Pumpkin the Japanese Chin

Menace Special Report: Pumpkin Slippers

2011-11-17T11:54:00Z

Hey Pumpkin, what do you have here?

OMG, its a Pumpkin slipper!

Shouldn't we be getting royalties on this?

Menace out!

Note from Mommy: These slippers are by FuzzyNation and I got them at Macy's in Chicago on State St., however Macy's web site lists them as sold out. Other breeds are available including boston terrier, english bulldog, and pug.

Menace Special Report: Pumpkin Slippers

2011-11-17T11:54:00Z

Menace Monday: Official Photo Shoot

2011-10-24T15:49:25Z

Hello, Menace super agent here!

I sent Pumpkin to the Phodographer Mike Lavoie to get some good shots of her Pumpkin Spice Latte outfit for her portfolio.

Mommy jumped in to some of the pictures to act as the barista, and wow I didn't know she could model too! Look at how Mommy's eyes look right at the camera, while Pumpkin's eyes look in two completely different directions. Perhaps I should represent Mommy instead?

Mike Lavoie

What do you think?

Menace Out!

More Pumpkin Spice Latte Photos

2011-10-12T18:11:31Z

Hello, Pumpkin here!

Menace was checking out the Internet for my pawparazzi photos, and he found some great shots taken by Susan Mattes. Check them out!

Susan Mattes

Susan Mattes

Susan has more great event photos of the Chicago Canine Rescue Mutt Strut on Flickr.

xoxo
Pumpkin

Menace Monday: Ultimate Grand Supreme

2011-10-10T11:48:00Z

Hello, Menace here.

As you know, I am Pumpkin's agent. And although it appears that I sit around and do nothing, that is not the case. I am constantly watching TV to improve my talent management skills.

One of my favorite shows is "Toddlers and Tiaras" because it has tips for getting a great performance out of Pumpkin in her costume contests. There is not much difference between a Halloween costume and an "outfit of choice" or "wow wear." All my work has finally paid off. Pumpkin won overall first prize in the fashion show at Chicago Canine Rescue's Mutt Strut for her "Pumpkin Spice Latte." The contest judge was our very own Miss Illinois Angela Sparrow. Pumpkin was very excited to meet her. Pumpkin was a little less excited to meet her dog Zen. So much for winning Miss Congeniality.

As the winner, Pumpkin will receive a coat of her choice from Dog-a-holics. I can't really collect 10% of a coat, but my prize will really be some quiet Pumpkin-free moments inside while Pumpkin it out walking in the cold.

Menace Out!

Going on a Starbucks Run!

2011-09-25T22:01:45Z

Hi, Pumpkin here!

I am very excited because today marked the first day of canine Halloween costume contest season here in Chicago. I debuted my new outfit today at the PAWS Run for their Lives event.

After my Lady Gaga and Katy Perry getups from years past, I was hoping Mommy would pick out something beautiful and dignified this year. I'm talkin' Kate Middleton or Natalie Portman. I had no such luck.

Here I am as a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte! This year Mommy got in on the act and dressed as my barista. I love that we dressed up together as a team, though I don't understand why I couldn't be the barista and Mommy couldn't be the silly one.

The contest was sponsored by Disney's Spooky Buddies and Evangers pet food. I came in second place and won a big basket of Evangers food and treats! I also won an Evangers calendar which I gave to Menace as his 10%. I thought if he actually kept track of dates he might improve his management skills.

Since Mommy dressed up with me, do you think she gets part of my prize? I am not sure I want to share. Evangers canned dog food is my favorite!

xoxo
Pumpkin

Teethies Update

2011-09-08T18:44:11Z

Hello, Pumpkin here.

Just wanted to let everyone know my dental surgery was successful and I am recuperating.

I lost four of my teethies, and three of them were in the front. I think I will need to get a flipper for modeling. I hope to get it in time for Halloween costume contest season.

The vet gave Mommy my pulled teethies so I could rest assured they were not going for sale on eBay.

No photos as I am not looking my best right now.

xoxo
Pumpkin

Small Dog Meetup

2011-09-05T02:25:01Z

Hello, Pumpkin here!

