Dancing Puggle Video

What do you get when you combine a rubber foot, a computer, dance music and a puggle name Dixie? Film history.

Okay, maybe not. But you do end up with a fun diversion. Dixie's owners coaxed the puggle pup to do a little dance routine and they caught the action on video.

Yeah, the video is grainy and sure, the puggle's dance appears assisted in places. There's a little too much rubber foot at the beginning. The lighting could be better, too. Dixie's owners don't appear to be part of the Spielberg or Scorcese families. They do, however, have a very cute puppy and there's nothing like a puggle doing a jig to put a smile on your face.

Check out the dancing puggle, soon to be a YouTube sensation (at least among puggle fans).

Find a Puggle!

Considering the purchase of a puggle but don't know where to start? Hey, that's understandable. Your local pet shop probably doesn't have dozens of them lounging around and working the Yellow Pages can be a hit-or-miss proposition.

I can't vouch for the results or the vendors, but I did find what appears to be a nifty way of finding a puggle puppy. You can go to PuppyFind.com, search for puggles and peruse the results.

I did a puggle search and it came up with dozens of available puppies offered at a range of different prices. This might be the perfect way to hook up with your future best friend. If you're planning on puggle shopping, I'd take a long look at the site.

Cutest Puggle Pictures

As you've probably noticed, I like to supply the occasional puggle picture for your enjoyment and puppy edification. My efforts, however, pale in comparison to what's happening at Puggle.org.

This massive puggle site features a cool area for cute puggle pictures. Not only do they show the cuties, they also allow visitors to vote for their favorites. Thus, if you head on over there you can see the Rebel, a Michigan puggle pup, and why he's #1 on the charts.

Personally, I'm partial to Henry of New York. Who's your favorite?

Check out the cutest of cute puggles here!

Figuring Out What Works...

Ever been in this situation?

You know you want a product to handle a specific need. Let's say, for instance, that you're experiencing hot flashes and you'd like to put an end to them. You hop on over to Google and search for something that might help. You find about a million hot flash remedies but you have no idea if one is any better than the other.

So, what do you do? You either make a gut decision and risk wasting your money or you spend hours upon hours conducting your own research. Either way, it stinks. The alternative is putting up with the hot flashes, which is just as rotten.

TrustSource.com wants things to run differently. These folks organize various products and allow you to compare and contrast between them simply and easily.

So, you're losing your hair, buddy. What are you going to do? Buy some of that provillus or maybe go after an rx for rogaine? What about those other solutions, salves, balms, conditioners, shampoos, pills and miracle cures? Any of them worth a hoot? TrustSource will tell you. They'll give you accurate product descriptions and real user reviews to help guide your decisionmaking.

If you happen to be part of the fairer sex and have noticed a little bit of thigh bumpiness, it might be time to think about some cellulite cream. I just googled "cellulite cream". Over 1.3 million results. Good luck finding the right product on your own. TrustSource, on the other hand will break it all down so you can find the right route to slimmer, smoother legs.

It's a great idea and the execution is top-notch, too. It's a great way to improve your online product selection and shopping.

Fun Puggle Gear

An online entrepreneur has developed a great line of puggle merchandise through CafePress.com. I wish I was getting a cut for referring potential buyers here, because I'm about to give a rave and unsolicited recommendation to puggle fans to check out PUGGLE: Obey the pure breed!

It's kitschy stuff with a real sense of humor--a great deviation from the folksy artsy craftsy kind of stuff that dominates most dog-related fashion and knick-knackery. There's a bit of propaganda poster in the whole affair and the material was designed by someone who clearly has no problem keeping his or her tongue firmly embedded in cheek.

If you're looking for some cooler than cool puggle gear, this joint should probably be on your list of places to stop and take a gander.

Now, I've been known to accept some of the good ol' filthy lucre in exchange for my blog posts (see the Disclosure Statement), but in this case my pimpin' is free. This is a completely unsolicited observation about some really great stuff. Check it out.

Sleepy Puggle Video

Puggles can be pretty sound sleepers. They're not the kind to wake up at the drop of a pin, especially when they're puppies. They also tend to rank high in the lethargy department by the time they decide to do some napping.

That combines for an interesting video opportunity. Playing with a tired puggle can be at least mildly entertaining...



