Visited the Maginness Mini-farm

Mom was petting the horses, I ran towards them to protect mom, somebody put a fence in the way.  While I was trying to knock myself out, Gunner was scaring the chickens.  Boy does Gunner love his birds.

Big Dog Day at Dog Park

I was joined yesterday by Remy & Jameson (Irish Wolfhounds) and Jesse & Jasper (Borzois), if only Cleo (Great Dane) had been there we would had all of the BIG dogs.

Met Gianinna and Gigi gave Gunner & me a present.

When we stopped by Amelia's Fine Jewelry for a treat and drink of water, we met Gianinna and Gigi gave both Gunner and myself a nice set of Pet Collar Charm by Cobble Creek.  Thanks Gigi.

Gianinna had her picture taken with me, nice to meet you Gianinna.

We missed John, he was crossing the street wearing his "Florida Santa Suit".  Be sure an stop by and say hello to John if you are downtown, he hands out treats to all of my canine friends.

5800 Pageviews, 282 last month - Wow

Merry Christmas to all, thanks for taking the time to view my blog.

Some More Parade For Paws Photo

Here are the photos taken by Ed Hardee, Humane Society's photographer.

The Berner's at Wilczek got to parade in show

Barbie, from my cart makers, with the Berners Kessie and Balsam and their carts.  How come they get to parade in the snow?

1st Place Winner - 12 Annual Parade For Paws

I won 1st Place in the 12 Annual Parade for Paws.  Lots of people stopped me to ask about my breed and take my picture.  I still "got it"!

My Cart Arrived Yesterday

Dad assembled it this morning and hooked me up.  He needs to do a little adjusting on the harness, but I do look good.

Met Flat Stanley Downtown Today

While walking downtown today I met Claire Moore's friend Flat Stanley and had my picture taken with him.  Flat Stanley was visiting with Mr. & Mrs. Lormand.  This is the second time I have meet Flat Stanley.  The previous time he was traveling with his friend Logan Tollefson's (of Palmdale, California) grandparents.  It seems that Flat Stanley likes to visit Fernandina Beach.

My Cart is on the way.

Dad ordered my cart from Wilczek Woodworks, it is a Mid-sized WIN cart.  I will look much cooler than the Berner.  I will be in the Parade For PAWS on December 1st.

My new "sister" is my new "brother"

Mom, Dad & I drove to Newnan, Ga to pick up my new sister, about half way between Savannah and Macon they got a call from Donna.  The vet had called animal control to say "I can't spay this dog since it is a neutered male."  Donna called later to say that she had picked him up, but he was quite odoriferous, so he was taken to groomer for a bath.  We met Donna, in Newnan and picked up the new guy.  We drove to Pine Mountain to visit Valkin Bouviers, Nancy agreed with Mom & Dad, there was no Bouvier in this guy.

We got back in the truck and drove home, a long day in the truck.

It looks like the new guy will be "Gunner", suggested by Kris and approved by Erica.  Mom and Dad had chosen Gabriel (Gabbie) for the girl's name, and were thinking of Gabe, after learning it was a boy.

I am getting a "sister"

Mom & Dad are rescuing a lovely 3 year old girl (Bouv mix).  The shelter had this to say about her "What a SWEETHEART! This lady will be simply STUNNING once she is bathed, brushed & groomed!!! This gorgeous lady could have some Briard in the mix or perhaps Otterhound. Either way, she is beautiful inside and out! She adores people and gets along GREAT with other dogs showing NO aggression at all. She is well and truly......A TREASURE! Can you open your heart and home? Please hurry! This pet has been at the shelter since 06/18/12!
Personality Note: Great with other dogs! Sharing a kennel with another sweetie and there have been NO squabbles!."

Met David Sutton in front of the Ice Cream Shop

Mom & Dad stopped by Fantastic Fudge for an ice cream an we met David.  David knows what a Bouv is, and had seen Dog of Flanders.  That takes him out of the 5% who know what a Bouv is to the 1% who know and have seen the movie.

Meeting Maxwell & Jasmine at Arte's for lunch Sunday.

I will be meeting Maxwell (Max) and Janmine (Jazz) for lunch at Artie's Pizza tomorrow.  If you would like to see three Bouv's, stop by around noon.

My first meeting with Max & Jazz.