Mommy hasn't taken me to the Dog Party House for a while, so when she told me there was a small dog meetup I jumped at the chance to come.

Of course, I had to dress up. Polka dots are very hot this fall for both people and dogs.

I love the small dog parties because there are lots of small dog lovers there to pay attention to me. I don't normally pay attention to my competition!

There were like a million Chihuahuas there!

But from afar one of the Chihuahuas really stood out. Who is that handsome dog?

It turns out that dog is named Pumpkin too. Its totally like when Taylor Swift was hanging out with Taylor Lautner!

Do you think we make a good pair?

xoxo
Pumpkin

Bark-Be-Que

2011-09-02T00:19:00Z

Hello, Pumpkin here!

I have been in hiding for the past few weeks because I did not want the paparazzi to capture my cat food induced weight gain. I worked hard to shed those extra ounces, and when the Anti-Cruelty Society's annual Bark-Be-Que came around I was ready to flaunt my improved physique!

Here I am entering the event with Mommy. What, no red carpet? The recession is even hitting the celebrity circuit!

This Anti-Cruelty volunteer was clearly floored to have a celebrity of my stature at the event.

The Anti-Cruelty Society knows that dogs love Barbecue. I had a piece of bacon, a piece of hot dog, a dog cupcake, and a piece of doggie carob cake. What a haul!

Although the food was great, the best part was spending time together with Mommy.

For more event photos check out the Anti-Cruelty Society on Flickr.

I am getting my teethies cleaned on Tuesday so please cross your paws for me.

xoxo
Pumpkin

Menace Special Report: Stop Thief!

2011-08-04T17:57:15Z

Hello, Menace here!

Today Pumpkin, Mommy, and I went to the vet. Apparently I have been losing weight, and Pumpkin has been gaining weight. Why would that be? Duh! I have been trying to tell Mommy for weeks that the little monster has been eating my food.

Of course, Pumpkin has been very slick about this and Mommy does not catch her eating my food, but even Mommy admitted that sometimes Pumpkin has tuna breath and she isn't sure why. Tuna is for cats, that's why!

The vet says I have to eat my food on a counter or raised place Pumpkin cannot reach. Ha! Japanese Chin are supposed to be agile climbers, but Pumpkin can barely jump her fat butt onto the couch. This should be no problem.

Menace Out!

Canine Cruise

2011-08-03T23:09:00Z

Hello Pumpkin here!

I am a little upset with Mommy. She has been so busy with her own showbiz career, that she has neglected to keep up with my blog.

My Mommy is in a punk rock band called Headspins, and she has been busy playing shows and recording and all kinds of stuff.

I like Mommy's bandmates, but boy do they make a lot of noise!

Not to worry too much. Mommy has neglected the blog, but not me in real life! Here are some pictures of us on our annual Canine Cruise on the Chicago River and Lakefront.

Of course, I was very well behaved. I sat in my seat and listened to the tour guide. I like to keep up with my architecture. I've seen many changes since I first started taking the cruise, including the completion of the Trump Tower.

Here I am opening my mouth slightly to capture more of the wonderful new smells.

And of course I am properly dressed in my Ruff Wear life jacket.

xoxo
Pumpkin

Pumpkin at the Red Door Shelter Walk

2011-06-29T11:02:00Z

Hello, Pumpkin here!

Can you believe how long it has been since I posted? I know everyone from my Grandma to my newest fan Nava has been waiting for more photos. The wait is over.

A few weeks ago my Mommy and I went to a fund raiser walk for the Red Door Shelter. They posted all the photos from the walk on Flickr, and kindly gave Mommy permission to share them on our blog. Of course the photographer took tons of pictures of me since I was the biggest celebrity there.

The event featured a 2 mile walk in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood and a fair at Indian Boundary Park.

The walk gave me a great chance to greet other dogs.

I finished the walk on my own four feet, but Mommy gave me a boost at the finish line.

Please ignore the dainty dot of slobber on my lips.

I made a lot of new friends at the after party. A nice lady shared her apple with me.

Here I am peeping this dog's sweet ride.

This dog told me they are part Japanese Chin, but between you and me I am not so sure.

