Sweets & Stockings

Usually when most humans think of Sweets and Stockings -- they probably imagine Santa putting chocolates and toys in Christmas stockings.

However, our blog is anything but usual.

1.  Here's the "Sweets" part of this blog post.

Mommy took "Flat Lassie and Benji" with her to Hershey's Chocolate World in PA.  (Since us dog's can't eat chocolate -- we couldn't get any free samples -- butt it was fun to tag along with Mommy.)

We met a Hershey Chocolate Bar and a Hershey Kiss.

Here we are outside of Hershey's Chocolate World.

We went on a ride that shows how they make chocolate.  These are the cows that provide the milk for the chocolate. 

Here's some finished KitKat bars.  Mommy was drooling!

Everyone (butt us dogs) got a free chocolate after they finished the Chocolate Tour ride.  Mommy got a little Hershey chocolate bar.   She held it up by one of the signs on the wall at Hershey!

Mommy did a little secret shopping of her own without us dogs knowing.  She got us both something, but she is saving it to give to both of us on Benji's birthday.  (Benji's birthday is a week away.  How can she expect us to wait that long!)   We only got a sneak peek at what was in the bag -- wonder what it is?  

2.  Now for the "Stocking" part of this blog post.

Earlier this week Mommy found a ladies knee-high nylon stocking in the driveway.  It wasn't there when she left for work, but when she and Grandma got home-- there was a stocking in the middle of the driveway.  It was filthy!!!  It had dirt and leaves all over it!  Sorry, no picture of it.   Mommy thinks us dogs had a pawty while she and Grandma were out of the house, and that Benji was handing out Nylon stockings as "Pawty Favors" to all the doggie attendees of this pawty.   Benji seems to have some sort of special radar sniffing powers -- and can find Nylon stockings when Grandma hides them in her shoes and so forth.  So, Mommy thinks Benji has a secret stash of Nylon Stockings that go "missing" in the house. 

Ben and I aren't admitting to having a pawty -- so, guess the stocking in the driveway is just going to be one of those great mysteries of the universe!!!!

Have a great day!

Lassiter Chase and Benjamin Gilligan the Shelties

Don't forget the Blogville Olympics start TODAY!   Check out our old blog post for a list of events we are pawticipating in -- it has the links to blogs of the doggies that are hosting the events that day.  We can't believe it's finally the Olympics!!!!!  Good luck to all the Olympians -- can't wait to see you all at the games!
http://lassiterchase.blogspot.com/2012/07/events-we-are-entering-blogville.html

Benjamin FINALLY has a middle name!

Mommy FINALLY gave Benjamin a middle name.   She always knew she wanted his middle name to start with the letter "G", butt she just couldn't figure out which name suited him.  My middle name is "Chase" because of Mommy's favorite baseball player (Chase Utley) so I can abbreviate my nickname "Lassie" to be "Lass-C."  So, Mommy wanted Benjamin's middle name to begin with a "G" so she can abbreviate his nickname "Benji" to be "Ben-G."   She finally picked a middle name for him (it took her almost a YEAR to figure it out) .... drumroll please........ GILLIGAN!  "Gilligan's Island" is a TV show Mommy used to watch a long time ago.  The show has a Captain that they call "Skipper" and his First Mate is "Gilligan".  Since I (Lassiter Chase) am the head of house, it's perfect that I am the Captain like "Skipper".  "Skipper" always wore a blue shirt -- and I have a blue collar and leash.  Mommy bought Benjamin a red collar and red leash last month - she wanted something that was green -- and she couldn't find a green collar and green leash ANYWHERE.  So, she said -- Benjamin's NEW color is going to be red from now on.    The character "Gilligan" on the TV show wore a red shirt.  (It must be fate!)   And well, Benjamin's personality matches the TV character "Gilligan" perfectly.

Benjamin is a little bit clumsy like "Gilligan" in the TV Show!  Sometimes it seems like Benjamin has 4 left paws!  

Benjamin is sweet, kind, and lovable like the character.

Benjamin always tries to be helpful -- but sometimes he ends up being a little goofy when trying to get the job done.  (Just like Gilligan in the TV show).  In this picture, I said I didn't want to wear my blue Flower Lei around my neck-- and Benjamin said,  "I'll help take it off !" You can see he pulled the Flower's right over my eyes -- I  yelling at him saying... BENJAMIN!  (Kinda the same way the "Skipper" used to get mad at "Gilligan" on the TV show.)