Max & Jazz are heading back to S.C. early so we will not be meeting them at Artie's today.

Nancy Spielman took my picture this evening.

While Mom & Dad where having dinner at Timoti's a nice lady asked if she could take my photo.  As usual Mom & Dad said yes.  It turns out that Nancy Spielman is an artist who does portraits of pets, check it out at http://www.nancyspielman.com/blog/tagged/pets.  Here is an example of her work.

Nancy is on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nancyspielmangallery.

I meet Herbie Sunday

I will meet Herbie (Landseer Newfoundland) at the Nassau Dog Park on Sunday.  Mom and Dad are considering adopting him, he is 6 months old, 60 lbs.

2nd Annual Bark for Life is coming Sept 8, 2012

The Nassau Humane Society is having it second annual Bark For Life dog walk (parade) on Sept. 8th.  See you there.

Saturday September 8th
Central Park - Atlantic Avenue 
9 AM Late Registration 
10 AM Opening Ceremony 
10:15 AM Walk 
1 mile to downtown Fernandina and back

 

Pre-Registration Fee: $20 per dog 
Late Registration Fee: $25 per dog

T-shirt, doggie bandana and goodie bag included!
Register at NHS Dog Park & Second Chance Store

I may be getting a "brother"

Mom and Dad are looking at adopting Herbie, a Landseer Newfoundland.  Herbie is 6 months old.

More Bouv's

Met Max and Jazz this morning on the beach.  They live part time in Yulee.  Hopefully we will get together downtown and at the dog park.  Bouv's Rule.

Max is on the right, I'm in the middle and Jazz is on the left.  

While walking on the beach I met Patti.

I am a Bouvier chauvinist dog, I always enjoy meeting beautiful young ladies on the beach.

Met Sarah Downtown Today

While walking downtown today Sarah asked if she could take my picture.  Dad took this picture of Sarah and me as I left Bijoux Amelia, where I stop every day for a cookie.

Tropical Storm Beryl

Going through my first tropical storm, not so bad, some limbs down in the front yard.  The power is out, but dad has a generator so we have power, and air conditioning.

The north eye wall is at Mayport, just to the south of us.

Here is a zoomed in view.

Made a new friend downtown today

Brenda Cartwright my new friend from Michigan

I hosted Rodney's 15 Birthday Party

Rodney (Golden Retriever) had his 15th birthday party at my house.  His mom baked a special doggie cake.

Rodney & his friend Rocker 

Guess who?

Bumper Stickers for the Bouv Revolution

They are available at http://www.cafepress.com/dogs_of_war/321066, get yours, put it on your car and honk when you see a Bouv.

Meet John

Picture of me and John when Amelia Fine Jewelry had their anniversary party.

This photo is in the April issue of Amelia Islander.

New Fan Photo

Jay stopped me on Centre St., just after we got past Fantastic Fudge, Bindiya took the picture.  Look like Jay is having chocolate.   Nice meeting you Jay & Bindiya.

On my new hypo-allergic diet, I am not allowed any treats, no more ice cream or frozen yogurt. 

Mom & Dad stopped by Dog Star Tavern

Mom and Dad met up with Fran and Pat at the Dog Star Tavern for drinks Saturday.  Fran brought Blizzard, a Mini Aussie Rescue she is fostering.  Blizzard didn't notice the band, since he is deaf.  He is trained to hand signals.

Lots of people stopped by to admire Blizzard and me.

Blizzard 

Contact Mini Aussie Rescue if you are interested in adopting Blizzard, for some reason he does not show up on  the available dog list.  You can try e-mailing fpcaussie@gmail.com or info@miniaussierescue.org for details.  An adoption application is available at http://www.miniaussierescue.org/adopt/adopt.html

Yappy Hour @ Falcon's Nest

RAIN sponsors Yappy Hour at Falcon's Nest, where I get together with some of my buddies and make new friends.  This month's turn out was larger than normal, English Bulldogs seemed to be the breed of the day.  The next Yappy Hour will be May 2nd. 

They know me in Nashville

Mom and day were returning from vacation, notice they left me at home, changing planes in Nashville when another passenger in the gate area asked about me.  Fred had meet me on the beach when he was vacationing in Fernandina.

He just rescued a German Shepard, thank for the rescue.

