Sophie Rules the World

2010-12-03T16:33:00.004-05:00

Sophie and Balto

Balto has been staying with us quite a bit this fall.

It is safe to say that,

even if only by default,

Balto has become her best friend.

Almost.

2010-11-27T11:53:00.000-05:00

Caption?

2010-09-07T20:47:00.000-04:00

Well hello there.

2010-09-02T11:05:00.001-04:00

Is it safe to blog again?

Are those Japanese porn people gone?

2010-07-21T11:30:00.000-04:00

2010-07-09T10:10:00.002-04:00

Sophie Swimming in the Swimming Pool

2010-06-30T15:35:00.002-04:00

Poor Sophie.

Humiliated in the back seat of her own car.

2010-06-26T17:58:00.002-04:00

Guess Who?

On Tuesday, I will see this beast, she will ignore me, and everything will be back to normal.

I can't wait.

2010-06-25T05:48:00.007-04:00

Sophie is not in Paris
And that is a sad thing. I miss her.

I have been here for more than a week and despite all the stories you hear about dogs in Paris, I am in serious canine withdrawal. There are plenty of dogs, but none that you get to actually pet. The French are a little reserved about this sort of thing. Perhaps that is why I dreamed about a lost, sandy-coloured Cairn Terrier the other night. One who, despite his dog tag, had no owner and I had to take him back to Montreal with me.

So yesterday, I was walking along Rue de Buci in the St. German area when what do I spot in front of me, trotting along like he owns the place? A sandy-coloured Cairn Terrier, with no owner in sight. But he did have a tag, just like in my dream.

I followed the dog for two blocks or so and then lost him, so I wandered back up the street, intent on a table at a cafe I'd seen early.

What a strange coincidence that had been, but I settled at my table, with a glass of beer and a collection of short stories I am still not sure about when ......

who should sauntered up?

The Cairn Terrier!

I was kind of freaking inside a little. How weird is this?

He walked into the cafe like he owned the place,
made the rounds inside,
then came back out and plopped down under my table.

At this point, I was really beginning to wonder if I had in fact developed special premonitory powers.

I was considering where one might find a toilettage de chien in the 6th arrondissement for a bath and brush before his plane ride to Montreal.

As it turns out, the Cairn Terrier is named Orson does own the place. Or at least his owner does. He belongs to the proprietor of the cafe.
He is king of Rue de Buci and strolls the hood, cleaning up scraps of food on the street and greeting all the other pups.

Woosh

2010-05-30T22:34:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday
Sophie Brador

11 Years Old
May 31, 2010

2010-05-17T11:50:00.003-04:00

Sophie's Therapy Dog Evaluation

She failed.

She doesn't care.
She doesn't need a special vest (she is a nudist after all) or a hospital pass.
She still got a cookie out of the deal. She was just a wee bit too grabby about how she took that cookie.

This guy passed, and he was the most awesome Bull Mastiff with even more awesome spittle.

That BMD and those Shelties passed too.
But the important thing to note here is that Sophie sat beside that BMD the whole afternoon and did not even once try to kill her. She should have passed based on that alone.

This is Charlie. He is a super cute, super high energy Border Collie/Aussie Sheppy cross. He passed and still wanted to play.

Sophie may not get a therapy dog vest, but she will continue to therapize in her own special way, by just being there and being a beautiful and unique beast.

2010-04-28T11:16:00.001-04:00

Sophie is Perfect and Fine

No cancer here.

She was only kidding when she started puking and pooping, a lot.

Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

There is still something wrong with her liver, because of it being too small and all.

But provided she feels great, like she is now, she will simply take a liver support ...

... and continue to be fabulous.

2010-04-26T21:02:00.002-04:00

Sophie Goes to School

She doesn't go to class with me. She usually hangs out with other profs while I am in teaching, and then goes for a big hangout on the campus lawn afterward.

Here she is lounging with the dead nuns, who live next door.

Here, she is just looking gorgeous.

We are still waiting for the results of her biopsy, so don't know yet if her world will be turned upside down.

In the meantime, Sophie promotes good health by feeding her tennis ball addiction. Beats smoking.

2010-04-22T22:25:00.003-04:00

Here is me last week on Av. de Chateaubriand in Montreal,
with all my furs intact.

Here is me today, on Rue Marie Anne,
after furs were stolen.

Here is the wacky yard around the corner from my house,
for your amusement.

And just in case you are wondering about those missing furs, some lousy vet stole them and then did an ultrasound and a biopsy on my liver and lymph nodes. I've been feeling poorly. We know that my liver is too small and my nodes are too big (so whose been greedy?), but we don't know anything really until we get the biopsy results. In the meantime, I am doing really well, now that I am not puking or pooping, and think this is all a bunch of hoopla for noopla.

