Frank The One Eyed Pug

2012-01-28T18:53:00.000-08:00

Well, the other day I thought that perhaps a Jawa (one of those nasty creatures from Star Wars) had climbed into my bed. If you do not know to what I am referring may I suggest that you click this word below?:

Jawa

Yep. I think a Jawa for sure.

Bean! I just made that bed!!!

The Heater...

2012-01-17T09:32:00.001-08:00

Oh Frank! What's that you say? You aren't going to move from your spot by your new heater for the rest of the day? But whatever could be the reason?

Reason #1

2012-01-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

Umm... what is happening?!

Reason #2

2012-01-17T09:30:00.000-08:00

Oh Frank! Is there snow in your eyeball?!

(PS - I do not enjoy that each e-mailed photo needs its own post. Sigh. Technology. Frank finds it to be overrated.)

And There They Are!

2012-01-11T23:23:00.000-08:00

Oh Frank and Bean! You are so sneaky and vigilant there at the door!

Where's Frank?

2012-01-10T21:08:00.001-08:00

And for special bonus points see if you can also find Bean!

(answers to be posted tomorrow)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T23:52:00.000-08:00

Well. That was quite a Fall in the Bay Area.

Not only did I neglect the blog, but I fear the pugs as well. Far fetched became my dreams of a Frank goes to San Francisco series... If not for their faithful Aunt "P" who came to them every weekday, and my amazing sister who came to them every night and weekend, I don't know what I would have done! (see the end of this post for "P"'s incredibly sweet - and very dashing photographic - tribute to the boys).

Allow me to summarize

I worked

Frank poked his eye

I worked some more

Frank and Bean ate some treats from their toddler sized human cousins and caused mayhem

I worked some more

Bean got a bladder stone (since dissolved, thank you special diet)

I worked some more

We road tripped home with a delightful stop in Ashland with Frank's biggest fan D!

We all flew to Grandma/pa R's in Colorado for Christmas!!!!

Please enjoy handsome and festive photos below:

Why yes Bean, you do have to have a bath to prepare for your trip! No one enjoys an unfestive pug smell at Christmas time!

(No one enjoys an unfestive pug smell at Christmas time)

Both Frank and Bean had baths but forgave the grudge as soon as not one, but TWO travel houses appeared - I didn't even have to ask them to climb in....

Although sometimes, it would seem, Bean got lonely in his...

Oh Frank. It is very hard to be an older brother, but

You are such a debonair and well worn traveller!

Good thing we brought the pug coats! Our first stop when we landed was to visit a friend at her snowy homestead - Frank and Bean met their first horses ever and seemed rather unphased I am proud to say...

(Actually they spent most of their time eating snow. Bean thought he had found a buffet.)

After enjoying a delicious invitation to Christmas dinner,

Frank retired to his favorite spot in the world!

(Yes, Gentle Pig did make the trip)

Bean found one of his own...

(Bean! If only your tiny head and giant eyeballs didn't look so festive in accessories!)

A few fun filled days later Bean wondered why he had to fly home :( ...

(Oh Bean, it is not your fault, the airline will only let each person carry one handsome pug, and your dad had to get back to work!)

For Frank, however, the celebration continued...

Oh, what's that Frank? The ground is too cold for your paws? You think you might like to ride along in this nifty double stroller? Sure thing!

His wee human cousin seemed delighted by the company and Frank refused to get out once he realized that he could be rolled along in luxury...

(I am NOT buying Frank a stroller. Though if I did, Bean could join him in a double one... hmm...)

Oh Frank. It's a good thing your dad went home so he could overnight us your eye drops when we ran out!

And then! What delight!!! A visit from Frank's first friend ever and the love of his life, SNACKLER who moved to Colorado two years ago, effectively breaking his heart!

(If you say "Where's Snackler" he will run to the front door and cry. We don't do that often. Very mean. There were no still photos to post. Too much wriggling in joy.)

Oh Frank! What big times you have had!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Click below for Aunt "P"'s photo's from Oakland! (If anyone EVER needs pet care in the East Bay, please let me know!)

Frank and Bean!

Oh Frank and Bean. Your life is very rough indeed.

You tube!

2011-10-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Bean! You are famous! For those of you who need a pug fix after a long absence of blogs, you may want to see Bean at his best while peeing... Oh my! Our delightful new friend "P" spliced a few instances together!

Click on the Bean! below and it should whisk you right to the site!

Bean!

Settling In!

2011-09-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well, Bean has arrived!

That is the good news, the bad news is that he brought a bladder stone with him. BEAN! You are supposed to be the healty one! He does have his cast off however, and has been getting into all sorts of trouble with his brother.

First and foremost, he has met a new pack of friends with his delightful dogwalker "P"! Oh Frank and Bean! Your coats are so smooth and uncurly compared to your new friends, perhaps we should get you a curling iron! Well, at least your tails make up for the lack of curl in your coats...

We also taught my 2 year old neice a new word: vulture. She was confused when I explained that it was a kind of bird that acted like this:

Then, as it was rather hot, I left the screen door closed while I ran an errand.

I came home to find this:

Um.... fortunately my cabin leads into a fenced yard...

Frank and BEAN! You are very very naughty little rascals indeed!

Hmm... Mobile Blogger

2011-09-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the trouble with mobile blogger, as Frank and I have discovered, is that you can only have one picture per post - annoying for SURE, so, the following 3 posts are from our adventure to Berkely today! Oh Frank! So swanky near the big University. Please enjoy pictures 1,2, AND 3...

Picture #1

2011-09-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

Frank, being very interested in a historical fact as he is, found a deligtful and traditional sun dial! (He may also have marked the sun dial just a little bit in his own special way.) Oh Frank!

Frank was pretty sure that it indicated that it was dinner time...

Picture #2

2011-09-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Oh Frank and Cousin Gus were so excited to frolic into today's choice for exploration: Cesar Chavez park in Berkley. We did find it a WEE bit confusing as to which areas were on leash and which were off...

Picture #3

2011-09-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

Oh FRANK! How very well travelled you are! At the end of the park we found ourselves with a rather delightful view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Though, it must be said, in this picture really what you see is the smog... if you peek just underneath you CAN make out a bit of the scenic element!

GUS! Yes, you are handsome too, and we SEE you sneaking into the edge of the frame with your long distinguished snout!

And in the meantime... Photo #4

2011-09-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Oh. My. Bean does not enjoy that he was left out. Back home with his dad. But fear NOT little Bean! You arrive on the airplane on FRIDAY!!!

Poked eye and all!

2011-09-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Well. The bad news is of course that Frank poked his eye. The good news is that it does NOT appear to be slowing him down!

Oh Frank! What's that? You are VERY eager to go on all sorts of adventures with your new pug sitter P?

Here we see Frank peeking out of P's car wondering whatever delightful adventure could possibly be coming up next!

Oh Frank! You ARE so handsome, poked eye and all...

(and fear not, your sidekick Bean will be joining us soon!)

Poke.

2011-09-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

Who wants to guess where Frank is here?

Oh Frank. Sigh. MUST you poke your eye as SOON as we get to California?

Well, at least we have discoverd the veterinarians here! And I do believe he will be no worse for wear. Ophthalmologist on Monday, though not our beloved Dr. Sullivan from home :(.

Soooo...

2011-09-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

I just got this text from my sister who is allowing the Frank to stay with her and her family during the day:

"Someone is being naughty."

