Landed!

Yesterday Mom and Dad drove me from NYC to the outskirts of Washington DC. It was an adventure! Mom packed enough extra clothes and blankets and food and water to last for days "just in case we get tossed into a ditch."

But we didn't and it was smooth sailing along the I-95 corridor -- the road was dry in many places. To think there was over two feet dumped a mere 24 hours before...that is awesome. Here's to you, Mr. plowmen!

But I digress. Today is my first vet appointment to see my "progression."

Will Ms. Deb need to bolt out to Chicago tonight? Or, can she linger and wait until tomorrow, or even Wednesday? Only the lab knows...

I'll keep you posted.

SNOWED

Today I was supposed to start my journey.

Instead, I am nestled in my mom's lap on the couch. This weekend, out of all possible weekends, is going to be a monster of a snow storm. Dumping on the Washington Metro area the most snow since 2003.

Weather.com says it is a

"...massive Atlantic storm [which] will continue to strengthen, dumping dangerously heavy snow and producing even white-out conditions from the Virginias to Washington, DC and Baltimore to Philadelphia to New York City to Southern New England and Boston.

A large swath of record and dangerous December snows to reach 10 to 15 inches or more are already burying major cities in the Mid-Atlantic and will soon take aim on southeast New York and southern new England.

The heaviest snows are forecast for northern Virginia including Washington, DC Maryland including Baltimore and the Delaware Valley including Philadelphia where one to two feet of snow are possible.

And this means my trip is delayed... I hope this all will cclear up enough for me to head down tomorrow...

paws crossed.

The big adventure continues

Mom said I am going to be packing my bags again because this weekend she and dad will be driving me down to Ms. Deb's home.

I can't believe I won't be spending Christmas with my Mom and Dad.

How will Santa find me?

Season's Greetings

That's right... We're BACK!

The War Goes On!

Well, I may have lost the battle of the bulge; I don't have one. (Well, I have one just not with little militia - but that is another story.) The war will go on! The plans for the UMA continue. Battalion leaders Denise, Norah, Jeanne, Ginny and the Parlakians are regrouping and the Army will thrive in the next wave of attack!

The Next Chapter will take a hiatus, except for the occasional pondering about what comes next.

Stay in Touch on Urban Mutt!

A Dream

Ok. I am just gonna say it.


I am not preggers.

There is nothing official, but I haven't gotten a big belly, which I should have by now. I know! I am sad, too. Maybe you were getting this idea already, but it's still a shock, you know? The best laid plans sometimes just don't come to fruition.

The UMA was a dream..... my efforts for world dominance are put on hold...

Stay tuned to Urban Mutt for future efforts.

Thanks for reading.

A troubling comparrison.

According to the chart below today is the day that the fetuses would be able to be felt in the uterine horns.... whatever those are....

• Fetuses can be felt in the uterine horns around day 28, and can also be seen by ultrasound.
• The spinal cords are developing, and the fetuses are beginning to grow facial features.
• Your bitch's uterus will shortly fill with fluids to protect the fetuses. After this, it will be weeks until the puppies can be felt again.
• Your dog's appetite will likely increase, so offer her more of her food.

Ms. Deb sent over a photo this morning of one of my sisters-in-arms who is five weeks along.

I do not look like her.

I have kept my girlish figure....

Rut Row! Mom said that it might be that she's already had a litter and isn't so tight, but I just don't see that.

What if - dare I say it?? - I'm not going to be commanding my urban mutt army this May?

Rumor Has It

Rumor has it that there are families lined up in support of the UMA efforts. While we are in limbo as to whether my efforts of world domination have been productive, I'd like to give a big shout-out to those patiently waiting to participate in the endeavor. Ginny, Norah, Bernie, Jeannie, Denise, the Parlakians and last but not least Sarah & Kyle. S & K are already parents in training, practicing their dog walking skills in rainy weather, and Denise is coordinating construction of the outdoor containment area.