Okay, some commenters on this video have taken exception to bugging the poor little puggle when he'd rather be sleeping. They don't think that's great behavior. Others don't seem to mind. As one YouTuber noted:

"Wow people are such idiots... I am pretty sure playing with a Puggle for 4 WHOLE MINUTES is really going to affect it's wellbeing."

I don't think I fall toward either extreme. It's probably nicer to let the poor little fella sleep, but a few minutes of sleepy-time play certainly isn't the end of the world.

Article Disses Puppy Fashion

I love puggles and (since you're here), I'm willing to guess that you feel that same affinity for the little super-pups, too. However, there is a certain segment of the puggle-owning population that's more interested in looking hip than being a good pet owner.

Sheri Whitley, from Boise State's student independent paper, The Arbiter, discussed these yahoos recently in an interesting article critical of the fashionistas who are driving demand for designer dogs like puggles.

I can't claim that I share her perspective 100%, but I do think her article is valid. It's also a good reminder to those who may be thinking about purchasing a puggle not to do so if the underlying desire is based on the hope of looking like your favorite celeb.

Here's an excerpt from the piece:

"Mini pups have been added into the world of everything hot and trendy, creating a new must-have accessory: the couture canine. I blame the high-profile celebs that carry these pups around with them, resulting in endless amounts of photos in seemingly more endless amounts of gossip magazines for creating this caste system in the canine world and instituting Burkin-worthy price tags for dogs."

Free Fitness and Diet Site Delivers

MyFitnessPal.com is an absolutely free diet and fitness website that combines a high degree usability with some more-than-handy free tools. The web might be teeming with "health sites" that promise a great deal, take your money and then fail to deliver, but MyFitnessPal avoids being part of that group. They don't even take your credit card number, yet they'll provide you with some premium information.

Case in point: The free calorie counter at MyFitnessPal. This tool does just what you'd expect it to do--it provides caloric information about the food you're eating. But it goes the extra mile by offering up some great free nutritional information and guidance. You can also use their free bmi calculator to establish health goals and/or check your personal progress. They also have a free bmr calculator available.

If you're interested in improving your health and the overall quality of your life, it makes sense to visit MyFitnessPal. This is one free site that outperforms many paid options.

Amish Puggles...And a little irony, too...

Buying a puggle can be tough. Not every breeder does an A+ job. Some of them are downright evil. You certainly don't want to support the evil mills. You don't want a sick dog. You don't want a dog who has been victimized. Wouldn't it be nice if you could find a puppy bred by a loving group of folks who seem millions and millions of miles away from even being remotely likely to engage in unsavory behavior?

I found a breeder (or, more accurately, a marketing arm tied to a breeder) that would seem to fit the bill. Amish Puggle Puppies. Here's an example of what their site has to say:

"We only sell Amish raised puppies. The Amish are known for their wholesome life style. They use no cars, computers and electricity and do not pollute the environment. They are also well known for their integrity and honesty. They keep their word because they have deep spiritual beliefs, and know that "God Is Watching."

Please note: This isn't an ad for this outfit. It's not an endorsement. It's just a few of my observations. It certainly sounds good, but you have to wonder about one thing... The Amish and the idea of websites don't really mix. The notion of folks who don't even like the idea of zippers backing a website to sell dogs seems a bit incongruous to me.

Now, as noted, the site isn't actually operated by anyone proclaiming to be Amish. They just get the pups from Amish folk and sell them themselves. I don't know if that cuts against the "God is Watching" claims or not. This could be the best thing since sliced bread.

Just an interesting find in Puggle Land!

Remy the Puggle! Great Video...

The source calls it the "BEST puggle video EVER".
That might just be true, too.

Remy the Puggle is the star of the show. This well-produced video montage allows the uber-cute pup to really strut his stuff.



I'm not the only one who likes the vid, either. Here's a comment (found at YouTube) from another fan of the flick:

"5 stars. Very well produced. I liked the side rear view mirror shots. Mikey loves to ride in the car like that, but I didn't realize his ears ears are flopping to and fro."

Anyway, if you like puggles (and you obviously do), you should be watching the Remy move right this very minute!

Mexican Travel Sounds Great!

This is a puggle blog, not a travel blog. Recently, however, I wrote a piece on traveling with your dog, so this isn't much of a stretch, really.

