Gary's Straight Shooting

2012-02-26T15:44:00.000-08:00

Hey Cats,

Here's a pile of pics of everybody having fun here at the Hotel. Hope you dig it.

Boona, 12 weeks old and livin' the life.

Scooby 12 years old and pacing himself.

Stella, 4 mos.

Macci leaving Copper and Oscar to smell the roses.

First squirrels of the season getting bold. The Pet Hotel is listed on TripAdvisor as being one of the most squirrel unfriendly places in Canada.

This is Norton. He has the same skin thickness as a Ziplock bag. He has been coming for awhile. On his form it stated under breed: Italian Greyhound.

Here is Norton seated next to George. George too listed his breed as, "Italian Greyhound."

Here's a picture, illegally obtained from the internet, I got when I Googled: Italian Greyhound. This being the case, I have no idea whose knee that is.

Here's George and Norton again, this time discussing their similarities. Note the patch of white on their noses.

Here is a baby black bear we found huddled up in a ball beside the highway.

Kidding.

Here is a picture of Norton being sniffed by Zeus, a fine example of a Jack Russell.

One day of sun is often enough to cure these midwinter blues.

Macci and Ruby performing in this month's production of. "Rin Tin Tin, Escape From Alcatraz."

Here is a nice shot of co-star, Macci, and Director, Norton, at the premier.

Riveting....

....yet filled with many tender moments.

Diesel, leaving the performance. Two thumbs up, maybe three.

And lastly for this post, I would like to pay tribute to one of the fallen. I used to look at other boarding facility's websites and noted that some of them had lists of dogs who were no longer with us. Some of these lists were quite long. I thought, "Now there's some good advertising." Well, since I've been running this place, I have started to change my thoughts on the subject. Fact is we are coming up to our tenth year here at the Hotel. By our fifteenth year, chances are, every single dog that we started with will no longer be here. And, although I would like to skirt the subject, and despite the nine lives advantage, I have to include myself amongst those numbers. Don't worry, Dick will carry on the legacy(providing he takes it easy on the kitty chow). Get ready for lots of abstract portraits. Anyway, I am putting off the point here. It would seem completely uncaring to lose a family member(for many do become like family here) and say nothing. We lost one of the most familiar and endearing members of our pack here at the Hotel and we just want to let him know that there is a hole here as big as an ocean. Safe travels Kucha.

Me and Kucha.

2011-12-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

Hey Cats,

How was your Christmas? Christmas is always busy at the Hotel. Here's a bit of the comings and goings.

This here's Rusty. He feels a little rusty these days but give hime a pull toy and look out!

Nena. She speaks Spanish. I am presently taking a crash course so that we can get to know one and other a bit better.

She's not very cute.

Neither is Macci.

Around Christmas time we like to do a little Ice Capades type perfomance. This year's theme is cartoon characters. Here are some of the cast members on a break.

Macci trying out for the role of Bambi.

Nena vying for the yet to be named fairy princess.

Dlilah and Chili facing off for Wile E. Coyote.

Which one would you pick?

Cedar, however, knows she is a shoe in. Does anybody know what "a shoein" really means?

Buddy is to be Foghorn Leghorn. "That was a joke son. See you're too short, all the good ones go over your head."

Fairy godmother Rebel.

Not sure on Adolfo's part yet.-some sort of grazing bovine perhaps.

Sam and Adolfo rehearsing for the scene where there is a fight to the death to gain the affections of the yet to be named heroine.

Who should win her affections, Sam or Adolfo?

All that for little Mika here.

Bida settling in.

Chelsea.

Finnegan on patrol.

Would you look at that gob.

Macci caught on security tape making a run for the cat zone. This is pretty cute the first 15 or so times but then fails to impress.

Ulu trying to look like Flipper.

Rocky, the Boxer, boxing with Adolfo.

Xena and Rebel

That's it for now cats,

Tune in soon for scenes from our upcoming "Wild and Crazy" new years party.

Gary

P.S.

There is a draw to be held for a two night free stay at the Pet Hotel. In order to get into the draw you have to post a comment on this post. I'll announce a winner next time-though chances of a bunch of comments are pretty slim.

2011-12-18T13:42:00.000-08:00

Well Cat's,

Like I said, the previous post will be the last without snow for a while. So why don't you peruse a few shots while Dick and I work on our festive version of, "Baby it's Cold Outside."

MMMMmmm, Baby it's cold outside...

Here's the seasonally appropriately named Jingle Bell and Hugo. The reason Ruth looks like that is Hugo has his foot jammed where all but a dog might consider an inappropriate place.

Cleo.

Hugo moves like a Jello® tidal wave.

This here's Piglet trying to blend in to the floor.

Jingle Bell ringing in the season.

Burton and his wanton dislike of the feline variety is not a well kept secret.

Jeeze is it ever slippery out here. No kidding Pavlov. Boy dogs are dumb.

Listen Karma, turns out I was just kidding about that dumb bit.

Chloe, selected Miss January for the Pet Hotel Naked Dog Calender(Dick's idea).

Sorry Rebel, there are to be no Mr. Januarys or any month for that matter.

Montana, too close for comfort.

Piglet again.

Cody, poster boy for flatulence.

Cody, taking exception with such distinction. Yeah, well you ride in the car with him then.

A very possible candidate for Miss February.

Bida. Bida has but one method of communication involving a foghorn rivaling bay.

