Henry's New Harness

Notes From Henry's World

Henry will get a bone under the Christmas Tree but most of his gifts came from the French Bulldog Rescue Network Store. The proceeds go to help French Bulldogs get medical care and fine new and loving homes. I wanted to find a way to support them and still give Henry useful gifts.  I ordered him a fleece coat and this flashy purple harness. He seems delighted with both. He will have a good Christmas this year, gnawing on a bone and hanging around in the studio with Mom after breakfast. It will be good to have a quiet day in the painting studio together. 

Henry says Merry Christmas to all of his French Bulldog friends around the world!!

Henry in the Painting Studio

Henry in the Painting Studio

Notes From Henry's World

Henry likes to hang around the studio and help me paint. He runs this studio like a general. No goofing off allowed for Mom. Of course it's perfectly alright for Henry to snuggle in his bed and take three hour naps while Mom paints.

Now that the weather is cooler, he is feeling quite good and frisky. We go out in his play yard every afternoon and chase his tennis ball around the yard together. 

Henry Gets Out to Play

Henry in His Favorite Golf Cart at Fair Oaks

Notes From Henry's World

After a long, hot humid rainy summer we are still dodging the heat and rain almost mid October. We have had a day or two that have been cool and dry but few and far between. I hope we wont be sweating on Halloween.

Henry spends most of his time in the painting studio or in the house chillin! He can't take much heat and has only been to Fair Oaks once since last April.. He was there about two weeks ago for half a day. He misses the adventures so much when it is hot. He can't wait to get in Leroy, his truck and head out as soon as the weather cools and dries up a bit. Henry owns the back seat area of Leroy. He has set up his mini-RV back there with a water dish and his toys. He has a blanket on the seat for comfort.He is a first class car dog and loves to ride.

 For the last few nights it has been cool enough for me to get out in his play pen and throw the ball for him. It makes him so happy.

Henry Visits His Peeps at the Vet Clinic

Henry with Dr Jones and vet tech Mario

Notes From Henry's World

Henry has a wonderful Dr and clinic in Alachua, FL, Hilltop Animal Hospital.

Henry is a super star as everyone knows. He goes to the vet for his check up once a year. The clinic staff goes on full alert when he comes, running out to greet Henry with treats, pets and belly rubs. He gets his nails and hair done at this fun salon and brushes off the annoying shots and pokes. He is in awesome shape which is appropriate for the world champion of sleeping. He just returned from London where he won Gold in the sleeping competition. Henry's World is good indeed!!

Henry Has Wheels

Notes From Henry's World


Henry's world is pretty quiet in May-September. he has to stay home in the cool AC due to breathing difficulties in heat. He did want to show you his new wheels though. We have named our old truck Leroy. Henry has the whole back seat staked out for his new mobile home. There are a couple of little jump seats in the back which will give him a nice rest bed and allow him to look out the back window when we get him back on the road this fall.

In the mean time he is supervising Mom in her home studio two days a week. He has his own single bed in the studio for comfort.

He will resume his busy schedule in October, when the weather cools off.

Henry Inspects Mom's Painting

Henry Inspects One of Mom's Paintings


Henry and Mom have had a whirlwind spring. Mom has been on the road doing her art stuff and Henry has held down the fort at home. It's getting too hot to go out much for Henry. He doesn't tolerate heat very well, so he will stay home for the summer months. This is his little day bed at Mom's painting studio behind the house. Most of the year he goes to Mom's Loft Studio in Gainesville, but in summer he spends more time in the painting studio. The floors are concrete and cool. He likes to get on his day bed and snooze while Mom paints. Henry somehow turned 4 years old in March. It doesn't seem possible.

Dog Safety Tips for Families- from: Pet Peoples Place

Owning a dog can be a lot of fun, but it is also a big responsibility that cannot be taken lightly.  Keeping your dog healthy and safe while also ensuring the safety of your family and other people is important.  The dog safety tips for families that follow will help you to get the most enjoyment out of your four-footed friend. 

