A fun day at a National Historic Site

Thomas and me

We attended the 175th anniversary of the Ft. Scott National Historic Site in Ft Scott, KS. I'd been once here before but this was the first time I saw soldiers in uniforms. Mom said that's the way they used to dress back when the fort was new.

I also met some women in long dresses. They were all very friendly and they loved talking about how life used to be. They were called "re-enactors."




I had my picture taken with several. Later we watched soldiers shooting guns and a great big gun called a cannon. I didn't like that part because it was so loud. However, I got to say "hi" to lots of people - especially the kids.

Evan and me

It was a good day except it was hot. I panted hard and couldn't wait to get back to the car and my water bowl. I know one thing - I'm glad I don't have to wear all those hot clothes.

Arkansas Likes Dogs

My bed at the Hampton Inn

Calling all dogs to take your families to Arkansas, a state that proved to be a dog paradise for me!

As I've told you in an earlier post, the Hampton Inn in Fort Smith treated me like a king. It's the only place that's ever given me my own treat box. Usually I have to look pitiful to even get a bite of Mom and Dad's goodies. (http://lukethedetectivedog.blogspot.com/2016/08/my-trip-to-ft-smith-arkansas.html)

Me at the top of Petit Jean

We visited a farm and I got to hang out with the cows. I didn't get very close to them or the chickens. Those chickens may be small but they move fast and make lots of noise.

We ended our trip with a visit to Petit Jean State Park and I loved it. I know people love to climb on the rocks but I'd rather check out all the smells. While Mom and Joyce took pictures, I discovered lots of new places.

The roads are twisty and turny and I had a tough time hanging on the car seat. I jumped in Dad's lap and that's always the most comfortable place to be.

Arkansas River

Mom loved the views and the Arkansas River down below us. It was too far away for me to check out. I let Mom take my picture a couple of times.

We saw some blue butterflies but they flew away before I got close to them.

Mom's friend, Evelyn

We met Mom's friend, Evelyn, in the park. Of course, I had to sit in the car while they ate lunch. Afterwards we went down the mountain to her home, where I spent some time with Spooky.

It was a great trip because dogs are welcome in Arkansas!

Spooky and me

Family time

Maggie and me

I had fun with my cousins this week. They live in New York and were visiting their grandparents in Kansas.

Hannah and me

I really got a lot of exercise because Maggie took me for long walks.



Hannah took tons of pictures of us. I even helped make ice cream - best part, I had my own taste of it too. Yummy! I wanted more.

After all that, I snuggled up next to them and took a nap.

A dog's life is good!

Making ice cream

I love parks

We went to the park today. The sun was shining and the green grass was filled with dog smells. I had a great time!

This park has a fountain in the center and it always cools the air. I love to stand close to it and sniff out all the great smells.






Mom wanted to take my picture in front of a statue. That was okay except the statue was so tall she couldn't fit it in the picture with me. She said it's a WWI monument.




Then dad put me in the swing and pushed me. It was okay for a while but I'd much rather be smelling the grass.

My trip to Ft Smith, Arkansas

I found lots of great smells in Ft Smith and had a great time. My favorite part of the trip was my stay at the Hampton Inn. I've never been treated so special before. When I got there, the hotel gave me my very own treat box. Wow, that was fun! When I left, I had my picture taken with the manager and they gave me more treats. They love dogs! http://www.hilton.com/search/hp/us/ar/fort_smith.

At Ft Smith Historic Site

It was very hot so I had to stay at home a lot while Mom and Dad went out to take pictures. But I did get to go to several places.

George

I did visit the Ft. Smith National Historic Site. I know people like all the history but, to tell the truth, I liked all the squirrels the best. I saw one squirrel, George, several times. He just sat around watching me - and all the people.

We walked down to the Arkansas River and there were lots of people there. Half of them were playing some game on their phones - Mom called it Pokemon Go.






We also went to the Park at West End but I didn't ride on the Ferris wheel. I did get to climb on the giraffe. I don't know if I'd like being that tall but they sure have a different view that I do.

New Faces, New Friends

I'm in Texas and having a wonderful time. Enjoying new smells - even the grass and the palm trees smell different. Lots of birds too - especially the black ones with crooked tails in our yard all the time. They are really loud and squawky.

The coolest part is all the dogs I'm meeting, friendly sorts. Today I met Chula and I plan to interview her soon. She's from Mexico but she lives here now. She's about my size too.

Mom keeps telling me about the beach but we haven't been there yet. Not sure what she's talking about but it makes her excited. Hope that means I'll like it too. I'll let you know.

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!

World Animal Day

Today, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, is World Animal Day. St. Francis was known for his love and care of all of God's creatures.

Dogs, if loved, offer love and loyalty in return. As I've said before, I'm proud to be a part of the noble canine family. I love my family. I even love my little sister, Peanut, but I don't think she loves me much. Maybe I just irritate her.