Bones joins the hosts of Fox & Friends and AKC's Lisa Peterson for a segment on the dogs that came over on the Mayflower. The segments was moved outdoors at the last minute. The dogs got a bit keyed up but took in stride. It went fairly well up until the last moment when one of the hosts asked if she could take Bones back out. Then it got interesting!
Mayflower Dogs
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
We're in the news!
Our pictures have been picked up and used in several reportings on the Meet the Breeds event.
Veronica and her boy Kirk made into the AKC Gazette.
The whole family along with Kirk and Bones made into an issue of Showsight.
If anyone has any other sightings please let me know. I am trying to collect them all for my daughters.
The AKC Gazette:
Showsight:
Veronica and her boy Kirk made into the AKC Gazette.
The whole family along with Kirk and Bones made into an issue of Showsight.
If anyone has any other sightings please let me know. I am trying to collect them all for my daughters.
The AKC Gazette:
Showsight:
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Big day for Bones
Celestial Dunkirk The Real McCoy aka went to his first AKC show on Friday. He just turned 6 months old. It was a bit hard to wake Bones up at 4:30 am but once he realized a car ride was involved he was out the door! He is an awesome traveller and was no problem on the 3 hr trek to the Greater Philadelphia KC show-even though this was his first long trip without Grandpa Kirk. Once we got to the show Bones had a great time meeting people and checking out all the sights and sounds. I was happy that he had no trouble with the sounds of the dryers or barking in big indoor space. He was so relaxed ringside he was rolling on his back, stretching out just praying someone would notice and provide a belly scratch.
When it was our turn to go into the ring Bones was ready to go. He did his first go around with his head up and tail wagging--I almost couldn't keep up! Shades of Grandpa Kirk! He was bit wiggly with the stack but I got him set decently. I let Mrs Canalizo know this was his first show and she started to blow kisses at him and talk sweet nothings. I thought Bones' tail might come off he was getting so wiggly! His down and back was under control and his free stack not bad at all. He was a pro by the time we were going around for Best of Winners.
Bones was Best of Winners for his first show! He made me work hard for the photograph but overall he had a great introduction to the big indoor shows! It was fun for me as Mrs Canalizo was the judge who finished Kirk and I was happy to bring another generation of Celestial mastiffs. And I thoroughly enjoyed Bones' attitude in the ring. It's never a bad show day when your dog is really enjoying himself.
Janice tagged along and was able to get some photos and video of Mr. Bones:
When it was our turn to go into the ring Bones was ready to go. He did his first go around with his head up and tail wagging--I almost couldn't keep up! Shades of Grandpa Kirk! He was bit wiggly with the stack but I got him set decently. I let Mrs Canalizo know this was his first show and she started to blow kisses at him and talk sweet nothings. I thought Bones' tail might come off he was getting so wiggly! His down and back was under control and his free stack not bad at all. He was a pro by the time we were going around for Best of Winners.
Bones was Best of Winners for his first show! He made me work hard for the photograph but overall he had a great introduction to the big indoor shows! It was fun for me as Mrs Canalizo was the judge who finished Kirk and I was happy to bring another generation of Celestial mastiffs. And I thoroughly enjoyed Bones' attitude in the ring. It's never a bad show day when your dog is really enjoying himself.
Janice tagged along and was able to get some photos and video of Mr. Bones:
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A few more videos!
A couple of new videos have surfaced from the AKC Meet the Breeds in NY back in October. You can see a little more of the dogs with the crowd.
From the Daily News:
From Snouts in Your Town:
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Boo
Kirk and Bones joined the girls for some afternoon trick or treating. The girls dressed as Abby from NCIS and a devil/angel. Kirk and Bones got in the spirit by donning Star Trek shirts in the color of their namesakes. Kirk wore Capt Kirk's yellow shirt and Bones wore the blue shirt like Dr. McCoy. They had a great time and caused bit of a traffic along one of the busier streets!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Here come the videos
We did several interviews over the course of the Meet the Breeds weekend.