Day 26

hmmmmm... hello! hello! McFly! Anyone in there??

Indecision 09

I've been going through something; I can't seem to make up my mind.

Do I want to play? Do I want to 'nuggle? Do I want to go for a walk? No, I definitely want to Play... I mean 'nuggle....

All in the matter of a 5-minute span of time.

Mom thinks I am nuts.

But I think it might be hormones racing through my system.

And she keeps checking my boobs. I mean - hands off, lady! What is UP with that? I am afraid she is going to get out a ruler in another minute or so....

The other day I even had to suffer through a temp check. Hello! That was a bit uncomfortable, but being the lady that I am, I grinned and bore it. The thermometer read 100.3 -- which is what my momma siren was at during her pregnancy.

Mom says all of these things - the poking, prodding, the indecision - are all a part of the miracle of life, and that I'll be experiencing a whole bunch of OTHER sensations and examinations if the UMA really is under way....

well, back to sleep -- yawwwwwwnnnn.... it's tough being an urban mutt.

Well, Poopie!

I've been a little out of sorts for the past two days and there has been a lot of talk about my digestive system and ice cream. Mom and Ms. Deb said something about me having soft serve, frosties and milk shakes. Let me tell you, I've seen NONE OF IT! Well, Poopie.

I guess I'll just crawl back under the covers and hold down the bed. Is it a sign? Yes! It is a sign . . . that I'm TIRED!

Changes....

I am looking, Mom is looking and it seems everyone is looking for a sign of something:

Decreased appetite is usually one of the earliest signs that your bitch might be pregnant. Not all females go through this doggie version of "morning sickness", but a small percentage will eat less during the first few weeks of gestation, usually making up for it later in the pregnancy.

A sudden decrease in activity can indicate that your bitch is pregnant. Just like some women, canines may also experience feelings of exhaustion as their hormone levels change to support embryo production.

Nipple growth is a good indicator that your bitch's body is going through pregnancy changes. The nipples of an unbred female are usually quite small, and the area immediately beneath them will feel flat. However, once a pregnancy is in progress, breast material will develop beneath the nipples, which will also increase slightly in preparation for eventual milk production.

Behavioral changes may also be noticed, with either an increase in affectionate behavior or an expressed desire to be left alone.

Shedding Some Light on the Subject

I found this chart on line to shine light on what *might* be going on inside of me....

Zero to One	Breeding takes place. Within a few days, the sperm reaches the eggs and fertilization occurs.
Two	The fertilized eggs make their way to the uterus for implantation. You may notice behavioral changes in your dog. She may become moody or more affectionate.
Three	Implantation has taken place and the embryos begin to develop. Your dog may begin to display mood swings, appetite changes and breast tissue development.
Four	Fetuses can be felt in the uterine horns around day 28, and can also be seen by ultrasound. The spinal cords are developing, and the fetuses are beginning to grow facial features. Your bitch's uterus will shortly fill with fluids to protect the fetuses. After this, it will be weeks until the puppies can be felt again. Your dog's appetite will likely increase, so offer her more of her food.
Five	The fetuses develop their sex organs and begin to look like actual puppies. The leg buds lengthen and develop toes. Your dog's belly will begin to look noticeably swollen as the pups take up more space. With less room for full meals, it's time to begin serving smaller meals more frequently.
Six	Pups continue to grow and pigmentation develops. The eyes now have lids and remain sealed until approximately ten days after birth. Your dog is noticeably more uncomfortable at this point. She may vomit occasionally due to the extra pressure against her stomach. You may also notice clear fluid discharge from her vulva. This is normal.
Seven	Puppies are well-developed, and now begin attaining size in preparation for birth. You may be able to see/feel the puppies' movements in your bitch's abdomen. Her breasts are well developed and probably contain a bit of colostrum or "first milk". Your dog is noticeably tired and may begin search for a place to whelp. Time to set up a whelping box.
Eight	The pups have fur and are now crowded in the uterus. You may notice a lot of activity as they get into position for the coming birth. Your bitch may begin digging the bedding in the whelping box. This is natural "nesting" behavior. Allow your bitch to feed freely as she is able.
Eight to Nine	The pups are ready for birth, and may be quite still as they rest in preparation for the marathon to come. Your dog may appear uncomfortable and restless or anxious. Time to begin taking rectal temperature readings 12 hours apart. Normal temperature is 100 to 101 F; a drop down near 97 F held for two consecutive readings indicates labor will begin within 24 hours.

