Who's who

The WooPak gang should have an introduction, I suppose... so people know who's who in this comedy.

The first dog I acquired is Willow. She came to me (instead of the pound) as a 6 month old with no manners, and she was a trial to be sure. She's grown into the most wonderful dog, although in her older age (she'll be 9 in February), she's deciding that little old ladies should have certain priviledges... like counter surfing and not having to deal with young dog antics. Willow is the Woo of WooPak for her lovely woowoo sounds.

Next is Sixx. While she's living with the ex, she is every bit a part of my crew, and was the second dog I acquired. Sixx is the "Pak" of WooPak for her registered name (Teddie Rekk'd A Sixx Pack). She has the most interesting howl... which usually more like an "aaaieee aiiieeeeee aaaiiieee" kind of sound trailing off to a "aieeeooooowooowooo." Sixx just turned 8 years young.

Lava (he's the red sibe over there), is an opinionated, loveable fellow often referred to as Monkey for his love of ba-na-nas. He comes from a show breeder. We had hopes of showing him however he was missing a part, so he's neutered. He is from BIS/BISS Ch. Solocha's Magnum PI x Cadohi's Tanks A-Lot and his official name is Cadohi's Lava Me Now, RN, TT, CGC. Lava's singing voice is awful. Terrible. Hideious. (shudders) but we don't tell him. We sing anyway. We follow the law that if you can't sing, sing with enthusiasm and volume! (and he does)

Wren (aka "Bird") is a Finnish Lapphund, a relatively uncommon breed in the US, however a quite popular breed in their native Finland. Wren has never had a bad day ever (she's also known as bubbles), and she enjoys herding and agility.Three year old Wren is officially UKC Ch. Sugarok Wren, NJP, CGC

And... last but not least... STAN THE BOY!!!! Stan is an aussie, and he's definitely my boy. Like most aussies he's all about his hooman (da'd be me)... and would rather spend his time in the house with me than just about anything else. He is officially Istari's 4Mi Here Comes Th'Man, STDsd, NA, NAJ, RN, DNA-VP.

Chloe the cat doesn't want her photo published on a site with dogs on it. Dogs are evil, should never enter her world, and she'd like them all to go live on an island somewhere far far away.

Santa Speaks About Christmas At Last!!!

By: Elf Dobby
December 28, 2005

*NORTH POLE, EARTH* — Sources have confirmed that Santa and his trusted team of 8 tiny reindeer have finally come out of hiding after what some elves are declaring as the biggest scare since Kris Kringle decided to put on his red suit. Santa and his team went into hiding for four days following Christmas,and the elfin council was just minutes away from a majority vote to make our presence known across the world (despite the occasional accidental sighting there's never been official confirmation) in order to locate Santa and hi steam.
Santa, along with this year's team - Smash, Crash, Flip, Flop, Hoss, Tiny, Harley, Hemi and Rudolph XL (that's short for forty, not extra-large, my fair readers) – landed at headquarters and went straight into hiding to emerge just 20 minutes ago. During questioning Santa told the council the following amazing tale:

We landed on schedule, the record is plain,
Upon that roof top on Dawson Lane.
I secured my sleigh, the usual routine,
Ensured no creatures were stirring to startle the team.

The reindeer did their part with their "click, click click,"
As I searched for the chimney (the snowstorm was thick!)
When all of the sudden behind me, there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to the sleigh to see what was the matter!

Smash and Crash were in the air in a flash
While Flip and Flop Into the sleigh they did hop.
Hoss and Tiny and Harley and Hemi were out on a limb,
up an oak tree they'd shimmied!

I thought to myself, "What on earth is happening here?!!"
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
Racing around on the lawn below (like a nutcase I feared)
A Finnish Lapphund named Wren apparently herding my reindeer!

Out came a woman (in her nightrail it's true)
Her hair whipped around, her lips quickly turned blue
Through the blizzard she ran as she screeched in the wind
"Come here right now, you silly girl, Wren!"

Wren raced around, a scene straight from the zoo,
And the woman shouted " Wren, leave them alone! I said that'll do!!!"
The silly dog grinned and said to the lady,
"I got reindeer for Christmas? This deal isn't shady?"
She rounded them up, her heart all a'fluster
"This is better than sheep! Can we call Cara and Buster?"

The lady said "There are reindeer here. I see that it's true.
But I'm afraid Santa didn't bring these reindeer for you."
Wren's brown eyes welled up as she took in the bad news
"No reindeer for me?
No reindeer in twos?"

"I'm so sorry," her owner said,
"No reindeer for you" her voice filled with dread.

"These reindeer are here to spread holiday cheer,
To bring presents and joy to those far and near.
They pull Santa's sleigh, we talked about this, remember?
They have a job to do this night every December."

A sad Wren sighed and dropped her head
She slowly walked back into the house and straight back to bed.

Her owner turned to me and weakly smiled as she said
"Don't judge her too harshly, she's a Lapphund you see,
Herding reindeer is her job (not usually up a tree, I agree!)
Sheep we have here to work a 'plenty but reindeer? Down south? I'm afraid there aren't many!
I'm sorry that Wren saw them and chaos ensued.
I know you're busy, Santa, I bid you adieu."

I took this all in as I calmed down the team,
And I knew I had work to do to fulfill this little dog's dream
After consulting with Flop and Harley and Crash off to the sleigh they did dash
Smart little elves know what every heart craved
And from the bag of goodies I smiled as Harley waved

A passel of toy reindeer for one little bird!
A dozen small reindeer for one bird to herd!
I set them out under the brightly lit tree
For a special Lapphund named Wren in Tennessee

As I rose through the air to continue the night's work
I shouted my new motto, "Watch for Lapphunds who lurk!"

Copyright 2005 - Tish Brockmire


This is a reprint from my holiday post last year, just in time for the holidays! Wren, the star of this story, is my Finnish Lapphund. Finnish Lapphunds are originally from Lapland, and were used to herd reindeer for the nomads. An occupation that is bound to get a girl int rouble this time of year, as you have read.

Enjoy!