It was a beautiful day for a walk and I was glad to support a good cause.

But at the end of the day I was definitely ready for a nap.

xoxo
Pumpkin

Feline Friday: CATdog Lady

2011-05-20T16:42:17Z

Hello, Menace the cat and feline super agent here.

I have a couple of things on my mind that can't wait until Menace Monday.

#1 CATdog Lady

Recently Pumpkin made a post called DogCat Lady. However, in all the comments, our friends mentioned how nice the CATdog lady seemed. Well they could not be more correct. In April, Mommy went on a business trip, and Pumpkin had spring break at the Dog Party House. And guess who visited me every day? The CATdog lady. Clearly since she visits when Pumpkin is not here, I am the main attraction! And I am quite sure she prefers cats to dogs.

#2 Pumpkin's New Job

I hooked Pumpkin up with a job as a reading dog. (That's where school children practice reading out loud to dogs.) She starts next week. Pumpkin is going to pay me her commission in stories - that is she is going to come home and tell me all the stories she hears. So that is pretty much a 100% commission. Not bad, but I wouldn't mind something tummy-filling as well.

Menace Out!

Tails in the City Party

2011-05-19T23:31:00Z

Every year Tails in the City hosts an anniversary party and fundraiser for the Anti-Cruelty Society. It is one of my favorite events of the year because it is held at a nite club and has a red carpet. It is good for my career as a celebrity to be seen at these kind of shindigs.

Here is Proof, a nite club on Chicago's famous Rush St.

Here I am with Mommy on the red carpet.

Here I am showing good attention to handler.

Here I am flashing my great smile. I have been brushing my teeth for three months with salmon flavored toothpaste, so you know my teeth and breath are great.

I like when Mommy carries me at parties so I can enjoy the stimulating conversation.

One of the party activities was modeling. Here is my photo taken by Bum Bul Bee photographers. I think the blue background really makes my red fur pop. I hope I don't get mistaken for Nicole Kidman.

I wanted to share these pictures with my nearest and dearest fans right away because I know they will be appearing in People and Us magazine shortly.

xoxo
Pumpkin

Bark in the Park

2011-05-13T01:39:00Z

Last Saturday, Mommy and I participated in the Anti-Cruelty Society's Bark in the Park 5k walk.

Here we are on the "red carpet." Look at how chic I am compared to Mommy in her new dorky glasses and oversized event t-shirt. (Mommy: I have to get them big so they are comfy pajamas!)

I know you are thinking - hey Pumpkin how can I biggify you? Well your wish is my command.

There were showers forecast so Mommy made me wear my cloud chaser coat, but later I took it off because it was a very nice day.

Mommy has not been feeling great, so she has let herself get out of shape and was really struggling. I practically had to drag her across the finish line. Even when we are not taking long walkies, I stay in shape by chasing the cat.

xoxo
Pumpkin

DogCat Lady

2011-05-11T21:59:00Z

Hello, Pumpkin here.

I am sorry I have not been blogging so much. That is largely due to my addiction to Twitter. I have realized that my thoughts while very deep, are not very long, so they work great as tweets. Plus I have to keep up with the other celebrities. So for the very latest thoughts, do be sure to check me out @superbuddypets.

That said, there has been a very interesting development lately. Sometimes Mommy straps her guitar on her back and leaves for like 10 hours at a time! Menace and I sit around very lonely and sad (see picture below.)

This sadness gets worse around dinnertime because an empty stomach will drain the happiness right out of your heart.* And just when we think we can't stand it anymore, an angel of mercy comes to visit us. This is the DogCat Lady.

The DogCat Lady must be able to hear the prayers of cats and dogs, because she always comes to visit in our time of need. She takes me on a walk, and then feeds us both dinner. She even likes Menace.

We are very grateful to the DogCat Lady, however I am contemplating knocking over Mommy's guitar because it is responsible for making her leave in the first place.

xoxo
Pumpkin

* This is a scientific fact. As you know I have a PhD, so I know all about these kinds of things.

Spotlight

2011-04-13T17:40:00Z

A good model and actress knows to always find the spotlight.

