Too cool for school

As promised, a few shots of Madeleine (not quite as exciting as my bacon adventures, but cute nonetheless)...

Celebrating with the grandparents (I kindly offered to take the group shot)

Madeleine's smiles (a nice reminder, after she spent most of the evening crying bloody murder (perhaps she just wanted some bacon too)....

Mission accomplished.

Those of you who are regular readers of my dog blog, the New York Times, Globe & Mail or the Economist are well aware of my recent bacon emergency. My bacon intake had reached absolutely critical levels. We're talking Code Red folks. I am however happy to inform all concerned that the crisis is at an end. Here is a play by play analysis.

In anticipation of the big moment, I kept my eye on the prize. Whereas other lesser hounds might have been distracted by the racket of the nearby German Children's Choir, nothing could move my attention away. Nothing.

The big moment has finally arrived, but could I close the deal or would there be some last minute bacon-stealer that would thwart my goal?...

Hallelujah! 

That was fantastic. A picture as they say is worth a thousand words.

I know what all of you are pondering. How did one simple Basset manage to resolve the bacon problem, and seemingly with such ease? Did he do it all by himself or was there some evil genius behind the diabolically-successful bacon caper? I can't give you all the secrets, but I will give credit where credit is due and thank my partner-in-crime, Mini-Me, whose spectacular efforts at getting me some bacon won't soon be forgotten.

More pictures of Madeleine to follow, maybe tomorrow.

649 days to go until 2010

Early this morning I let Madeleine know that there was some very good news. The 2010 Olympics were only 649 days away.I then let her know that she wouldn't have to wait nearly that long to meet the three mascots. They were appearing at the Oakridge Centre that very day and we were going! This was her reaction:

The mall usually doesn't allow dogs, but I explained who I was and there was no problemo. First up was Quatchi.
Next up was Miga.
Grandma and Opa joined in the fun for the final photo-op with Sumi

Celebrity Appearance!

Today was a very big day, as Madeleine had her first celeb drop in for a visit. She was very excited.

The surprise star was none other than Boston Pizza spokesperson extraordinaire Howie Mandel!

The only problem is that apparently, Mr. Mandel is a wee bit of a germaphobe and doesn't really like to shake people's hands. He's into something called 'knocks'. I didn't know what that was, but fortunately little sister Madeleine is street-wise and demonstrated. What you do is simply make your hand into a fist, like so:

and then you extend the fist, like so:

So really it's so simple, anyone can do it with a little practice.
So after Howie left to be with far less important people, it was time for a little relaxation... Here is Madeleine just hanging around with her first doll, who is yet to be named. Suggestions welcome! 

Then there was still a little time for Madeleine's favourite game, how-hard-can-I-grab-fingers. She's the all-time champ at that and will take all comers.