One was conducted by the AKC staff. My daughters took control of this one. The video has now been posted on AKC's YouTube page:
Mastiffs at Meet the Breed
One was conducted by the AKC staff. My daughters took control of this one. The video has now been posted on AKC's YouTube page:
Mastiffs at Meet the Breed
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Meet the breeds day 2
The princesses and big dogs were back for another day and so were the crowds! The girls and Joe added some facepainting to the costuming courtesy of an onsite booth. We had lots of girl and boy scout troops come through with an assignment to find out a bit about one dog from each group. We were the working dog choice for many of the kids. Many of our young visitors were concerned about the elbow callouses they were worried it was some sort of bruise or injury. We put their fears to rest. Veronica and Morgan were very busy sharing their mastiff knowledge. Dr Newman came by and helped us answer questions for a bit. We did an interview for fox news' website we'll have to look for that!
At the end of the evening Dennis Sprung came along and thanked each booth personally for their participation. We told him we thought it was a great event and we would do it again in a minute. The girls even stopped at the information booth to find out when the next will be. They want to dress up again soon!
It was a great event and the dogs held up wonderfully. The were great representatives of the mastiff breed, the MCOA and the Empire State Mastiff Fanciers!
-
V and Kirk
Kirk and Mario Lopez with David Frei in the background. Who is the bigger star?
Two very tired dogs!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
At the end of the evening Dennis Sprung came along and thanked each booth personally for their participation. We told him we thought it was a great event and we would do it again in a minute. The girls even stopped at the information booth to find out when the next will be. They want to dress up again soon!
It was a great event and the dogs held up wonderfully. The were great representatives of the mastiff breed, the MCOA and the Empire State Mastiff Fanciers!
-
V and Kirk
Kirk and Mario Lopez with David Frei in the background. Who is the bigger star?
Two very tired dogs!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Meet the breeds day 1
Day one was a big success! We had loads of people come by the booth--including some that had met the dogs in Times Square on Thursday. Everyone seemed to love the booth design and at the last minute the girls and I decided to put on some medieval type dresses to go along with the castle theme. It was a huge hit. Maria and Bill Ruoto joined us with Morgan and Bruce. Maria and Morgan took part in a photo shoot for a book. Kirk and Bones were part of an AKC photo shoot for the Gazette and AKC products. I did an interview that may become part of Purina sponsored recap of the event. Dr. Newman (our MCOA AKC delegate) joined us for a bit even posing with the girls and dogs. It was a great first day. I am sure tomorrow will be just as crowded and full of activity!
Dr Newman visits
Getting a bit tired
Our full crew
Veronica talking on her extensive knowledge of the breed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Dr Newman visits
Getting a bit tired
Our full crew
Veronica talking on her extensive knowledge of the breed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, October 16, 2009
Setting up
Well we left at 5am this morning to go set up the Mastiff
booth at the Meet the Breeds show. We were second people there altho my husband pointed we were the only ones setting up. Joe and spent about an hour and a half getting everything up. We have a little more to do tomorrow but we are mostly there and the booth doesn't look bad at all!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
booth at the Meet the Breeds show. We were second people there altho my husband pointed we were the only ones setting up. Joe and spent about an hour and a half getting everything up. We have a little more to do tomorrow but we are mostly there and the booth doesn't look bad at all!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Meet the Breed "Street Team"
Yesterday we trucked into Manhattan even with the foul weather to help promote the Meet the Breeds event. We met our enthusiastic and cheerful if not chilly group of volunteers in Times Square. After setting up under the overhang at the ABC studio we went to work stopping traffic. I have to say it is no work at all to attract a crowd with two mastiffs. Kirk and Bones had everyone eating out of their hands—die hard New Yorkers and tourists alike! Not a police officer passed without taking a picture with them. In fact I think if I set a booth up charging for photos with the dogs I could retire early! The boys made a lot of friends and I expect we will see more than a few of them this weekend at the Javits Center.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Meet The Breeds — Dog and Cat event — 10/17-18
On October 17-18, doggie devotees and feline fans from the tri-state area and beyond are invited to attend Meet the Breeds presented by Pet Partners, Inc. at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. Meet the Breeds, with the American Kennel Club and Cat Fanciers’ Association, is the world’s largest showcase of cats and dogs and offers the public the rare opportunity to meet nearly 200 breeds and interact with dogs, cats, puppies and kittens.