Look who is trying to creep into my sun!

Menace, managers are supposed to stay behind the scenes!

xoxo
Pumpkin

Menace Monday: Toes Needs a Home

2011-04-11T17:34:00Z

Hello, Menace here.

I am going to pass my Menace Monday blogging privileges today to my friend Toes. He is looking for a new home. Unfortunately (or fortunately for me) we are at maximum catpactiy.

Menace Out!

Hello! My name is Toes the cat. Today I write to you on behalf of my mom, Jen.

My mom is a great mom. She has loved me for ten years and been a great owner. Unfortunately she is at a very difficult crossroads in her life that greatly effects me. She has met someone who she plans to have a serious future with named Marc. He is a great guy, but he is VERY allergic to me! Just moments after coming into my house he breaks out in unbearable hives. My mom and Marc are moving in together this June ideally to save money to "take the plunge" (Yikes!). But with Marc's strong allergies, medication is not even an option for a happy household. Hence, my mom's difficult crossroad. She needs to find a loving new home for me.

While it brings tears to her eyes to even think of losing me, I know that there is someone out there who will love me and take great care of me.

As you can see from the attached photo, I have extra fingers and toes (hence my name Toes) which have allowed me to craft this email to you. Just think of all the possibilities of having a pet with opposable thumbs!

Open doors like a gentleman
Hours of fun having thumb wars
Pranking kids by tying their shoes together before they get up
Open a beer
Make the bed
Do the dishes
Clean the litter box! (Well, maybe not)

These are just a few of the great things I can bring into your life! Imagine the possibilities!

If you or someone you know is willing to open your door to me, my mom will make sure I am taken care of! She will ensure I have been to the vet, send at least a month supply of food, litter, a new litter box and toys, as well as a great cat water fountain that is only 1 year old that I love!

Also if you have any other cats, I am sure we will be pals fast! I grew up with my litter mate brother Tips. Unfortunately he passed away from cancer last year, and I miss him dearly. In fact, I would love the company of another feline!

Taking me in is a lot to ask, and my mom and I are very aware of this. But I am incredibly loving and cuddly and promise to show my thanks daily! If you are not able to take me we both absolutely understand. But if you know of someone else in need of a new friend please let us know! The only way is to ask, right!? This was not an easy decision for my mom, but it is something she has had to come to terms with. And while I am upset, I am looking forward to a new curious kitten adventure!

Much love from us both!

Toes and Jen

If you are interested in learning more about toes, send Heather an email at thehgirl at hotmail dot com and she will pass your info on to Jen. Toes is located in the Chicagoland area.

Rice Everywhere!

2011-03-29T20:04:00Z

Hello, Pumpkin here!

Now normally Mommy is a meanie who does not share her take out food. However, if she gets a container of plain rice with her food, she will make me a little plate. I do enjoy some sticky rice.

Of course, I like to take food from my plate and transport it to a safe location like under the coffee table before I eat. Otherwise Menace might just pluck his 10% from my jaws! However with rice it is hard to carry every bit, so I leave a little trail behind.

Mommy was not too happy about this. She does not understand how much hard work goes into being a dog.

xoxo
Pumpkin

Menace Monday: West Loop Vet Raffle

2011-03-28T13:24:00Z

Hello, Menace here.

On Saturday morning I was awakened from my slumbers at the very early hour of noon. Can't you see managers are trying to sleep here?

Pumpkin shouted "Hurry up Menace!"

What could be going on I wondered?

"Are all these treats for me?"

It turns out that I won a prize in West Loop Vet's raffle to benefit the Anti-Cruelty Society. Pumpkin and Mommy went to the vet on Saturday morning to fetch my prize for me. Part of the prize was a $50 gift certificate to Paw Naturals, a high-end pet store near the vet, which Pumpkin took the liberty of cashing in for delicious duck hearts.

Now I won this prize on my own, and Pumpkin is not my manager, so I am not obligated to share anything. However, let it not be said that Menace is not generous. I gave Pumpkin the gift certificate for a free exam and nail trim at West Loop Vet, which is certainly more than 10% of the total value of my basket.

I am awfully nice, aren't I?

Menace Out