A bit ominous as you may imagine. Then the picture rolled in:

FRANK! You do NOT belong on a small person's table and WHERE is that cheese stick that was just there! At least be sneaky and stay on the floor! You are a VERY bad pug!!!

2011-08-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

Oh Frank! What's that? You are being so helpful and helping to read a story to a little little person?

Was that before or after you jumped up on the table and ate her peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Or stole her cheese stick out of her hand? Or got your head stuck in a cracker box?

Frank! Your looks will only take you so far! You must BEHAVE if you want to be a welcome house guest!

2011-08-27T09:34:00.001-07:00

Test #2!

2011-08-26T23:52:00.000-07:00

Ok Frank fans, hold on to your hats! We seem to have figured out mobile blogger from the iPhone! That's right! Frank will now be featured ON THE GO.

Note the picture in the post below where Frank is getting ready for his travels in his handy travel house as Bean sadly looks on. Oh Bean! It IS so sad to leave you behind, but you will join us for adventures of all kinds in just a few weeks when your mussed up leg is all healed up and ready for the California sun!

2011-08-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

2011-08-25T09:36:00.001-07:00

Test post!

We've Arrived!

2011-08-24T11:17:00.001-07:00

In California!

Here we see Frank scouting out our new favorite coffee shop by work! I am sad to say that the Bean will not be joining us here for another month due to the fact that the little rascal broke his foot. Oh Bean. Not Awesome.

We are also exploring mobile blogging so that we don't get so darn behind on the posts as the busy times set in - and wouldn't it be exciting to have a daily California Adventure???

Broken PuG!

2011-07-28T23:19:00.000-07:00

....AAAAAND 20 days later here we are. Well, it has been an eventful time. Most notably because of this:

Yep. Bean seems to have broken his wee paw somehow on a dog park adventure. We aren't sure if he got stepped on or simply ran too hard, but the Bean is on rest for 6-8 weeks and is DISpleased. Though, perhaps not as displeased as Frank and I as we have been WAITING AND WAITING AND WAITING for the sun to come out so that we could all go to the doggie beach. It didn't seem so sad the first week because it was raining... though I do think that Bean was rather less than delighted:

Bean! What Christmasy rain gear you have! In July.

But for the last 3 days the sun has been out and it has been beautiful. SAD. Well, at least we got to go swimming last year. Please allow me to invite you down memory row with Bean since he won't be going this year:

Bean! Such a fine young swimmer. We had such hopes that this year you would learn to turn about in the water rather than swimming out to sea with your frantic parents diving in after you due to your inability to conquer the finer points of physics.... Oh well, there's time to learn next year I suppose...

Lazy Days....

2011-07-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

Frank! Bean! The sun is shining for the first time in months! Shall we perhaps go outside and frolic about?

No response...hmm... maybe if I pull the covers back the pugs will want to rise and shine!

Really?
Oh Frank, how rather undistinguished of you. Did you forget again that you are not a small furry person and therefore perhaps should not attempt to sleep like one? Note The Bean beside you (who also, one might note, did not respond when encouraged to greet the morning) curled up a bit more as a pug might be.

Sigh. Well, I guess the best thing to do in this case would be to climb back in along side the furry gents. Who could resist a bed of pugs with whom to snuggle?!?

California...

2011-07-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

...here we come!

Well, not yet. We don't actually leave until mid-August, BUT early preparation is key, and as you can see, Bean is very eager about the adventures to come!
(Don't worry, we're not moving, I'm going down for several months for work and though I contemplated leaving the pugs here with their dad or in Colorado with their grandmother, I think we all know that the sadness in my heart would be unconquerable PLUS what pugs don't enjoy new adventures AND with their cousin Gus the bird dog!)

Believe it or not...

2011-07-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, there is a "gentleman" at work who claims very strongly NOT to be a fan of Frank OR Bean. Now, I believe that people are entitled to their opinions, however, having never met Bean and perhaps having only briefly met Frank, I do believe that this is simply his being obstinate and desiring to be different from most everybody else who rather enjoy things that are small, warm, furry, charming and delightful.

Now, it just so happens that the said "gentleman" somewhat resembles the Star Wars character Obi-Wan Kenobi (the new one from the bad movies, not the old one from the good movies, though the new one is played by Ewan McGregor which almost makes up for the unfortunate existence of the films...). Though the "gentleman" only somewhat resembles the actual character of Obi-Wan, it just so happens that a Barbi sized action figure came out with the new movies and more closely resembles the "gentelman" than it does Mr. McGregor. Because of this, action figure Obi-Wan (who was a gift to the "gentleman") follows him about from job to job, gracing his desk and occasionally getting into mischief with a local Barbie or too.

As there are no Barbies currently about the work place, I thought that perhaps Obi-Wan was lonely and would enjoy some company from the two best companions around...

Oh, Obi-Wan! What handsome friends you have found!

The "gentleman" was not pleased.

Perhaps that is because Bean does somewhat appear to be lifting his leg on him.

However, this was not the intent but rather the way that the BEAN! sticker was designed, based on the delightful picture of his first bath! (see Stickers! post for a reminder, grandma Railey, and others who sometimes get confused about the internet machine, if you click on the word Stickers there in blue it will take you to that post...)

I am sad to report that when texted a picture of the new happy trio, the result was a wee bit irate "gentleman" storming up many flights of stairs and unceremoniously tearing Frank and Bean away and tossing them in the trash.

Well, c'est la vie. There is no accounting for taste, I suppose.

Obi-Wan shall simply have to resume his lonely existence with nothing but his light-saber for company. How very sad indeed.

Steak

2011-06-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

What? What'd I do?

Oh Frank. You are very selfish indeed! That whole giant steak bone brought home in a doggie bag and you won't even let little Bean have a lick! How rude!

The Perfect Pose...

2011-06-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

Oh my! What more is there to say? Look at that stellar ear coordination between the two! Such matching angles that I think perhaps they missed their calling as synchronized swimmers! Well, except for the water part...

A Master of Camouflage!

2011-06-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, one of the few sunny ones so far, the pugs were enjoying a delightful warm basking session when it came time for me to close the door and leave the house. Someone was so displeased by the thought of being brought in that it would seem he tried to conceal himself behind like colors...

Oh Frank! You are so very sneaky! (note: Bean seems to lack the same finesse...)

Let's get an aerial view of that...

Oh Frank...you are so very clever, but you are just a wee bit too big for that hiding spot...

And We're Back...

2011-06-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

Recently, a very disobedient one eyed pug was caught "looking for snacks on my desk." In fact, it is my belief that he was looking for his long lost blog... which disappeared for a bit under rather stressful work conditions. However - we are back for the summer and fall, with a promise of 1-2 posts a week at least, even if they are only a delightful picture! Readers may want to look forward to the "Frank and Bean go to California!" fall series starting in late August which will feature a 3 month residency in the Bay Area! Oh my!

Oh! And we are now available to be seen on mobile device format! I think...

Where's Bean?

2011-05-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

This morning when I called for Bean he failed to respond. When I came to look for him, it seems he thought he was hiding behind his cardinal and therefore blending in with the new red carpet.

Bean. You do try do so hard to be clever.

Hello!

2011-05-06T21:11:00.000-07:00

Frank and Bean! It's time to reemerge and appear in your blog! How exciting!

Frank? Bean?

Oh my.

2011-04-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Frank Friends,

Please do not be sad when I say that April is going to be one of those crazy work months! Though I will try to get at least some handsome photos published! For example this one:

This is what I found next to me when I woke up this morning...

