"Leaving Brooklyn...Fuhgeddaboutit."

Marty Markowitz is onto something- leaving the 'hood' aint easy, and I'm getting verklempt just thinking about it.

I love this place, the smells, the people, the pups, the poop places... I just love it all. This has been the mother of all trips and I'm grateful to Tra' and Ry for showing me their neighborhood. My eyes have been opened and I'm proud to report- a piece of my heart will always be in Park Slope.

I've lounged, I've labored over my future, I partied (a lot), and I am ready to return home w/a renewed focus in my life (can't wait to sit down w/mom & dad and tell them we're moving).

As I've had time to reflect, I wanted to share a few of my favorite things about Brooklyn:


- Buttercup's Pawtisserie:
Yeah, the slope loves their pups- so much so, that there's a SLEW of doggy stores that sell designer dog crap that I can't ever imagine needing (yeah, so- I tried on an argyle sweater w/a tie... yup, a friggin tie)... BUT, it's nice to know that- on any given day, I can get some raw-hide, jewelry, formal wear, and life-changing baked goods. A special note for Buttercup's (thanks for the shirt).

- That hot little Shitzu from my walk the other night:
I ran into the most beautiful face I have ever seen... she was a lean 13 lbs, pig-tails w/bows, and the most adorable parka I've seen on a dog... I am totally smitten and hope I run into her just one more time... we can exchange sniffs, and fall madly in love.

- Bierkraft:
Dad said I had to hit this shangrila of beer- my god, if you love beer- you worship bierkraft... Dad is gonna be psyched.

I really could go on and on- but I know Mom's on her way over so- suffice to say, I loved my trip and- especially, the company. Ry's been a pal who let me distract hime while he worked and I'll never forget the love that Tra' greeted me with when she came home everyday... totally makes me understand why Ryan is so lucky (simulataneously, makes me wonder why Tra settled for him... she could do much better).

Until next time... this pup is outta' here.

What a hangover

Really, as I get older, it's that much harder to bounce back... Do they make Canine Alka-Seltzer?

Anyway, the new year is here, we had a great time (although, Ryan shot me the stink-eye when I grabbed Tracie for a New Years kiss... with tongue... don't go crazy, I'm a dog, we lick).

After a day of recovery, I had time to reflect on some resolutions for the new year. Yeah, I know- people always make grand resolutions and never stick to them (myself included) but if you don't make them, talk about them, or think about them... nothing will ever change.

- PAY IT FORWARD:
While I was sipping on complex wines and Champagne's that tickled my nose, I realized how fortunate I am to have such a great life. In addition to my vacation to Brooklyn, I come from a great family who shower me with love, affection, and designer dog clothing. I was watching some commercial w/Sara Maclachlan w/footage of pups who were beaten, in cages, and without homes... Made me realize that I'm a lucky pup that should volunteer more of my time to those less fortunate... I tapped into mom and dad's account and made a donation of 1 w/lots of 0's next to it (hope they understand).

- WATCH LESS TV:
This may be tough... I love TV but everytime a dog comes on the screen, I freak out. I don't know if I'm threatened, intolerant, or just an angry dog... but damn, it stresses me out.

- FINISH WRITING MY NOVEL:
Okay, it's been 3 days and I totally have writer's block... I started on the streets of Paris, raintime in the spring... a French Bulldog walking down the Champs Elysees', passes quickly by a American Bulldog on a chain... he growls, she shudders... true love... BUT THEN, I thought- what of it was a German Schnauzer... nahhh... maybe an Italian Greyhound, lean- fast... YEAH, but not in Paris, maybe VENICE and she's on holiday... But why would a Frenchie vacation in Venice? SEE WHAT I MEAN? It's impossible to stay focused!

I've seen what mommy reads w/her bookclub- I need to inject some canine prespective.

Hopefully, mom & dad will be supportive of some late nights on the laptop, charitable donations, and more reading- less tv.

A special BELATED Birthday to Lilly! Can't believe she's 6 already... Man, I remember 6... In dog years, that was- i dunno, like last week.

They grow up so fast...