Proper Dog Training
Keeping your dog safe around other people and other dogs and animals requires that your dog is trained and socialized properly.  Should your dog end up biting someone, you can be sued, fined, and arrested, depending on the laws in your state.  What’s more, many states require that dogs that bite be euthanized.  Learning your dog to sit, stay, heel, and so on can make a big difference in how well you can control your dog when a situation arises and the dog becomes aggressive.  For example, if your dog learns to “come” when you command, then you can easily call the dog back to you if the dog runs out into the middle of the street where he might be injured by a passing vehicle, or if he charges at the delivery guy who comes to the door to bring you a package. Further, socializing the dog by taking him around a variety of people and other animals is important because it allows your dog to develop the skills that he needs to keep his cool around strangers.  Socializing your dog from the time he is a puppy forward is best practice. 
Restraining Your Dog
Most areas of the country have so-called “leash laws” that have been enacted to ensure that others are not harmed by your dog and that your dog is not harmed by hazards like traffic, other dogs, or careless people.  Know and obey the leash laws and other laws regarding dogs in your area.  Even if your area does not require that dogs be leashed while in public, leashing your dog is invariably a good idea when you are out and about. It will keep your dog from running off while also helping you to maintain control of the dog.  Most vets recommend a standard retractable leash with around a six foot lead.  Learn how to safely use the leash and use it each time you take your dog out. 
Enclosures for Your Dog
Retraining your dog while outdoors might also involve the use of outdoor enclosures.  It is never a good idea to leave your dog tethered outside all day long, alone.  This can lead the dog to become overly aggressive and in some locations, it is illegal to do so.  Outdoor cables or tie-outs are also potentially dangerous to the dog as the dog can become entangled in this type of contraption and become choked or asphyxiated.  A better outdoor enclosure for your dog’s safety and to keep him properly restrained is an outdoor fence enclosure or dog run.  But even with the use of this type of enclosure, always supervise your dog when he is outside.  Depending on where you live in the U.S., you may need to provide more extensive enclosures when your dog is outside.  For instance, if you live in Ohio, certain dog breeds, like the pit bull or Rottweiler, are required to be confined in a fenced in yard with a locking gate.  Check with your local animal control officer if you are unsure about what is required in your area. 

Henry Stirs Up the Neighborhood

Notes From Henry's World

Henry loves to hang around in the yard and stir up the other dogs. He barks in every direction, waiting for them to hear him. One by one they join in until I hear a chorus from low to high pitched yips. As soon as he stirs them all up, he goes over to find a spot in the sun and lays down for a nap. What a little clown he is!! He makes me laugh every day.

Henry's Town Tour

Notes From Henry's World

Henry took a trip to town this morning. He was greeted at two bank drive in windows with treats, at the county dump with play time with the attendant, and a trip over to the pet store. He modeled his new life vest for a photo shoot. He can't swim so I got him a new life vest. He can now keep up with his friend Shane Knellinger at Fair Oaks without concern for his Mommy. Now he can jump in the pond all he wants. Yay!!  Everywhere he goes he is greeted by fans who want to love him and play!! What a star!!

Henry The Studio Dog: Henry's Latest Funny Face

Henry The Studio Dog: Henry's Latest Funny Face: Henry likes to pretend that he is a tough dog now and then. ;>)

Henry's Latest Funny Face

Henry likes to pretend that he is a tough dog now and then. ;>)

Henry the Studio Dog- His new play yard is finished.

Henry's little house. Sorry it is sideways. We covered his little house with tarps to protect him from wind and rain and to give him a shady place.

Henry checks out the new fence line. He gave his paw print of approval.

Henry like to go out early in the morning and sit in the sun. He loves his new play yard.

Henry The Studio Dog Gets a Play Yard

Henry and Mark talk over the plans for Henry's play yard.

 

Mark gets ready to dig holes for the posts.



Henry gives Mark advice.

Notes from Henry's World

There is big excitement around the yard these days. Henry will soon have a wonderful big play yard thanks to his pal Mark. He is carefully supervising the building process and talking over the plans with Mark. His little safe house kennel will be moved into the play yard so he will have a rain proof kennel where he can be locked in if I am not home. He is still a total house dog/couch potato, but the yard will give him some freedom to run around and do whatever dogs like to do. He can harass squirrels, the deer that wander through the yard, and sniff to his hearts content, his favorite past time.