BEAN! Are those your pillows? I thought not...

Bliss...

2011-04-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

Ingredients for Pug Bliss:

Begin with 1 cozy reading chair (originally meant for humans) in front of a large window.
Add:
1 delicious chewie
1 hour of rare April sunshine
1 small black pug
Mix all ingredients together for:

... a delightful dose of Pugly Bliss.

Preparation is Key!

2011-03-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Upon return from a recent trip to San Francisco (which is also why there have been so few posts!) and in light of recent events, I felt it was time to prepare our Emergency earthquake kit.

As you can see, Frank and Bean were QUITE helpful.

Don't worry puglies! Your food was the first thing to go into both our home AND our car kits.

Oh Frank! It is always best to be prepared

Paparazzi!

2011-03-16T21:26:00.001-07:00

Oh Frank! Who is so fancy having his picture taken while having big drinks!

This is the only photo I took when many many other photos were being taken of the pugs, perhaps for a magazine!
Oh Frank! Who is so handsome?
Bean, of course, was also quite the star...

Eww...

2011-03-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Why Frank, you seem to be in a laundry basket! What's that your trying to tell me?

Oh yes that's right! You and your brother are a wee bit dirty and need to get spiffed up for your photo shoot tomorrow?
Indeed!

Since a couple of handsome pugs do, in fact, have a photo shoot tomorrow, I agreed with Frank and decided that it was high time that the fellows had a quick bath!

Right. Baths. Not quick actually. The baths themselves take about 15 minutes. And then you have this:

Shrapnel.

And this:

Gross. Gross. Gross. However do two such pampered pugs get so very, very filthy?

Hmm.... no talkers here.

Sorry this blog is so short, but I have to go get out the Ajax with bleach now...

A Trip to Costco

2011-03-10T07:41:00.000-08:00

Frank's grandmother and grandfather were in town this weekend, and our final adventure included a trip to Costco to stock up on some supplies. Now, the pugs are always eager when any bag makes its way through the door believing, often accurately, that there might be a treat included for them. However, I do not believe they could have anticipated their own joy upon discovering what was included in this trip along with the 12 rolls of paper towels (used for many pugs induced situations) and 30 rolls of toilet paper (which have nothing to do with the pugs with the exception of the times when it hangs too low and Bean eats it).

That's right! 25 tasty pig ears!!! Yum YUM!!!

Oh Frank! What a big tongue you have there....

Bean couldn't even keep his tail straight he was so taken with figuring out how to ingest his new treat! (I'm pretty sure that were Bean a person there would be no walking and chewing gum for this little fellow...)

Oh Frank. Delicious!

Hazard warning!: Dear readers, if you choose to give your small pup a pig's ear, please make sure to take it away before it reaches a size, usually much too big, that they can swallow whole!!!

Spooning

2011-03-06T19:54:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder if bringing Bean home was a mistake as he seems to drive Frank a wee bit bonkers. However, sometimes I don't...

Oh Frank, he does make a rather soft pillow friend...

Sometimes a Helper...

2011-03-02T23:30:00.000-08:00

...is really no help at all.

I had a delightful blog about Frank planned. But then Bean kept trying to help.

Let me get a different angle on that...

Dear Bean,
You do not have opposable thumbs and therefore cannot help me type the blog, nor take it over to make it purely about yourself. Also, you are a dog, sort of. Dogs do not sit like this. I guess maybe pugs do. However, you have managed to hijack Frank's blog today, a development about which I am certain he is none too pleased, but which you must surely view with delight.
Love Your Person.

A Long Absence!

2011-02-28T22:06:00.000-08:00

Oh Frank followers! We are so sorry for our long absence! February was filled with much work, 2 colds and the flu (for me, not for Frank thank goodness...). However, a schedule of rather regular posts is in the works for March, perhaps every Wednesday and Sunday? I think so!

However, to start us off let me just say that sometimes I am a bad mom. Sometimes, I might do something that amuses me more than the pugs...

For example, sometimes when I am stretching on the floor, and Frank won't leave me alone, I assume that it is because he wants to try on one of my leg warmers...

Oh Frank, you are so handsome in everything you wear!

I was worried that I had traumatized Frank a bit, but upon my return to the room later that day I found a sight to put my heart at ease.

Oh Frank! Who loves a leg warmer!

PS. Sometimes Bean also likes to accessorize...

Oh. Bean. Such eyeballs...

Our New Favorite Frank Photo

2011-01-30T19:59:00.000-08:00

Oh Frank. Why are you so darling and delightful?

Frank Joins the Circus!

2011-01-18T07:55:00.000-08:00

OR: So Helpful Part #2

I recently ordered myself a new red "tissu" (otherwise know as aerial silk), which is actually not tissue or silk at all but rather a cheap stretchy poly blend used for doing aerial tricks a la Cirque du Soliel, though not nearly that entertaining or spectacle like when I do it. As I was working on the rigging of the end so as to allow it to hang from a ceiling somewhere, Frank decided that HE might like to take up the fine art of performance, with the help of his lovely assistant Bean:

Oh Frank. You do look very handsome against the red, but you are actually not helping me at all! (I have to repeatedly drag the fabric through a loopy thing...) Would you be so very kind as to move?

Frank? Hello?
Hmm. I will take that as a no.
Oh Frank. If only you could touch your tail to your head you would make such a dashing aerialist indeed!

So Helpful!

2011-01-13T06:45:00.000-08:00

Occasionally Frank is very helpful. For example, last night he decided to help his dad pack for an upcoming trip:

Oh Frank! I'm not at all sure that this bag will zip up for overhead storage with you inside!

Frank's dad was a wee bit displeased at the thought of taking a plethora of pug hair along with him, and so chased Frank out. However, a few minutes later as I was working at my desk, I heard some tell tale snores coming from just off to my right...

Oh Frank! No! You are not invited on this trip!
Perhaps this is his form of protest? Such a small and handsome conscientious objector!

A Sad, Sad Memory...

2011-01-04T19:49:00.000-08:00

I was looking through some pictures today and found these photos of Frank as a puppy with his giant, giant hurting eyeball:

Oh Frank:(

But how gracefully and charmingly you did pull through! And look at how handsome you are now!

Poll #1

2011-01-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

Why Frank, whatever could have you looking so very contemplative? Perhaps you are wondering what exactly it is about your head that makes people want to nuzzle up to it so? I have asked myself that question many a time, and so decided that it was high time to take a poll. The responses to what Frank's head smells of were as follows:

1) Calm and Euphoria (that was from me, and technically it is a feeling more than a smell but there just were no other adjectives that I could think of).

2) A Biscuit - this was from a dapper English friend, therefore I think it translates to cookie? I also think that he was trying to appease me rather than saying "dog" like most of the other men polled.

3) Dog - this was from a boy.

4) Wet Dog - this was from a bartender, who is a boy. To be fair it had been raining on the way to the bar, which delightfully welcomes friendly pups.

5) Corn Chips.

6) A Sock out of the Dryer.

7) Wet Concrete.

8) Dog - another boy.

9) Black Truffle - this was from a boy who I wouldn't feed until he chose something more descriptive than "dog".

10) A Salty Peanut

Oh Frank, what a wide range of tasty snack sniffs you do provide...

Christmas!

2011-01-01T12:22:00.000-08:00

Ok folks! Hold your horses! It seems I have some followers who are very eager to hear about Frank's Christmas. I do apologize for the lack of posts in December, it seems I felt it was a good idea to take on 2 jobs, both delightful and fun, but perhaps a bit too much as it did not leave any extra time to deliver news of the boys!
So, with my apologies, I now present a pictorial diary of Frank's Christmas!