That's right you Mister.

Kodi, Miss March.

My Dog Jil, Mis-anthropist.

Alrighty then,

See you soon and I'll have a shed load more of Pet Hotel antics for you. And, if I don't do that before Christmas, here's wishing you and all yours a Holly Jolly Festive Season.

P.S.

Here's Dick and I with the final cut of "Baby it's Cold Outside." He is, of course, Anne Murray. Hope you like it.

2011-12-09T16:15:00.000-08:00

Hey Cats,

Here's one last look at the Pet Hotel before the snow flew.

Course I always like to start a photo show with a striking shot of me.

Bailee pouncing on Jetta like she's a bug or something. Meanwhile Bella-Bear hopes nobody is noticing her anti-matting haircut. Don't worry Bella, I noticed. Just for interest's sake look to your right on the background photos and that is Bella sporting a full set of locks.

Next victim Jayla.

Hold on, I totally did not see that coming.

That's right kitty, just a little bit closer.

This is taken from half way up the tree where I found myself after being pursued by these two.

Youthful exuberance.

As comfy as a Pug in a rug.

Keely(background)is rather unsure of Burton's hurry.

Unfortunately, Ruby will lose two faults for missing the jump.

Ditto for Bella for skirting the water Hazard.

Jeff is working on a plan to train the dogs to do a little leaf raking with, so far, relatively poor results.

Moki en-route to mischief.

Moki comes with Brody.

See.

Ruby is a multi-talented.

See

Itty

Itty comes with Lexi.

See.

Lexi things Itty is a pain in the ass.

Callie wonders, "Is he allowed to say ass?"

Satisfied that it's O.K. Callie resumes patrol.

Sachi, on the prowl for just the right stick. Thirteen million sticks on the ground just now but Sachi needs this one still on the tree.

Maya remains trying to get her meds just right.

Meow Baby,

2011-11-11T15:43:00.000-08:00

Hey Cats,

Once again it has been quite some time since I have posted news of the Pet Hotel. It's been a busy month and a bit. The "bark-like" setting has been greatly enhanced here thanks to the completion of the fencing in of the back 2-1/2 acres here at the Hotel. We now have almost four full acres of fenced in play zone. Paws up Baby! We'll start with green and work toward grey as winter is nearly upon us.

Wouldn't be smiling if that were me, but, you know, each to their own.

Zeus practicing for his next drivers test. You can see he is getting pretty good with the left turn signal.

Thing is I'm petrified of thunder. Problem is, I often mistake my own flatulence for thunder.

I'm so happy I'm not even sure why.

Ditto

Beauty.....and Brains

Jayla and Nester

Let me assure you ocifer, I've had but a few ales.

Copper

Comes with Oscar

Not to forget Penny.

What have we here Shakespeare? Why it's the back forty. Gonna be some tired dogs tonight.

Here's Nike testing out the new digs.

Here she is again.

Zoe feels pretty good about it too.

Seconds from lift off.

Zoe doesn't have the right ear design for lift off.

Hey dudes, where you all going? What sc-sc-sc-sc-scared of little ol' kitty cat?

Let's not forget the stick thing.

Never ending.

Landing is almost as difficult as taking off.

Jayla and Tango blending in with the leaves.

Jetta taking a little time out of her day to do a little gardening.

Theo is feeling his age that's why he gets a special seat at the table.

So is Tango but he can still jump four feet straight in the air.

2011-09-10T16:46:00.000-07:00

Hey Cats,

It's been over a month. That is a serious lapse in attention to this blog. I offer my apologies in advance.

Mika putting on his game face.

Baxter cooling off.

Chase

Casting call for the Pet Hotel production of "Little Red Riding Hood."

Must have slipped Maya the wrong medication.

Look at that face.

Max and Oliver. Getting old is better with a friend.

This weeks pole vaulting demonstration by Carlie.

The Flat Coated Retriever looks like your regular Retriever except for the permanent applied to the ears.

Honey Bronzed and Very Very Desirable.

Delilah feeling the heat.

Carlie happy she didn't skewer herself during the pole vaulting demonstration.

Kovi Aug. 2011

Dec 2010. Time for a diet Kovi.

Nothing like a cold Corona on a hot day.

In fact, make that two.

Kovu enjoying the restorative effects of the Pet Hotel dust bath.

Clandestine mission.

Meka sporting quite a widow's peak.

Callie going a little heavy on the mascara.

Oliver

This is why Lucy never likes to let her guard down.

Peanut fancies he has a mighty big new girlfriend. I know this because he has been acting ridiculous around her all week.

I got news for you P-Nut. Like my Facebook page clearly says, "In a Relationship" O.K.?

Miss Molly and Luna working it out.

Ruby, lovely as always.

Rocky thinks he's the father. Let me tell you, it wasn't for lack of trying.

Look at Asher for 10 seconds and try not to crack up.

Peanut

Luna whispering something in Baxter's ear.

You would never catch a cat pulling this kind of stunt.

Benito

Hey Peanut, if I were you, I'd sleep with at least one eye open.

Later Cats,

Gary

2011-08-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hey Cats,

August long weekend....barely survived it. Business was brisk at the hotel. Here's a few shots of the last week or so. There's quite a few so you might want to make yourself a coffee or something.