Sending only happy thoughts and all our best wishes to Wally's family in DE and NE.

2010-03-30T09:58:00.002-04:00

Although Sophie hates the drive,
going to work with me will usually bring a smile to her face.

This is Why

Lunch with the IT Guys

Her usual haul?

Bits of tuna fish sammies, pears, apples, and left over yogurts.

2010-03-24T13:57:00.011-04:00

Sophie Does Boston

Again

Sophie loves going to Boston. Not only does she get to hang with great buddies, but she gets to stay at fabulous hotels and get treated like the diva she is.

She loved napping in the window while keeping an eye on the Charles River.

Here you can see Sophie at attention, prepared to defend all of Cambridge, Boston and Brookline from the invading Canada Geese she spotted on her walk.

And should she wake up during her guard duties, she can also admire herself.

_____

The Day Before

Sophie's first order of business upon arriving in Boston was to meet up with her pals at the Arnold Arboretum for a leisurely, action-packed walk through the woods.

Toffee & Riley were there.

Archie was there.

And of course, Agatha was there.

Sophie lost her tennis ball went it floated down the rapids of the little creek, but she didn't let it put a damper on her good time.

There is also video of Agatha going to ground and investigating her favourite log, which will be screened separately. The author of this post is afraid that you can only take so much action in one day and believe me, the action is just getting started.

Everyone knows that Sophie frequently dislikes other dogs, for no reason whatsoever (I.E.: Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, assorted big dogs with curls), but it somehow seems beyond her brain power to imagine that anyone would feel the same about her.

I'd like to say that Sophie found out the hard way to keep her nose out of Riley's business, but she still hasn't noticed her ear.

She still thinks of Riley as the same sweet little boy she's always known. And look at the handsome profile. Can you blame her? He's a doll.

There was a small issue of Archie agreeing to be her bodyguard, but it's kind of one of those if a tree falls sort of things. If Sophie never noticed that Riley bit her, did Riley really bite her, and did her body really need guarding?

Sophie needed to take a moment to meditate on that question.

Her conclusion? Sophie loves Archie. He's a sweet kid and all, but she actually thinks Agatha would make a far better body guard. She's also thinking of hiring Riley next time she needs protection. She says her intuition tells her he might be good at it.

_____

For the record, Sophie's ear is just fine. And she still hasn't noticed.

2010-03-16T18:07:00.005-04:00

Tennis Ball Tuesday on the Summit

Mmmmmmm .... Scrumptious

This is the only snow left in town,
so a girl's gotta roll when a girl's gotta roll.

2010-03-12T07:20:00.004-05:00

Random pictures of Sophie in the melting snow,

plus a surprise.

2010-03-11T20:50:00.002-05:00

Sophie's American Vacation

I'm on spring break next week and decided that Sophie needs to get away, so I'm loading the beast into the car and heading for one of our favourite quickie vacation spots.

Sophie loves this view!

______

Owen Update: He is doing great and getting massive amounts of loving. He is a total extravert and much happier living with a new Greyhound brother and a bunny rabbit. In the end, he stayed in Montreal, so hopefully I will get to see him at Greyhound Meet-up down the road.

2010-02-26T07:31:00.002-05:00

Remember This?

The photo above, entitled "Disgusted" had to be posed, because this is about the closest these two have gotten together since his arrival. This pic was made possible through the sponsorship of cookies.

Things haven't changed much since then.

It's been almost two weeks since Owen Pickle Pants arrived and in that time, I haven't seen Sophie. She hides in her box and trembles and won't even come out to eat. She hates for you to know that, however, so you must keep up the ruse that she is a tough chick.

Does she hate him? Is she scared of him? Hard to say for sure, but one thing we do know, Sophie and Owen are not a match made in heaven.

Owen is a lovely boy, but he lays on the couch and growls when Sophie enters the room.
Sophie is almost 11, and has put in too much time as the famous Ms. Brador to put up with such nonsense, and so, in the interest of both beasts, Owen has decided to move out.

He is going to try life in a small town near Ottawa, with a three year old Lab, who might be far more his speed, and a big yard for romping. This boy is a playful dude who loves playful dogs.
I am hoping it is a far better match.

He is still here, getting loads of snuggles, but his bags are packed and he is on to his next adventure on Sunday.

I will miss miss, but it will be nice to see Sophie again.

2010-02-22T21:48:00.000-05:00

2010-02-20T14:11:00.005-05:00

It was a Snowy Saturday Morning

when Sophie & Owen went to the park.

They met this handsome dude named George.

Owen was being a big weirdo,

and was kind of scared of the little guy.

Sophie wasn't flirting, exactly,

but she sure did want to play.

Georgie eventually went home.
Sophie took some coaxing.
Owen just follows the crowd.

