Old Drum

Hi, I'm Luke!

Mom hasn't written my post for a long time but she agreed to tell the story of Old Drum.

We visited Warrensburg, Missouri, and I found a new hero. Old Drum was a hound dog who lived a long, long time ago - in the 1800s in people years. He was an awesome hunter known for his tracking skills. However, one night he wandered onto the neighboring farm and the owner shot and killed him. Old Drum's human, Charles Burden, sued his neighbor (and relative).

It went to court three times until George Graham Vest gave a closing argument that won the case for Mr. Burden.

Here are some of my favorite lines from his speech.

Statue dedicated to Old Drum

Gentlemen of the jury, the best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. .. The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world—the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous—is his dog.

Gentlemen of the jury, a man's dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health and sickness. ... When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens...

This became known as the "man's best friend" speech. All dogs try to live up to this standard. We love our people unconditionally with our whole hearts.

The county courthouse in Warrensburg is home to a statue in honor of Old Drum. Wonder if I'll ever have a statue?

If you want to read the whole speech, check out http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/hunting/2010/01/case-old-drum-inspiring-story-every-dog-owner-should-know.

What's an author dog to do?

Fun Days on South Padre Island,
my favorite book!

Okay, I'm pretty upset with my mom. She's out running around the country, accepting my awards, and doesn't even give me credit.

It's not easy being an author dog and she should give credit where credit is due.

Just ask her where she'd be without Luke the Detective Dog, Luke the Reporter Dog and Luke the Author Dog. You'd think she'd get the picture.

I'm thinking I may have to replace her - but she is an awesome treat machine. If I give her that 'look,' she knows what it means. Dad's much better at saying no, so maybe I should keep Mom around.

I'm waiting for her to post some dog pictures from all her trips too. Sometimes I think she forgets about the really important stuff.

If you see her anywhere, will you tell her to take a picture of my awards so I can see them? Please!

I think I'll ask Dad to read my favorite book to me.

Mom, come home

Me - protecting our backyard

Mom's been gone forever... It's just Dad and Peanut and me. Pretty dull around our house. But I've done a great job of keeping Mom's chair warm. I chase all the squirrels away, bark loud to protect our house, take care of Dad, and just keep everything ready for her to come.

I think when she gets here, I'll give her a big sad-eyed, I-haven't-had-any-treats-since-you've-been-gone look and see if it works. She's a softie anyway. I won't chase Peanut for at least the first few minutes and I'll give her plenty of chances to play with my toys.

Wouldn't you think she'd hurry home for that? I don't know what else I can do - besides lots of kisses. I may even let her hug me.

Me - keeping her chair warm

If you see her, will you ask her to hurry?

Grooming time

I have the coolest groomer. Her name is Stephanie and she loves me. I love her friendly smile. She's so colorful. She acts colorful too - all smiles and hugs. I even put up with her kisses. Stephanie gives me a bath every week. I have allurgeez (Mom says it's "allergies"). Stephanie gives me a special bath and I have to soak forever. I don't like that. She can be tough too and I've found that she always wins. I've never won yet when I try to keep her from doing something. Thing is - I really don't mind it too much because when Mom and Dad pick me up, Mom thinks I look handsome and Dad tells me I'm a good boy. I have a pretty cool life. I'm handsome too - just ask Mom! I understand "good boy" but what does handsome mean?

I met Meko, a little black Pomeranian



This is Meko

I went to Sandcastle Days on South Padre Island with Mom and Dad. I had to walk in the hot sun but I like the feel of sand in my paws. There are lots of good smells there too.

I met Meko there. She got to ride in some kind of cart with wheels while I had to walk. Meko is an 8-year-old Pomeranian; she’s coal black and has the coolest hair. Mom and I really liked her looks. I liked her smell too but Mom just wanted to take her picture.

Great profile, don'tcha think?

Something didn’t go right with Mom’s camera. A bright light went off and Meko’s face has some white on it but I know she’s really all black. I’m sorry I didn’t get her email so I could interview her.

By the way, I didn’t potty in the sand! I did find a nice tree on the way back to the car though.

Will dogs pick a food from a TV ad?

A couple of days ago I told you that dogs need an Internet with smells. Would you believe that right after that, Mom read an article about Nestles advertising Beneful to dogs by using high-pitched sounds? The first attempt in Austria met with limited success but the Purina folks in Missouri are experimenting with an ad that uses squeaky dog toy sounds.

I think I will start watching TV.

Luke interviews Bubba Rodgers

Wow, Bubba Rodgers is my first interview on my new website!

Bubba, a 7-year-old chocolate Lab, lives in Texas. Our moms attended a conference together last week. Bubba was a little sickly and had to see his vet but he’s better now.  His mom never wanted a dog in the family but in 2004, her sons took her out to dinner for Mother’s Day and convinced her that the whole family needed a puppy.

That’s when Bubba became part of the Rodgers family and their lives have never been the same. He easily became the third son to loving parents – isn’t that a great dog story?

I asked Bubba to describe himself.

Bubba Dog

Bubba: I’m a fashion model, long-legged and handsome.  Before the other boys left home, I played “buffer” whenever there was family friction. We became a very close family and even though the boys are out on their own now, they still love me.
 

Luke: What are your favorite smells – outside and indoors?

Bubba: When I’m outside I look for squirrels. They have an awesome smell. In the house, I love the smell of smoked turkey.

Luke: Do you have any favorite toys?

Bubba: Sure. I have a stuffed squeaky snake that I love to toss around. I like Nylabones too.

Luke: Do you like kids and cats?

Bubba: Sure. I’m a social sort of guy. I play super easy with cats, little dogs and kids. Sometimes they’re afraid and I have to remind myself to go easy with them.

Luke: Do you believe in dog heaven?

Bubba: You bet I do. I know I have a soul and if I’m good, I’ll go to dog heaven. Mom told me it’s a wonderful place with green grass, plenty of trees and flowers, blue skies and everyone I love.
In my heavenly home, I hope my mom isn’t a writer. She needs too much help from me when she’s trying to figure out scenes and characters. It’s tiring work, plus she talks all the time until I help her solve her problems. She says I’m a good listener.

Luke: Do you like to ride in a car?

Bubba: I love it! When Mom is working, she sometimes takes me for long rides. She’s even named her car the “Bubbamobile” and the “Burban.” How cool is that?
The car is the place I help my mom. When it’s just the two of us, we can get it done.

Luke: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

Bubba: Mom thinks I’m her 7-year-old furry boy and she took my picture when I was wearing a red baseball cap. Dad is a pilot so Mom took a picture of me with goggles. She loves to take pictures and even took me to church to get my picture taken. I guess it’s because I’m such a handsome fella.
At night my mom understands what I think when I get in bed with her. Dad’s gone a lot. I let Mom know that I love her and I’m glad Dad’s flying ‘cause she lets me sleep on his pillow. Please don’t tell him!