This guy provided a change up in our regular afternoon entertainment schedule when he went to haul a load of hay that was baled wet. Dick(that'll be the inferior cat that also lives here at the Hotel) was asking me what on earth did the phrase, "Like peeing in the ocean" mean? So, I include this for his benefit.

Turns out, that dinky little garden hose wasn't enough. Get the idea Dick?

This is Tara.

Ditto.

What's a matter Bump? Never seen a cat with a camera?

This is Adolfo

He comes with Nena. They only speak Spanish. That's what I like, a Pug with an accent.

Watch what happens to Bella-Bear when you say, "Come."

So if those teeth are non existent in the middle so Bailee can carry a bird without doing any damage, do you think that would work well for a cat?

Bean

Comes with Tenshi.

Who also comes with Norbert.

If Santa Claus was a dog.

Max

Sage

Kanook wondering if Bailey might be available Friday night.

Act straight nobody has to know who knocked that plant over.

I know that you know that I know that I been lookin' at you girl.

Well it turns out that I know about you knowing about me knowing about you looking at me boy.

Well it's bad bad Leroy Brown loudest bark in the whole damn town......

Elsa who, you can see, is not the Borden Cow.

In this picture you see Jayla, Zeus, and, aptly named, Chase.

This goes on,

and on,

switch it up...

This is Itty-Bitty when he looks like an otter.

This is Itty-Bitty when he doesn't look so much like an otter.

This is Chase when he's not chasing.

Roger that for Zeus.

Weimaraner time out.

Finnigan

Finnigan meeting Chase.

This is Mochie and Buttons doing "partner" yoga-which, incidentally, is available to everyone here at the Hotel on alternating Wednesdays.

Buttons is following up with a little yard-work.

This is Baxter. Baxter has an eating disorder involving beckoning calls to eat socks and underwear. You think I'm kidding...

Until the next time,

2011-07-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody,

If I were a betting cat, and I am, I would say that this summer is never going to proceed beyond the above-freezing-temperature stage. Soon the title of "Official Provincial Bird" is going to change hands from the nobel Stellar's Jay to the common mosquito.

Here's some shots of the comings and goings here at the hotel:

This is Melly. Cat friendly, smaller than me-basically the complete package.

I'm going to pull your head off. I'm going to pull your head off because....because I don't like your head.

Gangster.

Tundra, or Tundra's mouth I should say.

Left to Right, Angel, Delilah, Tigger, Shadow.

That's Angel.

Delilah

Tigger

Shadow

Sandy

The Flying Nun

After 6 months Kyra finally found a home. Happy travels young lady.

She'll miss her sister though it's difficult to say whether that will be a mutual exchange of sentiment.

And we'll miss her. She's the one running around on this blog's background wall paper just to your lower right there.

2011-07-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada Day Eh?

Once again the day is highlighted with overcast weather and geographically inappropriate temperatures. Ah well we like it cool here at the Hotel.

No fuss Gus

Who doesn't like a Malti PooYorkie?

Carter's the name.

Huli, looking for trouble.

Sheba

Here's Nester.

Here's Nester at the dentist. Uh oh, that looks like a cavity Nester.

This is the way we roll at the Pet Hotel.

See.

Huli and Trouble, getting into trouble.

Gus, beside himself at the lack of enthusiasm.

Sheba and Hugo

Getting ready to rumble.

Hugo displaying what not to do on the cat walk at his next "Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show" if he is to get the coveted, "Best in Show."

Bean

Carter doing the stare down.

Later Cats,

Gary

2011-06-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

Hey cats,

Check out the latest shots.

Ulu. If you look carefully you will see that Ulu can be read backwards and still sound the same. This doesn't work with, say, Gary.

Bean, not a hard player but he does like to circulate.

Karma doesn't mean to but sometimes she gets really mad.

Chelsea and Benito are of differing opinions as to stick ownership.

Dakota looks an awful lot like Delilah.

See?

Bailee is not a real fan of cats.

Roxy and Chili up to no good.

Shylie

Chili

Ulu and Scooby

Nuttah

Nuttah doing a bit of levitation.

Miss Molly's mouth.

Ulu...who knows, G force testing?

What would Scooby do?

Ulu

Ulu and Miss Molly

2011-06-04T21:51:00.000-07:00

And after a short break, I am back.

It's amazing the amount of grief you can give any other dog when you can get into smaller places than they can.

Birch. Great with dogs, hates people.

Come over here and say that.

Got yer, Black lab, yer Yellow lab and then there's yer Meth lab(who isn't really a lab at all..)

This is the view from the deluxe suites. And by the by, they're all deluxe suites.

Bean

Bean comes with Chili

Cody

Miss Molly swabbing the decks.

Chelsea

Rocky

Chelsea

Annie hiding out.

What can I say. Oliver.

You know when someone says in a really aggressive tone, "What you lookin' at?" Kaili doesn't really mean it.

More Chili Dog.

Because I can't resist.

See.

All right, enough's enough.

Ok that's it. I promise.

2011-05-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Cats,

I have a bit of a backlog here so this one's going to be a doozy...might want to fire up some popcorn.

First off I have to mention Freddy who is no longer with us(for the life of me I can't find a picture of him just now but will put one up when I find one). Freddy was incontinent, aged and his coat had been ravaged by a skin disease. But when he got hold of this squeaky chicken he pranced around like a four month old puppy. We'll miss you Freddy. I can't say the same for Mr. Chicken

They're back.

Annie and the rest of us are sick of the rain.