2010-02-18T14:42:00.010-05:00

Greyhound Soul

Last December, I had to say goodbye to my friend Graham.
He was my first Greyhound and I only got to live with him for four months.

Many people said how lucky Graham was to have lived here and known love for those last few months of his life, but I really don't think he was the lucky one.

I was the lucky one.

I feel so honoured to have known him and to have experienced his beautiful, gentle spirit. He was unique in a way that I cannot really describe, but if you've ever had the good fortune to snuggle with a Greyhound, you will surely know what I mean.

Sophie is here, of course, and is a fabulous, fabulous beast, but despite her loving snubs (because we all know that Sophie has no time for hugs and kisses), I still very keenly felt the lack of Greyhound soul in the house.

Felt.

That hole is slowly being filled by a new leggy beast,
a new flat dog,
a new Agent Pancake.

Introducing
Owen C. Pickles

That "C" is for my buddy Wally
Long live the Corgador spirit!

At first, Sophie was bored at the prospect of another hound in the house.

That quickly gave way to disgust. And Owen is disgusted with her, for not loving him just yet.

But she will.

2010-02-15T20:52:00.001-05:00

Announcement on Hold

until this Fella has a name.

2010-02-13T22:24:00.001-05:00

Only one of these dogs is an overnight guest

So what does that make the other one?

2010-02-12T15:19:00.004-05:00

Today I heard the
Saddest Music in the World

(and I don't mean the Guy Maddin movie.)

Wally T. Corgador has left us.

Wally was the most awesome dog ever.
He always made me laugh. No one could breakdown the political scene with the clarity of the Corgador, then turn around and hump a sheppy with the gusto of a super teen.

Wally may have had a big heart, but his ma ape's heart is even bigger and we know she must be heart broken. She is the sweetest and most generous person.

Hugs to ma ape and wishing her only the best memories of her devilishly handsome boy with the perfect little legs..

So Long Wally

xo
SB

2010-02-11T18:21:00.003-05:00

My awesomely cool and handsome buddy
Wally T. Corgador

is feeling poorly.

and not just because of this silly photo,
clearly taken after a few martinis.

Power of the Paw to Wally!

2010-02-09T21:10:00.003-05:00

Sophie & Pablo Part 2

Sophie gets a little more familiar than usual with her best pal.

Also, I've had confirmation that Saturday is THE day.

Something is definitely happening over here.

2010-02-08T18:24:00.003-05:00

A Schnauzer Comes to Town

As you might have guessed, there is something exciting happening over here, but I'm not quite ready to divulge the secret just yet. At least not until the weekend, when it really will happen.

In the meantime, here is Part 1 of a video made when Pablo came to visit about a month ago.

Sophie hadn't seem her favourite Schnauzer in a really long time. As you can see, she was pretty happy to see him that day.

2010-02-06T14:12:00.001-05:00

Something is happening over here.

2010-02-04T16:52:00.006-05:00

Have you ever thought about adopting a Greyhound?

My boy Graham is in this video.
I miss him.

2010-01-17T15:55:00.002-05:00

BREAKING NEWS

Sophie Brador is Home!!!!!

2010-01-16T14:30:00.003-05:00

I've Been Cheating on Sophie

Sophie is still in the country and her buddy Pablo came over to visit a couple of times.

Pablo is not very good at lazing about, so he helped me knit.

He found knitting rather exhausting,

but his needle technique is excellent.

I've also been hobbling over to the neighbours to hang out with their new Greyhound, Prana.

They met Graham, loved him and decided to adopt. They brought her home last Sunday and now there is not only a new dog with a new home, but also, I have some new friends who make excellent martinis.

That's what dogs can do!

Despite all my unfaithfulness, I really miss Sophie. Hopefully, I will be able to walk well enough for her to come home on Monday.

2010-01-14T22:57:00.000-05:00

Stretchy Sophie

2010-01-14T08:34:00.001-05:00

Sophie at Night

Sophie is currently in the country while I recuperate from a minor thing that has left me on crutches for a week or two. She is not there by herself. She is staying with her dog walker and three other dogs. One of them is Pablo!

She is having a blast.

I miss her.

2010-01-07T15:01:00.002-05:00

Sophie's Vermont Photo Album #4

A long, laboriously crafted, multi-layered film of a beautiful beast in the snow.

That's right, she doesn't listen all that well. But she listens when it counts and is the best dog in the world.

2010-01-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

Sophie's Vermont Photo Album #3

Oooh la la

2010-01-05T13:22:00.003-05:00

Sophie's Vermont Photo Album #2

The Predicament

The Resolution

~ The End ~

2010-01-05T12:59:00.004-05:00

Sophie's Vermont Photo Album #1

Deer?

Duck?

or Dog?

2010-01-04T12:38:00.001-05:00

Sophie in Vermont

Warning: this video is a little racy.

