If you ever had a beagle, you’ll know those eyes. Especially when you’re minding your own business, just having a meal at the table.

Don’t fall for that. The leading cause of obesity in dogs is their owners’ inability to differentiate greed from hunger.

Look away… if you can.

Oh man, check out those fangs.

Don’t mess with my beagle.

(They were only playing. No canines got hurt.)

I’ve been spending far more time at home than I used to. And being home means being with my beagle, my companion.

I love how she’s always wants to be within earshot of me, whether I’m lying in bed or standing by the window.

I can no longer remember how my life was before her. She is family.

Sometimes, I envy my dog’s ability (and time) to nap the day away. Perhaps somewhere along their domestication process, they’ve learnt the art and science of balancing work, play and rest. It appears that we have as much to learn from them as they learn how we’d like them to fetch.

I truly believe that a dog’s life is perhaps the best time of YOUR life. For 12-ish years, this animal will dedicate her entire life to you. She’ll love you unconditionally and depend entirely on you for her survival. You may have your friends and family (some of you do, I hope), but your dog will only have you. I believe there’s no other bond in the human-animal world that could come close to what you and your dog will have.

If you have a furry friend at home, you’ll know exactly what I mean.  If you don’t, then perhaps you’re missing out on what could be one of the most memorable periods of your life.

Now, please don’t read this then run out to buy a dog. These furry friends need time, energy and dedication to lead a fulfilling life. I can’t speak for other dogs since I’ve only ever had a beagle, so here are five things you need to know about beagles if you’re considering this breed.

1. Beagles are greedy. I mean, seriously greedy. So you’ll have to be prepared for a beagle to always be begging when you have food nearby. Having said that, it makes it so much easier to train since their top motivation is to eat.

2. Beagles smell. They possess a strong body odor which is quite distinct amongst hounds. It’s sometimes strong enough that when someone walks into your house, they’ll be able to smell it.  My bed smells of it all the time.

3. Beagles smell better. It seems their sense of smell is higher than the average dog.  Good thing is, they can be trained to be sniffer dogs (usually seen in airport sniffing out food items in luggages), but the bad thing is they’re easily distracted by any scent the wind carries. Be ready when you go for walks.

4. Beagles are noisy. They make a unique howling sound called a bay. It sounds like a dog trying to sing and some people like it, some people don’t.

5. Beagles are stubborn. I believe it’s because they’re a relatively smart breed so they’ll try pushing the line of what’s permissible. However, they can be easy to train if you find the right motivation (see #1 above).

At the end of the day, the breed doesn’t matter because the need to bond with us is built into every dog’s DNA. My experience with my beagle is a fulfilling and rewarding one, though there are moments of extreme frustration. But come bedtime, when that face lies next to me on my pillow, everything is forgiven.

This came in my office mailbox yesterday and it totally cracked me up.

DOG DIARY

8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM – Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM – Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

CAT DIARY

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released — and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

(Pictured above, my enthuasiastic beagle Angel, and my conniving cat)

Here’s some pics taken over the past week.

Enjoy.

She’s a smart girl, already mastered sit and fetch. And we spend a lot of time playing with all her toys and chasing each other around the house. I think i’m overcompensating for not spending enough time with her while at work. I’m starting to learn her temperament – she hates it when I’m watching TV or playing xbox (see pic below), she likes to sit by our feet at the couch, we just gotta give her the attention. She loves to fetch but not too many times in a row and only THAT particular toy. She hates to shower but loves to lick soap bubbles. She loves her cough mixture (just like daddy), but she hates us applying ointment on her little bald patch on her side. When she’s happy she’s run around in circles then sit. When she’s throwing a tantrum, she’ll yelp once then run away. Sometimes, she’s too human.

Next up, I gotta teach her the down command, so hopefully she won’t chomp on my jewels again.Here’s a few pics of her taken last week, since she’s growing up so fast.

Here’s to many more good years ahead. Happy 3rd month girl! You’ll be a woman soon.