Kin on the lookout.

Only the Shadow knows.

Roxy Roxy very foxy.

Nuttah

Nuttah displaying different ears.

Xena

Hugo

Bailee. I guess if your going to be a bird dog you might as well drink from the bird bath.

Clarice and kids on constant vigilance waiting for that hound that put her "in the way," as they say, to return.

She's been waiting a long time.

Have you picked up on the theme?

The fenceline for the soon-to-be-world-famous 2-1/2 acre extended Ruth's Pet Hotel Dog Park is well under way. Can you say, "Double your fun?"

This is Keely a 20lb when wet Blue Healer.

Here's Scooby a 100lb member of the Staffordshire Terrier family.

This is Keely thinking to start a family with Scooby

Here's Keely's view after that little venture. Hey Keely, totally did not see that coming eh? You know, some guys just like to lead when they dance.

This is Ulu.

And this is, of course, Ulu's eye.

Well that's all for now. Tune in next week,

Miao Baby,

Gary

2011-05-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

Hey Cats,

Here's some more as the buds begin to show.

The stick thing with dogs is a positively un-relatable concept to your average cat. These two are at it about 6 hours out of each day.

Oh and she looks all relaxed about it but just try and take that stick from her.

We're talking full bore stick fixation.

Just a couple of pals hanging in the yard.

Yepper just a couple of pals trying not to lose an eye.

Just kidding Riggs and Kyra(above)always play like that.

Lucy taking a break.

Lucy not taking a break.

Bulldogs are almost as cool as Pugs. And why does the dog in the background have a leash attached? Because the word "come" or any derivation of such produces a response quite to the contrary.

Seriously, who doesn't need one of these?

One Muskateer

Two Muskateer

You knew there had to be a third.

2011-04-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Cats,

After a brief sojourn I am back. Spring has sprung as they like to say and we have gone from snow filled pictures to grass trying to make a come-back.

Self Portrait in D minor, the saddest of all keys.

Asher's got Summer teeth. Some are here, some are there. He's older than me so I treat him with respect.

Winger. Dingy ding dinger.

Ziggy and Toby are tired of running around.

Jake, always happy.

Sunny, cat's worst nightmare really, 3 month old Doodle on a mission.

See.

She's everywhere.

Which one of these dogs occasionally dines on disgusting fecal matter?

If you guessed either you are correct.

All but one have just noticed the cat.

Like watching a cartoon. Guess his breed before the end of the month and win a free night's stay at the Pet Hotel

2011-04-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

Hey Cats,

I've been away for a while so no photos for a few days. So I'll let you read the letter to the paper that didn't get published......

Hey everybody,
I hereby threaten to lop the head off of a harmless and defenseless,
wait for it, SLED DOG. I am afraid it won't be a clean kill for I plan
on doing a bunch of unprintable atrocities to it first. And here's
why. I just read a story entitled, "Hundreds Seek to Adopt Puppy
Back from the Dead" about a puppy in Oklahoma that was euthanized
twice and somehow managed to survive the ordeal. As the media would
have it he instantly became a celebrity.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/americas/hundreds-seek-to-adopt-puppy-back-from-dead/article1927925/?
Seems the pup went from being labeled refuse to having a line up of
willing takers simply by having a story that tugged the heartstrings
of the world. Similar, if it isn't obvious, to a situation we had
right here but a few forgotten weeks ago. People were writing in from
England saying they would have taken one of the overstock dogs had
they known of their plight. The Humane Society as well as many
"experts in the field" were claiming the relative ease of finding
suitable homes for 100 SLED DOGS. Midnight vigils were held across
the world. Candles were lit. Protest Marches were had. Death threats
were made.

So here's the deal. I have ONE SLED DOG that has been fostered for 6
months and now due to a complicated set of circumstances finds herself
living with us while she waits for a suitable home to be found. Her
current foster home has put up posters, advertised in Pet Finders,
spoken to countless people, and yet the sound of crickets in the room
is overwhelming.

She is not particularly gorgeous but by no means unattractive. She is
smarter than most which means you are going to have to put in a bit of
effort. If it's a door stop you are after then she is not your girl.
She needs to burn off the odd bit of energy. She is loyal and has a
definite set of qualities that one would find endearing. Jeff is 6' 2"
and when she stands on her hind legs her front paws rest on his
shoulders and she almost looks him in the eyes. She won't even think
about peeing in your house. In fact, for the right person, she would
make a great companion. Unfortunately, however, she has no
marketability. She wasn't found floating on an iceberg. Nor was she
the one we picked up with 8 inches of arrow lodged into his chest at
an angle that could have only been achieved by shooting as he lay
submissively on his back. She wasn't wounded in a "friendly fire"
incident while I was trying to shoot a cat. She didn't save anybody
from a fire. She's didn't fight in the Gulf War. She wasn't orphaned
when the family car careened into the river leaving her and the infant
child, who she hauled to safety and breastfed for two days until help
arrived, as the soul survivors. Nope. She's just a regular old(young
really)dog not unlike millions of others. Husky/Grey Hound kind of
thing.

And that, my friends, is why I am going to pour boiling water all over
her("was, like, totally an accident officer," I will say and blame it
on the rye and Kool-Aid I had been drinking for two weeks up until the
"incident")and maybe whack her with a hammer to just within an inch of
her life and hopefully enough to lose an eye or use of a leg say(for
starters) because that seems to be a surefire way to get somebody
interested in providing a good home for a perfectly deserving animal.
Then I will hold a fundraiser which will serve to pay for the surgery
as well as work the crowd into a veritable frenzy. I mean come on
people, why get just a plain ol' dog when you could have a media
sensation?

