Thursday, July 2, 2009

In the Doghouse and my 6th Gotcha Day!

You may have been wondering what we've been doing in Scotland this week, between Rosie's surprise birthday party and Gabbi's "No Fireworks Please!" birthday celebration tomorrow.

Well, we've been house-hunting. Now that Rosie and I are an old married couple, it just didn't seem right to stay in her family house with all those roommates (besides, have you ever been around 5 dogs who all want to use the fire hydrant at the same time? Not a pretty sight!)

So we set out to find a little place we could call our own.

This first place was advertised as a "great starter home, a real fixer-upper!"

A real "tear'er downer" is more like it. Or a "terrier downer!" Plus, there simply was not sufficient room for our collection of new and pre-chewed tennis balls. Next!

Gabbi and Jake came with us and fell in love with this cute little bungalow - no doubt because the roofline was reminiscent of Jake's distinctive ear! And don't you love the bone shutters?

Although they had second thoughts when they saw the swimming pool. You know how that attracts friends, relatives and all sorts of unsavory types. Lacie! Go put some clothes on! There could be puppies reading this!

HRH Auntie Princess Bailey think she belongs on a pedestal. This house seems perfect for her. And fortunately for Auntie Martha, it looks to only be big enough for one crowned head at a time!

Lacie thought this classic Colonial was just perfect! "There's a house for Scruffy and Baby Stan in the front yard and I can live in the slightly larger brick house behind them!"

Rosie and I next visited this "Asian Zen" inspired house. First of all, the paper walls made me nervous, in case any of our houseguests were paper-trained. And you know what they say about Chinese houses - an hour later and you're hungry again. Rosie also thought the MSG in the house made her look bloated. Next!

While Asta is indeed an Urbanista, she fell hard for the charms of this plantation-style house. (I think she could imagine herself as Asta O'Hara in a hoop skirt, sipping iced tea on the veranda.) Stanley wasn't so sure he could fit in the front door but Asta assured him there was a larger door out back and that he wouldn't bump his ginormous head inside. (There was a moment of confusion when she called him "Stanley Butler" - as Stan wasn't so keen on the idea of having a butler, but Asta smoothed things out.)

Even with his penchant for his vintage roadster, Eric Square Dog is a Tate Modern kind of terrier. 90-degree corners, clean lines, no distracting geegaws. This place was perfect for him. Even has a nifty car park for his Zoomer. I would suggest you get some curtains before Toffee comes to visit, though. (Snicker, snicker....)

After so much time spent in the hot Florida sun, Snoop rightly thought Kira might want something with an excellent cooling system. But she just laughed when she saw his first choice.

She had something decidedly bigger in mind.

Sir Hamish is a traveling sort, but has been complaining lately that Gail has been reluctant to always bring him along. This should solve that problem nicely.
On to house #3. This one was better than the last two, but too small and way too sweet. You can see Rosie's reaction. Eight paws down. Will we ever find our dreamhouse???

Lorenza fell head over tail for this hound-hacienda! Love the red-tile roof and the romantic balconies...
...but even more important, there was ample closet space inside for her couture wardrobe!

With the addition of the newly rebuilt barn on the Relentlessly Huge Estate, this barn-inspired home seems perfect for Mango. First of all, it's as big as a barn. And secondly, there's a ventilated screened second bedroom for those evenings when he's had one too many of Dexter's 12-bean burritos.
"That's it!" Rosie yelped. Not too big, not too small, not too modern, not too twee. And it has a rose-colored roof and roses climbing up the side. Our dreamhouse! Sold! Now we just have to move in all our tennis balls....

A note from Mommy: Those are all REAL dog houses! I've messed with the proportions of the dogs but they are all actual dog houses, most the size of garden sheds. Thank Dog they don't make dog apartments... Petey might get ideas.

One final thought....today is my SIXTH Gotcha Day! So I had to share one of the very first photos of me. (By the way, that rug is long gone but I'm still here!) Happy Gotcha Day also to Ike!
Just look at those paws, I mean, can you stand the cuteness???

36 comments:

Ruby Bleu said...

So many choices...how will you ever decide? Happy Gotcha Day!!!

Lots of Licks, Ruby

Martha said...

