Christmas Weekend: Puppies Galore!

There was a full house of dogs last weekend. It was good to have all the boys in one house :)

Jack and Ty in their Christmas outfits

Mulligan in his new sweater. Thanks Rickie and Michelle

Such a handsome boy

Mulligan and Jack

Mulligan's Little Brother

No, I didn't get another dog. My neighbor, however, adopted Mulligan's baby brother (his name is Charlie).



They are so cute together!

Better Late than Never: Long Beach Marathon Weekend Part 1

So, I am WAY overdue in posting pictures from the Long Beach Marathon weekend. In no particular order here are some photos from my first night in Long Beach.

Mulligan wanted some of the Mac N Cheese

(R-L) Me, Mulligan, Elena, Sara

I think Mulligan wanted some beer. Look at his little tongue :)

Light house

Marina

View from the hotel

We all ordered the Beer tasting. Some were great. Others were like a bad version of Bud Light

Another view from the hotel. You can see Port of Long Beach. Busiest seaport in the U.S.

Mulligan Update

I've been traveling a lot (for both work and for pleasure) lately. The good news is that I have a bunch of friends that are willing to watch Mulligan for me while I'm gone. (Many thanks Donna, Bryn, Nick, and Nikki). Mulligan only needed to be boarded once this past month (although, I think he enjoys the Pets Hotel).

When I was in Albuquerque this past week, Mulligan got Nikki to write me an email update. I thought I would share it:

Dear Mom-
Life has been great! I was able to get out and play this afternoon after you left. Auntie Nikki left me alone with the kitty again, but it was fine. She came back home and we went for a nice long walk and then played fetch (my favorite game!!) I sure am glad I have dino with me! It is fun to catch when she throws it. I just got into my carrier and Auntie is getting ready for bed. But, I haven't wined or anything, just like you said. I know Auntie Nikki is a big sucker but I sure am being a good boy. The kitty likes to jump in the bath tub and drink water, I think that is fascinating!! Having a great time here!! Can't wait for you to come back so we can all play. Auntie says she has an early day at work tomorrow. Oh boy! More fetch with Dino. Hope you are having a great trip and can't wait to see you tomorrow and show you all the fun things we've been doing!
Your wonderful, good boy (always)
Love
Mulligan

DS Auntie Nikki

Mulligan is either a well-adjusted pup or not attached to me (any warm body will do). He does well with other dogs, people, and places. It's a good thing because we like to travel a bunch.

Because this post is all about Mulligan, here are some pictures of Mulligan sporting his Jets Hoodie (Thanks Mom!): 

Doggie Day Camp

This past Saturday I went to my friends Bachelorette party in Napa. I dropped K9 Mulligan off at the Pets Hotel in Fremont. I learned a few things about myself that morning. First, I spoil my little man. Second, a la cart options are a BAD idea.

Here is a sampling from the "menu" at the Pets Hotel:

• Overnight Boarding: $31 for the Atrium Room which includes meals, 2 exercise walks, and a hypoallergenic lambskin bed; $41 for the suite, which also includes a Poochy cot and a TV.

(Really? A TV for dogs. I guess it really is a "Suite". Anyways...I got Mulligan the Atrium room because the suite was way too big).

• Doggie Day Camp: All day play and socialization $23
• Doggie Day Camp (with Atrium Room): $19
• Double Play: One morning and one afternoon play session $14
• Bizzy Bundle (advertised as "most popular"): one treat time, Snack Kong, and group play session $11
• Snack n' Play: One treat time, Snack Kong, and two play sessions $18
• Exit Bath: $13

Of course, I needed to spoil the little guy and signed him up for the Atrium room with all day Doggie camp plus a "treat time."

The good news about getting a little sick at the second winery was that by the time we returned to Oakland I was completely sober and able to pick up Mulligan. This way he didn't have to spend the night at the Pets Hotel.

Mulligan received good marks in his "Pawgress Report." Judge for yourself.

Out of the multiple choice categories (Mulligans marks are noted in red):
Fun (Party animal, getting used to new friends, not feeling sociable)
Overall (Carefree, calm and comfy; had a pleasant stay; missed you)

Here are the hand written notes:
"Mulligan is ridiculously adorable. He loved to chase toys during playtime and chase the other dogs. He also loved personal attention and wrestling around with the associates."

It's nice to know that Mulligan does well in boarding. I tried hard to socialize him with people and other dogs when he was a pup. I think Mulligan will stay at the Pets Hotel when I head out of town. He seems to like it there.