Or.....or maybe, just maybe, one of you several million people who
showed honest signs of outrage and disgust at recent current affairs
will put your money where your mouth was and step up to the plate. I
say the honest ones for those who were in it just for the game will,
by now, be "liking" some other media fueled Facebook campaign.
Somebody must have a place in their(active)life for a dog such as she.
If you do, pick up the phone. 604-894-5466 I warn you, we are
pretty discerning about handing a dog over to somebody but we know
there is someone out there for her. Wait a minute, this isn't the
classifieds?

Anyway once a home is found for her, I am thinking probably to set WAG
on fire as I know they are always looking for volunteers and there is
nothing like a good old disaster to boost up the numbers. And if I
can't find my matches when I lapse into this particular bout of
pyromania I might just call the local radio station and threaten to
kill a puppy(and not just any puppy but a cute little puppy)every hour
until my demand for $100,000.00 to WAG is met. So....ah...LOOK OUT!
Oh yeah, and tax receipts will be issued.

Note to the arresting officer(s). I'm not actually going to do most
of the things I mention above. It's like sarcasm O.K.....We're cool
right? Say, you're not, by any chance, looking for an energetic SLED DOG?

P.S. If you aren't in a position to provide a home for a dog in need
but are one of the truly passionate, here are some suggestions:
Volunteer at the local animal shelter. It will make a difference. Do
NOT encourage your neighbor when they tell you they are going to breed
their prized family dog, who only bites small children when provoked,
because they want to show the kids about the birth cycle. Act
locally. Take a look in your own neighborhood to see what can be done
to improve the lives of the dogs around here. There is plenty I assure
you.

Sincerely,

Gary

Staff Photographer, Ruth's Pet hotel

2011-03-10T13:18:00.000-08:00

Hey Cats,

Can't really tell you how sick of the snow and rain we are here at the Hotel. It'll be over soon I am certain. Until then here are a few of the visitors in action.

This is how Luna likes to pass a snowy rainy day.

Rocky, on the other hand, is virtually unfazed.

Sarah is not so sure.

Burton loves it.

So does Nita.

Hurley puts up with it.

Benito digs it.

Others just take their mind elsewhere. Like Tallulah. While she is rearranging the couch cushions(a daily ritual after a romp in the snow)I know that her mind is just playing a continuous soundtrack. Duck duck duck duck duck, get the duck get the duck, duck duck duck..... You get what I am saying.

Well that`s about enough of that. Time to get my nails painted.

Until the next time,

Gary

2011-03-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

Hey Cats,

I am getting a bit behind so here's some catching up with the Hotel guests.

This here's Xena. She sounds like a Walrus when she barks because her first owners decided to remove her vocal chords. Brilliant.

Case you haven't noticed Xena looks a lot Tallulah here only Talullah is brown.

Further to that observation you will note the similarities here. All that needs to be known from a cat's perspective is that anyone of the above type breeding would have me up a tree in 2 seconds given the opportunity.

In particular Bailee.

Carley on the other hand is a much more mellow contender.

As is Luna here who is almost as cool as a Pug.

But she is thinking it would be nice to have a bit thicker coat just about now.

Mika is always happy at the Hotel.

Toby making the rounds.

Tiger and Toby are buddies. While Tiger considers a well timed retreat Tallulah in the back is clearly fixing to make a run for the cat. You have to get an eye for these things if you are to remain in the business.

See.

Luna practicing her Sphinx impression for a Pet Hotel production of "Tutenbarken, the Four Footed Pharoah." Arts and Crafts as well as development of a dog's inner thespian are important activities here at the Hotel.

Miao Baby,

Gary

2011-02-19T13:55:00.000-08:00

Hey Cats,

Outstanding line up of guests at the Hotel this week. Have a look.

This is Dick and me. Dick is about to feel the real power of the Garynator. He doesn't stand a chance. I mean look at the size of his head. A walnut is bigger than his brain.

This is Scooby. He is in possession of the quality we cats like to call "Intimidation."

Kanook here grabs a ball at every chance he gets.

Chloe is seeing how well she would do in a sobriety test.

Annie making the rounds.

Kira is still looking for a home. You better hurry up whoever you are or Jeff and Ruth won't let you have her. For you real sharp viewers..look to the right.

Montana always on his way to investigate.

Scooby could fit about all of me in that big old gob-never a good thing really.

This here is Bump.

Kanook is magnificent really.

So is Cosmo, but he's not a dog. If you know what I mean.

See you next week,

Gary

2011-02-10T16:28:00.000-08:00

Hey Cats,

The ground hog saw its shadow. Does that mean it is six more weeks of bad weather or good? I can't remember. In the meantime we are just enjoying the sun.

This here's Dex-city boy with a country heart. He's been coming to the hotel since since he was just little. I had to straighten him out back in the day with a quick left jab and then, pow, hammer down with the right. He is now right up there with the Pugs in terms of cat friendly.

This is Buddy. Looks like he's managing a bit of flatulence here. He sometimes checks himself in when there is thunder or fireworks. He knows Ruth's Pet Hotel is always a safe haven.

