Can the Bulldog Be Saved?! (Lola)

Our aunt Meghan forwarded this very long and slightly disturbing article to Mom last week, and then our neighbor gave us the hard copy from the NYTimes (which had a very handsome picture on the cover, I'd like to point out). Basically the article says that bulldogs are "the poster child for breeding gone awry," describing the various health and welfare problems of us bullies. Apparently, bulldogs are significantly more likely than other dogs to suffer from a wide range of health issues, including ear and eye problems, skin infections, respiratory issues, immunological and neurological problems and locomotor challenges. Bulldogs have the highest rate of hip dysplasia of any breed, and bulldogs are the most likely breed to die from respiratory illness and the second-most likely to die from congenital disease! 

Sheesh, what a downer, and I would like to just state for the record that I do NOT have respiratory issues! in all seriousness, we have certainly each had our fair share of issues, but Mom feels good about our overall health. She was super picky about the breeder she got us from and feels we are not the obese, lazy dogs you might think about. Sure, we like to lay around, but we are a bit longer and leaner than the norm... Anyway, read it and cross your fingers for us!

Irish Bulldogs (Diesel)

Dad cut the grass this Saturday and I played and chased the push mower for a while, which means we got a BATH to clean our green grass-stained limbs! woot woot! We love a good bath!

Free Diesel Rides!!!

Happy Birthday Diesel! (Lola)

Happy Birthday to this handsome face!:

Mom always tells people that I "slowed down" around age three, and she was holding her breath waiting for "baby" Diesel to reach that milestone in hopes that he might settle down too... Turns out, he kind of is! We didn't do much to celebrate his big day, but Mom bought us Frosty Paws as a special birthday treat. We all serenaded him before digging in! Pardon the poor qualilty camera photos...

Personally, I'll take ice cream any day, especially over a pool party like we had to celebrate my fourth birthday!

Bulldogs vs. Irene (Lola and Diesel)

As we're sure most of you noticed, the better part of yesterday and today were spent waiting for Hurricane Irene to stop clobbering the state of Maryland and the rest of the East Coast. Personally, we kind of liked it since Mom and Dad were home the whole weekend and didn't leave for more than an hour each day! Thankfully, we never lost power and no damage to our house!

On Saturday morning, Dad had to get up on a ladder and repair the gutters, and then he decided to further protect the foundation (we've been known to get water in the basement) by putting plastic sheeting over the area most susceptible to flooding. Diesel excitedly helped Dad batten down the hatches (camera in air conditioned house + humid air outside = foggy photos):

On Saturday night, Dad thought it would be smart to heed the advice of the newscasters and sleep on the lower level of the house... especially since there are gigantic old trees all around the property. Lola braved out the storm on her own upstairs, while Diesel trembled at Mom's feet on the pull out sofa. He was also very helpful as she attempted to fold the bed back up this morning.

And wouldn't you know it, it turned into a BEAUTIFUL afternoon today. A lovely breeze, low humidity, sunshine... We took a family walk which included our favorite summer pastime- stream swimming! When we got home, we got our second bath in three days! woot woot!

We'll take a hurricane any weekend- it rocked!

BFFs (Diesel)

What, it's been three months since we posted??? Mom's been so "busy" (dangling toys over her on the floor, for example) with the baby that she doesn't have the time to sit on her computer all day typing blog posts for us pooches anymore. But to be fair, the baby is a lot more interesting than we are! Lola just turned 5, as you know, and as I approach 3, I am starting to slow down too. Mom laughs about how I don't even come down off the bed in the morning until 10:30am for breakfast and to pee... First I am too rambunctions and crazy and now I am too lazy?! What do these people want from me?!

Baby sister brought a lot of changes into the house, and Mom and Dad were pretty worried about me for a little while since I am so big and clutzy. But, after 5 months, I am pretty used to her now and actually kind of adore her! Plus, she thinks I am hysterical and laughs at me, especially when I lick her belly, which makes me feel very loved. Mom is shocked that we can coexist pretty peacefully right now and even hang out on the floor together (with constant supervision of course)... So, without further ado, here are some recent pics of us with our little BFF:
An early morning snooze and snuggle in Mom and Dad's bed:
A little photo shoot on the bed the other day:

Lola, Dad and Maija doing some "work" on the couch:

Sister kisses:

Maija's toys are so much more interesting than ours! But Mom says they're off limits. Lame.

Honey Lovin' (Diesel)

Mom pretty much ignores me now, so I have taken a liking to Honey...
(this is how I show my affection for people... I lay on top of them)

Weekend Walk (Diesel)

Just a few shots from our family walk this weekend. I was a little excited/overstimulated by the new big jogging stroller, but I got used to it!

How come Maija doesn't have to walk?!? Lucky girl!

Brotherly Love?? (Lola)

It's no secret that Diesel and I don't always see eye to eye. I'm in charge, and he is afraid of me. I like it that way. But ever since our baby sister came, I think the little guy is feeling a little dejected. Why's that you ask? Well, he's been a lot more snuggly with me than normal lately and Mom happened to catch him in the act...

We each have our own fluffy dog beds in Mom and Dad's room. Admittedly, one is larger than the other (Diesel's), so I like to get in there first at night and leave him with the smaller bed (mine). Last Tuesday night, Diesel suddenly crawled in bed with me and started spooning me! This NEVER happens, and mom snapped this grainy photo on her cell phone in the dark: The very next day, I was lounging in my crate up in the guest room. As you can see in the second pic below, there are two crates next to each other. But who comes crawling in my crate and cramping my style?! Yup, Diesel! And then he had the nerve to lay down!

Poor little guy...