I can't tell you how the folks at Karisma Resorts feel about puggles, but I can tell you how much they appear to love their guests. This exciting company operates a string of top-notch resorts along the Maya Riviera, catering to all personality types. They have a facility designed to utterly dissolve the stress of vacationers. They have others designed with activities in mind for those who'd like to stay on the go. They even operate an impressive resort for those of us who prefer our time away from home to be an "au natural" affair. That's right--from overly stressed executives to nudists, Karisma has it covered (pun intended).

One great thing about their All Inclusive Mexico Vacations is that they really do cater (again, a pun) to the palates of their visitors. These people are proud of their food and provide the kind of chow that will satisfy even the most haughty of the foodies. Great surroundings. Well-appointed properties. Fantastic cuisine.

Puggles or not, you'd be in the wrong NOT to investigate Karisma properties and to consider Mexico for your next vacation.

Puggles Digging

I dig puggles. Puggles dig digging. Digging up yards, that is. At least some of them seem to get a kick out of doing a little doggycentric landscaping.

If your puggle is outside a great deal and you don't want to be the folks on the block with the nasty yard everyone whispers about, you have to come up with a solution to stop the excavation project.

I found one puggle owner bemoaning the status of the yard post-puggle and requesting some hints on stopping the activity. The only suggestion proffered by readers? Sprinkling a little cayenne pepper into the hole.

As Emeril Lagasse might say, "BAM!" Problem solved? Maybe not. Wouldn't that just inspire your super-cute puggle to pick a new spot to dig? I don't have the answers. Just the questions. I know me some puggles, but I ain't no yard care guru. You dig?

Read the lament of the digging puggles and see a picture of their handiwork here.

Monotreme Puggles

Ever hear of a monotreme? No? What's up with you? Are you ignorant?

Just kidding. I had never heard of one either until about ten minutes ago.

According to the not-necessarily-reliable Wikipedia, monotremes are egg-laying mammals.

Why am I mentioning this? Because baby monotremes are not referred to as cubs. Or mini-monotremes. They're called... You guessed it. PUGGLES!!!!

According to DLTK's learning together:

"A monotreme is a rare sort of mammal found in Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea. The reason they are so rare is that they lay eggs!

This group includes the Platypus and the Echidna (spiny anteater)."

Artistic Representations of Cat Butt

Cat butt. The great Dutch masters never painted it. Picasso never created murals depicting cat butt. Michaelangelo didn't put a cat's rump on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

The art world ignored the feline posterior for centuries. That's no longer the case, however. Now, finally, artwork featuring the backsides of kitties is readily available.

It's cat art with a "rearview perspective" and you can get yours via a nifty Cafe Press shop operated by Mad Frank (who insures us that he isn't really mad).

The artwork is varied but carries a consistent theme of cat butt. My personal favorite features two people in bed watching television. Their bare legs poke out from under the bedding. Their cat is at the foot of the bed, standing, watching TV. We get the people's perspective. Pure cat butt.

There's also a send up of the Munch classic, "The Scream" featuring a cry of anguish in the immediate vicinity of cat heinie.

There are some things you must see yourself. The cat butt art from Mad Frank falls into that category. A nice range of products. Multiple pieces. Definitely worthy of investigation.

I'm not ready to call it an artistic revolution or a movement (insert feline BM joke here), but it is incredibly interesting and a lot of fun!

Puggle-isms?

I found some puggle-isms. I have no idea what to make of them.

Are these fictional exchanges with puggles? What are the blue lights? This discovery raises more questions than it answers.

This isn't hardcore puggle news. This is not the definitive answer to the hybrid dog debate. It may not even be particularly funny. It is, however, puggle-related and interesting.

Excerpt: "Me: Be good for Mama!

Puggle: I won’t be!
Me: You won’t be?
Puggle: I will be bad, but Bilby will be good!"

You can evaluate them here and reach your own conclusions.

Why I'm blogging about puggles...

Have you ever encountered a blog and wondered why the person was investing the time and effort to maintain it? It happens to me every once in awhile and I thought it might be fun to explain why I've been running this puggle blog for so long...

There are a few reasons why I'm on the puggle scene.

First, the dogs are absolutely adorable. That's obvious. In my estimation, it's also compelling.

Second, the puggle is a dog shrouded in controversy. There's a certain segment of the population that has an ax to grind with puggles and other so-called designer breeds. I want to get my opinion out there to counteract some of the negativity.