The Mastiff booth will be manned by members of the Empire State Mastiff Fanciers. Our Mastiff booth will also be in competition for “Best Booth in Show” sponsored by WebVet.com that will allow attendees to vote for their favorite breed booth on Saturday with the winners of the best decorated breed booth announced on Sunday. The winning booth will win a $500 prize. In keeping with the English heritage of our breed we are going with a castle theme for our booth. Check back for photos once we are all set up later in the week!
Attendees can meet responsible breeders and get information on how to find the right dog or cat for their lifestyle, training, grooming and pet health. There will be demonstrations in pet safety, grooming, dog and cat agility, obedience, earthdog, first aid and more! Learn about different events you can do with your dog and ways to care for your pet with activities in 7 demo rings all day long. This is an outstanding way for the public how to purchase a dog and how to find the right one for them. Please plan on joining us!
For more information on Meet the Breeds or to purchase tickets, visit www.meetthebreeds.com.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Bones the TV star!
Our newest addition to the household, Celestial Dunkirk The Real McCoy aka "Bones", and I joined several other breeds for a short tv appearance. We were invited for a segment on Picking the Right Dog For You on channel WPIX. We were there to illustrate an interview on the subject that is appearing in this month's Men's Health. They classified the Mastiff as an apartment dog--now that is fine as long as there is enough room in your apartment! I must have raised an eyebrow when they told me this in the waiting area because then they clarified it for me to say that they were referring more to the dog's activity level. And I would agree that the Mastiff would much rather hang around the apartment with you than go for a multi-mile jog like the Blue Heeler that was on with us. But they do need some exercise to maintain adequate muscle mass and aid their overall health. No one likes a flabby mastiff!
This was Bones' first trip into the city. Having the buses and cars zooming by so close to the sidewalk took him a few minutes to get used but once he met his fellow co-stars he forgot all about the sounds of the city. The Heeler (Kasey) played a bit with Bones which helped release some of his puppy exuberance. By the time we got on set Bones was calm and ready to greet the world. Just before our segment started they had us set on our marks and I had Bones sitting and waiting. One of the assistants ran forward to let me know that Bones was bit "excited" I assured her that as soon as I had him stand it would pop back in and thankfully it did.
I was very proud of Mr Bones. He stood very nicely and did not get chatty. Very nice for just 4.5 months old. As soon as his turn was over he very politely melted to the floor as only a mastiff can do. He instantly won over the cameraman!
For anyone that missed it here is the segment:
You can see it larger at:
WPIX Picking The Right Dog For You
This was Bones' first trip into the city. Having the buses and cars zooming by so close to the sidewalk took him a few minutes to get used but once he met his fellow co-stars he forgot all about the sounds of the city. The Heeler (Kasey) played a bit with Bones which helped release some of his puppy exuberance. By the time we got on set Bones was calm and ready to greet the world. Just before our segment started they had us set on our marks and I had Bones sitting and waiting. One of the assistants ran forward to let me know that Bones was bit "excited" I assured her that as soon as I had him stand it would pop back in and thankfully it did.
I was very proud of Mr Bones. He stood very nicely and did not get chatty. Very nice for just 4.5 months old. As soon as his turn was over he very politely melted to the floor as only a mastiff can do. He instantly won over the cameraman!
