sure are looking forward to those.

Several years ago Dad's sisters made him a calender. The below is the photo they chose for the month of November. Essex is about six-months old, so it was taken many dog-moons ago.

Happy Thanksgiving Every Paw

Dog Speed,


Essex & Deacon

Once, Twice a Lady

Dad told us yesterday that Lady I, Lady II and their Dog Mom wanted to wish us Happy Thanksgiving. We really liked their Dog Mom, she could even make Essex's tail swish and Essex is only that way with only a few of people. Their Mom had to leave them with their Dog Dad in northern Florida for a year. She misses them a lot and all three of them always treated us nice.

We got to do our sniffs before Dad went on vacation in October. The Ladies snuck up by Dog Dad to get petted. We think they like him a lot. Then of course Collie People are like that. If there is another one around they will find each other.

Grand-Paw is doing better. He is still in the hospital but doing a lot better now. We sure hope to get to see him again. He is a pawsome guy. We think have convinced Dad to make us some Cheddar Collies and some other dog treats for Thanksgiving. Stay tuned to see if we are successful.

Essex & Deacon

Lady I takes a breather

Lady II poses for the camera

The Four Key West Collies
Lady I, Deacon, Essex and Lady II

Distracted

We have been distracted the last four days cyber-paw pals. On Saturday, Grand-Paw (Dog Dad's Father) was admitted to the hospital with a low grade fever. When we called on Sunday, he could only say a couple sentences. We were worried.

On Monday when we checked in with Dog Dad's brudder and sistahs, they told us Grand-Paw was going to get a cat-scan, MRI and some blood work. They relayed that Dad was talking better. We are not sure what type of cat was did that scan, but we hope it is like Rosie and not some strange cat. The cat-scan showed Grand-Paw had a hemotoma about the size of a golf ball near the frontal lobe of his brain.

Deacon: I think it was a goofball.

Essex: It was a golf ball size silly. That is one of those little white balls that people hit with a big stick, so that can go after it and hit it with another big stick.

Deacon: Sounds like a goofball to me.

Today, we found out he is talking and doing much better. Grand-Paw turns 90 next week and is a World War II veteran. He is a nice guy and loves giving us scratches behind the ear. We are hoping for a quiet Thanksgiving where we spend lots of time at Angel Paws Dog Park.

Dog Speed,

Essex & Deacon

KW-Collie Time

Our good friend Oorvie made us a totally pawsome clock. We love it. Thank you so very much dear friend.

Oorvie was quite wise in cutting the Gordian Knot and choosing the type of Collie in the clock. Instead of going with a Tri-Color or Sable and White, a Blue Merle was chosen.

Back on 26 September Ludo awarded us the friendly blogger award. Dad had forgotten about it and we had to nip him on the ankle a couple times. Thank you so very much Ludo. There are no rules to giving out this award, other than you can give it out to others you feel deserve it.

Any one who reads our post is welcome to this award. However, we would recognize three that have helped us with our blog and answered many a computer question.
1 - Oorvi, a kind soul that has honored us with a wonderful clock
2 - Tosca, a witty funny Collie, who started us blogging and spent many hours explaining how to create a blog.
3 - Gomer and Opie, who have provided good computer advice and have made us smile many a time.

Dog Speed,

Essex & Deacon

War Dog Memorial

Bougainville - 1943

Last year we barked about our paw-fathers and paw-mutters that served in the Great War (WW I). This Veterans Day we bark about those that served in the South Pacific during WW II. The official US Marine dog during WW II was the Doberman Pinscher. Their first action was during the landing as Bougainville on 1 November 1943. These Devil Dogs detected mines, went on patrol, performed sentry duty and sniffed out the enemy. They saw combat on Saipan, Iwo Jima, Guam and Okinawa.

The 2nd and 3rd Marine Platoons on Guam used more War Dogs than all the other areas of combat in the Pacific. While during their duty on Guam 25 of our paw-fathers crossed the rainbow bridge in 1944. One Devil Dog named Kurt saved the lives of 250 soldiers when he alerted them to Japanese troops. Most of these dogs were buried in the Marine cemetery and marked by simple concrete graves that were each indented with the dog’s profile.