We began the morning with Frank and been helping me to unload my stocking.

No Frank! That is neither edible nor delicious.

Here we see Frank and Bean investigating the stocking's contents with hope in their hearts that something may be for them.

No boys, there is nothing there for you! But fear not! You have your own stockings! (Of course.)

Here we see the rather scattered result of the pugs exploring their socks.

But Frank, what are you looking at? (Bean, as you can see, was enraptured with a bone from his delightful pug walker Sara!) What about all of the goodies that surround you? No? You say you caught a whiff of this giant Milkbone from Grandma Railey and can't possibly focus on anything else?

Well, it's mighty big, but it is Christmas after all...

Oh Frank! Delicious! With Christmas music in the background and everything!

We then took a break from presents and had a little eggs Benedict for breakfast. It seemed only fair to include the pugs, and so each got their own plate to lick PLUS the addition of a fine piece of ham.

Oh the snorting that did occur.

After breakfast it was present time. Now, it is not that I wished to neglect the pugs, but by the time I had wrapped the people presents, paper was running a wee bit low, and as it turned out the boys did not mind a paper bag at all as they could wade right in for their Christmas bounty!

Well, Frank waded right in. Bean had a little trouble figuring out the mechanics of a paper bag. Oh Bean. It's a good thing your cute.

Here, surrounding The Bean, we see the new friends spread about (along with Gentle Pig, who is celebrating his 5th Christmas with Frank!).

Let's see, we have Squeaky Monkey (16 squeakers!), Christmas Penguin, New Puppy (just behind the lid of the box), New Pony (who has already lost 3 of his 4 legs), Tiny Beaver (just off the edge of the carpet), and Pink Hippo (not pictured).

Ah! Here is Pink Hippo at the end of the afternoon. It seems a very exhausted Bean fell asleep whilst chewing on her ear...

Oh! It does make for a very merry Christmas indeed when there are such handsome pugs to warm the home!

Possum Tail #2

2010-12-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

For those of you who were devastated by the darkness of the possum tail video... here it is with a bit more light.

Oh Frank! Such a charmer!

A Pug Makes a Very Bad Possum

2010-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

Warning: You must make the screen VERY bright to be able to see the details of the video!!!

Here is a little insight to our morning routine:

6:00 -The alarm goes off and both pugs spring into action with Frank sneezing wildly and Bean enthusiastically trouncing on our heads, each unable to contain their joy at the the arrival of feeding time.
6:02 - The pug's dad lets them out and feeds them.
6:03 - Bean literally inhales his food. I feel certain that there is not a speck of chewing involved.
6:04 - The Bean climbs back in bed with his mom.
6:05 - Frank finishes his breakfast in a much more polite fashion.
6:06 - Frank wanders into the bedroom and looks imploringly up at me until I hoist him in (even though he is perfectly capable of jumping up himself.)
6:07 - Bean jumps off the bed to make sure that Frank has not forgotten a piece of kibble in his bowl.
6:07:30 - Bean rejoins Frank and I in bed. Much sighing and snoring occurs.
8:00 - The second alarm goes off. Time for everyone to rise and shine!

However, frequently upon the realization that it is indeed time to rise and shine, Frank likes to stay hidden under the covers so as to seduce one into thinking that he has, in fact, not heard the alarm at all. The problem for Frank of course, is that when one is playing dead (as any good possum will tell you) one must remain completely still.

Oh Frank! That includes your tail! You just can't QUITE contain yourself.

2010-11-21T11:08:00.000-08:00

Oh my! What could be better than a morning in bed with coffee, the paper, and two small pugs? It it was so delightful that I didn't even want to get up to answer the phone when it rang...

After all, who would want to leave this?

However, fearing that the call may be important, I covered Frank's chilly little legs and very straight tail, and headed out of the room.

Here is what I found upon my return:

Do you notice anything different?
Perhaps if I zoom in.

Why Bean. What might that be all over your face? You LOOK as though you haven't moved at all...

... and yet, you are staring so intensely at my delicious cup of coffee.

Bean! You might be very, VERY bad. If you are going to sneak your mom's coffee you are most decidedly going to need to slurp much more neatly!

Stickers!

2010-11-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

I believe this is what "the cold shoulder" looks like when attempted by a pug:

Someone is not at ALL pleased. I do believe we can safely assume that it has something to do with the latest brilliant artistic feat presented to us by Frank sticker creator, the delightful and talented BSS.

Yes indeed, the rumors are true! Bean has his very own sticker (based on his first bathtub experience, included below for those who might not remember!)

Bean!

But Frank! Do not fear! The blog still has your name, and after all, the Bean is just a sidekick! Every hero needs a sidekick!

And don't you two make a smart looking pair!

Frank, it would seem, remains unconvinced.

Oh Frank, whoever taught you to be so dramatic?
It is so very hard to be a pug.

Sleep. Or the lack thereof...

2010-11-12T09:20:00.000-08:00

I seem to not be sleeping very well these days.

I wonder why?

Click here for a clue:
(you are listening, cause you can't see anything in the dark. At midnight. When I am trying to sleep)

I am sad to say that that is not Bean. Nor is it Frank's dad.

Well Frank. At least YOU appear to be well rested...

A Letter From Gus

2010-11-10T10:21:00.001-08:00

Dear Frank and Bean,

How are things up north? It is very sunny here and I love to chase all of the squirrels in my new backyard. I wanted to tell you about this super neat treat machine that my mom and dad brought home. It was sort of broken for the first year, and mom and dad spent a LOT of time trying to fix it when it made loud noises. But NOW! Oh boy. All I have to do is follow it around and sit under its chair and there is a constant flow of treats dispensed!

AND its favorite game is to dig through my bin of dog kibble, put some pieces in a bowl, and then dump the bowl out for me! Mom and dad don't like that game so much. I've enclosed a picture of me and the machine, which is just about to dispense a delicious piece of cinnamon toast, in case you want to look for one of your own:

Pretty spiffy, huh?!

Anyhow, I hope that you are well. Please come visit soon and you can have some treats of your very own! Mom and dad are even thinking of bringing a new treat machine home in December just in time for Christmas! Neat!

Much Love,
Your cousin Gus!

Yum...

2010-10-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Oh Frank! You look so forlorn staring out the window at the arrival of the doom and gloom of winter...

Whatever can we do to cheer you up?
What's that you say? Prepare some warm ginger snaps with fresh whipped cream?

And let you lick the egg-beater?

What an excellent suggestion!

Allow me to share the feeding frenzy which followed, an incident sure to strike fear in the heart of whipped dairy products everywhere....

Oh my.

Frank. How rather undignified.
Though you certainly appear to be less forlorn.

Bean! Fashion Advisor.

2010-10-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, after a restless night's sleep and with a long day ahead, the last thing a lady wants to do is figure out a stylish yet sensible outfit for the day. Such was my mood as I sat pondering how to acceptably wear the closest allowable thing to sweatpants (black leggings and a large soft sweater) to work. Overwhelmed by such a tough decision, I forgot to close my closet and proceeded to the couch in order to drink some coffee and contemplate the dismaying state of the union compliments of CNN.

Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a somewhat suspicious flash of black and pink...

