Kipper's Night Out

My Mom said I could write this post for her as, well, as *I* am the resident expert on ice cream and Ritter's Dog Night. Now, there is nothing like Dog Night at Ritter's...well...almost nothing. Unless it is grilled sirloin steak and a nice juicy hamburger. Or a new squeaky toy. Or chasing one of those silly rabbits that hang in my Mom's garden. Um..where was I? Oh, Ice cream, at Ritter's. On Dog Night. Nothing like it. It was the the first Monday of the month and I reminded my human parents about the big doin's over at Ritter's. I whined and whimpered all through their family cook out, even when I was offered one of my cousin Brady's hot dogs...okay. So I actually grabbed it out of his hand but there is such a fine line between grabbed and offered isn't there? I lay at my Mom's feet as she washed up the bowls and loaded the dishwasher, pleading, as only *I* can, to hurry. I just can not disappoint my public and besides, they COULD run out of ice cream. That would be such a crime of gigantic proportions that I can not even fathom it! Ha! Bet you had no idea a little dog like me knew words like *fathom* ! I am a graduate of a rather prestigious puppy school in St. Louis. In fact, they loved me so much I was asked to return for a second session! And, I will have you know, I was awarded this rather stylish hat to wear. It was tall and pointy on the top and and had some letters on it...one was a D, one was a U...an N and C...I forget the rest of them. Okay, so I was not really given a pointy hat but my Mom said I deserved it. I am rather proud of that fact! Now, let's get back to the main point of this post...ice cream. Okay, so My Mom says the point is that there were so many cute doggies but you and I both know the REAL point is that cold, delicious, soft stuff they give me. For free even! They always save me a huge bowl and garnish it with a yummy dog bone. Just for me. Do NOT listen to those rumors about ALL dogs getting a free bowl of ice cream. I am pretty sure they do it only for me. To appease my Mom I will also include a few pictures of other dogs but I have no idea why. If you really want to, you could take a look. And, if you find yourself in our area on the first Monday of the month...any month...join us! This is me...it was hot but all I could think about was digging into a creamy bowl of that ice cream. So, I kissed the old man. He brought me here. It was the least I could do for the Dude. Makes him happy for some reason. So, enough with the kissin'. Where is my ice cream? Dude...my patience is wearin' thin you know... Aw, now THIS is what I am talkin' about! I let my sister come along but SHE had to pay for HER ice cream. I don't think they have Sister's Night at Ritter's. Maybe she should look into that. This is my Auntie Abby. She is my Grandma's dog and we came from the same shelter in Tennessee. She is 3 years older than me but gosh. She doesn't look it does she! This is my buddy Jack. He is a pretty good guy. We hang out every once in awhile... Jack and his brother. A pretty okay kid, for a human. Aw...a boy and his dog. This picture makes my Mom tear up but I do not know why. She looked like that once when I chewed up one of her earrings. I hope she forgot about that. Don't remind her okay? This little Dude is Milo. I really need to have a talk with him. You just can't go around kissin' everyone like this. But, go ahead and say "Aw..." You know you want to! Sampson is a pretty nice Dude but he sure got into a tussle with one of the poodles over a dropped bone. "Chill Dude" I said..."Let the lady have it...". Sheesh. Why is it always me who has to teach these young ones the code of conduct? Oh, that's right. I am a two time puppy school graduate. With all those honors... Cherokee had the coolest tail. I asked him how he got it that way, all curled up and all. I would try that IF I had a tail. Which I do not. Dang it. This is Dusty....he is a helper dog and that is a real important job. He helps some very nice people that all came with him. They all petted me. I liked that. I wish I could be a helper dog. Mom says "fat chance" I am not sure what that means. Does that mean I should eat more? Dusty really liked his 'scream. I think he deserved a second bowl don't you think? Little Eddie, or Fast Eddie as I like to call him. This kid has all the moves. Pepper is 12 and a really low key sort of guy. The kind of guy who is always there for ya and knows how to take life easy. This is my pal Tuffie. He is a little hyper and he sure does like to smooch my Mom but she did not seem to care. Dad did not either. Would you believe this guy's name is Brian? Yup. Uh huh. Brian. My Mom was pretty happy to meet him. I guess that had somethin' to do with that actor guy she thinks is pretty spiffy. Edward the Corgi. He is very elegant and very polite and very friendly. An all around good guy. Francis the Chocolate Lab. A sweet gal, a little haughty for my taste but I gave her a sniff anyway. Duke and Lolita. Brother and sister. Lolita is one nice girl and I know she is kinda sweet on me. Duke is a player you know. He had been makin' his rounds with the ladies all evening and just wore himself out. Look at that guy. What a goofball. Duke? You are so rightous Dude! My sweet Lolita...I may give her a call sometime. Of course, with no opposable thumbs, that is pretty tough. My buddy Brick...yup. Brick, as in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" Brick. His Dad is an actor I think...my Mom loves actors. Especially that Brian guy. She has been known to hang around stage doors to meet him...or, at least that is what I heard. Man Brick...could you be any messier? Gee whiz... This is Delilah. She has one of those really cool curly tails too. I love a great curly tail on a girl. Winston and Minnie. Nice folks....love their 'scream. And this is Eleanor. She is one of my best friends at Ritter's. Sweet as she can be and really pretty too. My Mom says that our blog friend, Andi, would just love Eleanor. I think her Bully would too. Smile pretty for Miss Andi sweet Ellie! Don't look too sad Ellie. We will all be back the first Monday in October. It should be cooler then too. We will meet up and hang out and chill. Mom is hoping she will chill too. The lady LOVES sweaters. But I think HER idea of chillin' and mine are 2 different things. So, until next month...be good to your pets and all the animals of the world. Especially little black and white dogs with stubby tails. Hugs,

