B.O.W. Wow!

I have been hard at work, bloggerini's. Job 1 these days is being a Show Dog. Ahhh...the life—an endless round of exercise, proper diet, supplements, brushing, nail trimming and BATHING!

I'm getting used to it now and even willingly hopped in the tub just this afternoon. Better to just get things done that you know you have to do.

The best part of this routine is lots of time with Green Ball and my frisbee. Ms. Alpha calls it working out, but to me it's fun. I'm also putting in time leaping over PVC pipe jumps. I get extra walks, too, and I've secretly been working out Ms. Alpha. We trot at a brisk clip and she's finally getting some stamina thanks to me.

Last weekend I went to 3 shows and had my favorite handler, Reggie Moorehead, waltz me around the ring. Reggie is a cool dude who knows how to be in charge of me—not an easy task. In fact, Reggie took the winning Border Collie around at Westminster for the last 2 years. And let me tell you something—when he speaks, I listen!

Check out my latest video...it's ME, Fenway. I won the Best of Winners class, known in the trade as BOW.

I'm takin' care of business!

Fenway's Big Dig!

Fenway's been on the road AGAIN!

This time, your little gadabout went to Fire Island, a barrier beach off the south shore of Long Island. Ms. Alpha grew up around there and she thought it would be good for me to learn something about  beachin' it and her old stomping grounds.

We took a short ferry ride from Bayshore, on the mainland, over to a tiny hamlet called Seaview. It's a very cool place and ultra dog friendly because there are no cars. Nada. Not even roads! The humans go there to eat, drink, party, read, surf, fish, sun and forget everything else.

While the local constables prefer that we canines be on leashes, my new friend Tigger, a golden retriever, showed me where to go and what to do so that we could have some freedom.

Tigger immediately took me down to the beach and 

struck a pose. He is a noble beast and gazes up from 

the shore break at the houses in Seaview.

Since Tigger is representing the Sporting Group, 

I decided to do my own Herding Group pose. 

No sheep here—but watch out seagulls!

Tigger is so big that I could have ridden down to the beach piggy-back style if I cared to. I secretly call him The Sofa because he's as soft and big as a couch. But you know what they say—the bigger they come, the nicer they are. Tigger is a swell pal who knows how to party doggie-style.

Tigger was a great host and brought out his Wolf to share with me. He's so much heavier that he pulled me for a ride all around the deck. 

We put some new tears and mangles on that Wolf.

Now he's not so big and bad!

Tigger taught me love is give and take—

especially when it comes to sharing beloved toys.

After a little Wolf destruction, we went down to the beach with my frisbee. I gladly shared and gave it up to Tigger. He told me to just trust him...he was going to teach me an alternate way of playing with it.

I patiently sat beside Tigger as he began to excavate a most glorious hole in the sand. 

And in went my frisbee!

I had to check out this work up close!

How deep is this hole? And what's in it???!!!

Let me study this from another angle!

And another angle!

There's my frisbee again.

Why does Tigger want it in his hole?

I think I need to dig my own hole to find out the answer!

Tigger is supervising my first excavation.

He is a great friend to teach me some valuable lessons!

That's why I gave Tigger the best lesson I could think of: Crouching & Staring 101. This is the fundamental lesson in being a Border Collie!

Travels With Fenway

Hey, Bloggerini's! You must know by now that when there's a span of silence from The Fen Man that means I've been up to my pricked ears with adventures.

The Alphas packed me up along with some luggage and headed to New England. Actually, our destination was Lexington, MA, which I learned is the cradle of American civilization. This was a most exciting trip for me because not only did I have my own luggage—my needs are far more extensive than the Alphas—I even got to stay in a hotel! This is a place where humans pack together en masse to sleep. All I know is that there were plenty of people to fuss over me and make me feel even more special than usual.

Hotels are cool places. Lots to explore, lots of new places to mark. I made Ms. Alpha quite nervous in the halls because she saw my most stealthy Weeble Moves and had to be on red alert so that I couldn't claim the hallways as my own. I managed to leave a stealthy message here and there so that any new dogs will know that Fenzo was there!

Fenzie is a bit antsy after 7 hours in the car. 

Are we there yet?

This is my hotel room! The view was awesome. 

There was so much going on outside 

for a border collie to monitor.

In the morning, I ate my breakfast just like

a Massachusetts native.

There are 5,800 Duncan Donuts in the United States 

and I swear 5,000 of them are in the state of MA.

I bet you didn't know I could sip from a straw!

They're not kidding when they say 

border collies are the smartest breed!

After my power breakfast of a raw chicken wing,

Wellness Super 5 kibble and my cuppa joe,

I had a frisbee workout in one of the many 

dog friendly parks in Lexington.

This place had some terrific real estate for running!

After frisbee, we found the Gropius House in Lincoln, MA.

This modern house was built in 1938 and is very historic.

It's surrounded by typical New England clapboard homes.

After our busy day we relaxd in the hotel room.

Mr. Alpha and I got to watch the Red Sox almost 

every night on NESN. It was heavenly!

I spent some more quality time surveying the parking lot. 

