Pumpkin the Japanese Chin

More Publicity!

2010-09-01T14:58:00Z

I am very excited to announce that Mommy and I are mentioned in an article on clickertraining.com! This was written by my teacher Laura. I'm mentioned toward the end and see if you can spot our picture too. If you don't feel like reading all those words, here's the cliff notes version: "dogs like hot dogs."

The Training Game: A New Perspective

xoxo
Pumpkin

Menace Monday: She's a Rock Star

2010-08-30T14:20:00Z

Hello, Menace the feline super agent here.

Check out page 14 of today's Chicago Sun-Times.

No - not the 6 pounds of meth story - but the one starring my client Pumpkin!

"Heather Cunningham prepares her dog, Pumpkin, for the costume contest at the ctiy's Dog Day on the Green at Montrose Harbor on Sunday. Pumpkin was dressed as Katy Perry (below)."

Pumpkin appears to be only in the print edition. Of course, that is very smart on the paper's part because everyone will want to buy the paper if that is the only place to see Pumpkin.

Menace out!

Dr. Pumpkin

2010-08-27T12:00:00Z

Well, I have had a most busy and exciting month. Here is a recap.

As you recall, I hurt my foot at the beach and had to go to the ER, where I was given some very good happy time medicine. I healed up very quickly, so quickly in fact that Mommy thinks I might have been stung by a bee on my ankle. That would explain the sudden scream and quick recovery. The park where I was injured is full of clover flowers mixed in with the grass, and Mommy noticed a lot of bees about.

My manager, Menace the cat, had a little chat with me in his office after a few days on the happy time medicine.

He said he did not want a Lindsay Lohan on his hands, so he said I had to go to rehab at the Pooch Hotel . How embarrassing! But here is the worst part. The day Menace sent me to rehab was the exact same day Lady Gaga gave a concert in Grant Park! This made me so mad I used a couple of HBO words.

Since time goes quickly for dogs, luckily I only had to stay one day. At the Pooch Hotel I stayed out of the regular playgroup because I'm a celebrity, but I had some nice refined social time with a handsome Pomeranian.

Due to my injury and my busy schedule visiting the rehab home, I had missed school for a while. Turns out my teacher Laura moved lessons to a new location - a vet's office called Furnetic! This is an awful sneaky trick, because I hate the vet's office but I love school. I noticed there were no people in scrubs around, so I figured I was safe. Plus Laura had hot dogs.

My first exercise was to get weighed. Normally I get weighed on a cat scale, so I was happy to use the big dog scale for a change.

Rot-oh! Our weights were written on a white board for the whole world to see! I should have taken off my collar so I would have a lower number. I'm not the kind of actress willing to gain weight for a role.

Then at the end of class, I got a big surprise. Turns out I was just one class shy of getting my doctorate, and I finished that night. My teacher awarded me a PhD! Only one other dog at her school has achieved this level of award.

Now Menace is very happy. He said "More Natalie Portman, less Lindsay Lohan, good job Pumpkin! This will be great for your image."

But that's not all! After class, my teacher asked me to stay behind for some filming for a movie she is making on clicker training! I just adore indie documentaries so I said yes of course. I am already picking out a cute parka for Sundance.

So to sum it up, this month I:

Survived a killer bee attack
Developed a dependency on prescription meds
Went to rehab for above dependency
Earned my doctorate
Starred in a movie

This does not even cover a visit from rock star Mullarkey!, but Menace has asked to write about that on Monday.

xoxo
Pumpkin

Menace Monday: Pumpkin Lohan?

2010-08-02T11:27:00Z

Hello, Menace here.

So yesterday Mommy took Pumpkin to the beach so I could have some much needed peace and quiet. But as they were walking to the beach, Pumpkin cried out in pain. It didn't even sound like a dog noise, more like a child screaming. Mommy looked down and Pumpkin was holding up her front left paw.