And finally, Benjamin and I make a great team!  "Skipper" calls "Gilligan" his "Little Buddy" on the TV show.  And that describes our personalities pawfectly!!!!  

Here is a video we found on YouTube with the theme song to the TV show "Gilligan's Island." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvA0pd_1MxQ

Have a great weekend!

Lassiter Chase and Benjamin Gilligan the Shelties!
Lassie & Benji
Lass-C & Ben-G

P.S.  Not sure we will use Benjamin's middle name all the time when we write our blog posts -- it's kinda a tongue twister to say "Benjamin Gilligan", butt at least now we know Benjamin has a middle name!!!!

Events we are entering - Blogville Olympics

We are going to have our paws full during the Blogville Olympics Games.  We are entering at least one event a day from July 27 - August 12.

Hope you will visit us at the games.  Here is the list of 23 events we plan on pawticipating in. The link to the Blog that is hosting the event that day is listed. (It's in Date Order.)

As an extra BONUS for us -- Benjamin's 1st Birthday is on August 4th!  We plan on celebrating his Birthday at the "Keep Away" Blogville Olympics Event that day!  It's going to be pawsome!!!

1. OPENING EXTRAVAGANZA ~ JULY 27

Hosted by Roo

http://www.roosdoins.com

2. PARADE OF ATHLETES ~ JULY 27

Hosted by Posie Dorg
http://posiedorg.blogspot.com

3. SWIMMING ~ JULY 28
Hosted by Sarge
http://sargespeaksout.blogspot.com/

4. SYNCHRONIZED SLEEPERS ~ JULY 29
Hosted by The Daily Oskar
http://oskarsblog.com/


5. BEACH BALL ~ JULY 30
Hosted by Benny and Lily
http://www.twofrenchbulldogs.com


6. GYMNASTICS ~ JULY 31
Hosted by Madi

http://downhomeinnc.blogspot.com

7. FRISBEE ~ AUGUST 1
Hosted by Pip
http://pipinthegame.blogspot.com

8. TEAM STICK CARRY ~ AUGUST 2
Hosted by Goose
http://gospelofgoose.blogspot.com

 9. POLE JUMPING ~ AUGUST 2
Hosted by Bert
http://fourleggedviews.blogspot.com

10. MARATHON CHEWING ~ AUGUST 3
Hosted by Murphy and Stanley
http://murphyandstanley.blogspot.com

11. TUNEFUL FARTING ~ AUGUST 4
Hosted by Declan
http://www.declansdogsblog.co.uk


12. KEEP AWAY ~ AUGUST 4  (*Benjamin's 1st Birthday*)
Hosted by Casey
http://savetheboxers.blogspot.com

13. EQUESTRIAN ~ AUGUST 5
Hosted by Rubie
http://rubieadventures.blogspot.com

14. SYNCHRONIZED PEEING ~ AUGUST 6
Hosted by Shasta and Shiloh, Team Beaglebratz
http://beagle-home.blogspot.com

15. DE-STUFFING ~ AUGUST 6
Hosted by Ruthie, K-9 Katastrophie
http://k-9katastrophie.blogspot.com

16. FREE STYLE ZOOMIES ~ AUGUST 7
Hosted by Susie and Sidebite
http://susieandsidebite.blogspot.com

17. SQUIRREL HURDLES ~ AUGUST 8
Hosted by Bailey and Katy
http://sheltietimes.blogspot.com

18. BOXING ~ AUGUST 9
Hosted by Sasha
http://chicamom85-sassysasha.blogspot.com

19. EXTREME WEATHER SPORTS ~ AUGUST 9
Hosted by Frank the Tank
http://theadventuresofthetank.blogspot.com

20. SNOOPENDOUS SNIFF-A-THON ~ AUGUST 10
Hosted by Luna and Cynder
http://lunadogslife.blogspot.com

21. THE GREAT TENNIS BALL TOURNAMENT ~ AUGUST 11
Hosted by Mollie Jo
http://kwing-dogeared.blogspot.com

22. BATHTUB WRESTLING ~ AUGUST 11
Hosted by Uji and Izzy
http://ro-uj-iz.blogspot.com

23. CLOSING CEREMONY ~ AUGUST 12

Hosted by Finn Howard

http://finnhoward.blogspot.com

We are so excited about the Blogville Olympics!!! Here is a picture of us practicing for the Parade of Athletes.