It was fascinating for a border collie—much more interesting

than the Gropius House!

I played some more with the toys that Ms. Alpha 

packed for me. I don't go anywhere without my 

Beloved Green Ball, Pink Heart or Tennis Ball Bone.

It was a rich full day and the Alphas rejoiced that 

Fen was finally a tired and happy border collie!

Next morning: 

"Don't you realize the sun is up already?

Let's get going! It's almost 6:30 am!!!!!!!"

It's barely light out yet but I got out early 

to see the real Minute Man on the Village Green.

He was our first Freedom Fighter 

and is as vigilant as a border collie!

ALERT!

My good buddy Stanislaw is in a bad way and having the dickens of a time feeling peaceful and balanced. He's got the best ever Alphas who are sure to find the key to Stan's Demons. Please help them (and him) by checking in with him and sending your mightiest Doggo Mojo to doG so that he gets better. 

We love ya, Stannie Baby!!!

I'm So Tired!

The Alpha's gave me great new agility toy. They built me my very own tire jump! What a feat of engineering, and all for moi.

Our once lush oasis of a garden is being slowly transformed into my very own agility stadium. I've got a set of 12 weave poles, a teeter, 3 jumps and a pause table. Ms. Alpha doesn't even care that I run through her garden, shred mature hostas and trample the ligularia and wild ginger. Whatever makes me happy, ya know?

As soon as the tire contraption went up I studied it.

Pretty quickly, I figured out how to have fun with it.

Yep....it's more fun to go through than  around it.

Here's my launching technique: 

front paws up and ready for take off.

Weeeee! Look at me!

I'm just a blur of fur in flight.

_______________________________________

We are truly honoured to receive this International Bloggers Community award from our friends over at the Dog Wood Pack!! As part of the requirements of this award, we have to pass it on to 7 of our internatonal bloggie friends. 

1. The person who tagged you? ---- Husky & Hershey

2. His or her site title and URL? ---- hhttp://huskeeboy.blogspot.com/

3.Date you were tagged? ---- May 18, 2009

4. Persons you tag?

Tom, Tama-Chan and Sei-Chan

Emma Rose

Khyra the Sibe

Niamh

Stanislaw and Big Pupi

Eric

Norwood & Tula

1. Link to the person who tagged you

2. Copy the image, rules and questionnaire

3. Post in your blog.

4. Answer the four questions.

5. Pick SEVEN friends to share with.

6. Come back to BLoGGiSTaiNFoCoRNeR at http://bloggistame.blogspot.com/ and leave the URL of your post in order for your blog to be added to the master list.

7. Have fun.

Mama Mia

I'm sending every bit o' love I have to the two most wonderful mothers in the world on this Mother's Day.

My mama Devon is a soulful b*tch.

High five paws to my real mama, Devon (Specialty AOM, BISS CH. Brackenhill Flew by Ewe, PT, CD, NA, NAJ, ROM). You can see from her lengthy name and all the titles that she is a true queen and has done it all, winning rosettes in conformation, agility and obedience. And, she even herds sheep! 

Mama Devon won Best of Breed at the Border Collie Society of America's 2005 specialty show and finished 2005 as the #1 border collie b*tch in the USA and also the top producing border collie bitch in the USA. She is absolutely awesome and electrifying to watch in the ring.

Mama Devon is a natural.

She can assume the position in a heartbeat.

I am working hard on my Sports and Behaving Lessons because my Mama Devon passed along her awesome genes. I certainly don't want to waste them!

And high five paws to my human mama, Ms. Alpha. Besides working full-time, she spends countless hours every day making sure I am happy. That means I get to gobble the best food, get quality time with Green Ball, learn self-control and how to relax—whew, that's a hard one!!!—and how to Be A Good Boy. She is my training partner and we go to THREE different classes every week: sub-novice obedience, agility and conformation. Every now and then she takes me to private lessons with an agility coach. 

A mama's love makes you feel so good!

The Country Squire

Imagine my surprise a week ago! The Alphas surprised me with a trip to Martha's Vineyard and all I had to do was park my furriness on the back seat of my Den on Wheels while they drove almost 9 hours. (this is why I have not been in touch lately with my dear doggie friends!)

The Alpha's first order of business was to see that everything that Makes Fenway Happy was packed up: my Everlasting Fun Ball aka Green Ball, my competition standard frisbee, special Wellness Super 5 kibble, Omega-3 Fish Oil capsules, Vitamin E capsules, tennis ball play bone, soft bxw stuffie bone, agility equipment (more on that later), special leashes, collars and of course a supply of my favorite dessicated liver treats.

Oh, and don't forget the digital and video cameras so that all my most important moments are recorded so they can be treasured at a later date. I even have my own suitcase! There was scarcely room for The Alpha's stuff, but they managed to cram in whatever silly things humans need.

When we got to Martha's Vineyard, I blossomed. The Inner Fenway came forth. When I am on my island, I no longer feel the need to suppress my true nature—I am Master of My Domain, Lord of the Manor and the King of the Castle. This is a place where I can run free and safe and there is sunshine, free time, fun & games and all manor of dog sports & activities. I am even welcomed in stores and on beaches!