Kipper

Farm Fresh And Furry Blessings....

Oh did it storm last night! Lightning and thunder and hail (Oh MY!). Then, at 1am, the sirens sounded. One of our local police officers had detected some rotation in the clouds. Nothing came of it but it is good to know that so many look out for all of us. Of course, when I first heard the siren, I calmly and bravely woke my family and led them down to the basement by running wildly through the house screaming and flapping my chubby little arms like a deranged goose evading the Christmas dinner plate. We had a lot of rain yesterday and then again today. Much needed rain! Our poor grass has had a tough time growing this year and the mower (Oh yeah, we actually have a PUSH mower! My environmentally green husband insisted) was so lonely it was taking out personal ads. The air already smells and feels so much more crisp & fresh! Earlier today Grace, Mom and my buddy T took a little drive to a favorite local farm & politely and pleasantly purchased some just picked pretty perky produce. Say that 10 times fast. Go ahead. You know you want to. Colorful fresh flowers for the table compliment all the delicious produce! Dinner tonight was meatless and healthy and oh so delicious! Would you believe that Grace ate plate fulls of green beans? Oh and doesn't she love new potatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe and fresh picked corn! She could not get enough! Our two new friends agree that the corn this year is awesome!

After dinner we all went to our church for the annual Blessing of the Animals. There was a smaller turn out because of the hit and miss showers but those in attendance were sweet, well behaved and rather polite! There was nary a growl nor hiss heard among the throng! And the animals behaved too! Our minister was called away due to a parishioner's serious illness but 2 very kind and special staff members assisted in our Reverend's absence. We decided not to bring Henry and Lucy as they both dislike their box so. Okay. Let's be truthful. What they really do is squall and scratch and scream like banshees when they see said boxes. It is not pretty. It is very UNBlessing like. Grace brought their pictures and they received their blessings in this way! Here is Kipper....one of the prayers asks God to "Help me to be less naughty and to always mind my human parents." Kipper says he is afraid he did not HEAR this part. This precious doxie was injured a few years ago and his back legs are paralyzed. He gets along quite well! Such a sweetheart. Here is my Mom with Abby. Sweet Abby is scared of her own shadow I am afraid. She decided these people were going to give her a shot or take her temperature or clip her nails. I made sure I got a picture of "Holly" for you dear Andi! Now, how do you finish off an evening of blessings? Why, at Ritter's for frozen custard of course! Kip meeting a new fan... Notice the sleepy eyes? Let's get this car in gear Dude! Whoa...blessings and custard sure take a lot out of a little dog. G' Night All!