See, he doesn't always look so funny.

This here is Dexter. He can sound like a whole pack of wolves when he wants something.

This is Kira. She's lucky, she got adopted out of the sled dog business. She is also looking for a home if you are in the market for a sweetheart who needs lot's of exercise. She deserves the best.

Tula and Daisy with Kira in pursuit.

Keely with the perennial stick. Beatrice is behind off to check something out.

Kucha has a glossy coat.

Would you buy a used car from this girl?

Keely is standing on one leg.

That little bit of yellow by Burton's right paw used to be a tennis ball. He's not too good with cats either.

Later,

Gary

2011-02-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

Hey Cats,

It's been a big week here at the Hotel. Here's a few of the visitors.

Josh b'gosh

That's my dog Jil on the left and Burton on the right. Jil suspects they are closely related.

Burton's ears are lighter than air.

This is Itty-bitty displaying very cautious behavior around a common black garbage bag.

Daisy stepping out with Keely in tow.

Chili

Different Daisy.

Zeus, Greek God, or wait a minute is that the Roman one or the Greek?

Angus.......Angus is very busy. Very busy indeed.

Taboo is back. Did I tell you I love the Pugs? Ruth and Jeff love them all but, me, I prefer the Pugs-easily the most cat friendly dog out there.

Tundra.

Until next time felines,

Gary

2011-01-26T13:26:00.000-08:00

Hey Cats. January is almost over. I really do enjoy a nice self portrait. My own that is.

Here's Ozzie on his way to showing his new little brother Albert the difference between "my stick" and "your stick."

Ozzie selects an example.

Ozzie let's Albert in on his concept of possession being 99% of the law.

Survival of the fittest Albert dude.

No point holding a grudge mind you.

This is Rossi. Once, a long time ago, Rossi gave Jeff a 45 minute demonstration of how responding to the command, "COME" was really a concept very much open for interpretation.

This is Ra. Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra

This is Rossi again. When he is not being a dog he teaches calculus at UVic.

Rossi comes with Cain. And no I don't know why they didn't name Rossi Abel.

That's it for now. Email me at info@ruthspethotel.ca if you stayed at the Hotel and haven't seen your picture.

Miao Baby,

Gary

2011-01-16T09:08:00.000-08:00

Zydeco, not only a type of music that combines French dance melodies with Caribbean music, blues etc., but also the name of this lovely lady shown here.

Coda's just little.

So is Dexter shown here separated from Coda by Havoc.

This is Geordie. Why do Weimaraners always look like they're having their prostates examined?

See. That's Hugo on the left. He's a Weimaraner too. I guess you knew that.

This is Rebel.

This is Toast. This is the only picture out of about thirty that is vaguely in focus. Toast acts as if the camera is a rocket launcher or something.

This is what Cedar looks like when any second from now she is going to try and kill a small bird at the feeder. Maybe next time.

Try not to laugh.

Fanta involved in a small stick clean up project.

Albert. What can you really say?

2011-01-08T15:10:00.000-08:00

This is Quincy. He's as big as they come.

I'm not kidding.

See.

A smaller footprint is made by Scampy.

Real kidder this one.

See.

Mookie on the other hand is having a bit of an off day and is displaying a bit of "puppy fatigue" to the unknowing Dexter.

This is Jayla on the move.

This is Jayla thinking to kill the photographer.

Neemo

More Neemo.

Jayla showing the Murph meister how to do the swishy cat walk.

2010-12-29T09:41:00.000-08:00

This is Jesse. She has slowed down a bit but in her day she could chew through a chain link fence.

This is Luke trying to look calm.

This is Bailey and Jeff catching up on a few emails.

See. Jeff and Taunty are the ones with the hat head.

See.

Cocoa is a sc sc sc scarrrrrrdy cat.

Albert. What more can I say?

Albert comes with Ozzie.

Cooper and Kovi getting their stories straight

Albert slinking away.

Lucy acting in a Pet Hotel presentation of, "The Call of the Wild."

Action scene.

And cut!

Meka will be in "The Call of the Wild" advertisement posters.

Cooper

2010-12-28T18:25:00.000-08:00

Ho Ho Ho.......Right

That'll be Lily.

Cedar is not used to seeing a cat with a camera.

This is Dexter. Puppies are cute.

See.

No really I mean it.

This is Oscar.

Skampy is back.

This is Murphy. You try getting a good picture of a blue dog with hair in his eyes.

See.

Here's the stick thing again.

See.

Jayla on the move.

Kira on the catwalk.

2010-12-18T13:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas is upon us. That means the Hotel is going to be teeming with dogs for the next little while. Give me strength.

Snow mole, the worst of all moles.

Didn't think he was going to make it out of that hole.

This is Delilah. When she's not busy being scared of everything she looks a lot like Ollie.

See.

Delilah is Brandy's new sister. Brandy is good for cleaning those hard to reach spots.

This is Zoe.

This is Zoe on the full moon.

This is Cooper. He cut his head shaving.

This Cooper getting ready for lift off.

Zoe trying to get Tula to take life a little less seriously.

Tula was not feeling so inclined.

Have yourselves a Harry Gary Christmas.

2010-12-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

Hey Dudes,

Here's some of the action going on at the hotel this week. We are all getting sick of this weather.

This is for those of you who are wondering, just how does he do it? This is me in one of my many "blinds" located throughout the property.

This is Anouk. She's getting big fast.

