Wednesday, May 20, 2009

"It's all about the dog."

My posts for the past two weeks, and those of the other Flock members whose blogs you will find on my sidebar, may have led you to believe that we went to West Virginia to see birds, people, wildflowers, newts, and other forms of nature. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In all honesty, there was only one inexorable force that pulled us all to the New River Gorge, and his name is

Chet Baker

aka Bacon, aka "Offisa Pup," or the Tennessee Turd-tail, Chet is a dog among dogs. I have to be careful how much I rave, since my sweet Grace is in her usual spot, under the computer desk in the place where my feet would go, if there wasn't an 85 pound Rottweiler there. Still, present company excluded, I can't think of a nicer, sweeter, funnier, more wonderful dog than the Baconator.

While Chet has been known to shred a toy or two in his time, he is discriminating.

"I see someone has left a dog toy here.
Let me examine it closely."


"No, I don't think that I care for this one, thanks anyway."

Offisa Pup, the Mayor of Opossum Creek, takes his duties seriously. Any rogue chippitymunks in the area know that the Boss Dog is back in town.


Getting a photo of Chet in motion is difficult for amateurs like me. Julie's camera must have an extra-special shutter setting, called "Chet-speed."

not even close

still a blur, but you can
see his little pink tongue

getting better

Got him!

Of course, Chet has his Fan Club, or rather, his loyal minions, whose duty it is to cater to his every whim.

"Miss Mary, you may now give me that toy. I know you brought it for me, Chet Baker, so hand it over."

"Thank yew."

"I will now proceed to destroy your offering. It is by this action that you will know your gift was acceptable."


"Mether, please hold me a little closer. I cannot reach Miss Nina in order to kiss her. Of course, she wants Baker kisses. All the ladies want to kiss me."

"She plays hard to get, but I know KatDoc likes it when I stick my tongue in her mouth. Not many people would put up with that sort of thing, but KatDoc is all right. Except when she trims my toenails."photo by Susan

"I love it when Mether sings that pretty pretty song. Mr. Tim, you may continue to massage me while Mether sings to me and only me."


"In fact, I think I will now sing, too. The Swinging Orangutangs are a good band, but they would be better if they would let me sing lead."

"Please hold that microphone closer for my solo."
"Thank yew.
Thank yew verra much.""


"Hello, Jeff Gordon's Mom. You are a new person, but I will allow you to admire me, Chet Baker, while I hold court here on the back of Geoff's couch."

Saul and Irene meet Chet Baker, completely unaware of his star status.

Irene: "Hello, little dog. I do not think you are allowed on tables."

CB: "Hello, Mrs. Irene. Yes, indeed, I am allowed on tables, for I am Chet Baker, little CatDog, and my Mether allows me to do pretty much anything I like."

"You may now sit there, supporting me, while I inspect this table for random crumbs of food that need to be eaten."

All good blog posts must come to an end, and this one is no exception.

Bacon 'tocks. Extra-pinchable

12 comments:

nina at Nature Remains. said...

I love Baker up to his eyeballs in fiberfill--such an enthusiastic interaction with life, that little man.
And, all his adoring fans--loving the memories.
Thanks, Kathi!

Anonymous said...

What a fitting tribute to the king...Chet Baker.

Beth said...

I loves me some Bacon...he is quite yummy! Thanks for the great post.

Beth

Susan Gets Native said...

I could just bite his heiny.

You caught his vibe just right, Kathi.

Beth in NYC said...

Hey, I know Saul and Irene! Fellow Central Park birders, it's neat to see them on one of my favorite blogs. I hope someday to meet Mr. Chet Baker himself - that's got to be one of those birder rites of passage. :-)

Irene from Queens said...

Love reading your blog!!
Had a great time in WV and just for the record, I was a HUGE Chet Baker fan for the past few years!I am a blog reader/lurker! In fact, we got a BT from Chet's breeder in Pennsylvania in July of 2007!! His name is Zeke and he has so much charm and personality! He gives kisses to all whether you are ready for them or not!!

Kyle said...

Between you and Julie, that's two Chet-fixes in three days! This could become habit-forming! (Not that I mind...)

Kathi said...

Irene: I didn't realize you "knew" Chet thru the blog-o-sphere, or that you had a pup from his breeder. That's neat! Of course, it "ruins" my story, LOL, but I'm glad you weren't freaked out by Chet's enthusiasm.

Beth in NYC: How cool is it that you know Saul and Irene. They are a lot of fun, and I am still blown away by all the birds you guys get in Central Park - I think of the City as being a sterile, barren place.

Everyone else: Three cheers for Chet Baker!

~Kathi

Julie Zickefoose said...

Humbled and giddy. Chet Baker has just finished a little dish of vanilla yogurt for those...minor problems that sometimes emanate from his pinchable regions. He is sitting on the couch watching American Idol and licking Phoebe's cheek.

We couldn't be prouder of him, or of the fact that Saul and Irene went to Pups Will Travel on the strength of The Bacon's reputation.

Yes, we let him do pretty much whatever he wants, but he is a good little soul, so what he wants to do is generally the right thing. Unless you are one of those people who doesn't think dogs should stand on tables...lie on couches...sit on sofa backs...French kiss the world at large.

Thank you for this adorable post, Kathi. Possibly Chet Baker's fifth biggest fan--after the four of us!

Love,

Julie, Bill, Phoebe and Liam

Mary said...

Um, Kathi... I think you just posted the best of Chet (don't tell Julie).

You got it, girl - the Chet speak and all.

And I'm so glad he approved of Chloe & Bella's Mean Kitty.

Beth in NYC said...

Kathi, I totally get your feelings about NYC but the park really is an amazing place. If you have some time, take a look at some of my newer photos which were taken in Central Park (a number of the earlier ones were taken in West Palm Beach earlier this year): http://www.pbase.com/bgoffe/new_images

TR Ryan said...

Absolutely perfect! This made my day. I miss that little guy.