Third, I do make a few bucks in the process. I occasionally do paid write-ups and I've logged a few affiliate sales for dog-related products here, too. That doesn't hurt.

Finally, it's fun. A few minutes here and there writing about such awesome dogs is a nice little side recreational pursuit.

Now you know why I keep the Puggle Palace up and running.

Bullish about Bullion

I'm not an investment adviser. I'm not a financial expert. I am, however, becoming increasingly convinced that there's something very solid about precious metal investments.

Silver and gold, for instance, have had serious value to people all over the world since the days of the ancient Greeks and Eyptians. They aren't blips on the value radar screen--they have staying power. They also have a history of great performance during periods of political, social and economic uncertainty, making them a perfect safeguard for any strong investment portfolio.

It's no wonder so many of the advisers and gurus out there do recommend gold and silver investment to their clients as part of a well-rounded and diversified investment portfolio. You'd probably be hard pressed to find a major financial player who doesn't have a stake in gold or silver bullion.

Monex Deposit Company (MDC) specializes in assisting investors with precious metals. They've been in the business for decades and are highly-regarded with respect to their services and approach. If you're thinking about making gold or silver part of your financial plan, you might want to investigate them and their offerings!

Puggles Part of Designer Dog Revolution

A recent article out of Madison, Wisconsin, provides a little background on the increasing popularity of so-called designer dog breeds (including our favorite, the puggle). The article discusses the growing popularity of these special mixes while re-hashing the usual debate about the genetic propriety of mixed breeds, etc.

If you're new to the world of puggles and mixed breed dogs, you might want to take a gander. If you've been through the "puggles are great vs. puggles are a travesty" debate a million times it might not be that enlightening or valuable, though.

Bet you can guess which side I'm backing, huh?

One thing is sure... The so-called designer dog breed list is growing:

"Goldendoodles (golden retriever-poodle), puggles (pug-beagle), cockapoos (cocker spaniel-poodle), lhasapoos (Lhasa apso-poodle), schnoodles (miniature schnauzer-poodle), schweenies (dachshund-Shih Tzu), maltichons (bichon frise-Maltese) and teddy bears (bichon frise-Shih Tzu) are just a handful of hybrids on a growing list of designer dogs. Oftentimes, the hybrids are more expensive than their purebred counterparts, which some find amusing because the dogs -- whether humans intentionally pair them up or dogs do it themselves -- are technically mutts, albeit with known purebred parents."

You can see the whole article here.

Puggle Owner Opines on Pet Travel

Medill Reports (Chicago) recently ran an article on an interesting trend. It seems as though more and more people are trying to make vacation and travel plans that will allow them to take Fido and/or Rover along for the fun.

As a pet lover, I can totally understand the desire to bring your pet with you for some summer fun, but it can be difficult. The article addresses many of the obstacles encountered by those who'd like their summer holiday a good fit for all family members--including their dogs!

One puggle owner is quoted in the piece:

"But not all pet-owners are willing to paw, er pay, the extra bills. Kristin Oswald, owner of a one-year-old Puggle, said hotels shouldn’t charge more than a one-time $25 refundable fee to have a pet in the room. "

You can check out the full article here. It's worth a look.

Flexibility in Education

So, let's say you have a pretty extreme job or a very hectic family life. You might be a single parent of multiple children with a full-time job. You might be a firefighter or an EMT with a crazy schedule. You'd love to get a college degree or advanced training, but the idea of managing that along with the rest of your life probably seems impossible.

The prospect of standing in registration lines or trying to transform your life to fit with college course schedule may be impossible, but getting the education you want is not. New online university options, like Columbia Southern, can help even the busiest people find a way to obtain the credentials they need without all of the hassles of the traditional college experience.

Columbia Southern is one of the very first completely online universities and offers bachelors and graduate degree programs. The university was designed with real people and their schedules in mind, too.

So, there's no reason to continue delaying the education you desperately want. Your busy lifestyle doesn't have to stand in between you and success!

Puggles: A Simple Equation

I found this blog post recently, which features some great pictures of puggles. In fact, it features more pictures than it does text, which is AOK because puggles are so fun to look at.

The text that was there, however, was great. It boils the issue of puggles down to a very simple equation. Like all good mathematical equations, it's beyond argument. It's an elegant explanation of an absolute truth.