Grandma called me a "Smart Lass" (kinda)

Benji and I have been super busy training for the Blogville Olympics.  Butt, I wanted to take a quick time-out to tell you about what my human Grandma called me today!   She called me a "Smart Lass" butt, the way she said it -- the "L" was silent!!!

Usually Grandma tricks us.  If she wants it quiet in the house or she wants us to stop licking her bug bites or something...she usually says -- Lassie, Benji do you want a treat...or Lassie, Benji do you want to go outside.   As soon as we leave the room - she closes the little kiddie gate between the room so we leave her alone.

So today, I didn't fall for it.  She tried so hard to trick us to leave the room.  Butt I didn't budge!  Benji ran to the other room -- but I was smart and figured it was a trick - so I stayed put!

She told me -- You "Smart Lass" (but the "L" was silent the way she said it).

I know I'm Smart -- I'm a Sheltie!


Have a great rest of the day!

Lassiter Chase & my  brother Benjamin too.

Getting in the Spirit of the Blogville Olympics!!!

We are getting in the spirit of the upcoming Blogville Olympics 2012. 

Mommy's brother-in-law is super smart and made us a Team Flag.  

Mommy was telling him how we will would like to have a flag or balloons or something for the picture of the Opening Ceremony -- and he said he could make us a flag. 

Mommy said --- oh you don't have to,  she was just going to print something out on plain paper to use as a flag -- but he said he really wanted to try to print a flag.   He bought this special printer, paper, etc.. and knows how to make some personalized items (like keychains, mousepads, and stuff) and has been wanting to test making a flag.   He bought the supplies, and he just couldn't figure out what to make to test out the flag.   So, we said, OK, we would love to have a real flag for our Opening Ceremony picture!

 Step 1 - Mommy made a jpeg file on the computer using the Blogville Olympic logo and our names.  Then Mommy's brother-in-law printed it on special paper on his fancy printer.

 Step 2 - Mommy showed us the picture on the paper -- and we said -- Mommy that picture is backwards or something!   Mommy's brother-in-law said, he has to print a mirror image of the picture in order to stick it on the flag so it looks the right way after it's done.  (Sounded very confusing.)

 Step 3 -- Mommy tried to lay the print outs on the flag -- but she couldn't tell which way was up and which way was down or how it was supposed to go on the flag.

 Step 4 - Mommy's brother-in-law figured it out -- and printed it the right way! Here he is showing us the flag as soon as it came off the heat press.   Thank you so much Mommy's brother-in-law, it looks pawsome!!! 

He even had a stick for it too -- nice!!!  Mommy has been waving it silly...practically non-stop... at least she is making a cool breeze by waving it, it's been so hot outside lately!)

Step 5 - Mommy wanted us to show off our flag -- but the camera keeps snapping the picture at the wrong time -- it's like a delayed reaction! So we will try again later to snap a better picture!

Ohh, and I don't know if you can tell, but us dogs are NAKED in this picture!!! We got our baths and Mommy didn't put our collars on yet!    Mommy realized afterwards that we were naked, so I guess she should wait until we have our collars on to do our official Olympic pictures anyway!

Have a great weekend everyone!  We will be practicing all weekend long. We can't wait until the Olympics -- it's going to be fun! 

There's still time for pets to enter the Blogville Olympics. Visit our friends Bailey and Katy for the entire list of Blogville Olympic Events with links to all of the events and details about the games.   http://sheltietimes.blogspot.com/2012/06/blogville-olympics-where-to-find-events.html

Lassiter Chase & Benjamin the Shelties

P.S.  Do you know we even have Mommy answering the telephone in Blogville Olympic mode too!   (When she sees her brother or sister's telephone number on the caller id --- she says.... Lassiter Chase and Benjamin's Blogville Olympics Training Headquarters, how may I help you....)   Mommy is so silly sometimes!!!

Our Cousin Dog slept over...

Our Cousin Dog's family went on vacation for the night -- so we got to have a little Sleep-over Pawty with our Cousin Dog at our place while his humans went down the shore. 

It all started out well, they brought us a Lassie book gift and everything.