2009-12-30T15:04:00.001-05:00

Sophie's Christmas Eve in the Park

with Rosie and Max, friends from the neighbourhood.

Excuse the conversation at the beginning. Just don't listen to that part at all.

2009-12-21T11:15:00.003-05:00

SNOW

Sophie is envious of the storms that hit south and east of us.

She thinks nothing could be more awesome that this.
The storm and the dog in the photo.

Thanks to everyone who offered their kind thoughts over the last few days.
I appreciate it and I know that if Sophie could read, she would appreciate it too. She definitely knows something is amiss. This morning, for the first time in 10 1/2 years, she rolled over on her back for full-on belly rubs. What an amazing beast my Sophie girl is.

2009-12-16T21:39:00.005-05:00

So Long Graham

You truly were the most amazing and gentle beast I have ever known.

I hate that life was so unfair to you,

but I feel so privileged to have known and loved you these last few months.

Graham Rabbit Riggins McGrey

05-05-05 to 12-16-09

Run free and

may you never wobble again.

2009-12-15T15:26:00.002-05:00

Graham has taken a turn for the worse.

He has gone almost completely lame on the left side of his body.

I can no longer deny that there is a neurological problem.

My heart is breaking for him.

My beautiful boy. At least he knows he is loved.

2009-12-11T12:17:00.005-05:00

The Graham Lean

Variation on The Graham Lean

Sophie would like to be absolutely clear that she was NOT leaning on him. At no point did SHE lean on HIM.

While we're at it, here's an update on Graham.

He is doing pretty good. His back has healed quite nicely and there is no immediate need for an MRI (thank god!). He definitely hurt his back leg, which is still causing some issues and some wobblies. Hopefully, he will continue to heal. He is still under observation and may go in for x-rays soon. But x-rays on his leg, not his brain!

Despite the good brain news, he is still not the brightest bulb on the block. But he is the most snuggly.

Who needs brains when this genius is on the case.

2009-12-05T12:59:00.008-05:00

Here she is.

The beautiful Sophie Brador

Any guesses what she is obsessing about?

Here's a hint.

Here's a bigger hint.

A new car for anyone who guessed a dead tennis ball she found on the way to the park.

And now you may admire the beast.

2009-12-05T12:11:00.001-05:00

Sophie would like to be clear that she was on the couch first.

2009-12-03T10:14:00.003-05:00

My birthday -- me, the human -- is December 18th and I want to go somewhere.

Sophie & Graham are booked into the spa for a relaxing five days in the country,
and Sophie could not be happier.

I need to book a flight today. But where to go?

2009-12-01T08:35:00.000-05:00

Food for Thought

2009-11-27T11:35:00.002-05:00

Quick Update

no pics

Graham is doing a lot better since he started Metacam, but he is still dragging his toes when he walks and occasionally gets the wobbles. He will go in to see the vet again next week and most likely be sent for a neuro consult.

Send good vibes, because those MRIs cost $1500 smackers up here in Canada and Graham doesn't have that much cash -- and if he did, I'm sure he would prefer to spend it on chicken necks.

2009-11-19T19:42:00.007-05:00

A Special Report
on Graham Rabbit Riggins McGrey
starring Sophie Brador

Here's Graham

hogging the new honking pig and sheep.

I did get some alone time with the sheep.

Here's an excellent close up of me.

Here's Graham with the honking pig.

He was pretty happy when we got back from the vet this morning, because it seems like the diagnosis of Primary Brain Disease that some stinky vet gave us a few nights ago was jumping the gun just a little.

What?
you ask.

Well, far be it for me to say that Graham's brain is, um, a good one (he is no where near as smart as me), but apparently, I am not allowed to make jokes about this anymore.
But really, look at how small his head is!

It is true that Graham may have some neurological issues, but it could be anything and right now we just don't know. What seems probable is that his teeny little brain is making him all wobbly.

Wobbly like a Weeble that wobbles, except that unlike a Weeble, he actually fell down -- the stairs -- four times. Poor dude. Even I felt bad for him, because holy doodle dogs, that had to hurt!

THEN
A vet who is not our regular vet scared the sheeeeeeeeit out of us the other day. Literally. My IBS acted up and I was in one of those dire rear situations, and Graham started pooping all over the house. It was bad, and stiiiiiiiiinky. Woo.

SO
This morning, we went to our regular vet, who is a really smart guy and figured out pretty quickly that Graham has a herniated disc, which is definitely causing some of those wobbles. He's on some meds and rest, and his bloods are being done, and once he feels better from all that, we will investigate the neurological stuff. He might actually have Wobbly Syndrome ... or something like that. Really. It's a thing.

We're kind of hoping he doesn't and that fixing that herniated disc fixes everything.

Paws Crossed!