Here it is:



Pug + Beagle = Adorable

Truer words were never spoken. Or, in this case, never typed.

So, here's to the cutest dogs in the world and those who recognize their cuteness superiority! GO PUGGLES!

Puggle Blogging!

Hey, I have a blog about puggles. That's pretty cool. What could be cooler you ask? How about a blog BY a puggle.

I know, it's hard to imagine a puggle typing. Those paws are ill-suited for the QWERTY keyboard. Nonetheless, it's happening. There is a puggle out there with his very own blog. His name is Sparky, and he's blogging about a dog's life.

You can tell me that Sparky isn't actually the canine brains behind the blog. You can tell me that he must be relying upon some human counterpart to take care of the typing. You can tell me it's all a joke.

I will dismiss your logical and rational claims. I will choose to believe that Sparky, the ultra-cute puggle pictured throughout the blog is in charge of the whole operation. I have decided that the Sparky puggle blog is the real deal and that the Sparkster himself is doing the whole thing.

I have also decided to believe in Santa Claus despite evidence to the contrary and it has kept me happy ever December for decades. So, don't bother trying to change my position on this one.

All kidding aside, Sparky has a blog and it is DEFINITELY worth a look-see!

Rural Real Estate Notes

If you haven't heard about LandsOfAmerica.com, there can only be one explanation: You haven't been looking for rural Land for sale. LandsOfAmerica (LoA) is the leading Internet asset for those with an interest in rural property. They are the number one source of listings and information for rural real estate.

Recently, the folks at LofA announced that they will be partnering with Tecomate, a company recognized for its expertise in the improvement of wildlife habitats and a leader in recreational property consulting services. Tecomate is rapidly gaining recognition due to its affiliation with noted comedian and television personality Jeff Foxworthy. Foxworthy is anchoring a 5x weekly cable program for the company called "The Bucks of Tecomate". The blue collar comedy king isn't just collecting a check for appearing on the show, though. He's also a Tecomate co-owner.

This new partnership between the online leader in rural property information and the habitat management gurus looks like a perfect marriage. Early results bear that out, too. According to the people at LofA, they're experiencing a spike in interest and traffic from the arrangement after only a few weeks.

"The Bucks of Tecomate" appears on the Versus cable television network. Check it out if you have an opportunity to do so. You don't have be a redneck ala Foxworthy's most-remembered routine, to enjoy rural property and wildlife, after all!

Press Release Touts New Puggle Blog

Just discovered a press release announcing another blog all about puggles. Puggle Hugs promises to provide top-notch information about the world's most spectacular dog breed, the puggle. Okay, I threw in the superlatives, but they do plan on doing their best to familiarize folks with the ultra-cute designer dogs.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

"It is very important that the pet purchaser understand the breed in which they are interested in, because there are literally thousands of dogs that end up end shelters or given away due to lack of knowledge of the breed. Puggles are a great breed; however, if one does not understand the true background of the breed before purchasing it, then one might regret adopting a puggle."

You can read the whole thing here.

100th Post at the Puggle Palace

I was just about to write a more "newsy" post, but then I noticed that I was at 99 posts here at the Puggle Palace. That makes this the 100th entry.

Okay, I know that some of them have been clunkers. I also know that I occasionally force an advertising-related posts on people (sorry, I have a natural greed that prevents me from turning down five bucks to write a blog post). Overall, though, I hope that you are finding at least a few valuable and interesting things about puggles here.

Before writing this post, I cruised through some of the archival footage and found a lot of neat puggle links and pictures. I can't say that I feel as though I've done a consistent A+ job here at this puggle-related site, but there definitely is some value here for those who are ready to dig a little bit.

So, happy 100 to me. I hope to get to 200 twice as quick! I also hope to keep you up to date on puggle happenings along the way! Thanks for reading!

Krillion is making summer time easier...

"Summertime and the living is easy". Well, that's what the song says. The truth, however, can be a little different. Summertime is anything but easy for refrigerator owners who are noticing their appliances aren't quite performing up to snuff now that the mercury is making its way up the thermometer. Summer temperatures put a strain on refrigerator compressors and many machines make their last tray of ice before sputtering out for good during this time of year.

So, where does one find a new refrigerator. Although many people search for product information online, most end up buying appliances from local retailers. Krillion, a relatively new company, is trying to make that process as easy as possible for those on the lookout for new appliances. The Krillion Localization Engine allows people to do their research online and then find local businesses who are selling the right products at the right prices. Now you can choose from among all of those great new General Electric refrigerators during your online research and then actually find the right one locally without experiencing the usual headache!