This is Taboo. How does he get his eyes to do that? I've been trying all morning. My explanation would be politically incorrect.

This is Taboo again. When he's not doing weird things with his eyes he is messing around with his tongue. Dogs are dumb.

This is Albert. He's just little.

See.

This is Ollie. He's just little too.

See.

This is Scampi or Mookie

This is also Scampi or Mookie......

Want to see something funny? Watch Jeff's reaction when he tries to explain to Ruth why he doesn't want me sleeping on the hard drive. Personally I don't see what the big deal is.

Subtlety is not a dog's strong point.

Hasta la vista maybe,

Gary

2010-12-03T12:05:00.000-08:00

Hey Cats,

I know there's a lot of shots in the last little bit but that's because I have a back log of very interesting material clogging up my hard drive. So you can just look at this blog as if you've accepted a dinner invitation to somewhere by mistake and find that your hosts are intent upon showing you a photo montage of their entire child's upbringing containing no less than 3000 images complete with music written and sung by the kid. Sadly you find yourself too polite to tell them you might be better entertained watching them read a book.

Licorice, blissfully unaware that there is soon to be a foot of snow everywhere.

Romeo will also be caught unprepared. Meka, howling in the back, wouldn't know if it was snowing or sunny. It's a Husky thing.

Gracie is leaving today. She is going to miss it here. That is because I am an excellent host.

So it's getting dark out. You happen to be a cat. You walk around a corner and, BAM. It's Kanook, surely named after an Inuit deity known for his penchant and enjoyment of the evisceration of cats. I say run for cover. Run and hide.

Albert's young. He'll get the yellow snow thing at some point. Until then, mums the word.

Please note the stark contrast of the individual dogs against a seemingly unforgiving and barren backdrop as the two central figures, toned like, perhaps clouds in an ominous sky, embark upon a fight to death, all conspiring to provide unique insight into the cycle of life at times both beautiful and tragic.

Just kidding the Huskies are sisters and the Labs could care less. The first person to correctly identify Jil in this picture gets a free day of daycare.

Oh here they are again. Their owner occasionally expresses concern that they might be catching their deaths of cold even in the summer if it's cloudy. Ruth and Jeff, so busy in their comings and goings, are sure not to notice little Beatrice has had her wee wittle tongue stuck to the icy metal flag pole out front for the better part of an hour while Benito(who dared her to do it in the first place) rolls around laughing uncontrollably. Right. Mind you this does give me an idea for Dick.

This'll be Itty and Lexi. They hang together. Period.

Roxy is happy to have her tongue freed from the flag pole. Don't get me wrong there's a good possibility this won't be the only incidence of this today. Who do you suppose poured the beef stock on the flag pole anyway?

See you later when your hair is straighter,

Gary

2010-12-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

This is what my bowl looks like.

This is what Jeff and Ruth's plate looks like.

I see a problem here even if you don't.

This is Mak(background) and Kucha. Kucha means dog in Hungarian. Mak is as big as three German Shepherds combined.

These two really know how to take up the back seat of the car.

This is Kucha on Halloween hiding in our closet. He sure likes fireworks. That's Dick's head. He's too dumb to be afraid of fireworks but I think Kucha's eyes are freaking him out a little.

Mocha on the left there sure likes puppies.

I dropped the camera here. Still if you have a lap top I bet you are holding it upside down right now. If you are that's Ra(on the left upside down) and Winger.

This is Quincy the speckled pony with Cricket. Cricket isn't afraid of anything least of all me.

Duke is happy here. His owners had a baby and now he has to come to Ruth's Pet Hotel to feel like he's #1 again.

All the dogs like Ruth better than they like Jeff.

See.

Later Gater,

Gary

2010-12-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

This is Aston. I wish I was named after a car too...She prefers to drink water that no other dogs have even looked at.

This is Toby. As you can see he is a dog. I will never do well in one of those witness interviews.

The big girl is Sasha accompanied by Maya with Bella-Bear in the background. Want to see something funny? Watch Ruth and Jeff try to get Bella-Bear back in the house.

This is Duffy and Jingle Bells. I am told all of Jingle Bells siblings have "bells" in their names including Taco Bell. Duffy is no longer with us and, despite myself, I will really miss him. Everyone at the Hotel will. Safe travels Duffy.

Here they are again.

And again.

This is Angus. He doesn't look Scottish to me.

This is Annie.

This is my dog Jil. Her family tree only has one branch. She thinks Dick is smart, if you know what I mean. I think they are related. Ruth picked her up on Boxing day 2002. She had been hit by a car and the vet wanted to remove her leg. Her previous owner was opting for alternative therapy treating this affliction with Tylenol instead . Jil has the personality of a telemarketer who never takes no for an answer. She's O.K. I guess. Just between you and me I am looking for a new home for her if you know of anyone. I will throw in Dick if you are serious.

This is Vinnie the only dog I ever loved. He is gone now too so I know how Duffy's owners must feel. Ruth misses him too http://www.ruthspethotel.ca/html/vinnie.html

Miao Baby,

Gary

2010-12-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

This is Sage. He has what they call a prey instinct. I am taking this photo from behind bullet proof glass.

Black Labs look a lot like Yellow Labs only they're black. This is Abbey followed by Mitzi. One of these dogs eats poo. I want you to take a minute and think about that.

See.

This is Taffy. She is big.

See.

