Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Doggie Movie Review: "My Dog Tulip"

Midterms are eating my soul, and I didn't have my laptop all weekend... sorry this took so long.


My Dog Tulip
Directed by Paul Fierlinger & Sandra Fierlinger, screenplay by Paul Fierlinger & Sandra Fierlinger, based on the novel by J.R. Ackerley




I went to see My Dog Tulip at the Kendall Square Cinema last Tuesday. As a side comment, that movie theater is literally impossible to find if you've never been there.... Anyway, I'm dedicated to being an honest blogger and on that note, there were things (more like one that really stands out) about the movie that I disliked. But all in all, I thought it was very cute, and definitely, definitely something that dog owners can relate to. From a dog owner and someone who spends full days working with dozens of canines, I must say that the film feels like a breath of fresh air -- so many of author J.R. Ackerley's stories are so damned on-point. They're just things we've all been through as dog owners.


Narrated by Christopher Plummer in an agreeable and jolly British accent, My Dog Tulip follows author J.R. Ackerley's experiences with his German shepherd "Tulip," an untamable and passionate pup with a knack for barking and causing a ruckus while staying fiercely loyal to her owner. The film is based on the 1956 novel by Ackerley of the same name.


One brilliant step in the creation of the movie is that it's animated. Short of Disney, Pixar and Disney/Pixar movies, I'm generally not a fan of animated movies. However, in this case, the animation  made the movie hilarious, rendering certain situations considerably more gut-busting. The biting wit of the narration and the funny images made the perfect marriage, and I appreciated the difference between the humorous animation (when the drawings were purposely extremely simple) and the artistic backdrops with elements of light woven into in the animation. At one point, there was a landscape shot of a group of sheep on a hill with stunning shadow detail drawn in. It took true skill to create, and added vital visual interest.


The contrasting simple sketches often likened dogs to humans, dressing them up in human clothes and displaying them walking around on two legs. Drawn in clean black lines on a bare white background, these sketches were were lighthearted and easy, imposed between regular animation to add laughs and further clarification for whatever story was being told at the time.


Now, for my primary reason for recommending this film: the author (and therefore Christopher Plummer as the narrator) uses a sharp and often sarcastic tone that I absolutely love. It's my kind of humor, to say the least -- and narrator Plummer executes every line with cunning skill and a crisp dose of smugness. I literally laughed out loud at multiple lines and animations throughout the movie -- the synthesis of funny animations with hilarious lines was expertly executed -- and the rest of the theater was laughing too. This would be my top reason to go see the My Dog Tulip, and it's a major element setting the film apart as an adult-audience movie rather than a family film about dogs.


This brings me to the rather adult part that I was, to say the least, not fond of. When Tulip is in heat and Ackerley is trying to find her a mate, he makes some blunt, overtly sexual observations and tells stories about his dog's mating process that made me truly uncomfortable. While he mentions most of these things in an almost scientific manner, I didn't want to hear some of the descriptions and stories concerning the sex life of his dog, and felt somewhat disturbed that he found them acceptable to comment on. Of course, this is mostly a criticism of the book, because including it in the movie is only a matter of following the book.


But that's besides the point. To clarify my disillusionment: I see dogs as babies. I'm not a big fan of human babies, and in turn I save all my cooing and baby talk for canines. I act towards dogs as most people act towards small children and infants. As someone who works at a dog daycare, I can confirm that most dog owners think this way -- their dogs are their babies. They want to spoil them and coo at them and what have you; they don't, however, want to think of their "babies" having sex, nor do they want to be involved in the process of them mating, even when their dogs are of appropriate reproducing age. Would you want to think about your child sleeping with someone? I hope the answer is "No." The author, however, seems to have a weird affinity for closely observing his pup's sex life.


But moving on, let's look at My Dog Tulip as a whole -- I really liked this movie. The laughs and sharp humor are enough to deter me from letting the sour taste triggered by the above mentioned issue take over my view of the movie. Check out Landmark Theatres for showtimes in your area -- they have them all over the US, so no matter where you are, you can get your Tulip fix. Or pick up the DVD from a rental shop like Blockbuster, or an online store by clicking hereBonus: somewhere in the movie (I won't reveal where -- you'll just have to go see it), viewers get a special treat and enjoy photos of the real Tulip, who is truly a gorgeous dog.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Beantown Bed & Biscuit on The Boston Dog Blog: Frank & Fiona


WARNING TO ALL CORGI OWNERS
: Please don't take this first sentence the wrong way.