The Alphas took notice of my new persona and promptly came up with a new name for me: The Squire.

It's all about attitude, my friends! 

The Squire is at the top o' the heap....and Lord of All He Surveys!

These are my lands. 

They include forests for roaming and grassy plains for sports.

The Squire is proud of his realm!

Here is one of my serfs (aka Ms. Alpha), constructing

weave poles for my amusement.

When she was finished with the agility stadium,

I ordered Ms. Alpha to till my fields and plant vegetables.

When Ms. Alpha is done hanging the laundry,

I have her toss me the Green Ball about 60 times.

The Squire needs to rest now and then.

So many activities for The Squire to choose from:

Green Ball, frisbee or agility jumps.

The Squire welcomes all who pass to his door—

and maybe some frisbee!

Squire Fenway likes to survey his fiefdom....

The Squire is proud of his agility course.

Nice work, Ms. Alpha!

 

The Squire strikes a noble pose at his beachfront,

Squire Fenway is Lord of the Waters!

The Squire beckons all his Doggie Bloggies to come to his lands!

Dog TV

It's gloomy and wet out there, 

but I still need to monitor the situation.

It's been raining off and on ever since my last post. Ms. Alpha says it's raining cats and dogs, but I don't see anything falling from the sky that I'd care to chase or play with. 

In fact, we stepped out to some steely skies this morning and all of a sudden we felt raindrops. Sometimes Ms. Alpha decides to brave it, put her hood on and forge ahead. I don't mind getting wet and enjoy stretching my legs while I patrol my 'hood. Today, she decided to head back right away and I guess it was a good decision. All of a sudden, tiny ice balls started falling! I'd rather it be the cats & dogs, but this was a pretty interesting phenomenon.

So, there's not much to report on these days. Ms. Alpha is devising all sorts of indoor games. We just ended a session with Green Ball. She'd throw it downstairs and I'd scamper for it. We played a fun stalking game around the big glass coffee table. I really like that and it makes me feel superior 'cause she can't catch me. Maybe she pretends not to, but it's still fun. We do lots of play bows to one another and get real silly.

Red alert! A squirrel just ran up a tree!!!

It's drizzling now—a steady rain. Thank goodness for the big picture window in the living room. It's at a perfect dog height! The Alphas call it my Gazing Window. From my reviewing stand, I can monitor all that happens in my kingdom. Nary a squirrel, bird or Xiu Xiu the cat can trespass without me scrutinizing what transpires.

That old pink flamingo still hasn't moved.

He knows I'm watching him and he's frozen with fear!

I love looking out this window. The Alphas stare at their own glass box that they call TV. This is my own Dog TV—it's way bigger. A real widescreen!

I check my gazing ball that's out in the garden.

It reflects what's off in the distance that's out of sight.

I am so crafty!

Separated At Birth?

I frequently get mistaken for a famous movie star. Oftentimes, people will come up to me and say, "Don't I know you from somewhere?"

It seems I bear a striking resemblance to a beloved childhood icon. I am a treasure in my own right, but I have the added cachet of looking quite like a famous mouse.

Is it the ears? How 'bout the wide, gaping grin? Maybe the general aura of gleefulness?

I dunno. You make the call!

Am I destined to become a cartoon character???!!!

Rabbit, Run

My apologies to the late John Updike. But I just can't get the title of his most famous book out of my pretty head. Maybe Ms. Alpha is to blame.

She said this is Easter Week and spoke to me about bunnies and cottontails.

Whoa! These are RABBITS, ma'am. And I have an intimate knowledge of this food source.

Rabbits are food and I care not for their supposed soft and cuddly nature. That is something only for the humans to ponder. And I am a prey animal...what runs from me must be caught and perhaps consumed. If you don't believe me, just ask my friend Mr. Greyhound!

Still, Ms. Alpha is trying to get me into the holiday spirit. Here is her selection of treats for the day. Hot Dog Rabbit Ears. 

I prefer the real unadulterated thing....check out that delicious rabbit tripe.

What a confit of delectable meat!

I definitely have my own ideas about how best to celebrate Easter. And let's not forget Passover! I have my own unique way of celebrating that....a nice, heaping scoop of tasty cholent in my food bowl will NEVER get passed over!

Feeling Mellow Yellow

Don't say I didn't warn you, Bloggerini's!

Ms. Alpha is at it again. Whenever we go out she feels compelled to arm herself with her camera. We went on a lovely walk yesterday on the trail that runs from Bethesda to Georgetown. It's one of my favorite spots because of all the woods. There is a smorgabord of smells and rotting plant matter. Oh, and lots of trees where I leave p-mail.

At this time of year, lots of pretty little things are sprouting. We found a lush and soft carpet that had to lay on in my Perfect Pose. It's easier to do this now that I've been going gangbusters in my obedience class. I can do a lightning fast sit-stay or a down-stay...whatever is needed I can strike a pose and hit my mark faster than Heidi Klum!

Do you think she's going to make me into a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model this summer? Yikes....I just don't do clothing!!!