2009-11-10T16:02:00.010-05:00

Back by Popular Demand
or at least Wally T. Corgador's demand

The Adventures of Sophie Brador

and her brother Graham Rabbit Riggins McGrey

___

Last Sunday was a beautiful fall day, so I bundled the beasts into the car and drove them up to the summit of Mount Royal for a walk.

The summit is a fabulous, wooded off-leash area where all dogs are free to run.

All except Graham Rabbit that is.

Being a Greyhound, he's a wee bit inclined to running away at the speed of light,

so he has to contend with being tethered to me

while the blond one romps.

Even this Irish Wolf Hound got to run free,

as did his owner with the nice camera hanging off his back

Now you may be thinking to yourself that some of these photos are not very good.

NONSENSE

This is art!

Sure, it might be better art with a camera like the Wolf Hound's owner had,

but I seem to be incapable of remembering to take a camera with me anymore.

These photos are all made with my iPhone.

Not the best ad for iPhone,

but fortunately, the beautiful Sophie Brador always looks good, no matter the technology.

Looking back on the day, Sophie thinks it was a marvelous adventure, even though she didn't attack anyone.

2009-10-28T17:29:00.002-04:00

This is Sophie's Blog

This is Joey looking super handsome, thinking about Sophie

(despite whatever else he might have told you he was thinking).

This is Sophie, knowing it.

2009-10-20T20:48:00.002-04:00

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Sophie insists she had nothing to do with this, but she was comfortable enough with the arrangement to have a good, sustained snore-fest.

2009-10-14T18:09:00.005-04:00

Sophie in the Nude
(just imagine how many hits this page is going to get)

and
Graham in his Duds

Sophie thinks Graham looks like a total dork and I kind of have to agree. At least when in comes to the pyjamas, which are a bit much. But that rain slicker looks dapper. He is one natty dresser.

2009-10-07T17:45:00.003-04:00

Sophie's 500th Post

and she's decided to share with you how much her life has changed.

No, she isn't losing her vision.

But some days she wish she was.

Sophie has had to make room in her life, and house, for her brother.

Graham doesn't actually get on her nerves at all,

and she even secretly likes him.

But she doesn't want to admit it and tarnish her tuffie-girl exterior.

2009-09-20T21:20:00.002-04:00

Sophie & Graham Visit the Dog Sitter

Graham is a little pink in this video. Sophie would like you to believe he is always that colour, but it's simply not true.

Also, please turn down the volume so as not to hear my voice.

2009-09-13T14:54:00.003-04:00

Just for Joe

All others should avert their eyes.

2009-09-13T14:43:00.002-04:00

The Case of the Classy Dog 

Defending herself, Sophie would like to admit into evidence, two photographs.

Exhibit A: Sophie's Slumber

Exhibit B: Graham's Slumber

Now really.  Sophie wants to know. 

Who is the classier dog? 

2009-09-04T11:54:00.005-04:00

Sophie Special

Since Graham the Greyhound arrived, Sophie's blog has been a bit over-run with photos of the beast with the freakishly long legs. Meanwhile, all the boys (and lots of girls) who love Sophie have had to patiently wait for more pin-up shots of the beasty girl.

Well the wait is over!

Here, for your viewing pleasure,

Sophie Brador

Stunning

Notice the heart on the sidewalk, created simply by Sophie's light steps across the asphalt.

Oh yeah.

Thank you

Thank You

No ... really ... no need to applaud.

Thank You

2009-08-29T18:29:00.004-04:00

This is how I know Sophie loves Graham

That, and this.
A full-fledged, authentic Sophie smile.

That last picture was from a long walk the other day.
Sophie wanted to show Graham her favourite parks.

and guess who we ran into?

No really.
Guess.

CHA CHA!

Sophie was pretty excited, because she hasn't seen Cha Cha in about 8 months, but her attention was diverted by a dog of a whole other sort.

They just walked on by, without even an obligatory sniff of the bum.

Stuck up dogs.

***

So we all went home and my dogs did this.

This is how I know Sophie loves Graham.

2009-08-22T10:33:00.006-04:00

Sophie & Graham

Tolerating the kitchen renovations.

Sophie has lived through many renovations, including one when the house collapsed (really).

Graham is sort of oblivious to the whole thing.

2009-08-20T16:49:00.004-04:00

Graham Rabbit Riggins McGrey
is settling in nicely

And Sophie Brador is totally content

to watch him check out all her squeakies.

Even the ones from Joe Stains.

Sophie is a bit shocked by his super long toe nails and bad, bad breath.

But realizes that even Greyhounds need some diva training .... and a few Greenies.

P.S. We are super skeptical about Greenies. Do they really do anything?