Why BEAN! You know that you are not supposed to go seeking entertainment in my closet!
And yet, you seem to have brought me a bright pink sporty Puma ballet flat. Indeed! The perfect thing to accessorize, spruce up, and disguise the comfort of today's camouflaged sweat pant wear!

Voila! Bean! Fashion Advisor.

I wonder if I could rent him out to Vogue?

Don't get too proud there Bean, you still get a scolding for pulling a shoe out of the closet...

Frank would like to add, as a side note, that he feels quite strongly that ANY outfit can be smartly accessorized with a fine (or thick, depending on your level of devotion) dusting of black pug hair. Further more, the best way to achieve this look is to give your handsome, one eyed pug a large spooning, and possibly a Kong filled with peanut butter, anytime before leaving the house.

Thank you Frank, a very informative suggestion indeed.

Happy Birthday!

2010-10-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Grandma Railey! We wish that we were there to give you this delightful little pumpkin to celebrate your October birthday!

Love,

Frank and Bean!

How rude...

2010-10-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

... of us to disappear so suddenly in the middle of Frank's vacation... I fear that work began to present a bit of a time constraint. BUT, here we are back, with the photos loaded the day that I disappeared, continuing our vacation at the Tillamook Cheese Factory! Upon arrival we were dismayed, though not surprised, to find that pugs were not, in fact, welcome at all. Sad times. Unfortunately, to say that Frank and Bean are hardy car dogs would be a gross inflation of the truth, which is that to actually see them waiting in the car a passerby would be forced to believe that they were abused, abandoned, and dying, and had been so not actually for the 5 minutes necessary to run into a non-dog friendly establishment, but possibly for a the better part of their lives.

As the temperatures were quite lovely and cool, though far from cold, we decided to try a new technique leaving the pugs in the car with a decoy...

Step one... open the tasty creamy peanut butter brought along for just such an instance....

step two, insert said peanut butter into 1 puppy Kong per pug...

The peanut butter Kong! This did in fact distract the boys long enough, not for us to take a tour, but at least for us to return with a delicious and calcium rich ice cream cone.

Oh Frank! Yum Yum!

Vacation #4

2010-09-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

Ah! There is Frank! Frolicking along a grassy path! And where, the pugs were so eager to learn, did the path finally end?

I do not believe that I would be exaggerating should I say that a wee bit of euphoria was felt by all when the first beach was spotted. Frank is well acquainted with a wide open beach, but for Bean this was a first.
Here is how the next 45 minutes went:

Oh, what tired and sandy pugs there were when we finally got back to the car! And, in watching the delight with which Frank chased and ran with The Bean I was completely assured for first time ever that a seeing eye puppy was in fact a good idea.

Vacation #3

2010-09-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

Time for everyone's favorite game! FIND FRANK!

This path, which I am sad to say may help all of you cheat in finding the handsome pugs, leads to tomorrows update - oh aren't you eager to see what's there?!

AND, Frank, and Bean here especially, would like to say:

Happy Birthday Grandpa Railey!

Vacation #2 - Travel Arrangements

2010-09-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

Once we had settled on a road trip as the adventure, appropriate riding accommodations were needed. Now, let me first say, that I recommend having one's dogs behind a gate, in a crate, or belted in - which is what we do in town. However, for the road trip, we did allow that the pugs could have free roam of their bed...

Oh! Doesn't that look COZY!

This, with both pugs content in the back, lasted approximately 10 minutes, followed by this...

and this...

and this, as Bean finally settled down...

then this...

and finally, this....

Wait. Let us get a different view of that in case someone didn't quite see...

Yep. Frank finally got his way. Well, almost, he of course really wanted a lap all to himself.
Oh Frank. What to say?

Oh! And please let me say, after some of Frank's favorite readers wrote in, that YES raisins are, in fact, as bad for dogs, if not worse over time, that chocolate. Best to stick with Ginger Snaps and Peanut Butter indeed!

Vacation #1

2010-09-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

The beginning of the Vacation Road Trip was the arrival of Grandma Railey. Frank, having now experienced about 5 years of his grandmother's visits, immediately went in search of the treats which he felt certain were sure to arrive.

He was not disappointed as first appeared some homemade oatmeal raisin cookies (I would just like to say that I prefer chocolate chip, I was told that my wish was overridden because the pugs could not have chocolate)...

...followed most speedily by our new favorite toys.

Please allow me to introduce the Hedgehog Babies 1 and 2. Frank, I would like to proudly state, has learned which is which, quite a feat for an almost blind one eyed pug. Oh Frank! You are so clever!
Bean, on the other hand, when asked to bring a Hedgehog Baby of any kind, generally shows up with something like this:

Bean! That is not, in fact, a Hedgehog at all!

It's a good thing he's cute.

2010-09-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

Well, the sad news is that summer has come to a grey and gloomy end. As you may have noticed, this has also brought to a halt to the summer blog schedule. But fear NOT! In order to punctuate the end of summer, Frank's grandmother flew in for a mini vacation road trip, and guess who was invited along!

That's right! So for the next week, or more, we will be providing a daily photo of Frank and Bean's Mini Vacation to the Coast! Oh MY!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's installment:
"Grandma Arrives"

Oh, and in the meantime, you might want to know that everyone's favorite one eyed pug is now famous world wide, compliments of his Godmother and BSS (who created the extraordinary FRANK sticker!)

Frank in Prague!!! Does anyone know how to say Oh FRANK! You are so handsome in Czech?

Frank's B-Day Finally!

2010-08-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Ok! The USB port is up and running! Therefore, I now present a pictorial procession of Frank's big day.

First, there was bacon. Frank's favorite, though he and Bean only got a half piece each so I felt obliged to enjoy the rest.

Bacon was followed by a morning lounge in the sunshine - the lackluster sunshine, but sun never the less...

... and the presentation of Birthday Turtle!

Which Bean quickly attempted appropriate as his own.

The evening ended with a delightful barbecue at the house of K and T where Frank was joined by his new favorite pack of friends!

Here we see him standing on the top step in an attempt to be as tall as Simon (who's handsome head is sadly cut off), May, and Bill bringing up the rear!

Oh Frank, what a happy birthday indeed!

Fear Not!

2010-08-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

Fear not faithful readers! Frank's blog has not gone by the wayside! My USB port has been acting up meaning that the pictures meant for Monday "Frank's Birthday" and today "Dear Bean, please stop scratching Frank's eyeball" (which resulted in Frank getting to take a solo trip to the vet - he was so elated to be out of the house without the whipper snapper of a puppy that you would have thought that he was 2 again!) would not download! We will try to find a solution for Monday!

Happy B-Day!

2010-08-13T23:00:00.000-07:00

Guess which stately gent is turning 5 tomorrow? Oh what a lucky day for us all!

Look at all that grey! No worries Frank, it only serves to make you even more debonair!
Celebration details to follow...

Bed Part 2

2010-08-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

You may be thinking to yourself, "Gee, I wonder how Frank and Bean are warming up to their plush new bed?"

Excellent question.

They enjoy it very much...

...as a step for getting up into our bed.

This is what we refer to as a double spoon in our household. The pug's father was not amused as there is, in fact, little space left for him.

Lime...

2010-08-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

I hope you all did well in "Find Frank". You want to look very closely at the pillar for an ear just peeking out from behind it...

Last night at a birthday party (which the boys were able to attend), Frank had what I believe was his very first taste of lime! I had to change angles so as to get the repeated reaction:

Oh Frank! So sour indeed!

Where's Frank?

