The Final Episode "GROOMER HAS IT"

It's been hotter than hell here! There's nothing to report on when all we do is lay like broccoli inside dreaming of cooler days.

However, did you see the final epside of "Groomer Has it"? Aroo roo roo! My HuMom, being a reality TV junkie of course loves this show on Animal Planet.

In case you haven't heard of it.
"Hosted by Emmy award-winning actor and singer Jai Rodriguez (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”), “Groomer Has It” sniffs out 12 of America’s most devout dog groomers to compete against each other in a test of desire, creativity and affinity for animals as they shave, shear and shampoo their way through a series of challenges that will crown only one as “Groomer of the Year.”

This is one of the epsisodes





Anyway, HuMom thinks it's the funniest hour of TV on all season. I prefer watching "Dancing with the Stars". I mean, REALLY, who wants to see a bunch of dogs getting groomed. It's not my favorite pastime.

The final episode last night was called: "The Championship Dog Show". The two final groomers remaining has to groom 7 dogs for a dog show within 10 hours! One dog from each traditional dog show group: (toy, terrier, non-sporting, hound, sporting, herding, and working)

We woo'd with excitement when the dog chosen from the working group was an Alaskan Malamute! Woo Woo! You should have seen this hussy dog, jumping up on the grooming table like she actually wanted a groom. Clearly putting all northern dogs who are part of the resistance to shame. But both Mals were so beautiful! If they really wantd a challenge, they should have chosen Sibes because we know our coats are the most challenging. I know this because my fursister is a Malamute.

And here we will take some time to discuss Xavier Santiago. Also known as "the mean one". He was one of the judges on the show.




Here's what I dug up about his credentials for being a judge on the show.




"Xavier Santiago is a second-generation owner/handler of Alaskan Malamutes and the working breeds. With years of experience in canine competition, Xavier has won first place ribbons at major competitions around the country, including most recently at the prestigious Atlanta Dog Show. Trained by some of the top handlers and groomers in the dog show industry, including Carlene Way, Nancy Zinkham, and Linda Whitney, Xavier has a well-developed knowledge for dog grooming and breed standards. He has taken over the family tradition from his mentor and father, champion Malamute handler Ladislao Santiago"

Harooo? Have you seen this guy? Wowsa! He is so critical of all the contestents. His personality is like Simon from that other famous TV show.

But more digging, we uncovered from Xavier's own website that yes he co-own two malamutes and does show, his main occupation is being an "actor". So maybe the show was fixed. (pardon the pun) Here's his website to prove he's more an actor than a handler





But anyway, HuMom howled for joy when Artist was chosen as "Top Groomer". She was pulling for him all along. Can't wait till the next season. Stay tuned!

Simcha

A Sad Anniversary

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^JACK^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Today marks the one year anniversary of the passing of my friend and fellow red sibe, Jack.

Jack was no ordinary Siberian. He was 100 lbs of pure love with crystal clear blue eyes that allowed you to glimpse in to his soul. He was a mythical Sibe with extraordinary powers. His Human Mother Beth shared a very special bond with Jack. He was her world.

In July of 05, his mother received the devastating news, Jack had cancer. It was a form of anal gland cancer that was very aggressive. With chemo and radiation, Jack was given only 4-6 months to live. Jack's Human mother felt as if the world was crashing in. She wasn't ready to say goodbye to Jack. Yet with the recommended treatment of chemo and radiation, Jacks remaining days would not be good days.

That's when she discovered Dr Marty Goldstein. Jack had surgery to remove the growth but was treated holistically by Dr Goldstein. Although Jack never met Dr Marty, he managed Jack's care from afar. Jack was put on Artemisinin and other supplements to boost his immune system and switched to a homemade diet.

After 6 months, Jack was not only still alive but was doing REALLY well. His story was featured in the "Whole Dog Journal". He was famous. He was acting his normal playful self and going to the dog park with his pack mates every day. His HuMom realizing how amazing this all was never took one moment with Jack for granted. In her heart, she felt she had this cancer beat. We were all truly amazed and thought it was a miracle. We really thought Jack would live forever.

Just before his second anniversary of the diagnosis, Jack fell ill again. He stopped eating and had a hard time walking. The cancer was back and Jack was fading. His Human mother didn't want to give up the fight, but eventually Jack told her it was time for him to go so she helped him to the bridge. It was a very sad time for all of us but especially Jack's Human mother. My Human mother was worried about her.

But Jack and his human mother Beth taught us so much about love and beating the odds. Jack wasn’t supposed to live past four months. But he knew his HuMan Mother needed more time to adjust to a life without him. Not only did he live almost two years, but those years were good healthy years and that’s what counts.

Manly sibe hugs to you Jack at the bridge. You really were a super star.



Simcha

Urgent News on dog food

HuMom wanted me to get the word out about this recent news on Petco. Thanks to our friend Doris from Wildpaws for spreading the word.

FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution Center
June 19, 2008

Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill., pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.

U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term "insanitary" to describe such conditions).

During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.

"We simply will not allow a company to store foods under filthy and unsanitary conditions that occur as a direct result of the company's failure to adequately control and prevent pests in its facility," said Margaret O'K. Glavin, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. "Consumers expect that such safeguards will be in place not only for human food, but for pet food as well."

The distribution center in Joliet, Ill., provides pet food products and supplies to PETCO retail stores in 16 states including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

FDA has no reports of pet illness or death associated with consumption of animal food distributed by PETCO, and does not have evidence that the food is unsafe for animals. However, the seized products were in permeable packages and held under conditions that could affect the food's integrity and quality.

As a precaution, consumers who have handled products originating from the PETCO distribution center should thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap. Any surfaces that came in contact with the packages should be washed as well. Consumers are further advised as a precaution to thoroughly wash products sold in cans and glass containers from PETCO in the 16 affected states.

If a pet has become ill after eating these food products, pet owners should contact their veterinarian and report illnesses to FDA state consumer complaint coordinators.

This only reinforces our decision to buy our pet food only from local dealers.

Who Killed Kenny??

The Hu-Mom has been procrastinating the big job of sorting out the winter clothes and hiking them up to the attic. Being it's been 90 degrees here in Virginia for the past month and a half, she finally decided to tackle this unpleasant job. Oh and look, I get to wear the scarf. Not a nice thing to do to a Sibe on such a warm humid day.

The day that you dally is the day that you lose!

I told my Hu-Mom, "you should just call in sick and stay home and play." When will she ever listen?

She's racing around getting ready for work. Can't find her wallet. Instead she grabs some change and heads out the door barely saying good-bye to me.

I hear her get into the car and attempt to pull out of the driveway. Something is wrong. She gets out of the car and discovers the Sibe-transporter has a flat. Not just an ordinary flat, but the tire has pulled away from the rim.

Back into the house again and she's now looking again for her wallet to find the AAA card. I give her an aroo! Glad she's changed her mind and wants to stay home with me.

She calls Dad and he will call AAA. I give her a play bow. Let's play! She tells me "Simmie I don't have time to play. I am trying to find my wallet"

I step in her way as she's running from room to room franctically searching. I have a habit of getting in her way when she's in a hurry. But she just won't stop and listen to me!

Finally, she comes upon my chair and removes the cushion to find her little blue wallet tucked underneath covered in Sibe hair.

She gives me the look. "Simmie! What's this doing under here?"

Now I'm not saying I had anything to do with the flat tire. Perhaps I knew about the wallet. But I just wish she would stay home just one extra day.

Simcha

You Quack Me Up

What you can barely see, due to HuMom taking the photo with the camera phone, is I am staring at 6 mallards sitting on my front lawn.

Don't they know I've already dispatched several birdies in my yard this year alone?

Are they insane?

They just sit there, six of them, sunning themselves and LAUGHING at me. Oh this is war.

Simcha

3H's Humid, Hot & Husky

The smoke from the NC fires cleared up this morning.Hu-Mom feeling awfully bad about our confinement over the weekend, woke up extra early so we could take a nice walk on our favorite beach. We didn't stop for breakies or coffee just piled into the husky transporter and raced to the beach before everyone woke up and ruined our day.

I went crabbing and chased the seagulls while my sister Kiley pulled us directly to the ocean and went swimming. She likes to emerge from the water dripping wet and then chase me. She knows I don't like getting wet. Red fur will run. Today I surprised the human and got my pads wet, but the ocean doesn't taste good and besides, there are tons of CRABS on the beach just asking to be pounced on.

We did real well till we spotted a Chesepeake Bay Retriever who decided it would be fun to charge after us. My sister Kiley, always up for the challenge decided that she would lunge after the dog. The stupid bi-peds with the charging dog said "Oh ours is friendly" implying that Kiley was not. HuMom shouted back something about a leash law and wanted to fling the blue plastic poo bag at the stoopid HuMans.

After the beach, we headed to Dunkin Donuts and the HuMom ordered her xtra large coffee and the nice boy at the drive-thru gave us free donut holes! He must have known we were starving and went without breakfast. Don't tell HuDad about the donut holes sshhhh.