2009-08-18T11:16:00.004-04:00

Introducing Sophie's Brother
- Son Frere (en Français) -
Graham

Graham is 4 years old and ran 18 races. He won 2. I don't know if that is good or bad. Some dogs run no races and some run 200, so I don't really know what this means. The rescue told me his former owner is one of the better ones, who actually cares about his dogs and where they go after their racing careers. I hope that means that he was treated well during his time on the tracks .... or as well as can be expected. It is a crappy industry.

He is settling in very well and Sophie seems quite content with his presence. There is no jealousy at all, but then Sophie is not the jealous type. She is probably relieved that there is another beast around who is getting hugs and pats so that she doesn't have to put up with it as much.

So far, Graham has mastered going up stairs. Down is still pretty wobbly, but he'll get it. He has also met other dogs of all shapes and sizes (from pitty to puppy) and is totally cool with all of them.

2009-08-17T16:44:00.002-04:00

OKAY

I like my brother.

But he still needs a name.

2009-08-16T14:16:00.003-04:00

He's Here!

Introducing

The as yet unnamed Greyhound

who came from the track with the name Valita,

and was renamed Marley at the rescue.

He has a beautiful new collar

But he still needs a name.

2009-08-14T15:16:00.004-04:00

THE LAST DAYS

of
SOPHIE BRADOR

as an

ONLY DOG

Sophie is currently exploring other housing options

and hoping against hope

that the new flat dog disappears when it turns sideways.

Note to Mango: We'll let you know if that actually works.

2009-08-13T18:19:00.004-04:00

Even More Frightening

than the Greyhound who is coming to live with us

(this is the one I'm most fond of at the moment. Sophie is fond of none, yet.)

is the squirrel currently running rampant in Banff National Park.

Narra promised she had taken care of all of them. I guess she needs to go back and finish the job.

2009-08-13T14:39:00.003-04:00

Sophie's Concern

She's been hearing the word Greyhound a lot lately, but she can't figure out if I mean this

or this

2009-08-09T13:47:00.009-04:00

Walking in the Neighbourhood
with Sophie Brador

featuring
Hedgehog in a supporting role

this is the back lane we walk almost everyday

Sophie loves it, because it takes us to the Boulangerie

Where she waits outside by the bike stand where I never have to take my eyes off of her,

while I purchase yummable breads made of organic flours.

But Sophie has very little patience for waiting around and the minute I step back onto the sidewalk, she is ready to go.

This is the fire station on the corner of our street. The top windows are all boarded up because the firemen were making French Fries one day and forgot to turn off the oil when they rushed out to fight a fire. They're lovely old fire hall almost burnt to the ground while they were away.

This is our local fruit and veggie market, also on the corner of our street. They were just putting out their local produce for the day. Inside, is a very chic-chic shop with all kinds of nice olive oils and cheeses. I wonder if that's where the firemen got the oil for their French Fries.

This is Sophie, espousing the benefits of eating veggies.

This is our local hardware store, which is right across the street from the fruit store and kitty-corner from the fire hall.

These are a few of the things not allowed in this store.
No roller blades and no plastic bags.
You have to bring your own canvas bag to shop there.

But Sophie is always allowed in and all the young guys who work there know her name and give her lots of attention.

These are Bixi bikes, which is a public transit system. I am very proud of my city for putting this in. There are bike docks like this all over the city and you simply take a bike from one, go where you need to go, and dock it there. Now if only the blasted vandals would get over it and stop stealing the bikes and wrecking the docks.

Some houses on our street.

and gardens on our street.

And Sophie looking beautiful in a Cosmo patch.

Over and over and over.

These are kids crossing the street.

This is the Dépanneur around the corner and down the street.

There is a closer, much nicer one, but they don't let Sophie in and are generally kind of grumpy, so we walk the extra short block to support the nice people who run this store.

This big truck was parked in front of the house when we got home from our walk. We thought it looked a bit surreal.

This is Sophie on the landing outside our front door, waiting for me to stop taking pictures and let her inside.

This walk around the block was brought to you by
Ms. Sophie la Brador.

Note to readers: Hedgehog made it home as well. Sophie likes to take him out and then abandon him half way, presumably to see if he can find his own way back. I usually have to carry him home myself.

2009-08-09T00:05:00.002-04:00

Drooling Furballs?
A special report by Sophie Brador

*****

Of course we are smarter than 2 year olds? This is news?
http://www.livescience.com/animals/090808-smart-dogs.html

While dogs ranked with the 2-year-olds in language, they would trump a 3- or 4-year-old in basic arithmetic, Coren found. In terms of social smarts, our drooling furballs are even better.

2009-08-07T13:23:00.003-04:00

The Return of Sophie Brador

starring

Sophie Brador as Sophie Brador
and Hedgehog as Hedgehog

Upon returning to Montreal, Sophie immediately began scoping out her neighbourhood. This film was shot in her favourite back alley, known as a "ruelle" in Montreal. Unfortunately, it was garbage day. Sophie thinks that is fabulous. I usually have to drag her away from the garbage bags.