Marine and wounded Dobe
Guam - 1944

Guam War Dog Cemetery - 1944

At the wars end 549 dogs remained. Military Brass argued these dogs were killers unfit to return. They were wrong. The Devil Dogs were detrained and only four found unfit to return to civilian life.

War Dog Memorial

Fifty years later a new War Dog Memorial was dedicated to those dogs that never left Guam. The inscription on the memorial reads as follows:

25 Marine War Dogs gave their lives liberating Guam in 1944. They served as sentries, messengers, scouts. They explored caves, detected mines and booby traps.
SEMPER FIDELIS.

Kurt--------Yonnie------Koko-------Bunkie
Skipper---Poncho-----Tubby-----Hobo
Ni-----------Prince------Fritz--------Emmy
Missy------Cappy------Duke-------Max
Blitz--------Arno---------Silver------Brockie
Bursch----Pepper-----Ludwig----Rickey
Tam (buried at sea off Asan Point)

Given in their memory and on behalf of the surviving men of the 2nd and 3rd marine war dogs platoons, many of whom owe their lives to the bravery and sacrifice of these gallant animals.

Vacation Photos

Finally, the long awaited vacation photographs. Things have been hectic around our home. The pool is green, unpacking from vacation, Dog Dad paying those nasty bills, mowing the yard, catching up on emails, reading our friend's blogs, the World Series and of course visiting Angel Paws.

While we were on vacation Charlie gave us an Autumn Friends Award. Thank you so much for that wonderful award. Charlie, we saw a few pumpkins that either of us could have fit inside. There were only a few leaves changing color though. We would like to pass the Autumn Friends award to Gomer & Opie, Tosca, Reilly and Maximillian the Valliant.

Dog Speed,

Essex & Deacon

Autumn Friends Award

from Charlie - 14 OCT

Essex, Hattie, Cassie and Deacon watch the treat

Cassie chilling out

Essex checking things out

Deacon and Cassie at rest

Essex and Cousin Clyde lying down

Cousin Clyde ready to take a nap

Happy Collieween

We hope all our cyber-paw pals out there had a Happy Collieween. It sure is a pawsome time of the year. It makes Dad happy, even though it drives us a little nutty. Dad puts us in the back bedroom and closes the door. Something about us going nuts when people we don't know walk by our house. We get anywhere from a 100 to 300 kids visiting our house.

Essex & Deacon

Blue Monday

It is a Blue Monday for us. A month ago we all excited about # 1 cousin coming to Key West. Then we were sad that he would not be coming to Key West because his family had to move. Today we found out that he will not be living with Dog Dad's friend. It turns out the place the family is moving to will not allow dogs over 30 pounds. A full grown male collie is normally around 60-75 pounds.

We feel like we know our # 1 cousin. We were looking forward to getting letters from him, like Uncle Bobby used to send us. We sure hope he finds a good home as Holmhaven Collies are real sweet hearts. Don't worry pals we will be okay. We just had to get this off our chests before we resume normal posting tomorrow.

Dog Speed

Essex & Deacon

# 1 cousin latest puppy picture.

We're Back

We just wanted to let all our cyber-paw pals know we made it safe back home to Key West. Both of us and Dog Dad hate that long two day trip from Cincinnati, Ohio to Key West, Florida. Thankfully the weather was sunny and we mostly just slept in the car. Our first stop back in Key West was Angel Paws. What a pawsome Dad, he lets us see our pals and run around before going home.

Dog Dad was a little worried because Essex didn't poop for 48 hours. As soon as we got to Angel Paws, Essex took care of business. Essex tends not to eat or do her duty when we travel. Dad is used to it, but it still worries him a bit.

More tomorrow, hopefully.

Dog Speed,

Essex & Deacon

Journey South

Dog Dad is packing for the trip back. We head south to Clyde's house tomorrow to visit for several days. Then it is back home to Key West. We sure will miss the cooler weather.

We might be able to visit Dad's brudder, Stevie-grrrr-Wonder. We'll catch up with everyone on Monday. Wish us luck.