Happy 6th Gotcha Day dear nephew - oh we remember when you were just a tiny pup!!!
We loved your post Petey - so many lovely houses to choose from. We loved the one with the bone shutters especially!
Good work with HRH Auntie Bailey - she is driving us all mad as it is.
She wants to visit castles and ride in her royal carriage.
Now she is talking of chopping off Sir Paul's head as he wasn't there to meet her at his residence!!!
love
Auntie Martha xxxxx

bbes tribe said...

So many beautiful houses to choose from. BIG decisions ahead.
Have a fun day!
Ernie & Sasha

Checkers & Chess said...

Happy Gotcha day!

So many houses to choose from! How will you ever decide?

Daisy said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Petey! I am so glad you and Rosie have finally been able to get the doghouse of your dreams.

the magic sleigh said...

WOOO! Happy Gotcha Day!
I really like my new house! I can't wait to show it off to all. I hope you and Rosie enjoy your new digs.
-Kira The BeaWootiful

Hamish Westie said...

You know I already have a doghouse in my garden. It looks a bit like the one in your first photo and was made by the inmates of Peterhead prison. Quite why anyone ever imagined I would want to go in there when I have the full run of a very comfortable human house complete with sofas, rugs, beds, fridges etc. is a mystery.

But a travelling doghouse is an excellent idea. Thankyou!

And I can quite understand that a married couple need some privacy and I hope that you and Rosie are happy in your new home.

Cheers, Sir H.

Bobby said...

Those Dog houses look great, so hard to chose.

Gus said...

Petey: We think you will love the bungalow you chose. And we love the gotcha picture.

Congratulations

gussie d

The Black and Tans. said...

Happy Gotcha Day Petey.

Molly and Taffy

Clive said...

So many choices, so many houses to chose!!

We thoroughly enjoyed looking through your selection! We were thinking you were very clever to have put sunglasses on me and then we realised we had actually posted that photo!! Oh dear, better put the Chanel shades away!! If the folks in the training centre knew what I got up too!!

Take care
Clive

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

I just love your new house together Petey!

I has just spent a while catching up with most of your adventures, Boy, you sure has all beed busy while I been out of action!! You should stop by and see me in Cumbria whilst you all be in Scotland.
~lickies, Ludo

Dexter said...

OK, I want one of those dog houses right now. They look great. I really liked your choice for me with the breezeway to ventilate my Mango gasses.

Of course, Lorenza's house was perfect.

Pee-Wee wants the house with the built in swimming pool (I say no way, it obviously attracts an unsavory element - LACIE).

Happy gotcha day!

Slobbers,
Mango

Hero said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Petey! I didn't realize that there were so many dog houses on the market! Good luck on choosing the perfect home!

Jake of Florida said...

First things first, pal: HAPPY GOTCHA DAY!!!

We love your version of House Hunters. We're thinking that HGTV could find a new market for one of their most ubiquitous shows.

I hope Gabbi likes the little house with the balcony -- it's so hard to reach the beagles now -- their site is almost bare.

I'll try a pee mail -- but it's not the same.

Anyway, JH and I hope you get lots of canoodling for your special day!!!

Jake

Eric said...

Love the new house Petey.Excellent choice. Are you and Rosie having a house warming party? Hope you got a good deal considering the economic climate. And my glass house is just my scene.Do you happen to have the name of the agents? Though pawhaps Toffee pupcake might need some storage like Lorenza's - haa!! BTW I have another dog house to show you, pawhaps you might want a second home sometime, one on each side of the big pee...it's pawfect for you and Rosie.

Happy gotcha day best pal. Mom would say the same but she passed out from cuteness overload.

Wiry love and kissies, Eric xxx

Molly the Airedale said...

Happy gotcha day, Petey!
Wow! You have so many beautiful places to choose from!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Kasha said...

Holy cow how did you do that with those photos and four legged friends! Such a cute blog. I love the name Petey for this adorable little guy. So perfect! I would be so flattered if you would come and meet my Africa on my blog and if she could some day be one of your best friends on your blog list! Keep up the good work Petey and thank you!
Kasha and Africa
http://trainingboerboels.blogspot.com

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Beautiful homes to choose from - maybe you can get a good deal on a foreclosure:) Happy Gotcha Day!!!

Woos, the OP Pack

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

WOW!

What a pawesome khollekhtion of khanine khastles/maisons/lovenests!

Happy Gotcha Day Petey!

I hope woo got some pawesome tennis balls!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: This Khyra loves the igloo version!

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Happy Gotcha Day!!!

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Java

Lucy-Fur, as typed by Dr. Liz said...