Note: Sophie is a diva, and while she will stand for being photographed while peeing, she deserves her privacy while pooing. My apologies to all you pervs who really wanted to see that.

2009-07-16T13:47:00.002-04:00

En Vacances

I am on vacation. I have been in the country since July 12th. I am playing endlessly with a Springer Spaniel puppy named Sally, going for walks in the woods and sunning myself on the deck. I will begrudgingly return home on August 3rd or 4th, but I will be happy to at least resume blogging.

xo
SB

2009-07-12T17:15:00.005-04:00

Vermont with Tuchuck & Narra
A Photo-Essay by Sophie Brador
______________

Part 3 - Narra's Private Photo Session

And Paris Hilton thinks she can pose.
She's got nothing on this beautiful beastie.

with one shot of Sophie, for Joe.

2009-07-12T17:03:00.009-04:00

Vermont with Tuchuck & Narra
A Photo-Essay by Sophie Brador
______________

Part 2 - The Lake
the unabridged edition

2009-07-12T10:54:00.008-04:00

Vermont with Tuchuck & Narra
A Photo-Essay by Sophie Brador
with apologies for the occasional blurry shot
______________

Part 1 - The Dog Park

Okay, where's the lake?

Stay tuned for Part 2 - The Lake and Part 3 - Narra's Private Photo Shoot

2009-07-11T23:45:00.005-04:00

Sophie's Brilliant Day
(despite the lack of colour correction)

Sophie spent the day on Lake Champlain in Vermont with Tuchuck and Narra, who came all the way from Delawarra.

There was a great deal of dog park festivities and swimming action, and some intense conversations about the meaning of tennis balls and the sustainability of the dog paddle. Narra chose to leap frog her way through the waves, while Tuchuck demonstrated his newly discovered prowess in the water.

Sophie basically swam .... and swam, and swam, and swam, and swam, and swam. She's a super stiff and tired girl tonight, but if she remembers what she did today, she is surely thinking it was worth every moment.

Sweet Dreams Sophie!

P.S. More pics with the proper camera, with the proper white balance, tomorrow. I got some beautiful photos of Narra. She is one good looking beastie! And Tuchuck? He's just too adorable for words.

2009-07-08T12:14:00.002-04:00

Under Attack

Squirrels gone mad.

2009-07-07T10:35:00.000-04:00

"In the Garden"

2009-07-05T12:22:00.004-04:00

A Run in the Park
by Sophie Brador

The best thing about this run in that park,

according to the beast anyway,

was that Balto had to stay on his leash.

2009-07-04T13:28:00.004-04:00

BEST EVER PICTURE OF SOPHIE

WITH A TENNIS BALL

Moments after this photo was taken, Sophie was stopped by the cops who warned her to get on her leash or pay a $140 fine. She meant to pee on his leg, but he was driving his car through the park at the time and peeing on his tires is not quite the same thing.

2009-06-30T11:49:00.003-04:00

Sophie is looking pretty old and tired these days.

But there is still one fella who seems to make her feel like a spring chicken,
which is convenient being that Chicken is one of her nicknames.

Pablo!

She loves to play with him.

And this is a gratuitous wrinkly chin shot.

Note: Her leg was shaved for geriatric blood tests and the surgery she didn't, in the end, need. But that's a whole other story.

2009-06-28T14:38:00.007-04:00

Balto the Interloper

Sophie's world has tread upon by the likes of a six year old named Balto.

He was here for a few days last week and might be back again next weekend.

Sophie is not pleased and neither is that orange chicken, who shortly after this photo was taken underwent experimental liposuction at the paws of Balto. He is now considerably thinner.

There were some moments during which Sophie seemed to be completely at ease with Balto's presence.

There really is nothing better than a walk in the park.

This one is my new screensaver.

Happy beasts in the sun.

On this particular day, however, things got a little surreal and occassionally disturbing.

Giant people!

Headless Dragons!

Cats on leashes!
Actually, that one seemed sort of reasonable to Sophie, since she's always wondered why they got to run free and she didn't.

But back at the ranch, Balto was still a menace.

Absconding with the pink flamingo Stanley gave Sophie.

Stealing all the attention with this snuggly, huggy act of his.

COME ON PEOPLE!

This is not the face of a cute dog.

This is the face of an interloper. A treader on Sophie's territorier.

And he should be scared.

Pink flamingo, on the other hand, is fine. He did not consent to surgery.

Since Balto's departure, Sophie has been loving him up and praising his plumpness.

2009-06-28T13:10:00.003-04:00

Sophie wants to be clear that this is how she feels about Balto, the interloper, visible in the background.

More after her walk.