So wow.... that is a lot of things to happen all in the span of about 63 days..... Wow. wow and wow.

This directly relates back to a book a read a long time ago:

Are you there God? It's me, Brisztow.

Let me see.... we are at day 16 so that means implantation is taking place, and I may be developing. How appropriate--it being the first day of spring!

Signs.

Ms. Deb keeps asking mom if I am showing any signs.

Am I tired? yes

Am I needy? yes.

Is that normal? yes.

So that is why I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up by reporting these things. I am a sleepy couch potato. Nothing out of the ordinary.

I'll keep you updated if I start craving peanut butter and pickles....

mmmmm.... peanut butter....
mmmm.... pickles....

Still no news.... but that's good!

I better begin to make preparations and draw up some global domination plans.

Mom says that my nesting and wanting to cuddle 24/7 could be signs of the Urban Mutt Army. It is true that I have been extra needy, and that if I keep getting under foot I might lose one of my own (mom stepped on my paw this weekend because I was following her every move). So I have my paws crossed that all is going well....

Happy Birthday!

I'd like to give a quick shout out to Bodi, the father of the UMA.
You don't look a day over 4!

Quick, make a wish.

Don't Worry, It's not Kryptonite

Some of you might mistake this right here for a bit of kryptonite.


It's not.... It's Bodi's package that he sent to me.

Ms. Deb forwarded that photo to my mom to show her how cool it was --- glowing neon green! Inside that little green vial, I am told, was the "magic". Hmmm. Magic?

And now Ms Deb thinks I might be visited by little green men in the next couple months.



She sure is a funny lady.

But if these guys do show up, I think their ninja skills will come in handy in the UMA. Don't you?

The plotting continues....

Bodi's Own Photo Gallery

Bodi's mom forwarded some more photos of Bodi doing his "every day" thing. Boy oh boy. he is just so handsome.

Waiting Game

Now that the deed is done -- TWICE actually -- Mom said we just have to wait. I'm not a 100% sure quite what we are waiting for but I'll go with it.

I really wuffed staying with Ms Susan, Ms Deb and all of my canine family members. I think Harlow just might be my favorite. Ms Deb was nice enough to send me home with some ultra Glam shots. As RuPaul said: You Better Work! Cover Girl!

The Big Day

Today was the day that Ms Deb said that I would be ready.

I have been so excited for this moment! I did my hair and toenails, got all gussied up, and prepared to go on my first date.

His name is Bodi and he lives all the way across the country. He must have flown all night on what is called a "red eye" to get to me!

We piled into the car this afternoon and drove to the vet's office where the Big Meeting would take place. It was time to meet my vHarmony match.

Wouldn't you know it... he didn't even show up! Bodi just sent a little care package that the vet gave to me. Woah! Not quite what I was expecting.

I mean... what is that all about?

What about the romantic walks and flowers? The candy? And the poems? A girl's got to fussed over, you know?

He did send this photo....



A handsome boy - he certainly is! But <sigh...> I bet he's even more dreamy up-close.

I bet we would have had lots of fun romping and playing together.

I bet we would have been the bestest pals.

Maybe -- someday -- he and I will have our clandestine meeting. Until then, I can only hope he thinks of me every now and then.

Q-teness!

My half sister, Q, just had her puppies! So it would appear that instead of being F-A-T, it was just puppies in Q's belly.