Mommy had an ice pack to keep her picnic lunch cold, so she iced it right away. But it was clear Pumpkin was still hurting, so she had to carry all her beach things and Pumpkin in her backpack back to the road to get a taxi to Animal Emergency.

We are not sure what happened because although its very clear Pumpkin's front "wrist" was hurting, no bones were broken and there was no swelling. It could be that Mommy's quick icing kept swelling at bay. She may have sprained her ankle, or she may have been stung by a bee. Here is a picture of the inside of Pumpkin's feetsies from the ER. They are reversed, so the hurt paw is on the right.

Now Pumpkin is resting comfortably at home and she is on 2 different painkillers. This worries me quite a bit as a manager, because you know how actresses always get addicted to painkillers. I do not want to book Pumpkin on Celebrity Rehab as anything other than a therapy dog! And after this scare, I am definitely demanding she use a stunt double for all action scenes.

But the very worst part of this whole episode is that Pumpkin is getting extra attention and I am getting neglected.

Menace Out

Menace Monday: Menace at Work

2010-07-19T18:08:00Z

Hello, Menace here.

A number of people have implied that I am not a very good manager. However, I have been working most hard to help Pumpkin transition from model to actress.

Here I am reviewing scripts in my office:

I thought that Pumpkin would have a better perspective on what it means to be in the movies, if she actually went to the movies. Now normally she is not allowed at the movies, which is totally unfair, but I found a special outdoor movie in a nearby park for her to attend. Here she is with Mommy waiting for "Where the Wild Things Are" to begin. Auntie Amber met her there, and Pumpkin was most excited to see her.

I also got Pumpkin a great new assignment as a therapy dog. She is visiting patients at a senior care and rehabilitation facility this summer. It's important for actors to research their roles, so this will be great preparation for a guest spot on "Grey's Anatomy" or "House."

Now as you can see, I am working very hard, especially considering I am a cat and must fit my work into the 6 hours a day I am awake.

Menace Out!

Sunday at the Beach / Lady Gaga Eyes

2010-07-11T19:37:00Z

Today Mommy took me to the dog beach. And look what I saw - another Japanese Chin!

This Japanese Chin was playing with other dogs and, *gasp*, going in the water!

I told this Japanese Chin what I thought of his undignified behavior. Because Japanese Chin are so rare, we are always ambassadors for our breed, and we should make a good impression. We would not want people to think we are water dogs like Labradorks.

Now Mommy went in the very shallow part of the water at the quiet end of the beach to cool off her feet. I stayed right on the edge.

When I stepped towards the water, I heard a click and got a treat. Hmmmm, maybe I will take another step towards Mommy.

Before I knew it, I was in the water! And it felt great to cool off. Dogs regulate temperature partly through their paw pads, so nice cool feet made a nice cool Pumpkin.

Now I felt kind of bad for dressing down that Japanese Chin earlier. But not too bad.

Now here is something you won't see everyday, a picture of me dirty! How embarrassing. The pawparazzi are everywhere!

Now speaking of pawparazzi, a number of people have commented that I look like Lady Gaga, even when I'm not in my costume. That is hard for me to believe, being as I am covered in fur and she is not, and I am very small and she is not, not to mention the four-feet/two-feet issue. But they say there is something in the eyes. What do you think?

Well I think that Lady Gaga may be copying me! I don't need to wear dangerous contact lenses or use computer graphics to make my eyes look so big.

Speaking of big eyes, check out the brand new public sculpture not far from my house. Mommy showed it to me on the way home from the beach, but she saw it recently when it was being assembled.

Now suddenly my eyes look very small.

xoxo
Pumpkin

Surprise School

2010-07-08T21:28:00Z

On Monday, Mommy had the day off so she took me to the lakefront. It was so hot, and I was hoping to catch a nice cool breeze off the lake.

All kinds of people passed me on the lakefront path and many stopped to admire me.

After our day at the lake I thought we were done. We passed Krisers that evening I was so surprised to see my teacher Laura there!

Have you heard of a surprise party? Well in this case, there was surprise school! We did a lesson right there in Krisers with some other dogs in the neighborhood.