2009-06-23T15:12:00.003-04:00

Balto has arrived at Chez Sophie

and will be staying for three or four days.

Sophie is not quite as thrilled as she is when Pablo comes over.

But she will relent and be happy after a while.

He has the cutest little freckles on his nose and gives hugs.

Both of which are important when you have the flu,
and so I retire to the couch for snuggles with the house guest.

2009-06-16T11:35:00.004-04:00

Feeling a little bit Beverly Hillbilly?

It's been far too long since we've given a shout out to the World Famous Gopher Museum in Torrington, Alberta.

Quite possibly, the weirdest place on earth.

Click on the pics to BIGGIFY and read the speech bubbles.

Click here for more dioramas.

2009-06-16T10:36:00.000-04:00

Sleepy Girl

2009-06-11T14:42:00.008-04:00

Sophie's Spring Vacation - Part 3

New York
A Photo Essay
Starring Sophie, Asta, Petey and Stanley
as dogs

and featuring the Standard Hotel where we stayed, which overlooks the West Village Dog Run. But only briefly. Like only in this photo.
That it to say, it will only feature briefly in this photo. To the best of my knowledge, it still overlooks the dog run.

Note: To anyone who may actually be paying attention, you will notice that Sophie's Spring Vacation Part 2, Connecticut Part 1 suggests that there is a Connecticut Part 2 , which has not yet been disseminated to the masses. That's because those pics are on the other computer.

2009-06-10T12:30:00.006-04:00

Belated acknowledgement of an early birthday present.

As you may well know, Sophie turned 10 on May 31st, but sometime before her US tour, somewhere around mid-May, she received a package from her favourite fella.

It was loaded with goodies of the stuffy variety,

which the beast quite methodically sniffed, unpacked,

and sniffed again.

She even took some items for a short walk-about the premises

to see how them might perform on a jaunt to the park.

But the last item required Sophie to employ her super duper interpretation skills.

What could this mean?

hmmmmmmm

Being a feminist,

Sophie considered what this could mean for her social life.

and decided she needed a drink.

Many thanks to Mr. Joe Stains, a fabulous fellow, a gentlemen among terriers, and Sophie's #1.

2009-06-08T09:38:00.002-04:00

No Dogs

But this is funny.

2009-06-03T22:48:00.012-04:00

Sophie's Spring Vacation - Part 2
Connecticut - Part 1

Sophie met a secret admirer

who couldn't keep a secret to save her life.

Meet
Sophie & Maggie

a love story ....

sort of.

Sophie would like to thank Maggie for all the special attention.
She really did appreciate it.
Probably.

2009-06-01T10:50:00.000-04:00

Enjoy the Montreal Scenery

2009-05-31T10:44:00.001-04:00

And for her next trick,
Sophie does 10

Happy Birthday Sophie!

2009-05-26T12:46:00.004-04:00

Sophie's Spring Vacation
Part 1 - Boston

by Sophie Brador

Starring Agatha, Archie & Asta

and Stanley Gooberowski

as they search Beacon Hill for the mysterious CATs who apparently have their own television station

and possibly live in mansions used in famous movies.

Stanley was a little distracted by Asta bootie on this mission.

but Asta & Agatha had no lack of focus.

Who is this mystery Wire?

Sophie & Stanley do not always see eye to eye, but do occasionally agree to agree.

****

Part 2: Connecticut
coming soon.....

2009-05-21T20:01:00.002-04:00

Sophie & The Tree
by Sophie Brador

No one said it was a BIG tree.

2009-05-15T16:02:00.002-04:00

Breaking News
with Sophie Brador

Many new photos of me, Sophie Brador, have been made and with the end of term having been reached and my grading responsibilities out of the way, there will be frequent updates to this blog.

In the meantime, for your consideration:

This is Sophie Brador reporting for
Sophie Rules the World.

2009-05-10T08:51:00.002-04:00

It's a rainy day here in Montreal, so Sophie set herself a task.

She got out the yellow cab that Petey gave her,

and got busy daydreaming about her trip to New York later this month.

2009-05-05T21:39:00.005-04:00

REPRESENTATIONS

This is my quick response code

UPDATE: Caution while viewing the following QR code. There have been reports of minds being blown as well as hallucinations involving chicken necks.

I have no idea what it means.

***

This is me

I know I'm cute.

***

This post is dedicated to my friend Suzy, the Delta Sheltie

2009-04-27T11:08:00.002-04:00

On nice days, Sophie stands guard on her balcony, watching.

What is she looking for?

LOLA = C.A.T.

Once spotted, Sophie spends minutes contemplating what to do about it.

Then her thoughts turn to food.

2009-04-24T21:47:00.003-04:00

Sophie got to walk and play with Pablo every day this week and this is the only picture.

I'm kind of jealous, because I didn't get to see Pablo at all.