Whippet Snippets

A Tale of Two Whippets

Guest blogger Blitzen writes:

I sure had a busy weekend, but nothing that my energy level couldn't handle! We went downtown - my turf - on Saturday, and visited PJ and Pita at the barber shop. The two legged creatures managed to hold us for just long enough to snap that photo. Ribsy also found the time to mug for the camera. But I couldn't see my mom anywhere, even though we walked by our place and went down on all the same streets. Weird. But British Guy came by to take me and Rusty out for a hike at Beaver Lake. Rusty was really smelling nice - not sure if she went out and got herself a new scent - but she was irresistable. And suddenly I wasn't allowed to be with her.

I managed to get some energy out of my system with Ribsy down at the park around the corner, and even us puppies take a nap once in a while. Oh, and the bed is nice and cozy with two humans and our eight bony, furry legs intertwined.

Today we went to the Whoop Up where we saw Joey, Max, Millie, Mani, Nitro, Derby, James and Otto.

I think tonight we're going to the Boy's mom's house for dinner. She looks like a great cook! I can't wait to see what leftovers we get to lick off the plates tonight.

But everywhere I turn, I hope to see my mom. Where is she? Oh wait, here's Ribsy's teeth. Boy I like going after teeth.

I Heart H*llhounds

It's been hard for Boy and Girl to see each other in the house today. Ever since Blitzen came over, it's been nothing but dustclouds n' fur flyin' action. Ribsy has a boxing partner / chew toy / thorn in his side / little brother for the next week and a half as his mom goes off on a great European adventure.

So far the house remains intact...so far.

Whippet in the Water

Another unbearably hot day here in Victoria, and where does everyone go for relief? Why, all families and their dog head on down to the lake, and for Ribsy & crew, that lake was Durrance Lake.

Ribsy braved the calm lake water, with the dogged encouragement of Boy. And as this video shows, swimming whippets quite resemble little sea otters. Note how Ribsy squirts out of Boy's hands near the end. Slippery seal indeed.

Beating the radar...and the heat

Victoria is 'enjoying' the scorching summer, thanks to an intense heat wave that has every dog and its owner panting for shady, cool-coated relief. Today Ribsy discovered that he was not the fastest dog in Victoria, as judged by the How Fast is Your Dog? competition out at the Saanich Fairgrounds. His fellow whippet pals Joey and Scott fared much better. But that's ok. He'd like to blame a faulty radar gun, or his inability to run a straight line, but really Boy and Girl simply forgot to bring an enticing steak as lure.

Running aside, Ribsy also caught up with pals James and Otto, as well as Trooper and Frankie at the fairgrounds. Ribsy also learned that Theo the whippet has a new baby brother - who turns out to be a half-brother of Ribsy. He can't wait to meet Jack soon.

In other news, Ribsy enjoyed the lovely lush sanctuary that is the patio of The Superior restaurant. One of the few dog friendly patios in the city, there is a fresh bowl of water, plenty of room and Milkbones for the canines. Seated at a large round communal table that featured a fish pond and reeds right in its centre (Don't Feed the Fish warned a sign), Boy and Girl noshed on the yummy root chips served with chipotle aioli, pork & beans (Boy's favorite dish next to Kraft Mac & Cheese), and a steak sandwich. Plus some wicked birch beer. Definitely a five wag rating from Ribsy. Thanks to Lisa and her whippet Larry for creating such a unique, relaxing and decadent experience for folks and their pooches!

Here are some pictures:

And coming home from their sumptious lunch, they happened by a deliciously retro chair. Quickly packing it in the Vandosa, the chair is now a lovely addition to the front porch.

Ribsy wasted no time testing it:

How fast is your whippet?

Spotted by Blitzen's mom: A Fastest Dog competition! If this wasn't tailor-made for our whippets!

Here's the info, as posted on Citizen Canine:

July 22, 2006 -- Canines for Cancer Fastest Dog Competition
Bring your dog out to the Saanich Fairgrounds and find out just how fast your dog is. For a minimum donation of $2 per run, you can have your dog's speed timed with a police laser speedometer. There are several racing categories for dogs (big, small, old, young, fast, slow)...and great prizes too. All proceeds benefit the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock. Racing starts at 12:00 noon. Please use Gate 6 to enter the fairgrounds. While you're there, drop by the RCMP barn to watch the Flyball Tournament taking place all weekend.

Motherboy, part III

One final look at Ribsy and his mom Nia. She's back with her folks, and soon will be on a new adventure far, far away. Ribsy loved having her around, even the moments when she not-so-discreetly put him in his place, and will miss not seeing her around town anymore.

Not so plainly black and white

For those of you who adore those stunning, elusive black-and-white whippets...Little Naruto has already been sold to a Hong Kong family, but perhaps one of his litter mates will wiggle its way into your heart. Of course, there is one small detail to consider. The breeder's in Australia. But fun to look at anyway! Ribsy's heard rumors that there is a black-and-white in town? Hmm. Time will tell.

Motherboy, Part II

Ribsy and his mom Nia are settling in together quite nicely. Of course, they didn't believe that two whippets could actually fit on the bed, but amazingly enough it is  possible. Even when they're in that annoyingly charming legs-fully-extended whippet sleep pose. And today they spent hours together in the house, and there wasn't a scratch to be found anywhere - on themselves nor on the furniture.

Nia, although 6 and 1/2 years old, is a speedy whippet, both on the field playing with her frisbee and on the leash while walking through the neighborhood. Puts her son to shame, quite frankly. But they do have one thing in common: cats make them seethe.

877-JFK-VIVI

That's the number to call if you spot Vivi the vanished. The prized showdog - missing since Feburary 15 - has been sighted in Queens as of late. She may be surviving on a stray's diet of squirrels and garbage. Mmm.

But please do call the number - don't call her name or try to chase her. As this news article helpfully points out, she is a whippet and can run 30 mph!

Volksfest!

Volksfest 2006 is coming up! Ribsy loves VWs, and not just because Boy and Girl have owned three of them in the past 2 years. And not just because Linda has one. It's because they're the coolest vehicles around! Ribsy will be there. Perhaps the dear old Vandosa (now reduced to $6500 - what a steal!) or **gasp** the Fabio Cabrio will be up for sale there...

Info in the flyer at left. Put on by the folks at Victoria Volkswagen Club.