Heehee! So many very neat houses! I love Lorenza's - especially with all the closet space! I am glad that you were very specific in your requirements to be able to house all of your new and pre-chewed tennis balls - this is a Very Important feature!

*kissey face*
-Fiona

Lacy said...

w00fs, happy gotcha day... git lots of ear scratchies and belly rubs...ooo yeah, and tennis balls..u gotted more choices of houses than the do on HGTV...me likes the last one bestest too..

b safe,
~rocky~

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Oh Petey...what an adorable pic of you on ur first Gotcha Day!!!!! You Westies er Carins make awfully cute pups!!!!!

I love that house you picked out for my brothers and me...well, the two houses...btw...where did I get that love gauzey purple ensemble I was wearing in that pic...it was amazing!!!!!

Now Petey...I know your busy and all, but well, if the truth be told, I am in need of your assistance...evidently that Heron from the Heron Cam has retained some hot shot Un Scruffylike attorney...I have Scruffy. I just can't afford to be sued this week....Victoria's Secret is doing their 5 for $25 pantie's sale...

So sweet Petey...if I um send ya a case of balls, could you talk to the Wheelie or write them a letter using your gift of gab so that they get confused and decide not to sue me and to go out with me???

Rejection is well so um...hoooomiliating...the last dog to reject me was Asta's Stanley...and I turned him into a foxy stuffie...not bad considering I was only 5 months old...it's the only time Asta's ever yelled at me...so did Ruby for that matter. But at least he didn't threaten litigation....

So Petey...i would be ever so grateful if you could get this little matter resolved quickly...I've also developed a tennis ball smoothie...it's green...you'll love it...

Love and grateful kisses...

Lac

Lorenza said...

Hi, Petey!
Happy Gotcha Day!
All those houses are pawesome! That Hacienda is great... perfect for me!
I am sure you and Rosie will find the best for you too!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Emily and Ike said...

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY! Your parents are soooooooo lucky!
Ike

TwoSpecialWires said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Petey! Those are the BEST days to celebrate. And we're sure you know.... home is where the heart is. We look forward to your decision....

Jake and Miss Fergi

Stanley said...

Petey Boy!

I'm catching up on your last 3 posts, and I have to say that your mama is SHAMELESS in her pursuit of video footage of you singing. I happen to have my paws on a certain clip that was shot at Asta's while I was in residence there. It's of you... singing! Maybe I'll just have to post that for you. (Your ears were doing some mighty cute things while your mama was trying to get you to yodel for the camera.)

That Rosie sure knows how to send a great package, man. That tennis ball is incredible! If you ever need help getting it under control, just let me know.

Glad you and Rosie girl found the house of your dreams. I'm afraid Asta's dream house may not be big enough for me AND my booty.

Goober love & smooches,
Stanley

Pee S
Extra smooch for you and Mica on your punkin heads from my girl!

Lucia said...

Ciao bello Petey!!

Happy 6th Gotcha Day, il mio amico! La mia ragazza is quite smitten with your puppy photo; she thinks you're a darling.

Reading about your search for a new home was like watching an episode of "House Hunters"!! I think you and Rosie picked a perfect place!!

Tanti baci!
Lucia

The 'splorin' Wolfies said...

lol. happy house hunting!

Abby said...

Hi, Petey...

You definately made the right choice...The Rosie inspired house is beautiful...

Happy Gotcha Day...Boy were you a cute little pup...

Abby xxxooo

Dughallmor Beagles said...

Wow! Petey! I'm so excited....our first home together....and it's the perfect lovenest! So, when's the housewarming party? And do I get to wear my big white dress and tiara?? Hehehe
Hey, you dark horse you...I didn't know you shared your Gotcha Day with Gabbi's birthday....so many celebrations among us at the moment, happy days! (I just wish our "issues" were sorted, we miss you all....and that it would stop thundering already, it's scary!)
Love ya loads my little pumpkin, hehe....smooches, your wee wifey xxxx

Sophie Brador said...

Petey!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Big smoochies to you.

xo
SB

C.l.o.v.e.r. said...

Hi Petey! Happy belated gotcha day!!
You have so many houses to choose from!! I really like #2.
xo

Agatha and Archie said...

How cute where you when you were a puppy!!!( not of course that you still aren't) We loved all of those houses.....Happy Gotcha day little pal!!! Love and kisses A+A

Mason Dixie said...

So many homes to choose from, I like the one with a bone pool. =)