Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I, Dharma, am here with a very important public service announcement. My Mommy tells me it is now Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You should all do self-exams and make sure your doctor checks you annually. Yes, boys, too. I bet it is much easier for you to do self-exams, because you have hands. Just imagine doing that with a paw! All the other famous models and celebrities are trying to bring awareness to this important issue, so I feel obligated to join in.

Proudly modeling the Breast Cancer Warrior Scarf.

This is a very serious matter. I am quite fond of snoozing on my Mommy's chest. It would be most uncomfortable if it got all lumpy--or even went away. And my little aunt, Holly, had breast cancer. Yes, even doxies can get it! She is doing well now, but it is very scary. If you get your female pets fixed before they first go in to heat, it reduced their risk of getting breast cancer to almost zero. Two important issues in one! No wonder I look so serious in my photo shoot.

Save the ta-ta's. All of them.

Whozzit day?

No, it is not Columbus Day here. Columbus got lost and then got lucky. He does not deserve a day named in his honor. There are better things to celebrate on this so-called Columbus Day, for example:

1. Fall Leaf-Viewing Day. Take pictures. Drink cider.

2. Mow the Lawn for the Last Time This Season Day. The drinking of cider is optional, but should probably wait until after the mower is safely put away.

3. Stock up on Warm Socks Day. Knitting, buying, or digging out of storage are all permissible.

Pink socks are bestest!

4. Make Soup Day. Cornbread is highly encouraged. Recipe provided upon request.

5. Jump in the Leaves Day. Do this before bagging them, it is less messy that way.

Careful, the glittery leaves are kind of prickly.

6. Walk your Puppy/Kid/Significant Other Day. I'll leave it up to you to decide if you need a leash for this activity.

7. Canadian Thanksgiving. Either be grateful for Canada, or just grateful in general. Turkey eating is common, but not mandatory. Prayers and singing of "Oh, Canada!" will commence at sunset. Touch football will be replaced by soccer for the duration.

8. Is It ANOTHER Football Game Day? Yes, it is. Make pompons out of old newspaper. You may cheer for either team, or just because the game is over. Whatever. Nachos are appropriate for this holiday, but Bagel Bites are also acceptable.

Where are my pompons, Mommy?

9. Dress as Your Favorite Native American day. Just to really tick off Columbus. Great costume ideas: Cher wearing Bob Mackie, Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, and Rosa Parks. Yep, she was Cherokee. That's a costume that ought to really confuse people. Don't mess with those Cherokee ladies!

10. Rub your Puppy's Belly Day. In fact, you may celebrate this every single day of the year. I have yet to see a puppy suffer from too much belly rubbing. And believe me, I have done extensive testing. Ear scritches are also appreciated.

You may now celebrate.

What is it? It is cute!

Scientists have been up to some strange experiments. Is it a doxie-cat? A corgi-cat? Who knows?

Of course, Dharma may be part cat, herself.

Why wouldn't any species want to look more like a dachshund? Even one with her ears in-side out. Hmmm, that may be a another verse to yesterday's song...

I'm listening.

Ode to a Dharma

Watching Dharma in the warm sun today inspired me to re-write a classic dog song.

Sun worshipper.

How cute is that doggie in the window,

The one with the waggle-y tail?

With her legs so short and her back so long

How cute, how cute can she be?

Pillowtop pup.

How cute is that doggie on the pillow,

The one with my heart in her paw?

With her fur so short and her ears so long

How cute, how cute can she be?

Double-dip doggie bones!

The correct answer is: pretty darn cute!