I didn't used to like corgis.

Weird, right? There was never a dog breed I didn't like growing up, except for these little bundles of weight with giant ears. I wish I had some kind of excuse for this prejudice, but I really can't think of any. In more recent years, I've found baby corgis to be some of the sweetest, cutest little things I have ever seen, so that has definitely lightened my attitude.

But the two dogs who really changed my mind are Frank and Fiona. You all know about how much I love funny-looking animals, and Frank takes the cake by a long shot. With humongous ears, legs the length of toothpicks attached to paws the size of men's Ugg boots, and beautiful black-white-and-gray markings, Frank epitomizes goofy. Walking Frank is essentially dragging a 35-pound sausage along the sidewalk as its casing (his back fat) slides from left to right with the movements of the harness.


If that's not cute, I thought when I first saw him, I don't know what is (I choose to block out the pain in the ass nature of walks with Frank in diagnosing my feelings for him).

Fiona, on the other hand, looks more like a normal corgi, minus the same beautiful coat that Frank has. Both are gorgeous colors and patterns and make me glad I'm not a dog walker on the Upper East Side, for fear an old rich lady would tackle me and dognap the babies for a fur coat.

Incredible markings aside, Fiona, I must say, has completely transformed my opinion of corgis. While her short legs and general heftiness make her difficult to pick up, once I've hoisted her weight onto my lap, she's a fat, snuggly paperweight. She likes to give kisses and chill with me on the couch while watching a movie. She doesn't bark and in all truthfulness, I would be proud to call her my own.


So here's to Frank and Fiona: you made me like corgis.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Beantown Bed & Biscuit on The Boston Dog Blog: Chelly




I've always had a particular knack for dalmatians. My mom always told me they were mean (which usually isn't true, by the way), but I loved them unconditionally. In my eyes, they understood me. We shared something, something that defined our identity, something that set us apart from all others, something that whether we liked it or not, placed us in our own painfully different physical pool: we both had freckles.


Needless to say, I was not a big fan of my freckles while growing up in the land of Baywatch babes oiling their perfectly bronzed skin on the beach. I was that girl whose mom attacked her with sun care from an early age. While my Italian-ancestry classmates ran out slow-mo style in bikinis on school field trips without a second thought, I was forced to dive into a 20 gallon vat of SPF 9000 before exiting the car by my ever-careful mother.

But I digress. Dalmatians don't use sunscreen, and their spots have nothing to do with sunshine. Californian dalmatians are probably no more emotionally scarred by their freckle-like dots than are West Virginian dalmatians, because like most dogs, dalmatians are primarily concerned with being loyal and loved.

Chelly will always be loved. She likes cuddling, giving kisses, and is beautifully different. I get stopped often while walking her because her spots make her special. It took me years to appreciate my freckles, but now I love them because it's what makes me unique. Chelly and I walk down the street and we strut our spots.




Thursday, September 30, 2010

Beantown Bed & Biscuit on The Boston Dog Blog: Merlin, Love of My Life #2

The whole point of The Boston Dog Blog was Puppy Paparazzi for doggie celebs like Ms. Moneypenny at the beginning, so I hope no one's getting frustrated. As soon as I'm not getting smashed like a weak, wingless butterfly by all my schoolwork (me? Dramatic? Never.) I guarantee more Puppy Paparazzi posts from all around the city.

In the meantime, I still have loads of photos of my Daycare woofies to share. That said, onto my next love, and really you could call the true dog love of my life, Merlin.


Merlin is a rescue, but I would argue that he himself could rescue a person, as cheesy as this sounds, with unending love. Merly-poo is a Catahoula Leopard Dog-Spaniel Mix, and when I'm walking around the Beantown Bed & Biscuit headquarters, Merlin is still trying to sit on my lap. I hear from my bosses that this may be because Catahoulas want constant attention and Spaniels are sweet and gentle, so the mix creates the ultimate canine companion. He doesn't care that it's not possible to sit on my lap when I'm standing up, because all he wants is another million minutes of love.