Here is a picture of me showing good attention to handler.

During the lesson, I found I have a new favorite food. Spray cheeze from a can! Laura put some inside my toy for me. Wow look at my amazing long tongue in this picture.

I know most people have nightmares about surprise tests, but for dogs surprise school is a good thing. Ummmm.... spray cheeze....

xoxo
Pumpkin

Menace Monday: Great Publicity for Pumpkin

2010-07-06T15:37:00Z

Hi, Menace here.

As you know, I am Menace's manager and talent agent in exchange for 10% of her kibbles. Well I am pleased to announce Pumpkin was just featured in a radio show about pets this week.

The show is called "Wild About Pets" and it features an interview with Pumpkin's teacher and acting coach, Laura Monaco Torelli. Pumpkin is mentioned at the very end of the third segment, and her photo is featured on the show's web site.

Listen to "Wild About Pets"
View the show photos

Congratulations Pumpkin. I think you deserve an Oscar for how well you pretend to not mind a nail trim.

Menace Out!

Canine Cruise

2010-06-29T11:00:00Z

Last week Mommy and I went to the Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society's annual Canine Cruise.

The Canine Cruise provides a spectacular view of Chicago's famous architecture for people and their canine companions. And apparently, also for annoying Labradorks.

"Hey Buddy, stop begging for treats from MY mommy!"

After a while I decided I did not want to sit on Mommy's lap anymore. I chose a seat and sat in it like a proper lady for the rest of the evening.

Of course everywhere I go, the pawparazzi follows me! Its very difficult to pose for photos while pretending to ignore the photographer.

In the middle of the cruise, this mysterious dog decided to sit next to me. She must be famous because she is wearing sunglasses.

I did not mind sharing the VIP section with this strange dog. We both sat politely in our seats.

Uh-oh, who let this riff-raff into the VIP section?

This is the view of Chicago from the lake. What a fun ride.

Who Wore it Best?

2010-05-20T16:21:00Z

I am going to fire my stylist! Mommy dressed me up for the party last week, and not one but two other dogs had the same dress as me!

Check out our photos from the modeling contest. I am sure they will be featured in Us Magazine next week under "Who Wore it Best?" These other dogs are cute, but look at how I have angled my body to show off my dress to the camera. Now that's modeling!

Here are a couple more pictures from my party. I had my hair done at the beauty bar.

Here I am getting a massage in the spa area.

Now this is the life!

xoxo
Pumpkin

Red Carpet Photo

2010-05-18T11:52:00Z

Hi Everyone, Pumpkin here!

On Friday, I attended the Tails in the City 6th anniversary party at Level nightclub to benefit the Anti-Cruelty Society.

Here's a picture of me on the red carpet with my "entourage." I'm sure TMZ will post this any minute.

Now this is the party where I entered the Top Model contest. I've got some stiff competition and sure could use some help. Please vote for me at: http://events.tailsinthecity.com/2010/05/help-us-choose-winner-vote-for-your.html . I'm #5 and the voting is on the left side of the page. Thanks so much for your support!

xoxo
Pumpkin

Menace Monday: Help Pumpkin become a Top Model

2010-05-17T15:00:00Z

Hi Everyone, Menace here!

As you know, I have been trying to get Pumpkin some gigs, so I can earn 10% of her treats for being her agent. Now a big opportunity has come along, but I need your help. Pumpkin entered a Top Model contest, and the prize is to be in a national ad campaign for Scooter's Friends.

To vote, visit the Tails in the City Top Model web page Tails in the City Top Model web page and on the left-hand side of the page vote for #5 - Pumpkin.

Pumpkin's contest photo. Doesn't she look great?

Pumpkin has all kinds of stories from her photo shoot, which took place at a fancy party to benefit the Anti-Cruelty Society . However, I'll let her share the details with you later this week.

Thanks so much for your support! I know Pumpkin can't lose because she has such wonderful friends and fans.

Menace Out!