For anyone that missed it here is the segment:
You can see it larger at:
WPIX Picking The Right Dog For You
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Adopting An Older Mastiff
The very hardest homes to find for mastiffs that come into rescue are the homes for dogs that are 6 and older. I completely understand why this so. No one wants to bring a dog into their home, hopelessly fall in love with it and then have it leave in just a few short years. That's really hard. But let me tell you a story that I hope will change your mind and make you consider giving a loving home to an older dog.
2 years ago we had lost 2 mastiffs within the year. It was very difficult on our kids (they were 4 and 6 back then) and our remaining mastiff, who had never been alone in his life. On the surface you would think taking in an older dog would be the very last thing we would consider! But friends of ours were overloaded with a family illness and I was so worried that our dog would go into a depression. He was 7 and the thought of losing him made taking in an old girl a no-brainer. Miss Bonnie was 9 when she came to live with us. Many people in our family thought we were nuts. More than once I heard "How can you do this to the kids?" But I thought what a valuable lesson for the girls, to think more about the needs of someone other than themselves and to make it their mission to give comfort. I told the girls that we didn't know how long we would have Bonnie but that the time she spent with us would be the best time we could make it be.
Bonnie came to us and made herself right at home. She and Kirk were like two old people taking walks around the yard, watching the door and holding down the couch together. My daughters loved having a girl in the house and were happy to find out that Bonnie loved snuggle in front of the tv. I would find them reading and using Bonnie as a pillow. Bonnie liked to curl up on the couch and many times I would find my youngest stuffed into the triangle space left in the corner of couch--sometimes you couldn't even see the child! The girls helped take care of her. Bonnie had a bit of arthritis and they would make sure she got her supplements at each meal.
Bonnie joined us at Meet the Breed tables helping to explain the breed to people and showing off how vital an old lady still could be. On dog show mornings, she would run down the hallway blocking me like a linebacker because she didn't want to be left behind. As late as the end of May she joined us a local show.
Bonnie was the Queen! She was calm and sweet but if you entered the room and simply went about your business you would hear her foot stamp the ground and get a big "Woof!" After all, there is no entering the prescence of the Queen without coming over to pet her! We had her for 2 years but it seems like she was with us for so much longer.
Back in October I had Bonnie at the vet for a well visit. The vet was thouroughly impressed with her condition. She even asked what supplements I was giving her! I was so proud of the care we were giving her I began to think she might live foreever--but of course this could not be. These past few weeks we could see that she was starting to fade away and her years were catching up with her. I began to point out to the girls that Bonnie was starting to have trouble, that we wouldn't have her much longer and that we should spend extra time with her. As we realized she was in her final days I took the girls to pick out a special Webkinz doll each. One that they would name after Bonnie. They made their choices very carefully and came home with Bonnie Beaver and Cherry Blossom Bonnie. They sat and hugged Bonnie with the dolls making sure some of Bonnie's love went into each doll. Now they have a bit of Bonnie whenever they want it. The last morning we had Bonnie, we brought her out on the front lawn so she could wait for the busses with the girls. My oldest sang to her before she left, my youngest gave special hugs and kisses. We took pictures to remember her.
It was sad for me and my husband as we sat on the floor with Bonnie at the vet. We both cried as we pet her, telling her how much we loved her and holding her until she was gone. It's never easy. We all cried that night together and I am sure there will be more tears in the coming days. But Bonnie deserved tears! She gave us so much just when we needed it. To anyone who would ask me "How could you put your kids through that pain?" I would say "How could I deny them the fantastic experience of loving and being loved by Bonnie? And of really thinking of someone else and doing the right thing?" Our pain over losing Bonnie will fade and we will all be left with the fantastic memories she gave us and the joy of knowing that we made her last years warm, comfortable and full of life and love.