Essex & Deacon

Essex is Five

Auntie Essex has really enjoyed her Barkday. We woke up for our early morning walk. Dad of course sang "Happy Barkday" to her and kissed her on the nose before our walk. Then we had some special Barkday Pup-Cakes Auntie Marge, Dad's sister got for us. Next we went to Pet Smart. We met several other dogs, but no dogs with blogs. We wish that Key West had a Pet Smart. After that we had more dog treats and then went to visit our Ohio Collie Paw-Pals, Hattie and Cassie. We had fun running, playing and wishing Auntie Essex a Happy Barkday.

This sure is a lot more fun than Paw-latics. If you get a chance stop by and wish Thor a happy Barkday. Thor is celebrating Barday number two, while this is lucky number five for Essex.

Dog Speed,

Deacon

Special Barkday Pup-Cakes

Deacon enjoying a Pup-Cake

Essex enjoys a chewy Barkday treat

We wish Key West had a Pet Smart

Essex, Hattie, Cassie and Deacon

O-H-I-O, hurray

Well, we are safe and sound here in Ohio. We arrived in Cincinnatti on Saturday and were in a little town called Amherst on Monday.

We have visited and played with Clyde. Now we are playing with our best Collie buddies Hattie and Cassie. Well, time to get off the computer, Dog Dad wants to play.

Essex & Deacon

Remember Tosca in 08

Ohio Vacation

Dad got the car packed up last night and we will be headed north to Ohio. We hope Clyde, Hattie and Cassie are ready to play. We can't wait to see our Buckeye paw-pals.

Our posts might be a bit sporadic, but Dad promises to look at laptops. We hope he finds one he likes, so we can read all of our cyber-paw pal posts and that we can tell them all about adventures.

Dog Speed,

Essex & Deacon

Shark Attack

This is an amazing true story cyber-paw pals. This is about a Rat Terrier named Jake and his Dog Dad. You may have seen it on CNN today. Last Friday, 26 September, Jake was out for a little ocean swim. Suddenly a five foot shark attacks from below. Jaws open wide and just about all of Jake is in the sharks mouth. Well, his Dog Dad dove into the water and hit the shark like a battering ram with his hands.

Jake had some puncture wounds from the incident but is recovering well. Join us in a toast of Pawsters and a Kennel Brew. "Here is to Jake's Dad, one brave hooman. Woof, woof, Aroooo."

Click here to read the article in Miami Herald.

Click here to watch the CNN story.

Absolutely Pawsome,

Essex & Deacon

Nuts

All we can say is "Nuts!"

Dog Dad came in after work yesterday and said “I have something to tell you both about #1 Cousin.” Tails started to wag.

“His Dog Dad got a new job and will be moving next week. His pack will be living in the Tampa Bay area near Cousin Howie. I doubt you will get to ever meet him.” Tails drooped.

We barked back. “Say it isn’t so Dad. We want to meet our cousin. Don't let it happen.”

“Guys, I’m sorry. I know you were looking forward to teaching him the Collie way.”

Essex barked “What about fence patrol?”

Deacon chimed in “Who's going to show him the best way to get a belly rub?”

“We need to move on guys. It just wasn’t meant to be. His pack is moving and he will join them after the move. You know he will have a great furever family; he just won’t be living in Key West.”

So as you can tell we are blue. We wish could have at least met our cousin. "Nuts, Nuts, Nuts, Nuts. "

Essex & Deacon

No. 1 Cousin

Wow, Booker and Reilly are good at sniffing thing out. It was indeed cousin number 1 in our August post, that is coming down to Key West. Did our cousin have a little birdie relay that information to you? We sure didn't know which one.

His family to be decided to visit Holmhaven last weekend. As they come in the yard to visit, he strolls up to them and says to them. "Hi, your my family. I think we will have a lot of fun together. " He played with their son and just had a good time with the visit. He sure must be excited about coming to Key West and his furever home.

He is making us guess about what his name be though. We've heard Harley, Jazz, Ranger and Spartan mentioned most often. We have heard a couple other names too. We will hopefully, find out this weekend and find out his name for sure.

Dog Speed and Tosca in '08,

Essex & Deacon

#1 Cousin with his hooman family

#1 Cousin just looking adorable