Ben...dreams of being a model for a wine/beer label or is he just jealous??

Ben (also known in our family as Chocolate Dog or Brown Dog) is a shop dog today to see how it goes. I got the worst puppy dog eyes when I went home to let him out and I thought ok, come on. So he gingerly jumped in the car (it was hot) but once he realized he was going to the store, he was so happy.

He came in and checked everything out to make sure nothing or no one had come in that wasn't supposed to be and then he sat down nice and calm. He sat down in front of the Duck Rabbit beer and I grabbed the camera because I think Ben is hoping he will be the next model for a beer or wine company. He was curious why there was a duck/rabbit on the box instead of him but now understands how Paul, the owner of Duck Rabbit, came up with the name and he is ok with the logo. Ben did ask me why they couldn't have worked something out with him though as a Chocolate Lab would have also been a huge selling factor. He was appeased though when I showed him the Ellie's Brown Ale from Avery Brewing Co. which, rightfully so, has a Chocolate Lab on their label. However, he has taken offense with the labels on some of the wines we have here, Chateau Morrisette. First, a little about them...The Chateau Morrisette winery is on the Blue Ridge Parkway of VA and is absolutely gorgeous. I recommend anyone visit there at any time of the year as it is a very special and beautiful place. The wine is wonderful, the food is wonderful and the view cannot be beat. We carry their Our Dog Blue (white), The Black Dog (red) and the Angel Chardonnay. The people that own the winery are huge animal lovers and have labs and since they are their mascots, include them on their labels. I noticed Ben kept staring at the bottle and snarling and then it dawned on me, he's jealous! He wants his own label.

So here is Ben in various poses and also with his Va Tech collar trying to show people that he has talent. He could be a model for a label. He wants those dogs on that mountain in VA to know, he's just as handsome (spoiled too) and has what it takes to be a star DOG. He is also very modest. He personally thinks they need a Chocolate Lab on a label. He's dreaming about it now...they can call it, Chocolate Dog Dessert Wine. What a hit it would be!
Silly Ben! Come on down and check out our wines and beer. Maybe Ben can help you pick something out, when he isn't preening and posing, that is.

Typical Ben

So, by now you may have realized I am crazy about my animals. I adore them and have no doubt that they adore me. I wonder if those of you with animals often talk out loud, and not in a baby-voice to your four-legged kids too? Come on, admit it. Well, I do this often. I half-way expect Ben and Max to answer "I had a wonderful day too, Mom, thanks for asking" when I walk in and ask how their day has been. I even know what their voices would sound like in my head. Max would have a monotone sounding voice while Ben's would be slightly higher pitched, sometimes excitable and sometimes non-chalant.

In the past, I have said goodbye to them in the morning, told them I loved them and to not have any friends over for a wild party. I had thought this positive tone of voice and conversation might prompt them to get up and do something constructive. See, many times I have asked Ben why he doesn't do something productive to bring money into the household like model, sing, act...anything!!! Lately, I have begun trying a different, more direct, approach. I now ask if they could mow the grass, mop the floors, dust, clean the bathrooms...basically anything to help mom since she is busy chasing her dream with the gallery. I get no response as you can imagine.

Today, while getting ready to go clean the floors at the store I asked Ben if he would mind mowing the grass. The picture here shows his response. Don't laugh. He did it on cue and then turned away from me as noted in the 2nd pic.

I asked Max the same question and got his typical cat-like response. In other words, a flat-out stare.

I told Ben if he couldn't be productive and contribute at the house then he was going to come with me. That did it. He hopped off the bed, did his little wiggle-butt dance and whined. Off we went to the store and I cleaned and cleaned. He looked at the children coming out of the building next door and chased them from the window when they ran from him. He thought it was great fun and that they wanted to play with him. He was on the inside of the building and they were on the outside and the door was locked so Ben couldn't eat them. I laughed, told them not to run and not to scream so much. They didn't listen and I finally told Ben to come help me. He did so happily and followed me with every step I took while cleaning.

He finally gave up and sat at the window doing what he does best...being pretty and looking out at everyone and occasionally looking at me.

I sometimes wish he were a famous dog model but that would only go to his big head even more. Maybe I will put him to work at the store when it opens. He could be the greeter. Heck, I would just love it if he picked up a broom every now and then. But that's ok. He can't clean a thing, but he can make you smile while you do. Wiggle-butt Ben...

Ben again...

As you know, things are moving right along. I spend a lot of time at the store getting things ready and it seems all I do is move something to another part of the store just to move it back out of the way again to the same spot. It's crazy and it's fun and I can't wait. The other day I had Ben up at the store with me. He now thinks this is his very own play space. He runs around and jumps on the platform and then chews on some tape and then gets in my way and then...I captured him in these beautiful poses. He was watching all the people walking and driving by. I seriously believe he thought they were coming by to look at him. And truthfully, I do too.

Comments from Ben, aka, Chocolate Dog

Well, my mom has finally agreed to let me have some face time on her blog. I am not sure what took her so long to let me write a little bit to you guys. I kept telling her it would be a huge hit but she wouldn't listen....hard-headed woman.

Anyway, I am happy to tell you that she has also met someone who will be making dog collars, bandanas, toys and totes for the store. The lady is from Gone Doggie and we are very excited to be offering collars and cool bandanas for the far superior beings on the planet.

As you can see from my pic, I truly have a dog's life...lounging around on my, er, I mean, mom's bed, not really paying attention to anything other than when I hear t-r-e-a-t and when my Aunt Britt and Grandma come to visit. I'm ok with Aunt Britt as long as she doesn't bring her muttley crew over, especially Scarlet. Please visit them at The Animal House blog link on the right side of the page. (See how smart I am...I know my right from my left...) They are a nice family and you will like them too. My Aunt Britt is a fabulous photographer and no doubt her favorite subject to photograph is animals. (She hates to admit it to her clan, but her all time favorite to snap photos of is actually moi!)

Anyway, I am bored now and have other things I need to catch up on, for instance...sleep, as you can see from my pic. I will be chatting with you again soon especially since I now have command over the computer.