Fred, if you check in, here is the Sports Illustrated article on Bouv's dad talked about:

NOBODY TOUCHES ME WITH IMPUNITY -- 1971 Article about Bouv's from Sports Illustrated

That is the warning, in Latin, that is posted over Robert Abady's kennel. It refers to the fierce Bouvier des Flandres guard dogs he raises, but the motto might well be Abady's own.


This is a long article about Robert Abady and his Bouv's.  The article is available at Sports Illustrated archives.

Cal Sent This Picture

Cal met me outside of my favorite yogurt shop, Island Time, they have a special dog size cup and a sugar free yogurt.

New Fan Pic

Hugh sent me this picture.

Mom bought me a soccer ball.

I had fun playing with it, for a while.

Here is a photo of my friend Blitz.

Met 5 people who knew what a Bouv is!

One had owned three, another's parents owned one.  One gentleman owned 4 Morgan Sports Cars and a Bouv, talk about great taste.

For those who don't know, here is a Morgan.

Dad and Uncle Jerry both owned Morgans.

Amelia Island Home & Patio Show

I stopped by the Home & Patio show and met Arlene Rowland Scot, of Rowland's Upholstery Plus.

Nice meeting you Arlene.

More Fan Photos

The Spera Girls sent me this photo, taken in front of La Torres, right after Steve had given me a treat.  You can see a little of Luke (a white boxer friend), just behind me to the right.  He is Steve's dog and spends his days in the shop.

Stop by and visit Steve, Luke and Xena, tell them Espy sent you.  If you are traveling with a canine friend ask for a biscuit.

PS:  Here is a picture of Luke, with Steve, from the link above:

Stopped Traffic Today

Stopped traffic downtown, one car the driver had owned three Bouv's and wanted to show the passenger what a Bouv look like.  The second pulled over and Nancy had her picture taken with me.  Nancy had also owned a Bouv.

Nancy and Espy

Nancy e-mailed me the picture that Dad took, using her cell phone.  Thanks Nancy.

Hopefully they will send me the picture

After lunch at Pepper's, yesterday, we were walking back to the truck when we met a large group of Spanish speaking young ladies.  They all gathered around me for a picture, I hope that they e-mail me a copy so that I can add it to the blog.

My e-mail is EspyTheBouv@gmail.com.

Después del almuerzo que la pimienta, ayer, estábamos caminando de vuelta al camión Cuando nos reunimosun grupo numeroso de españoles señoritas que hablan. Todos se reunieron alrededor de mí para una imagen,espero que un e-mail una copia para que yo pueda añadir a el blog.

Mi correo electrónico es EspyTheBouv@gmail.com.


Translation by Google Translate.

Great Evening Downtown

Went downtown for Sound on Centre, Faces For Radio was a great band.  Met up with my friend Geogia (a rescue from Georgia) and her parents, plus Sullivan's mother.  We all went to the Green Turtle, then on to Arte Pizza.

Mom an Dad were proud of the way I handled the crowd and noise.

This morning Dad replied to a Post on Trip Advisor's discussion board re: Is Fernandina Pet Friendly.  The answer was YES.

Met another blogger downtown today.

I met Matt & Pat, they are sailing on the S/V Patty D, their blog is http://svpattyd.blogspot.com.  Check them out.  Maybe we will see Matt and Pat at Sounds on Center tonight.

Bath Yesterday, Grooming Today, Haircut Next Week

Mom took me into the shower yesterday.  Today Mom and Dad spent time combing and detangling my coat.  Boy do I look good, to bad it is raining.

Mail me your pictures

I now have an e-mail address, so if you take a picture of me downtown please mail me a copy.

EspyTheBouv@gmail.com

Mom spent the morning grooming

I hope everyone appreciated how good I look today.

Bouv 2nd Place Best of Group @ Westminister

Watch the bouv's compete in the Herding Group.

http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/videos/#/Breed%20Judging/2012/Herding/vid:17885631

Breed Info from Westminister:

The Bouvier des Flandres was developed in the nineteenth century as a farm dog in the northern hills of France and Belgium. Mastiff and Sheepdog elements may be in their background but we can only speculate. Their double coat, which protects them in all weather, is ideal for their traditional jobs of herding, pulling milk carts, and police work. Bouviers are big, males often reach 100 pounds, powerful, agile and very intelligent. A serene disposition and total devotion to their family are as much a part of Bouvier nature as their rugged appearance. 