Bark in the Park: I Made It

2010-05-01T19:36:00Z

Hi everyone, Pumpkin here.

I would like to thank my many friends and fans for their support for my big walk at the Bark in the Park . I exceeded my fundraising goal by 20% due to your generosity. The animals waiting for homes at the Anti-Cruelty Society really appreciate it!

When we got to the walk I realized - "boy I told everyone I was going to walk 5k and it did not seem like a big deal, but now I'm here and I have to walk all that way it seems awfully far!" So when we first got to the fair, I let Mom carry me around so I could rest up.

I was worried I might pass out from hunger during the walk until I saw my good friend Michele from Krisers. I knew my friends Michele and Mina would make sure I got plenty of healthy treats at the Kirsers tent.

It was a beautiful morning for a walk along the lake. Boy was I glad to see that finish line!

During the walk, there were water stops with dog bowls of water. And they were disgusting! They were full of all kinds of gross slobbers. So at the end of the walk, Mommy gave me my own water cup.

"Oh thank goodness, I am thirsty!"

"Hey buddy, get your own drink!"

Then horrors, there was another Japanese Chin at the walk! His name was Rambo and he was up in my business. (I don't think Rambo is a good movie star name because I think it could lead to typecasting.)

This is my "I've had enough!" face. Please disregard the small delicate drops of slobber on my mouth.

Luckily, Mommy brought my portable "movie star trailer" so I could have a little privacy after the race.

Overall I had a great time and I hope to "bark" again next year.

xoxo
Pumpkin

We Did It

2010-04-27T19:00:00Z

I am so proud of myself and I will tell you why - I made my goal! Mommy, Menace, and I have raised over $200 for the Anti-Cruelty Society. Now all I have to do is worry about finishing my 5k walk. Thank you to everyone for your support!

xoxo
Pumpkin

Menace Monday: Competition

2010-04-19T22:31:00Z

Hello, Menace the super agent here.

First of all, Pumpkin and I would like to thank every one who contributed to the Anti Cruelty Society for Pumpkin's 5k walk . We are over 70% of the way to our goal!

One of my many jobs as a super talent agent is handling the fragile egos of my stars. Take Pumpkin for instance. This weekend she went to a small dog party and there was a Japanese Chin puppy there!

This is Mochi.

Pumpkin was upset because Mochi is younger.

Not only that but Mochi is thinner.

And apparently, Mochi does not have any objections to on-camera nudity!

At the party, Pumpkin could have been a little nicer to Mochi. Boy was she ever jealous. I told Pumpkin that Cate Blanchett does not sit around worrying about what Miley Cyrus is doing, and that she should not worry about Mochi.

I mean, look at this side-by-side shot of them begging. I think Pumpkin's acting is clearly better.

Plus Pumpkin has a sophisticated fashion sense that took years to develop.

However, I hear Miley Cyrus makes lots of money, so perhaps I should try to sign Mochi to my Japanese Chin Talent Agency!

Menace Out!

Menace Monday: Sponsor Pumpkin in the Bark in the Park

2010-04-13T02:12:00Z

Hello, Menace here.

I am pleased to announce that my client Pumpkin will be walking 5k to support a most worthy cause, the Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society. That's right, little 8lb Pumpkin will complete over 3 miles to support animals in need!

Pumpkin asked me if I would join her, but there is no way any self-respecting cat would walk 3 miles. That's too much work! Plus there will be all kinds of strange dogs there trying to sniff my butt and eat my snacks. So I said I would help her post about it on our blog instead.

Pumpkin had a blast last year. She finished the course in record time (under 1 hour) and her Auntie Amber was there for support.

Here's how you can help:

Contribute to Pumpkin's Fundraising Page
Our goal is to raise $200, enough to provide one week's care for one cat and one dog. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts.

Walk in the Bark in the Park
There is still time for those in the Chicago area to sign up. The walk is Saturday, May 1 at Montrose Harbor.