Now Bonnie was not a rescue dog. She would have had a happy end to her life if she had stayed with our friends. But we were able to share her life thanks to their generosity. When you adopt an older mastiff from rescue you are saving a life. You may be giving comfort and love to a dog that has never known it all. I can't imagine a greater gift for our noble breed. And I promise you will get back what give tenfold. So please consider an older dog.
2 years ago we had lost 2 mastiffs within the year. It was very difficult on our kids (they were 4 and 6 back then) and our remaining mastiff, who had never been alone in his life. On the surface you would think taking in an older dog would be the very last thing we would consider! But friends of ours were overloaded with a family illness and I was so worried that our dog would go into a depression. He was 7 and the thought of losing him made taking in an old girl a no-brainer. Miss Bonnie was 9 when she came to live with us. Many people in our family thought we were nuts. More than once I heard "How can you do this to the kids?" But I thought what a valuable lesson for the girls, to think more about the needs of someone other than themselves and to make it their mission to give comfort. I told the girls that we didn't know how long we would have Bonnie but that the time she spent with us would be the best time we could make it be.
Bonnie came to us and made herself right at home. She and Kirk were like two old people taking walks around the yard, watching the door and holding down the couch together. My daughters loved having a girl in the house and were happy to find out that Bonnie loved snuggle in front of the tv. I would find them reading and using Bonnie as a pillow. Bonnie liked to curl up on the couch and many times I would find my youngest stuffed into the triangle space left in the corner of couch--sometimes you couldn't even see the child! The girls helped take care of her. Bonnie had a bit of arthritis and they would make sure she got her supplements at each meal.
Bonnie joined us at Meet the Breed tables helping to explain the breed to people and showing off how vital an old lady still could be. On dog show mornings, she would run down the hallway blocking me like a linebacker because she didn't want to be left behind. As late as the end of May she joined us a local show.
Bonnie was the Queen! She was calm and sweet but if you entered the room and simply went about your business you would hear her foot stamp the ground and get a big "Woof!" After all, there is no entering the prescence of the Queen without coming over to pet her! We had her for 2 years but it seems like she was with us for so much longer.
Back in October I had Bonnie at the vet for a well visit. The vet was thouroughly impressed with her condition. She even asked what supplements I was giving her! I was so proud of the care we were giving her I began to think she might live foreever--but of course this could not be. These past few weeks we could see that she was starting to fade away and her years were catching up with her. I began to point out to the girls that Bonnie was starting to have trouble, that we wouldn't have her much longer and that we should spend extra time with her. As we realized she was in her final days I took the girls to pick out a special Webkinz doll each. One that they would name after Bonnie. They made their choices very carefully and came home with Bonnie Beaver and Cherry Blossom Bonnie. They sat and hugged Bonnie with the dolls making sure some of Bonnie's love went into each doll. Now they have a bit of Bonnie whenever they want it. The last morning we had Bonnie, we brought her out on the front lawn so she could wait for the busses with the girls. My oldest sang to her before she left, my youngest gave special hugs and kisses. We took pictures to remember her.
It was sad for me and my husband as we sat on the floor with Bonnie at the vet. We both cried as we pet her, telling her how much we loved her and holding her until she was gone. It's never easy. We all cried that night together and I am sure there will be more tears in the coming days. But Bonnie deserved tears! She gave us so much just when we needed it. To anyone who would ask me "How could you put your kids through that pain?" I would say "How could I deny them the fantastic experience of loving and being loved by Bonnie? And of really thinking of someone else and doing the right thing?" Our pain over losing Bonnie will fade and we will all be left with the fantastic memories she gave us and the joy of knowing that we made her last years warm, comfortable and full of life and love.
Now Bonnie was not a rescue dog. She would have had a happy end to her life if she had stayed with our friends. But we were able to share her life thanks to their generosity. When you adopt an older mastiff from rescue you are saving a life. You may be giving comfort and love to a dog that has never known it all. I can't imagine a greater gift for our noble breed. And I promise you will get back what give tenfold. So please consider an older dog.
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