This is Bailee. She came from Bermuda. Out of all the dogs that come here, she would like to kill me the most. That's O.K. Of all the dogs that come here I would like to kill her the most.

This is Mochi(L) and Boogie. Mochi was named after a Japanese rice cake-Boogie, presumably for those things that hang often from one's nose. Though best of friends, if Mochi so much as looks at that bone that Boogie is guarding she is going to require eye surgery. That's why her eyes are closed.

You want to see something funny? Watch Jeff when Montana comes tiptoeing through those tulips. More dog whispering to be sure.

Louie. Louie Lou-I, Ooooh baby, I gotta go.

Yi-yi-yi-yi-yi. Repeat

Here we go again.....

2010-12-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

This is Chloe. Oh she looks innocent enough....

This is Dorothy.

This is Dorothy wanting to click her heals together three times in hopes of getting back to Kansas or in her case the sunny climes of Mexico.

I told you you were going to see lot's of this one. Wootie wootie wootie.

Beatrice above is firmly attached to Benito shown here.

See. That's Chilly that they're playing with. I suppose that should be, "with whom they are playing." Whatever.

You ever see that Bugs Bunny cartoon where they introduce the Tasmanian Devil? Peekay is the name. Or is that P.K.?

Do you know how easy it is to keep your average Yellow Lab alive?

This is Keely when she's not trying to kill the Pet Hotel cat. This is a far better use of her time I figure. She's playing with Sunny. Sunny moved to the Bahamas.

So we thought we'd get her right dirty before heading off to paradise.

This is Jeff(the owner I don't like as much owing to his distaste for cats on the counter) off to score chicks at the mall. He thinks he's the "Dog Whisperer." I've never seen anyone whisper as loud as he does. All of the veins in his neck stick out. Good luck big guy.

Until next time,

Gary

I hate to admit it but they do have fun here.

2010-12-01T01:49:00.000-08:00

Beauty about your average dog is it takes little more than a stick to keep him happy.

See.

It's a full time job.

You get the idea. I have hundreds of these.

This is Beatrice. You'll see lot's of her 'cause she's darn cute so every time I lay my camera down Ruth snatches it up and starts snapping away.

This is Hunter and Keely. They're puppies. It should be noted puppies have very little understanding of how to behave around cats.

This is Dick. He too lives and works at the Hotel. He is an idiot savant. Lack of oxygen at birth the doctors say. He can't read so I don't have to worry about saying that. Still he's my only real friend here at the Hotel

See.

First Batch of Photos

2010-12-01T00:17:00.000-08:00

This is Stella and Jake. They are nice enough and don't get in my way.

This is Karma and Lottie. Dogs occupy themselves in strange ways....don't you think?

This is Tallulah. Her owners told my owners to look for an entire sock that might be working it's way through her digestive system. Is there a mad dog disease?

This is Tula and Hugo. You wouldn't know it from this picture but basically they hate each other.

Here are Kucha, Stella and one of the black ones(they're like Tabbies, they all look the same to me) just before I had to explain to them that in fact this was my couch. Success was not on my side this particular instance.

Now had this little guy been the "couch hog" from above, guaranteed things would have been different.

If I had to marry a dog it would be a Pug.

See.

Chocolate Labs are like Yellow Labs only brown.

See

If I had to marry a dog it would not be a Labradoodle. This is Sunny.

An Explanation is in Order

2010-11-30T23:36:00.000-08:00

As part of my parole from the SPCA I was forced to choose between two available employment choices: The first read, "Wanted friendly lap cat for two eccentric old ladies who live in a mansion by the sea." It continued, "We enjoy, knitting, bridge and pulling the good bits out of crab legs and arranging them nicely on little themed plates for the sole enjoyment of our kitty." The second read, "Wanted, cat of undetermined lineage to head up the enforcement department of a small dog boarding facility in British Columbia. Apply in person to Ruth" Well the choice seemed obvious. A thirteen year yawn(the time a paw reader once prescribed as my life span) vs. boundless adventure and full time power tripping strolling down long cage filled aisles of forlorn homesick dogs, slashing away at the ones that so much as even looked at me funny-for no reason mind, just because I could. Also I was all over the undetermined lineage bit. As luck would not have it, turns out it's not that kind of place. It is largely an open plan here-no individual runs, no place to hide, so to speak just couches, lawn and silly little things that dogs find amusing. This is ideal if you're a dog but not so for a feline such as myself. I didn't find out about the no cages until I'd accepted the appointment and by then it was too late. Ruth and Jeff at the Hotel aim to treat these dogs like their own which means I often have 10 or more unwanted house guests to keep in line... They treat me pretty well too (at least Ruth does).

To pass the time I photograph the whole thing and offer some commentary(often via the run on sentence)so that one day my children will be able to look back and see that their father was a survivor who made the most of a bad situation. Wait a minute I forgot. Due to a serious bit of malpractice at the SPCA(which my lawyers are still working on by the by)I find myself currently unable to produce any offspring. This, as you might expect, has a deleterious effect on my demeanor most days.

As being a cat intent upon photographing several dogs is risky business, these posts will be infrequent but hopefully you will enjoy them. They aren't in any real order and if you happen to be a guest at the Hotel feel free to drop me a line and request that your dog be included in the line up.

One last note. The comments tend to be more cynical than endearing. That's 'cause, being a cat, I basically hate dogs.

Yours,

Gary