Mommy was at work when they arrived, so when Mommy came home from work -- she saw all us dog's getting together nicely.  Of course Mommy came over and greeted me and Benji like normal -- butt then, she pet our Cousin Dog!


We did not like our Cousin Dog getting Mommy's attention!  (What can we say -- We are Momma's Boys!)

Can you believe Mommy even put us in a "Time-Out" in the kitchen at one point -- How Rude!  I still can't believe it -- I was in a "Time-Out" in MY own house!!!!

Anyway, we calmed down a bit at dinner time.   It was like a buffet with 3 kinds of dog foods - mine, Ben's and our Cousin Dog's! 

It was a long night -- none of us dog's were happy and we barely slept.

It reminded Mommy of when she was a little girl in gradeschool and she got invited over to Sleep Over Parties!   No one ever falls asleep at a "sleep over" party  - it's all fun and games and giggling and talking and everyone else hushing each other to go to sleep.     In our case, it was like me puff barking, then Ben whining, then Cousin Dog doing a deep manly dog bark... then I bark louder...then Mommy and Grandma are hushing at all of us dogs to go to sleep.....

Anyway, Mommy was off to work the next morning with about 2 hours sleep (if that).

Our cousin dog went home last night -- and us dogs slept like a log thru the entire night!!!

Our cousin dog used his car Seat Belt attachment  for the car ride- it worked fine for him too!!!  Mommy was glad to hear that!




Have a great 4th of July everyone!!! 

Benji is 11 month's old today!  We will be partying all day -- good thing we had a good night's rest!!!

Lassiter Chase & Benjamin the Shelties

NJ Buckle up your pet law

Here in NJ, there's been a lot in the press about us doggies and kitties having to be buckled up when we are in the car or our humans can be fined $250 to $1,000.  Yikes!  

Mommy was in FULL PANIC MODE this week -- she didn't know what to do or buy regarding the Buckle Up Your Pet Law.

She ordered and rush shipped some new seat belt attachments that she found online so we had them earlier this week.(The seat belt attachment we ordered is a strap. One end looks like a seat belt plug and you just plug it in to lock it into the seat belt part of the car.  The other end has a clip to attach to our harness.)

There seems to be other items in the market related to pet car safety -- I bet Mommy could spend a small fortune if she had to buy all the products out there.

We didn't see any specific article that described how one "buckles up your pet" so we weren't really sure what we were supposed to buy.  So, Mommy ordered us the Seat Belt Attachments - so at least we had something instead of being fined up to $1,000.

(Finally, Mommy had a chance to go shopping yesterday (Saturday) and check out an actual pet store.  Mommy asked a store associate about the law -- and all they did is point to a display with like 6 different kinds of items ranging from harnesses, to seat belt attachments to car hammock looking things.. one item was similar to our Seat Belt Attachment, so Mommy figured she did ok -- by ordering the item herself.  At least we had the item earlier in the week, in case there was an emergency.)


We tested out the new Seat Belt Attachment in the car.  We took a short ride to Mommy's sister's house.  It was successful!

Mommy is so proud...

1) We didn't kill/choke each other during the car ride.

2) We didn't figure out how to get out of our harness or unplug the new seat belt attachment.

3) We even got to practice for the Blog Olympics while we were at Mommy's sister's house!

4) Since it's been so hot outside lately, we watered all of Mommy's sister's bushes, and Benji even left a fertilizer deposit by the tree.

This is us buckled up.  You can't really tell from this angle though.  Mommy was sweating bullets, and it wasn't just from the humidity.  She was so nervous about us dogs being buckled up and how we would take it!  She was probably more nervous about this test -- then she was on the actual day she took her driving test for her license ages ago.

That's the Seat Belt Attachment we bought.  She bought one for me, one for Ben, and one for our cousin dog in case he comes to visit us.

In conclusion, Mommy isn't in her FULL PANIC MODE anymore since our Buckle Up Your Pet -  Road Test experiment.

Here I am celebrating our victorious road test by rolling around on a patch of thick grass at Mommy's sister's house.

Here is an article about the Buckle Up Your Pet Fine, in case you want to read it ... “New Jersey Pets Need to Buckle Up, Drivers Can Face $1000 Fines”

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/06/new-jersey-pets-need-to-buckle-up-drivers-can-face-1000-fines.html