Now, all of that online research won't be wasted when you get to the store only to find that the make and model you wanted aren't available or aren't offered at the price you wanted. You'll have all the info you need to make your summertime a little bit easier, thanks to Krillion.

Pet Hoarder Had Puggle

You may have heard the recent news about the New Jersey animal hoarder whose whom was stuffed with a veritable menagerie, including twenty-four large exotic birds. This individual, who likely suffers from a mental illness, created a situation that the family could no longer tolerate.

Fortunately, it doesn't appear as if the guy was mistreating the animals. The birds, for instance, were all found in clean, well-kept cages. That's good news, because many hoarders are unable to care for their compulsively-collected "mini farms".

The puggle tie-in?

It wasn't just birds in Cumberland County. The gentleman in question had dogs, too--including a puggle. According to a NJ.com article, the puggle is currently available for adoption.

Here's hoping that all of the feathered and furry friends find great new homes. And that the hoarder finds the help he needs, too!

Love Your Puggle During the Dog Days...

Hey, folks. I know this isn't a big newsflash or anything, but it is getting HOT out there.

Summer time is a great time for outdoor fun and frolic with your favorite designer dog, but it's also an extremely dangerous time, too. I'm sure you've been thinking about it ever since things started to warm up, but I feel obliged to remind everyone to pay close attention to the care and handling of their puggles during the summer months.

Remember, your dog needs hydration and can suffer from heat stroke when things get a little too hot out there. Many pets die every year from completely preventable causes related to summer heat, and I'd hate to see your puggle on the list.

So, think about it! Now that it's hot, it's time for you to step up and take care of your puggle!

Oh, and don't forget--you should be wearing sunscreen! :-)

Orlando Vacation Villas

If you're traveling to Orlando, Florida, to spend some time golfing, visiting Disney World, attending a convention or taking advantage of any of the countless other enetertainment options available at this holiday hot spot, you'll need to line up appropriate accomodations.

You could stay at a hotel. Orlando has an impressive number of hotel rooms and all of the major chains are represented. You could stay at the resort of your choice. Most of the top attractions do offer on-site accomodations. There is, however, another very attractive choice: Orlando vacation villa rentals!

Why stay in a run-of-the-mill hotel featuring the same generic experience as that offered in every other U.S. city when you can secure a fully-featured vacation home at a competitive price? Wouldn't your vacation time be more enjoyable and flexible if you had a "real" place at your disposal instead of settling for a tiny hotel room?

The next time you make plans to visit Orlando, consider looking into some of the great rental vacation villas in the area. It can be the difference between a good vacation and an absolutely perfect set of lifelong memories!

Crazy Pug Fan Lambasts Puggle People

What is up with fans of the pug being so down on puggle people? I just don't get it.

Some people like chocolate, others vanilla. I might like thought-provoking foreign films with subtitles and abstract symbolism. You might like Judge Dredd. I love puggles. They love pugs.

So be it! Let diversity of thought and opinion flourish!

Not for some, though. Take, for instance, this pug advocate whose love for the pug makes him a freaky hater of the puggle. Oh, but please note that part of the reason the pug admirer seems to go loco is because puggle buddies are rude to him.

The puggle/pug war is apparently on. I'm gonna be like Jimmy Stewart in Shenandoah. This ain't my war and I'm not taking sides.

I am, however, a puggle person. Nonetheless, I can love pugs, too.

Here's an excerpt from the bizzare world of puggle hatred:

"However, if you are looking for that pug/beagle mix mutt of a dog, I still don't like you, so go away. I am tired of constantly complaining about the puggle hits, so I will stop now. You may have worn me down all you puggle lovers, but the link at the top of this page will forever serve as a reminder of how much I hate you. OK, maybe not forever - I get bored pretty quickly."

Great Puggle Site

SnuggleWithAPuggle.com is a nifty site filled with information about the best dogs in the world--puggles.

The site also features a great explanation of its origins, which I believes bears repetition here. The authors of the puggle site in question state:

"Our goal is to educate the public about the Puggle so you can make an informed decision if this mixed breed fits your needs. We are happy to assist you by answering any question(s) you may have about this hybrid cross whether you adopt a pup from us or someone else. We do NOT recommend puppy mills, brokers or large scale breeders no matter how nice their facilities. We believe every breeder is responsible for the lives they create and we are no exception."

