Dudley Live!

I'm experimenting with uploading videos. Hope it works.

Kent Falls State Park

We took Dudley to Kent Falls State Park for the day last weekend. He had lots of fun hiking through the trails and checking out the waterfalls at different levels. He tried following us into the water at one point, but only by stepping over stones (and falling off them). We went into town later for lunch, and Dudley got to sit on the sidewalk and visit with passers-by.

Woofstock 2007 - Part Five

Harvey

Harvey deserves his own blog post! He is an eight year old basset (approximately) from California. He was found tied to a fire hydrant, and is now in loving care of people in Rhode Island. Anyway, during the agility demonstration, he came right up to me and sat down and allowed me to rub his belly for quite a while! Dudley was too busy barking to notice.

Woofstock 2007 - Part Four

Active Bassets

There were lots of events for all the hounds in which to participate, including a relay race, a curious maze, and an agility demonstration. Dudley was particularly impressed with the agility demonstration and barked the whole time. So spoiled.

Woofstock 2007 - Part Three

Some Bassets of Note

Woofstock 2007 - Part Two

Long Ears Were Had By All

Dudley got to meet bassets of all shapes and sizes. As common as the features are in this breed, it's amazing how different and distinct they all look. But try to tell which one is Dudley in the first picture!

Woofstock 2007 - Part One

Woofstock!

We took Dudley a couple weekends ago to his first Woofstock event. This is an annual event (usually it happens in May) that benefits the New England Basset Hound Rescue. This is a great organization that does much good to place abandoned basset hounds with loving and caring owners. Please consider buying a t-shirt from them, or making a donation!

The event kicked off with the Basset Waddle Through the Woods. When we drove up to where the event was happening near the lake in Sturbridge, Mass., you could see the many wagging tails of basset hounds as we rounded the hill. Dudley was quite taken with seeing so many basset hounds, and so were we! It's really something to see around 150 bassets all sniffing around and being their lovable selves.

The Waddle was attended by all the bassets and their owners, and consisted of an approx. 1/4 mile hike through the woods. All the puppies were in the front of the pack (Dudley insisted on being the first of course), and all the older pokey plodders rounded out the end. All that was missing were some rabbits. Some of the older chubbier bassets had to be carried over the finish line.

Frolicking in the Garden - Summer 2007

Henry and Logan Stop By

Dudley's buddies from down the street, Henry and Logan, stopped by. They had just been to the arts festival in New Haven where they had their faces painted. Dudley didn't seem to mind! Click for a larger view.

Dudley goes to Boston (continued)

So this is what would happen if we walked too much at once. Dudley tried to keep up mostly, but when he got tired he would just stop walking and lie down in the middle of the sidewalk. This was in Beacon Hill. Next time we are definitely bringing a wagon to carry him around, since bassets aren't known for their long distance endurance record.

Dudley goes to Boston (continued)

Waiting for the T to Cambridge.

Dudley goes to Boston (continued)

These shots were taken in Cambridge Commons.

We spent a lovely afternoon just walking around Cambridge, and hanging out in the park mostly.

I read Tintin in Tibet while sitting in the park, which is highly recommended (both reading it, and reading it in a park)!

A walk in the park

We went for a walk in the Boston Commons past the swan boats, and down to the Charles River for a restful afternoon hanging out and people watching. There were over 50 sailboats in the Charles, all with white sails, swarming about most of the afternoon. That's Bob in front of the Arthur Fiedler statue.

Scenes from the Hotel

We stayed at a dog friendly hotel in the financial district. It's a great hotel, very accommodating for dogs, but not the greatest location. There isn't much going on during the weekend, and not many restaurants. It's not far from Beacon Hill though.

When we walked in there was a little sign next to a bowl of biscuits welcoming all the dogs with reservations.

We spoiled Dudley by letting him on the bed, but there wasn't a couch so what are you going to do?? He really liked the bed, but luckily that was soon forgotten when we returned home.

Dudley goes to Boston

We took Dudley for a long weekend in Boston for Memorial Day weekend. He did extremely well, and took pretty much everything in his stride. His major hurdles were walking over grates and riding in the elevator, both of which he was doing without a problem by the time we left. He also had to figure out it was ok to poop on concrete :)

We took him to Quincy Market on the first day, and strolled around the hoards of tourists. Faneuil Hall was a relatively short walk from the hotel. He didn't mind the crowds at all, but that's no surprise!

The Garden in Winter

The garden in Winter. I included a summer shot for comparison. The pond spent quite a few days almost completely frozen over. Luckily the fish did fine and emerged from their cave in the Spring.

Guest Appearances

Complimentary kitty photos. Philbert enjoys reclining on the new tempurpedic bed.

Good for the back! Sal has taken to lounging on top of my dresser.

Fireside

Back safe inside enjoying a warm fire.

Bassets in the snow

More action shots in the back yard.

I have to admit I threw some snow on his face for the first shot.

Playing the snow - what there is of it!

These were actually taken in March after the final snowfall of the season. I was a little late, but wanted to be sure to get some snow action shots! You can see it was only a dusting though.

Dudley really loves the cold weather. He loves to go for long walks no matter how freezing it is. He also enjoys climbing over snow mounds created on the side of the road. I'd say his Tennessee roots don't go too deep!

Double bloom on the lily pad

More shots of the side garden

Bob's Award Winning Shot

Summer 2006 garden in full bloom. Bob entered this photo in the 'gorgeous gardens' contest in our local newspaper and won!

Before and After

Shot of our summer garden project on the side of the garage.

Poses with Daddy

Digging in the sand

Like most dogs I'm sure, Dudley enjoyed digging around in the sand. Maybe to bury a bone? He was using both his front paws to dig, and kept falling face first into the hole. Lots of sand in the snout and mouth, but it was too much fun to mind!