Over 3500 Pageviews

Thanks to everyone who has visited my blog.

Played Tug with Goose Today

Got to play tug with Goose today at the Dog Park.  Goose is the one doing all of the trash talking.

It's a little long, but in the end I have the rope. Bouv 1 Lab 0.

Slow Day Downtown

It was cool downtown, I like it cool, but there weren't many people out.  I only got my picture taken 3 times.

I did flush the cat out of the bushes in front of Front & Centre, but he ran and wouldn't play with me.

Went to the Dog park and cooled off in the pool, with my coat long people think I am walking across the pool, because I float so well.  But, as you can see it is 4-ft deep.

Who's Spoiled?

Mom cooked me a chicken breast for breakfast this morning, but I wasn't interested.  She had to ask Dad to entice me to eat it.  He tried to con me with "well the cat will eat it", but that didn't work.  He finally hand feed me some samples.  I finally acquiesced and ate my breakfast, maybe they will let me have yogurt on today's walk downtown.

Made my 2nd Assisted Living Facility visit.

Stopped by The Jane Adams House today for a quick visit.  Mom gave me a bath yesterday so today was a good day for me to go visiting.  I hope they invite me back.

Bouv's and Schutzhund Training

As I meet people they always comment on how calm I am at 2 years old.  This is what Mom and Dad wanted and trained me for.  Bouv's are also trained in  Schutzhund (protection training). Here is a video of a Bouv being tested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkUMSEHrAEM

Invited other Bouv's on Facebook to a BOUV-IN.

I posted an invitation on two Facebook groups for other Bouv's to visit Fernandina during Shrimp Festival,  To join me in an informal BOUV-IN.  Pilots have FLY-IN, why can't Bouv's have a BOUV-IN.  Can you envision downtown with 15 or 20 of my cousins walking around?

Bouvier Des Flandres Global group  and Bouvier Des Flandres Appreciation group.

Busy Downtown today.

It was busy downtown today, got to meet lots of people and a few old friends.  Mom and Dad had lunch at Arte's, since Dad doesn't eat the pizza crust I got to enjoy a little pizza.  Dad added a picture of me on FourSquare.

Later at Island Time I met up with Rodney (14 yr old Golden) and Rocker (Mini Aussie rescue) and we socialized for a while after I finished my yogurt.

Continued to get my picture taken with visitors, if any of you check the blog please comment and post the pictures.

Bouv's in Ireland

Met a gentleman for Ireland downtown Sunday, he commented that he didn't believe there were any Bouv's in Ireland.  Dad gave him one of my blogspot cards.  If he checks the blog and want to learn more about Bouv's in Ireland he can contact:

Bouvier Des Flanders Club of Ireland  

        Mrs. Lynda Matthews
        61 Beachdale, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow.
        (087-6176545)   Email: cuthbertmatthews@hotmail.com

 

Bouvier Des Flandres Club of  Northern Ireland  

        Miss. Clare Burnett
        65 Crankill Road, Ballymena, Co. Antrim
        (0044-7711015563)   Email: moncherkennels@hotmail.com

Stopped Traffic Downtown Today

Had both a car and motorcycle stop on Centre St. to ask about me today, the first time a motorcycle has stopped.

First Therapy Dog Visit

Dad had talked to the nice people at Quality Health to see if they had a Therapy Dog program.  They do, so he stopped by to drop off my CGC and shot records with Erica (Director of Activities).  While there Dad invited  Erica to come out to the car and meet me.  Erica said it would be OK for me to come into the lobby.  I was then invited to take a walk down the hall to visit with residences who were out.  I had a nice walk, and was on my best behavior.  Mom will probably be mad at Dad, because I wasn't groomed and brushed.

 

Hopefully I will be invited back.

Espy - Canine Good Citizen

I get to demonstrate most of the traits daily on my walks downtown.  If you stop to talk to me check out the CGC tag on my collar.

The CGC requirements are:

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger

This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting

This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test 3: Appearance and grooming

This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)

This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.

Test 5: Walking through a crowd

This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.

Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place

This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.

Test 7: Coming when called

This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.

Test 8: Reaction to another dog

This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction

This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.

Test 10: Supervised separation

This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g, "there, there, it's alright").

2 years old today

I am two years old today.  Happy Birthday Espy.