Linda Blondheim Art

Wednesday is Henry Fan Day at Linda Blondheim Loft Studio

Henry's Fan Wendy Jo

Notes From Henry's World

Henry comes to my Loft Studio on Wednesdays unless I am traveling. He has a regular fan base of friends who want to play and pet him. My friend Linda Pottberg is a regular on Wednesday and brings Henry dog biscuits. My friend Wendy Jo from Texas visited yesterday. How is that for a loyal fan!! Wendy has bought several paintings over the last few years and she was visiting Florida, so I'm so glad we finally got to meet her in person.

 Henry has his own dog bed at the loft and stashes of treats. He goes downstairs to meet people in Paddiwhack Gallery and we walk around the shopping center to greet other fans. Life is good when you are a French Bulldog.

Exercise is Good

Notes From Henry's World

Frenchies aren't exactly high energy dogs as they grow older. Henry is the ultimate couch potato. He would sleep about 20 hours a day if left to his own will. Here is a good article from his Vet at
Hilltop Animal Hospital in Alachua Florida.

DAILY EXERCISE RECOMMENDED

Exercise is as important for your dog as it is for you. Young dogs and healthy adults alike need lots of it, and even senior pets need a regular daily workout to maintain their health. The type of exercise you choose depends on the age and fitness of your dog and your own lifestyle. Dogs are adaptable and are happy to play Frisbee in the park or take long walks in the neighborhood.

Exercise is one of the best ways to spend time with your pet. It's especially important for large breed, working, and active breed types. Dogs are wonderful athletes and most adapt to even strenuous exercise, provided they have had adequate opportunity to "train" and the environmental conditions are not too extreme.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Daily exercise is recommended unless the weather is especially dangerous or a medical problem limits your dog's activity. If there is a medical problem, consult your veterinarian about exercise limitations. Keep in mind that obese dogs and those with heart and lung diseases may have a problem, and be sure to consult your vet before starting a new regime.

Be certain your dog has plenty of water available at all times, and provide a place to cool down out of the sun. When the temperature drops below freezing, exercise should be limited, unless your dog is really used to this weather. This will often vary with the breed and hair coat. If the wind picks up to more than 10 mph, be careful to prevent hypothermia or frostbite. If your dog is shivering, get him back indoors or in some form of warm shelter. If you live in an area that gets cold and icy, remember that road salt can burn your dog's feet. Don't forget: even in cold weather, an exercising dog needs plenty of water.

Almost all dogs, especially those with heart and lung problems and those with thick hair coats, are likely to have trouble with hot and humid conditions. It's better to exercise in the early morning or evening when the heat is less than 80 degrees and the humidity is less then 30 percent (avoid hot and humid conditions).

Henry With His Friend Mark

Henry's World

Henry collects friends everywhere. Mark is a dear friend. He is a graduate student at the university full time and in his limited free time he takes care of Fair Oaks, a hundred and sixty acre estate in Evinston, FL and does yard work for me, time permitting. Henry is wild about Mark because Mark will get out in the yard and play ball, run around and carry Henry like a sack of potatoes. Henry is ecstactic when Mark arrives. This week Mark is building a huge fenced play yard for Henry. No more being begged to go out at all hours on the leash. I don't know who is more excited, me or Henry.

Henry's Adventures as a Youth

Henry's World

Henry drove me crazy as a puppy. He was into every kind of mischief imaginable. Once he found a small battery dropped on the floor in my studio and ate it. I turned around to see foam pouring out of his mouth. He vomited the battery up. I had to rush him to the Doc and they fixed him up but not before his tongue was stripped of flesh.

Then there was the time he ate part of a bag of lawn fertilizer. The funny one was his finding a tube of blue watercolor paint in the studio so his poop was blue for a couple of days.

The Doc got almost daily frantic calls from me for about 6 months. To this day, I don't dare leave shoes on the floor, but at least he doesn't eat anything else that is non food. Through the miracle of time, he transformed himself from a bratty adolescent to a very fine dog indeed.

Henry's Favorite Lap

Henry's World

Henry's favorite lap belongs to his Aunt Becky. My sister, Becky Kalb is retired and likes to watch TV, so Henry is the lucky recipient of her devotion when I am at the Loft Studio or on the road traveling here and there. He likes dog movies, and Walker, Texas Ranger the most. We often eat dinner while we watch TV so he patiently waits for her to finish and put the plate aside before he jumps up to be held and petted for his nap time. Henry is a very lucky dog to have two caretakers who adore him.  Mom is for fun and adventure. Aunt Becky is for snuggling and comfort.