Beagle Intelligence...An oxymoron?

There are several interesting publications that look at the relative intelligence of various canine breeds and I have yet to see one where the beagle ranks high. One of the most famous experiments is one where a towel is placed over the dog's head and the human uses a stopwatch to see how long it takes for the dog to remove the towel. Apparently, Poodles and Border Collies are able to take off the towel in under 3 seconds. Beagles on the other hand tend to sit there motionless for a long time. I asked Jack about this and he argues that any dummy can take a towel off his head. He, on the other hand, takes the time to enjoy the unexpected shade and take in the smell of my new dryer sheets.

Now, I do have to admit that I have questioned Jack's intelligence on occasion. It is a little known family secret that when I would take Milo to the groomer....(see before photo)







...and bring him home later...(see after photo)








Jack thought I brought home a new dog. Beaglemoron??? You be the judge.

Happy Birthday (Saturday) to Girl with Phone and Angry T. (Yes, they were born on the same day 5 years apart)


Enjoy some pictures from the dog park:


Here is Oakley and LOG (his best friend)











Jack: "Yes, I believe we HAVE met......"










Jack after the dogpark: Zzzzzzzzzz

Say Cheese

Actually, I told the photographer specifically NOT to say CHEESE. It is a word that Jack knows. We would have had to cancel the session for sure. Aren't they cute, though? Dog-Lovers....you need a professional photo of your dog(s). Trust me. Call and book an appointment today.

Jack has had a good week. He has had several trips to the dog park. He went to Pets on Parade where he was FEATURED in the local newspaper and he got a snazzy new bandana (and coupons) from the Iams people. He is still hoping to become their poster beagle...but he probably still needs to lose a few pounds. Unfortunately, his new-found fame went to his head. He managed to steal a pack of hot dogs from the counter last night (Angry-T needs to be more careful). On another positive note...Just Jack was featured on Kevin MD's anniversary edition of notable medical blog entries AKA GRAND ROUNDS. I told him all about it and he is honored and humbled.

Taking your kid to the doctor VS Taking your dog to the vet

I got that cute post card today from the Vet (time for your dooooogone shots)....Reminding me to bring Jack in for his shots. It's funny, I have 3 dogs and it's tough to keep track of who needs shots. Actually, I also have 3 kids. I don't think I have ever received a note from a clinic reminding me that any of my human children were due for shots. So I pondered the differences between going to the vet and going to the family doctor.


Vet Clinic: Sure, we can get Jack in today for his Rabies shot.


Human Clinic: I am sorry, Gadget Boy can't get a Meningitis Vaccine...He hasn't been here for a year...so he will have to be seen by the doctor...how's a week from Friday? No..Misha...I am sorry he can't just go to public health to get the shot. You have health insurance so you will have to come here. If you were just a little more irresponsible as a parent you could avoid this.



Vet Clinic after hours: This sounds urgent, the on-call vet will meet you at the clinic.


Human Clinic after hours: Yes, this is your clinic but since it is 4:30 we are now doing urgent care. This means nobody has access to your chart and don't ask us to follow the regular protocol for your chronically sick child because we won't believe you.



Vet Clinic Greeting: Smiling receptionist gushes over your dog/cat/rat/lizard who she seems to know by name. She offers a treat and forgives all urinary indiscretions which may occur.


Human Clinic Greeting: Frosted sliding glass window cracks open and sneering receptionist peers out--then shuts it again to gossip about you.



Vet Clinic Decor: Cuddling puppies, kittens, paw prints, educational materials.

Human Clinic Decor: Sign...Sign.. Everywhere a sign. "YOU MUST PAY YOUR CO-PAY OR WE WILL BREAK YOUR KNEES" "WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SENDING YOUR LABWORK TO THE WRONG LAB" "NO FOOD OR DRINK" "TELL US IF YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR AN HOUR" (Because we sure as heck won't notice)


Vet Clinic Diagnoses ear Infection: Vet flushes out ear and puts in drops causing immediate relief. Accepts Jacks doggy kisses of appreciation.

Human Clinic Diagnoses ear infection: Looks like your eardrum has burst Angry-T. Have you considered wearing earplugs to the pool?????? (picture the priceless look on Angry-T's face at the thought of showing up at the pool with earplugs)



Vet Clinic Medication: Here are Jack's medications. They are meat flavored. Give us a call when you need more.

Human Clinic Medication: This medication tastes like battery acid but since Angry T only weighs 79 pounds he will have to take the liquid. It may cause him to overheat, become psychotic and have explosive diarrhea. You will have to drive across town and wait in a long line of geriatric patients with LOTS of questions to pick it up. By the way, it is on the highest tier of your medical plan. Good Luck with That!


Tune in next time: Human Hairdresser VS Dog Groomer

Unbalanced

For a number of reasons I am feeling unbalanced.

I am still reeling from a 5 day trip with Angry T. I have never played so much ping pong (they have a table at the ronald mcdonald house)in my life. His presentation was awesome. I couldn't have spoken to a group of doctors at age 12. He can't get enough of it. He also had a pretty good appointment. His kidney is still swollen, but his function has improved.

My beloved Hawkeyes lost to rival Iowa State.

I haven't had scooter therapy for a few weeks.

And frankly, I can't get used to Sadie being gone. It's not like I don't have the pitter patter of doggie feet. It is just weird. I keep dodging the calls from the humane society telling me her cremains are ready. I imagine it will just make me cry.

King of the Dog Park

Yes, it's true. Jack did FIVE laps at the dog park. No cheating---No shortcuts. There were times he actually PASSED us on the trail. Maybe Sadie provided some divine intervention. First he did a few laps with his neighbor Oakley who made his first trip to the dogpark. Then, he did a few more with his pug cousins. Girl with Phone had my camera, but I swear I will take pictures next time. Jack has been coughing and I may need to take him to the vet. I was cleaning the kitchen and I think he found an old dog treat under the stove and managed to inhale some dog hair along with it. Can dogs get hairballs? He has been coughing ever since. Or he has the same cold that GWP and Tom have. I am busting Angry T out of school tomorrow. He was asked to come to Iowa City and teach medical students (not a bad gig for a 12 year old). And then we stay for his urology appointment on Friday. The other big news is that Gadget Boy turned 21! I tried to buy him his first legal adult beverage....but his buddies took him out on Friday night at midnight and I believe he overindulged. He gets that from his father. I will try to post from the Ronald McDonald House and let you know how Angry T did. Peace.

8/1/91 - 9/6/07

Sadie Mae

THE BIGGEST LOSER

Readers of this blog have informed me that I am a loser. I have failed them by forgetting the reason behind JUST JACK. It was just "supposed" to be for and about JACK. I agree...I have meandered a bit. However, I have news to report. News that will unite young and old. News that will unite the liberals and the conservatives. News that will unite the moral majority and the immoral minority (or vice versa). Move over Kirstie Alley... Step aside Valerie Bertinelli... Game over Oprah.

Jack weighed in this morning.




and the scale read......







drum roll...............

44.5 pounds

That is down from 50 pounds! Jack....you rock. I am sending a testimonial to Iams. You should be their poster beagle for Iams Weight Control Formula.