Now THAT is a great goal!

I strongly encourage all puggle people to peruse the Kentucky Puggles page!

Anyway, check it out!

Appreciative Coaching and Oline Education

Capella University is a completely Internet-based accredited university offering a number of bachelors and graduate level degree courses. The faculty at Capella includes Sara Orem, PhD, the author of the book "Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change". Orem, an adjunct professor at Capella, is also the owner of her own professional consulting firm and has worked with a number of recognized corporations and government entitites.

"Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change" details Orem's strategy of using positive questioning techniques and other affirming strategies as a means of bringing out the very best in individuals. Her positive apporach is designed to maximize both productivity and inspiration. The process involves "four Ds" (discovering, dreaming, designing and destiny) as a route to positive change. The book should be an asset to anyone involved in management or training.

Orem, an accomplished expert in her field, is an interesting example of the changing face of adult education. Today's online courses are more than simple replacements for the mailed quizzes of yesteryear's correspondence courses. The instructors are professionals who bring a powerful combination of academic knowledge and real-world experience to the virtual classroom!

Beverly Hills Puggle

The Canyon News has a regular piece contributed by the folks at Friends of Animals.

I recently noticed that there's a puggle available in the 90210 ZIP code! By the looks of it, there may actually be two sweet puggle pups who are currently down and out in Bevery Hills--Tom and Max.

Based on the article, the two look enough alike that when one was featured in the paper, a picture of the other showed up! Maybe they'd make a great matching pair of animal companions for a loving home in Cali?

If you happen to be reading this right before you leave your home in BH, give some thought to Tom and Max!

You can read the whole article here. This is an excerpt:

"Both of these little sweethearts would love to be part of a family again. If you would like to know more about them or would like to see them, please give me a call. Or maybe you would like to volunteer to take them and some of their little friends for a walk. The cats would love some company, too!"

Aussies Discuss Designer Breeds

The Brisbane Times recently mentioned puggles, the world's cutest puppies, in an article entitled "A Bit of Ruff".

It's a standard overview of the increasing popularity of designer dogs and includes perspectives from those of us who adore and cherish the super-pooches and those who have concerns about the breed-mixing and whether popularity is increasing a little too fast for its own good.

There's nothing earth-shattering or new in this piece, but it is interesting to see the Australians getting more and more interested in the puggle (and overall designer dog) phenomena.

Here's an excerpt:

"Then again, there are designer dogs with sillier names. The ever-expanding list of designer crossbreeds starts with the labradoodle and covers increasingly daffy sounding variants: poodle crosses such as schnoodles, spoodles, cavoodles, groodles, pug crosses like puggles, pugaliers, and (best of all) basset hound beagle crosses, or bagels. Infinite combinations seem possible and, with demand for designer dogs pushing puppy prices into four figures, more breeders are answering the call."

If you'd like to read the whole Brisbane Times piece, you can find it here.

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Puggle Featured at The Daily Puppy

If you need a good place to get a daily fix of super-cuteness, please allow me to recommend The Daily Puppy. This good-natured site features a new, wonderful dog every day.

Here's a case in point: Bella the Puggle.

Bella made The Daily Puppy for Father's Day, June 17. You simply MUST take a look at this uber-cutie!

Here's an excerpt of Bella's profile:

"Bella is one playful, lovable little girl. She will love anyone who is willing to hold her. She has great personality and loves to play with her toys and her big brother, Mason."

Check it all out here! Includes a GOB of great puggle pictures!

Puggle Captures Honors

Jordin Sparks might have won the big American Idol title, but the honors for Pet Idol in Winona, Minnesota, went to a puggle named Otis!

Otis won the Winona Daily News' "Pet Idol" contest.

Otis' owners, the Rotherings, get to cash in on the dog's popularity. The News explains the contest:

"As the winners of the contest, which raises money for the Winona County Humane Society, the Trempealeau County Humane Society and the Newspaper in Education program, the Rotherings received $500."

Bottom line: A great (and very cute) puggle contributed to the well-being of other animals and put 5 c-notes into the pockets of his owners! Way to go, Otis!

Check out the Pet Idol and his owners by reading the full story!