2010-08-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

Oh so sorry this is late! I seem to have fallen asleep at 8:00 last night!

However, this morning I am pleased to present that latest installment of Where's Frank?

Good luck, this is a tricky one!

New Bed

2010-07-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

I was trying to write an articulate post about the arrival of the new fancy dog bed, with which I was hoping to coax the pugs out of MY bed, however, I pretty much think the pictures sum up the events of the day.

(I would like to say however, really??? Assembly required on a DOG bed??? Yes indeed, the pugs were super helpful with that part too....)

Finally, the new bed was ready to go, and MY, how DO you think the boys took to it....

Not so much. Maybe on the couch?

and....

There you have it.
Yet another sound investment.
Oh Frank.

The Trouble with Two...

2010-07-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

...is figuring out who gets to lick the delicious remnants of a Fage yogurt cup... fortunately for Frank, it would seem that Bean has not quite figured how to get to the treat. Therefore, while Frank cleans the yogurt cup...

... Bean graciously cleans Frank's eyeball.

Oh Frank, how fortuitous for you that Bean may just not be the sharpest tool in the shed...

Pug Maintenance

2010-07-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

As you may have discovered through the enjoyment of Frank's adventures, maintaining a pug is in itself a full time job. Since I have been spending a rather lot of time at my other full time job (where I make the money to pay for the pugs) yesterday was high time for some routine pug maintenance.

First, one must gather the necessary tools:

For Frank, this means wet wipes for his nose roll, two different eye drops, a toothbrush and toothpaste (which we need not focus on as oral hygiene was covered several posts ago), nail clippers, easy cheese, and, of course, a jerky treat.

For Bean we exchange the eye drops for Gentaspray... used a deterrent for puppy acne...

Oh poor Bean, might you have a pimple or so?

How VERY unbecoming! Good thing you throw the focus off with those giant eyeballs!

By far the most trying part of this process is the clipping of Frank's nails - he hates hates hates it. Seeing as how nobody likes to traumatize their one eyed pug, we came up with a plan known as the cheezy smear...

Oh FRANK, yum yum!

After smearing easy cheese along the table (an act which drives Frank's father a little bit insane, though I like to think the table comes away looking quite buffed and clean from the pug tongue polish!) Frank is positioned so that he can not possibly focus on the delight of his palate and the anguish of a having his feet touched; seeing as how he is a pug, the palate usually wins out.

Voilá! The Frank toenail trim!

All in all, it is best to leave oneself a very patient half hour or so to thoroughly complete a full round of pug maintenance.
Quite exhausting indeed.

Summer Philanthropy

2010-07-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

Helping those in need should be an important part of every pugs life. In the case of Frank and Bean, those in need refers to any canine or feline who is not currently in possession of a warm cover underneath which they may be spooned by their favorite human before waking up to be fed, walked, and presented with a choice of 30 or so toys from which to choose.
Keeping this in mind, a few rainy Saturdays ago we headed out for the furry 5K, a delightful race to benefit the Animal Shelter (and co-directed VERY admirably by Snackler's mother).

And don't these racers look handsome in their sporty kerchiefs?!

Now, in the spirit of full disclosure, it must be said that Frank, Bean, and I did not actually run the race. Shortly after this picture was taken it began to POUR and, being that pugs are less than savvy water dogs, I am sad to say that we headed back to the car and home for a nap.

HOWEVER, the donation was made and I do hope that some pugly support was shown!

Summer Treats!

2010-07-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

What would the summer be without the delicious flavor of corn on the cob?
Not wanting to rob the pugs of any of life's pleasant experiences, we felt that it only fair to give them a lick or so....

Oh boys, look at those 3 wide eyes!

Frank, of course, began with his token handsome and debonair lick.
Bean did not.

Bean! Must you jump right in and shove everyone else aside? Such manners!

Now, as anyone will recognize, along with the enjoyment of corn on the cob comes the not so delightful task of removing leftover corn bits from one's teeth. Oral hygiene is of course very important, and pugs are no exception!

Therefore, post corn, we proceeded to gather our dental pug care supplies.

1 small children's toothbrush,

and some Petorodex Enzymatic Toothpaste. (Poultry flavored! Yum, yum!)

First the boys have a little lick to see what sort of tasty treat is coming their way,

(Bean is especially enthusiastic about this part)

followed by a wee examination of the toothbrush by Frank,

and we are off!

Bean, who enjoys having pretty much everything in his mouth, seems convinced that toothbrush time is just another one of life's delights....

...or...maybe his is just very confused....

(Oh Bean. Sometimes your little brain works so hard to figure out what is going on.)

Frank, on the other hand, finds the whole process rather less than dignified and is NOT, it must be said, the ideal patient...

(and yes, that is the side with the eye squeezed SOOOOO tightly closed against the indignity and torture.)

Good oral hygiene! The key to a pug's happy and healthy dental summer!

The importance of stretching....

2010-07-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

As we all know, along with the sunshine, the summer brings a wealth of athletic outdoor activities. As with any extended and expanded exercise regime, it is most important to keep the muscles limber and stretched out.

In anticipation of a day full of summer activities, Frank takes his muscular health very seriously and enjoys stretching many of his handsome muscle groups.

The morning often begins with a vigorous tongue stretch,

followed quickly by an extension of the left hamstring (done in the sunshine only)...

Next, in a remarkable feat of multitasking during nap time, a stretch of the abdominals...

the quads,

and of course, not to be forgotten...

...the ears.
Oh Frank! You are so physically aware!

Bean, in the mean time, spends copious amounts of time stretching what he believes to be his greatest asset...

Yes Bean, your eyeballs are indeed very big.

Hot Dog!

2010-07-09T19:56:00.001-07:00

Summer has arrived in the Pacific Northwest! Finally... and with it, two very hot pugs AND the delightful announcement of "The Summer Activities of Frank (and Bean, the sidekick who is rapidly trying to take over the house and the blog, we will not allow this to happen of course.)"

How exciting! A new blog post every Monday AND Friday guaranteed all the way through, well I don't know for how long, but at least through the end of August!

Our first day of real warm weather began quite serenely...

Oh Frank! You look like a model from GQ!

And Bean! So well behaved you are, peacefully chewing on an appropriate toy!

Such relaxed and debonair fellows indeed!

I am sad to say that relaxed and debonair did not last. Below I shall feature some looks from 2 hours later, which readers will be seeing a lot of if our heat wave continues:

Oh Frank. He can't quite seem to get his tongue out all the way...

And, not to be forgotten or outdone:

Bean.
Oh Bean, I'm afraid this photo does not help to dispel the rumors that you are a bit of a nutter.

Welcome to summer!

Greybeard and Redbeard

2010-06-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

As Frank approaches his fifth birthday, he has started to take on more than a grey hair or two...

Oh Frank! What a distinguished older gentleman you have become!
Though Frank does look quite debonair, I would be lying if I said that the appearance of anything aging my handsome pug does less than seize me with panic.

And on the other end of the age spectrum... Bean ate something bad. Bad and plastic. The result being that we climbed into the bathtub and I shot a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide down his throat in an attempt to bring said plastic thing back up. Or so I thought. Turns out, most of it went under his neck causing a rather trashy red dye job...

Bean. Little Bean. Please stop with the indiscriminate ingestion....

But What Do You MEAN???

2010-06-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

I'm not invited?

Oh, such forlornness...