Just as we headed into our driveway, the wind changed and all the smoke starting settling back into the neighborhood. Phew..made it just in time. It's going to be hazy hot and hoomid today. Too hot for a husky. Back under the AC we go.

hacking up a husky lung

I fwapped the Hu-Mom awake early this morning because I could smell smoke. When she finally opened the door to let me outside, I rushed outside and sniffed the air. The yard was covered in heavy smoke. HuMom explained the smoke was from the wildfires in North Carolina that have been burning for days. She feels bad for all the animals who are trying to escpape the wildfires. Me? I feel bad for myself, because HuMom kept us indoors all day. It finally cleared enough for us to walk around midnight. They've issued a code purple for the air quality in our area. HuMom says that's the color we would turn if we stayed outside all day. On a sad note, our friend Teresa, HuMom to Kyri and Nanuk, wasn't able to come and meet us. She lives way up north in Michigan and was driving to Raleigh for a graduation. HuMom was so excited about her visit. But she had some bad storms and 100mile an hour winds move through her area last Sunday and she lost power for days. Teresa was sad, but she couldn't leave her furkids behind with the dogsitter and no power. Kyri and Nanuk eat barf: and they have two freezers full of raw meat and veggies of their very own. I wish my HuMom fed me Barf but instead we eat kibble. But with the power gone, Kyri's and Nanuks food became rancid. I'll bet it smells really good at their house!

My friend's webcam

I spent the day watching my Malpal Tank the malamute via his Tank cam.

http://tankthemalamute.homedns.org:8080/

His Hu_Daddy, Ryland, set up the cam so all of Tank's friends could log in and check on him. Tank suffers from something called "seperation anxiety" and he chews. Although it's better now, Tank will sometimes destroy his HuDaddy's stuff. If you look at the picture, you will notice a pen around his Hu-Daddy easy chair. That's so Tank won't eat the new ones he just replaced. Woo!

My sister Kiley, also has the "seperation anxiety". She used to chew up the house and the crate before I came along. HuMom thinks it's because she was also a rescue dog and is afraid this family will give her away too. But I am also a rescue dog and don't have these issues. Must be a Malamute thing.

Whoever coined the phrase "dog days of summer"

Obviously didn't own a husky!

And looking at HuMom's calendar, it's not officially summer.

Diffence between Malamute and Siberian Husky re: attitude

Hu-Mom often complains I live in my own little world often time ignoring her pleas for attention. She is just so needy:) And I am an independent dog.

For example, if she were to trip and fall, I would probably ignore her or approach her only if I felt like it. My sister Kiley, the malamute, suck up that she is, is always into everyone's business.She of course would run over to HuMom and make sure that she is okay. Kiley and I may look alike, but we have completely different personalities.

Someone on an email list wrote about the difference between Siberians and Malamutes. And he described me pretty well without even knowing me.




Human at the beach gets pulled over...
Malamute: "Oh my! Are you are right?"
Siberian: "Look at all those seagulls."

Small child at the beach runs up to the dog...
Malamute: "A human pup! I will lick it and sing to it and call it George."
Siberian: "Gee, just look at all those seagulls."

Human points out a flock of seagulls...
Malamute: "Seagulls? Snacks! Food! Gotta chase them!" (pulls human over)
Siberian: "I'm bored of seagulls. Look at all those crabs."

howling in laughter!

simcha

One of these days I will actually LOOK at the camera.

Still shedding even after the $70 dollar bath and blowdry

Simcha

simcha

My poor Hu-Mom is still trying to figure out the camera phone and mobile blogger so please don't mind this awful picture. She's embarrasing sometimes.

My favorite thing to do is look away from the camera phone at the last minute. But you can see my groom job!

Top Groomer she's not!

HuMom, in her quest for Siberian perfection, decided I need to go back to the "Muddy Paws" dog groomer for the second time this year.

This is simply inhumane! PETA! What about *MY* rights. I am not a show dog. I am a companion animal according to Ingrid Newkirk. Twice a year at that wretched place is enough.

I did my best to keep up the resistance. I pancaked myself as the HuMom dragged me into the grooming shack. Not very dignified. I needed a moment to collect myself. Stooopid Kiley the malamute went bounding in the door. Suck up that she is. She loves the groomer. She loves the attention. She loves getting dog biscuits. She enjoys terrorizing all the other dogs in the shop. But me? I cry and howl the entire time. Why does my HuMom do this to me?

HuMom comes at me with the rake three times a week. She was mortified when the groomer made her feel like she never takes a brush to me. Of course she brushes me. Did she want to see the garbage bag full of hair she raked off me just prior to coming to the groomer. Only my human grooms me before going to the groomer. *sigh*

Four hours later, HuMom comes to pick us up. I am in the crate crying and trying to claw my way out.

It cost the HuMom $70 dollars for my groom alone! That will surely put a hole in her budget so maybe I won't have to go back again this year. Even after the $70 dollar bath, I still had hair flying off me. I heard the HuMom say "He's still shedding hair" to which the groomer seemed miffed that HuMom noticed.

HuMom decided that I will no longer go back to this groomer. She watches "Top Groomer". She knows what a good groom is. And Petsmart does a better job for a lot less money.

At the advice of some of her dog friends, HuMom is now looking at buying us a raised tub of our own and something called an "Air Force Dryer". So hopefully, HuMOm won't be wasting any more of her money at that groomer.

Hope you enjoy my picture.

Still shedding,
Simcha