The puppies were born yesterday, between 5pm to 11pm, and everyone is getting along nicely.

Aren't they so adorable?
Four girls and two boys are a lot for the new mom to handle, but just look at her - She's a Superstar! I am going to watch what she does so that I know what to do when it's my turn.

Not the Only One

I am waiting for Ms. Deb's arrival tomorrow to point out that I am not the only one with a big belly. Just look at my half sister, Q!

I don't know what she's been eating but it sure looks like she's full of something.

In other news, Ms. Susan has been on strict orders to keep me moving and to reduce both my food and treat intake! So much for pampering massages. This has turned out to be not such a fun vacation after all!

First the vet said I was F-A-T and now I am on a starvation diet..... (Do you think it's working though?? I really can't tell yet.)

I have been really enjoying spending time with Q and Rumor. They are both so cool and are totally on board with the BFMP. Their brother, Hunter, has been mostly MIA, something about it not being nice to teasing him....

I don't think I would do that though since I am a guest. Normally, its about two or three weeks to get settled in enough to tease....

Well tomorrow I'll be going back to the vet for another check up. Something about my hormones and progesterone.

I am also still waiting for Ms Deb to return the vHarmony match up! I must be meeting my new boyfriend soon, right?

Wellness-Schmellness

So it turns out the a Wellness Visit isn't about dinner or even breakfast for that matter.

It's the vet visit when they tell you you're overweight and that you have to REDUCE your dinner AND your breakfast. There is a lot of poking and prodding, tsk-tsking, pinching of sides, etc, and it just isn't very nice for a girl's self esteem! Especially when she is trying to get herself ready to meet her boyfriend for the first time!

But other than that, all has checked out a-ok.

Now, if only vHarmony would finalize the Boyfriend Decision!

Country Vacation

Mom told me to pack my bag because I am going on a country vacation for two whole weeks!

On Saturday, I'll be heading to PA to relax and take in the fresh air. I can only imagine it will be like the Baths in England, complete with luxurious massages and constant pampering. A perfect time to formulate my master plan.

Mom said I am first going to visit with Mutti, and then we'll be heading to Ms. Susan's home. I haven't met Ms. Susan yet but she is the mom of Q, my half sister. It will be so much fun to hang out with Q -- I might even tell her about my Urban Mutt Army if she is nice to me.... I might even let her be a lieutenant if she is really nice to me.

Mom also mentioned a vet visit on Monday afternoon.

How odd. I have a great vet here in the city, Dr Kim, and so I am sort of wondering what this new vet will be for; Mom mentioned it would be a Wellness visit.

Wellness is the brand of tasty food I eat, and I wuff the chicken variety and the lamb variety. Mom serves it along with Evo, in a 50/50 blend and that is just perfect.

So, I bet this new vet will be giving me some dinner! Yummm.... dinner. It's my favorite meal of the day, just after breakfast.

Mom also has this silly grin on her face now.

She seems very excited about my plans for the Urban Mutt Army, which is a relief. I, of course, will be a benevolent dictator, but it's always nice to have one's mother on board when you are planning to take over the world.

Wrrrreeeiii-wwwoo. Wrrrreeeiii-wwwoo. Wrrrreeeiii-wwwoo.

I'm in season!

Let the count down begin.

10!
9!
8!

Well you know how it goes...

So today, when I started feeling all funny inside, mom gave Ms. Deb a call and said that I was "in." I'm assuming she meant the "in" crowd, the cool crowd. Because that is just about right.

Having grown up and taken on the Big Apple for the past three and a half years, my plan for total global domination is in full effect. I have a "Veni, Vidi, Vici" life philosophy and I plan on bringing this 'tude to the next phase.

I call it the Be Fruitful-and-Multiply Phase (BFMP): This is the phase where I begin building my Urban Mutt Army (UMA).

And I plan to use this space to document my tactical strategy.

Stay Tuned.

Over and Out.