Frank was rather displeased when he saw the suitcase come out without the accompaniment of this travel house. Bean is of course too young to know what this means. Frank's dad and I are off for a week in lake country in Minnesota! To be quite fair, the pugs were in fact invited by the grandparents Herriott, but the resort was not as inviting. Very sad. Who doesn't feel that their vacation would be enhanced by the appearance of one very handsome and one very mischievous pug? Surely I cannot imagine anyone feeling otherwise!

So, this was the scene for about an hour:

Stoic ignoring, with a guilty look thrown in every 5 minutes or so.
Fear not Frank, you and Bean will be well cared for in our absence by the delightful pug sitter, and we will be home before you know it!

Road Trip

2010-06-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

Having decided that if we waited to go on an adventure until the sun came out we would never go, the pugs and I loaded up the car in order to go and investigate a new park that we had heard about.

Here we see the pugs happily settled, or so I had hoped, in their rather new, rather expensive car seat (to which their harnesses attach so as to hold them in should an accident occur). Apologies for the glare...

It turns out that they were not settled at all. Here are my views from the drive:

View #1

Bean trying to get out of the car seat into my lap.

View #2

Frank trying to get out of the car seat and into my lap.

Now, if you rotate View #1 and View #2 about 13 times, plus add in some growling, nipping, and whining, you will be able to mentally experience the 30 minute ride to the trail head...

We walked about 5 minutes in, Frank avoiding the puddles, Bean going right through them, until 2 things happened. First, we ran into a notice that an "unidentified male" had been exposing himself along the trail. Second, and sadly, my camera died so that I could not take a picture of the notice. Needless to say, fearsome as my companions were, we turned about.

I would venture to say that Frank was rather disappointed by the whole excursion and spent the rest of the afternoon here...

alternately glaring at me and ignoring me, I believe as a result of forcing upon him the indignity of having to share a car seat for 30 minutes for a paltry 5 minute walk.

Bean was displeased for other reasons...

Oh Bean! Frank will tell you that this is what happens when you don't avoid the puddles! And yes, he did stand like that for the whole bath - perhaps he should audition for Cirque du Soliel! Very fancy indeed! Oh Frank, what a talented and traumatized brother you have!

Things that make Frank SAD:

2010-05-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

The fact that it is still raining out:

(Oh, but look at how safe and reflective! Very important indeed for a black pug!)

Things that I make Frank happy:

not having to wear his old puppy raincoat which, obviously, does not quite fit The Bean anymore either:

Oh but never the less, what a safe and dry pair you will be!

Cookie Sharks

2010-05-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

It must be said that as of late I have been a rather absent pug mother, at least more absent than I would prefer to be, therefore it was with great delight a couple of days ago when the pugs realized that I had the day off. It was with even MORE delight that they discovered that amongst the roster of activities for the day was cookie baking.
Oh Frank! Who doesn't enjoy a ginger snap?

Seeing as how my baking skills are minimal at best, I tend to be a less than savvy kitchen user. This frequently results in quite a of lot dropped dough resulting from poorly managed counter space.

Here we see the scene from human level...

and, prowling about below....

Yup. A scene that would strike fear in the heart of even the bravest bit of snapper dough.

Oh Frank! Look at all of that hope shining in your eye! (Bean could not be convinced to glance upwards for even a second. It is my belief, as he is not the sharpest tool in the shed, that he believes that the treats actually spring UP from the floor.)

Very diligent indeed. And, of course, in the end it is quite important to thank your cleaning crew with a just reward...

Spring Has Sprung!

2010-04-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

Guess what that means!
It is time for Frank to rise and shine! And doesn't he look eager!

Oh Frank! What do you mean that you would rather stay in bed? It is time to come out of hibernation and to share your springtime adventures!

Hmm... as you can see, we have a little work to in order to convince Frank that the sun MAY actually stay out for longer than 5 minutes.

Fear not however! Hibernation has ended!

Welcome back Frank!!!

HIbernation!

2010-02-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

Fear not faithful Frank fans! Frank has not fallen by the wayside, nor has his blog! He has simply gone into hibernation for the very cold, dark, and extraordinarily overbooked by his mother, month of February.
Like the red breasted robin, and the sun before 8 am, he will eagerly reemerge in March!

The Life Aquatic

2010-01-12T06:48:00.000-08:00

I think it is safe to say that some of you may be wondering to yourselves, "Hmm. I wonder what Frank would look like were he to suddenly become a fish."

The time has come to boggle your brains no longer!

Violá!

Frank in fish form! Oh, and what a handsome aquatic specimen he is!

Someone was rather alarmed at the thought of living in the water...

Oh Frank! Don't worry! I am not going to make you swim about in an aquarium for everyone to admire, though you would make a very dashing center piece!

The Answer Key!

2010-01-05T18:29:00.001-08:00

I zoomed and lightened... just in case anyone missed seeing the handsome fellow!

Where's Frank?

2010-01-03T23:01:00.000-08:00

Perhaps this can be the new prototype for Where's Waldo...

Frank's Recipe For Fun

2009-12-31T10:54:00.000-08:00

Add one part giant chain toy,

one part young, energetic puppy, and...

...Violá! A moving toy!

Oh Frank! What delightful fun for everyone!

Christmas #2

2009-12-26T10:19:00.000-08:00

Oh Frank! What is that you have stuck about your neck? Is it your new Christmas present, the two pug chain toy? I do believe that it is!

I thought that Frank would be less than amused when I realized that this fit comfortably over his head, however, he actually didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, he found it much easier to locate the next rung down on which to tug...

and indeed, he still had quite a lot of freedom with which to frolic.

(While also amusing The Bean for quite some time, a very nice break for the humans in the household.)

Oh my. That may be a look of distress. Time to take it off I think....

After opening presents we went on a delightful Christmas romp in the sunshine (sorry all of you in the Midwest, but at least there IS something magical about a white Christmas!)

Frank got rather exhausted on on the way home and stopped walking, or perhaps he was upset about The Bean's dashing new sweater. Either way, it was clear that the needed a little extra love and attention and so he did get a bit of a lift. His dad did not approve.

Oh Frank! So nice to get some sunshine on your pugly belly!

By the end of the day all Frank wanted was a some peace on his little corner of the earth, but someone was making it rather hard...

Oh Frank! you are so sleepy that all of your wrinkles are gathering and you can't even keep your eye open!

Eventually there was a collapse which not even The (rather menacing) Bean could keep at bay. Oh Frank, what a handsome pug you are indeed all curled in a ball. If only everyone could curl up and spoon you, how could there NOT be peace and joy on earth?

Christmas #1

2009-12-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Someone was very helpful in the kitchen this morning...

he caught lots of flour on his back so that it never hit the floor....

cleaned up whipped cream the second that it did hit the floor...

...and taught his new little brother how to clean an egg beater (yes, that is Frank on the left, rather hard to catch a tongue in motion when it is moving that fast. Perhaps a National Geographic photographer could give me some tips on capturing such a quick and fascinating creature in motion?).

Oh Frank! What a helpful and furry elf you are indeed!

The Christmas Spirit

2009-12-10T21:07:00.000-08:00

To say that it has been busy around here would be a rather large understatement. Never the less, Frank and I do apologize for the lack of posts in the last two weeks, it has been a bit of an adjustment getting used to the wee Bean... let's have a look shall we?

Oh Frank, what is that you say? You started off the relationship with denial, trying to hide from the Bean?

(Looking dramatically morose I might add.)

Oh my. Well. That didn't work at all. In fact, I believe that the Bean is pictured here standing directly upon your head.

