Where does it come from?

 The reason for my creativity?

I used to go with my dad to work once in a great while. He worked at a company called Leo Burnette in Chicago. When he had to go to a meeting, I'd get shuffled off to one of the artists to watch them draw. Often the artists would hand me paper and let me draw with them. 

I met one fellow who worked on the Disney Film 101 Dalmatians. He was fun and we spent a lot of time doodling.

Another time I was able to sit with a photographer who worked on the Marlboro campaign and sort through the photos with him. I was amazed at their beauty and of course fell in love with photography.

Here is a link that WTTW of Chicago did regarding Starkist Tuna. 
Perhaps this is where I got my crazy creative mind that never turns off.

How do you get a story out of a can of Tuna? My dad was always creating, taking photos and writing. It is 3 minutes long.

Thanks Dad.

And now you know why my Jack Russell was named Morris the Cat & Charlie? Charlie the Tuna.

Sorry Charlie...I always wanted to say that to a pet!

And Dixie passes it on...

When Morris was a puppy he was shown 'the ropes' by Queen a black and tan hound.
This photo was taken in 2004. Queen shows puppy Morris how to play. They rough and tumble and Morris learns his first lessons by following Queen. Always, always follow Val and keep an eye on her....

Morris goes on to teach hound dog puppies for years. Thelma and Louise.

Dottie

...and then Dixie in 2012

I see a pattern here...of dog butts...


Dixie had no idea that she would be part of the tradition.

Dixie's kind temperament and laid back attitude absolutely shined through today as she was patient with that tiny black and tan pup that kept leaping on her and chasing her.

But somehow I think, dogs love playtime with their own kind no matter the size.

And in the end you can become best Mud Buddies.

Two beautiful black and tan dogs.
Playing together.

I am actually thinking of introducing Charlie to a puppy class, then obedience, and then Therapy Dog Class.
His disposition is excellent for a tiny dog. I think after visiting hospital rooms this week and the nursing home, that he could do a lot of good.
Maybe he isn't a 'working' dog, but he sure is a calm little guy and he makes both my husband and I feel good just petting him.

Sorry Charlie!

I've always wanted to use that phrase on a pet. My father coined that phrase many years ago when he created Charlie The Tuna.

Charlie came into our lives on the first of March. It was not planned. On the 3rd we had Steph, Steve, and the grand kids come for the weekend. Charlie got to play with their beagle, Angel.

I mean really, is this not cute? They really did so well together. I even thought of titling this photo as "Charlie's Angel". Oh how retro TV!

Charlie explored the great outdoors. I could not resist laughing at the size of him next to Rich's truck.

Little Puppy, Big Dreams.

How on earth will Charlie ever pee on that tire???

When we got the call that my MIL had fallen and 'can't get up',  the tone of everything changed. After a stay in the hospital and several evaluations, my MIL has been taken to a nursing home for rehab and further evaluations.
It has been a very stressful week with family.

But Charlie has been the source of laughter and amusement along with distraction.

Charlie discovered snow during the little blizzard we had. He got stuck in the deep snow and figured out how to make his way around in tracks and footsteps of humans.

Yesterday was nice in the afternoon.
When we got back from the VA. Charlie spent time with me outside exploring.

His potty training has gone very well considering all of the disruptions we've had this week.
He has excelled at crate training too.

He is learning ... or teaching me some Charlie communication. One or two whirls near the rugs at either door mean poop time. Sometimes a paw on my foot with a whine means pee time or nap time.
No problem, we are figuring it out.

He has developed a ravenous appetite.

I don't have any action shots of him tearing about with his toys but he spends a lot of time running around with them.
Sometimes he gets the zoomies. When he hits the slippery kitchen floor he simply drops onto his tummy and does a four paw drift as he slides and in a wink he is up and running the length of the kitchen.

He has begun leash and 'area' training. I wish I had a lighter rope to use. I think I will have to go see if I can find something at the hardware store.

What I mean by 'area' training is letting Charlie understand that he can only go about 20 feet from me and stay in that 'area'. He needs to keep an eye on me and pay attention.
He is too young for much, but he can learn to come when called and to stay close. He is doing that fairly well except when he is in the yard pouncing on pine cones and maiming them.

During this week, Charlie has acted like a therapy dog. He makes people laugh with his antics and without thinking, Rich scoops him up and carries him while petting him.
We know how well petting an animal can sooth the soul.

We've needed some soul soothing this week.

He is little. His heart is big.

And yesterday morning when he got under foot I must have stepped on his toes. He squeaked and I said a big laugh, "Sorry Charlie!"

What Good IS He?

I walked into my tax preparer's office and sat down in the waiting room.

I knew I'd have a wait, but I also knew that if I didn't get this job done, I'd put it off.
I'd put in an application to look at a 2 yr old dog and a 10 week old dog on an adoption site. I figured to get myself 'approved' and then look around.

The phones were ringing and the accountant's daughter was trying to answer phones and keep her 3 year old daughter busy. I called Ginger over and asked her to show me what she was playing with. We talked quietly, she showed me her DVD's and told me who was in the videos.

Then she said something about puppies and I inquired with her mom when it was my turn to hand in my paperwork. The little girl scooped up a puppy and handed it to me. It was tiny! So little! And it looked like Dixie!

Mini Dachshund and Pekingese? Well. Not a terrier, not a robust large dog, but...
The little male pushed his nose into the space under my chin. Oh no. I was in trouble.
I had thought about this before. For me, trying to repeat a pet that has died and then always trying to compare the new dog to the old was sort of a mistake.

This guy would be a whole new experience.
"I'll take him."

I dropped off my taxes and then went to pick some things up. I wondered if I'd just had made an awful mistake. What on earth was Rich going to say?

When I picked up the pup, I announced his name. Charlie. Charlie The Tuna. Now those who may have followed me from a gazillion years ago would know that my father created Charlie The Tuna. He'd also worked on the Morris the Cat campaign.
Now you know where these odd names come from.

Charlie rode home with me.
I walked up to the porch and saw Rich through the window.
He didn't see Charlie until I set him on the floor in front of him.

A look of displeasure crossed his face. He frowned, he said. "I thought we were going to wait. And...what is this?"
"This is Charlie. Charlie The Tuna, but you can call him Charlie. He is mini doxxie and Pekingese."

"What is he good for?"
"You'll see."
In fact, I was pretty sure he'd soon see.
"What is he?"
I told him again.
"Good for?"

I started to set up dishes and food.
"He is black and tan colored," I offered.
"Hmm."
I put Charlie in his arms.
Charlie snuggled in.
Rich smiled.
That was what Charlie was good for.

Soon after Rich was telling me how to set up Charlie's dishes and food. He and  Charlie supervised my work.
Rich laughed.

We had to give Charlie his first 'crate session'. He barked while we did chores. I was feeding the bulls when Rich called up to me.
"I'm going in. Charlie is setting up a fuss!"

Charlie was being let out of his crate by the time I got to the door. They supervised my cooking.
We took a break for some play time. The Lime Green Grunting Hedgehog was a hit as well as the tennis ball chasing. They were huge though compared to him.

We decided to sit and watch a program on the couch. Rich arranged the red blanket so it was next to him. He reached down and picked up Charlie.

This morning Rich is having his coffee with Charlie in his arms.

What Good is He?
Oh, you tell me.

I think you have it figured out.