About the Anti-Cruelty Society

As Chicago’s oldest and largest private, open admission, unlimited stay humane society, The Anti-Cruelty Society has been caring for animals and the community since 1899. Its mission is to build a community of caring by helping pets and educating people. Each year, The Anti-Cruelty Society helps over 50,000 people and animals through its comprehensive services and programs that include: adoptions, low or no-cost spay/neuter clinic, charity veterinary clinic, humane community outreach, cruelty abuse investigation and rescue, education and training, free behavior hotline, pet visitation to the sick and elderly, rehabilitation and treatment, and the S.A.F.E. program (Short-term Accommodations For Emergencies) that provides temporary housing for pets whose owners are involved in an emergency crisis situation such as domestic violence, fires, floods, illness, and foreclosure.

I know Pumpkin's efforts will be a huge success thanks to the support of all her friends and fans.

Menace Out

Aunt Kitty Has Gone to the Dogs

2010-04-01T13:54:00Z

Regular readers of my blog remember my Aunt Kitty. She comes to visit me in Chicago from time to time and she is one of my favorite people!

Aunt Kitty wasn't born a Kitty, it became her nickname because of her love of cats. Now hardly anyone calls her by her real name. Both my mommy and my auntie grew up with lots of cats and no dogs. They were definitely cat people, at least until they met me.

Well one thing I like to do is listen to stories with my mommy and I especially like the ones about vampires and werewolves. So recently we listened to a story about a girl named Kitty who becomes a werewolf. WTF? Is that my auntie? (Kitty and the Midnight Hour (Kitty Norville, Book 1))

Mommy said it was only a story, but I am starting to wonder. You see, I just got an email from my aunt Kitty asking if I would post some information on my bloggie for everyone. And its about a DOG! I thought I was the only dog Kitty liked.

You see, Kitty's friend is fostering a dog named China in Jersey City while she looks for her forever home. Kitty asked me to post her info and you know I would like to help. Visit China's Petfinder page for more information and contact info.

Here is a note from Kitty who has been hanging out with China:

"China is a sweet girl who very much wishes to sit in your lap and beloved. She is very energetic and wiggles her butt funny when she'sexcited. She is great with new people and gives many kisses. She wouldbe best as the only dog in the house. She is nothing like I had imagineda "pit bull" to be like" - Aunt Kitty!

If Kitty has time to visit China, then she certainly has time to visit Chicago and visit me!

xoxo

Pumpkin

Menace Monday: PAWS Fundraiser at Tails in the City

2010-03-29T19:19:00Z

Hello Everyone, Menace here!

So this weekend my client Pumpkin got some good publicity by attending a PAWS fundraiser at Tails in the City. I did not have to really twist her tail to get her to go, because Tails in the City is a super fancy dog clothing boutique that caters to celebrity pets.

Here she is posing with fellow celebrity, Mr. Easter Bunny. Pumpkin was miffed because his paw is covering up most of her pretty dress. I am frustrated because I sent this photo to Perez Hilton like 5 times already, but it was not posted.

*sigh* Its hard work being an agent.

Menace Out!

More Publicity

2010-03-23T20:27:00Z

Today Menace said he had some big news for me.

What's that Menace?

He said that my picture was featured on Kriser's new web site on the Community page. Wow that is big news thanks for letting me know Menace! Also in my photo is Mike, the manager of my local Kriser's and one of my favorite ~~treat dispensers~~ people in the whole world.

You know that when I visit Kriser's I get a treat every time. Now that my picture is on the web site, Menace says that he deserves 10% of my treats as commission. What the heck? Do you think Menace deserves any of my treats?

xoxo
Pumpkin

Olsen Twins are Japanese Chin?

2010-02-18T15:57:00Z

Menace was reading MSN Wonderwall (because he is in the entertainment industry) and he pointed out this story on celebrities that look like dogs to me.

The article said that the Olsen Twins resemble Japanese Chin! What do you think?

They do kind of have big eyes and they are very tiny. But I think I am better dressed!

xoxo
Pumpkin