Frank has, in fact, spent the better part of these past two weeks sulking. However, it seems that he is very gradually learning that there are some advantages to having a rather pudgy playmate who will, for example, tug on Pheasant for HOURS...

and who will snuggle up to help keep him warm.

Not to mention that someone looks quite dapper in Frank's first puppy coat - and look! Coordinated opposites! Ooo.

In this case the boys were dressed to go and pick up our Christmas tree, which Frank, as you can see, was MOST helpful in decorating...

Oh Frank. You don't look at all in the Christmas spirit... perhaps an eggnog latte would cheer him along.

Thanksgiving...

2009-11-26T14:39:00.000-08:00

Oh my. Tryptophan does appear to have an effect on pugs.

As does lying in the sun in California... Oh Frank, what a fine life you lead!

(Sadly, we had to leave The Bean behind with a delightful pug sitter as he was not totally vaccinated.)

Frank has an announcement....

2009-11-20T22:15:00.001-08:00

...and he is rather startled and displeased.

His suspicion started last week when a strange new set up appeared. As Frank went to investigate, I believe the alarm started to ring. (Though he did, in fact, rather enjoy the new heated dog bed that he found in this crate...)

And then, something truly startling appeared.

Oh no. Oh Frank. What is happening?

Everyone, much to Frank's displeasure, it is time to introduce The Bean.

I am afraid that Frank's dad and I decided that, as Frank's vision is getting worse and as he was seeming a little lonely, it might be time to bring home a seeing eye pug.

Frank's reaction has looked much like this:

Yup. I believe that translates to: "what in the world did I do to make you betray me so?"

Oh Frank! We got The Bean to make you happy!!!

Frank was NOT happy when The Bean tried to take his rooster,

(sorry about the quality, they move so FAST!)

nor was he happy when The Bean discovered that he could pull on the fun red leash and Frank would follow him about,

NOR was he happy when Christmas Turtle was unceremoniously snatched out from under him during his nightly chew.

Oh Frank. I do think that over time you may just learn to love The Bean.
I hope? Oh my.

There's that look again.

Peanut Butter!

2009-11-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

On a cold and rainy day there is not much that Frank enjoys more than an afternoon nap. In fact, this past week, while I was home sick, he refused to get out of bed or even to open his eye at the end of nap time.

Oh Frank, whatever shall we do? No one enjoys such slothful behavior!

Suddenly, before my poorly developed human ears could even detect a trace of noise, Frank's eye flew open! (Well, flew may be a bit of an overstatement.)

He had heard the postman, and it is as if he could detect, even from beneath the sheets, that there might be something special in store.

Sure enough...

Oh Frank, whatever is it that you have there? It seems that Frank's grandma had discovered a new recipe for peanut butter cookies. Now, not only is a peanut butter cookie chocolate free, but also, peanut butter is one of Frank's all time favorite foods.

Oh my. Someone was not pleased to be kept waiting as I snapped a photo or 3...

I assure you that this cookie did not last more than 5 seconds after this picture was taken.
Oh Frank. Delicious!

Study Hall

2009-11-07T08:53:00.000-08:00

Not only has the weather here not been delightful, it has actually been rather dramatic and scary. Due to some rather loud claps of thunder, which is rare around here, Frank was feeling a bit clingy and cold last night as I tried to study. He tried climbing in my lap, but you can imagine how helpful that was, and so he got his very own study helper set up....

...complete with personal space heater.
(Frank! Sticking your tongue out, how rude!)

Oh Frank, you might be rather spoiled.

Happy Halloween?

2009-11-05T14:22:00.000-08:00

Oh Frank...no, not a Happy Halloween at all!

Frank was not pleased this Halloween, perhaps it is because he was wearing his 3 year old hoodie, yet again; no one likes a worn out look after all!

Somebody is VERY bad...

2009-10-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

Thank goodness I had my handy dandy iPhone with which to snap the photo before giving him a through talking to. Pugs are NOT allowed on the dinner table, no matter how handsome they might be.

To be fair, I HAD just opened a box of chocolate chip cookies from Frank's Grandmother, and who can resist the small of a homemade chocolate chipper?
Oh Frank. SO bad.

I was about to refer to an earlier "incident" with a package, but it somehow wouldn't let me post the link, so I just dumped it back in below this one for the viewing pleasure of all of Frank's very delightful fans!

Happy Birthday Grandma Railey! Thank you for the cookies! Delicious!

a VERY Bad Pug

2009-10-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time Frank's grandmother sent his father and I a lovely and thoughtful package. His dad brought it in and left it on the floor, and here is what I found upon my return from a very, very, long day at work:

Oh my.

AND...chewed plastic baggies.

It seems that Grandma Railey had mailed a dozen homemade chocolate chip cookies for Frank's dad's birthday.

Frank, of course, assumed that they were for him.

12 Chocolate Chip Cookies + 1 Small Pug + maybe some plastic baggie bits and cardboard =
bad. Very, very, bad.

It was pretty clear from the way Frank looked that at this point he might actually agree with the above equation.

That's right Frank. I BET it is hard to hold a curl in your tail.

Oh my, someone did not feel well at all. Have no fear, however, I have the delightful pleasure of having a friend who we MOST enjoy, and who also happens to be a veterinary technician, and who also happened to be at work just a bit up the road. She arrived with some syringes of fresh hydrogen peroxide, which were force fed to a rather less than enthusiastic pug. I dug the shower curtain that I had just tossed out the door (what fortuitous timing!) up for "collection", and we had a less than elegant, though somewhat satisfying, half hour of watching the chocolate chippers re-emerge. (Don't use the hydrogen peroxide technique unless specifically being told what to do by your veterinarian or lovely veterinary technician).

Oh Frank, what a very bad pug indeed.

(Fear not, however! Frank was back to begging by the time the dinner hour crept around, and is currently snoozing, happy as a clam, in the middle of the bed.)

Snugly

2009-10-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

Much to my dismay, this week consisted of a rather deep cleaning of some closets. Much to my and Frank's delight, one of the many treasures discovered during this rather tedious chore was his old puppy snugly.

When we first got Frank we were living in a less than desirable area of New York City. He had not had all of his shots yet, as he was a wee 10 week old puppy, and I can pretty much guarantee that the folks in our neighborhood had not taken their rather intimidating canines to a vet in a while, if ever, meaning that Frank could not go on the ground for fear of contracting a communicable disease or worms. Eww.

Enter the solution: Urban Hound's puppy snugly! Also excellent for smuggling a dog onto the subway.

As Frank had spent the morning seeming a little sad, cold, and lonely, I decided to see if he still enjoyed tucking in to his favorite puppy napping spot,

and though the fit seemed a bit snug and first,
it took all of about 5 minutes for him to settle right in...

Oh Frank! Who wouldn't enjoy a nap in a warm, gently swaying snugly!

Goodbye Sun

2009-10-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Well. It appears that the sun has disappeared for the next nine months. This morning, someone was rather loathe to confront the reality of the situation....

Hmm. Let's go to a side view there....

...and an undercover view...

Oh Frank. I know. It is very hard to get out of bed when there is a lack of sunny patches in which you can lie.

Photo of the Day #5

2009-09-18T21:11:00.001-07:00

Oh sad! The final photo of the day for the week! Frank was so sad that he decided to sit with me as I typed in the blog... so here we are!

Oh Frank! It must be your good side, how handsome you look!

And how helpful while I am trying to type on the computer...

We hope that you have all enjoyed the week of Frank!