Needless to say, when I am sitting down, it's a whole other level of the Merlin lovefest. He wants to give my face a bath and snuggle next to me at all times. We watch movies together, we prance around together (yes, I prance. Jealous?) and when I have to leave work and Merlin's still there, looking up at me with his blue-brown mixed eyes, I die inside a little bit. When I'm working with Merlin, the soundtrack is constantly "Let Me Tell You 'Bout My Best Friend" and I see the world through Merlin-colored glasses.


Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Beantown Bed & Biscuit on The Boston Dog Blog: Bobo, Love of My Life #1

Since I'm officially doing a fantastic job of procrastinating on my homework, I figured I'd take this golden opportunity to update everyone about all the glorious puppies that have come into my life via my dream yob (yes, I meant to spell it that way) at Beantown Bed & Biscuit.

Below is Bobo, a baby Boston Terrier who could literally make Lord Voldemort melt into blubbery love murmurs. He's so freakin' adorable that people stop us on the street to "awwwww." If he and Lucy had a baby, and I carried it with me, I would be unstoppable. It would be like having superhuman powers -- people's knees would just give out with cute overload at first sight (this already almost happens with Bobo and Lucy, respectively).


If I had one wish about Bobo, it would be to get a decent shot of him. Every time I take a picture, he's playing with Hunter, another puppy in Doggie Day Care. But Bobo has these incredible cloudy blue-green-grey eyes that remind me of some misty witch's brew from Heaven, if that's even possible. They're so gorgeous. I think they have hypnotic powers, too, because I brought him to BU Student Village and an endless string of squealing students asking if they could have him ensued. Even my best friend, who's not particularly thrilled with animals (can you say opposites attract?) couldn't get enough, although she did ask if he could just stay that size forever. Lucky for her, Boston Terriers don't get very big.


The other thing that makes Bobo the perfect puppy is that he's perfectly content laying squirmless in my arms and is generally very calm for a puppy but is capable of boundless bouts of playtime when placed with other dogs. In other words, he's a true puppy but knows how to behave himself and loves to cuddle.


There are so many things I could say about this babykins, but I would take up pages. You'll be seeing a lot more of Bobo in the future, and suffice it to say that if you bump into us around Brookline, Bobo's more than well worth the time for an introduction.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Puppysitting Lucy DANGAH: An Epic Evolution


Growing up, I generally thought adults were batshit crazy when they cried, "Oh my GOODNESS!!! I can't believe how much you've GROWN!!!" Years later, I now find myself in the same sad, old lady-associated mindset as I watch Lucy grow. My little baby's getting so big-- Oh no. I'm turning into Great Aunt Maude.


On the other hand, she still has that baby face and always-energized puppy demeanor, which means I have more baby time with her. She still likes to get into chewing fits and chases my hand around with her gums and pointy teeth playfully bared.... Looking exactly like a bat. Until next time, think of Stellaluna.


My friend Laura was in love with her. Who wouldn't be? She's impossible not to love, the little bat.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Can I have Puggy?



I realize this isn't brand-new doggie news but I just stumbled upon this glorious video. Puggy, remember that different is beautiful!!


I'll take this time to get you all pumped up for all the photos I have of the cuddly babies with stinky breath that I walk and babysit on a daily basis. I'm lucky enough to snuggle with them every day, so I want to at least provide you with pictures and blurb bios for the wittle woofers at Beantown Bed & Biscuit.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Puppy Paparazzi: Little Sleeping Baby on the T


It must be said that I didn't plan on this being my first "I'm baaaaack!!" post. I envisioned something epic, glorious... something that would catapult me back into the blogosphere with a bang. Certainly I wasn't imagining a somewhat blurry photo of a sleeping puppy that you can't even see the face of. But ah, *sigh* this is the way of the crappy broken camera. (Damn you, Fujifilm!!)

Either way, I want you all to understand the painfully adorable nature of this puppy, even though it's difficult to do through this image. She was literally a sleepy, crawly little thing and seemed content just napping on her dad's lap the entire T ride, completely unaware of the hordes of squealing women surrounding her owner to swoon over her cuteness. So, lucky man, here's to you. You have that puppy. And I'm back in the blogging game. Cheers.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

An Apology + a Promise

TO ALL MY BELOVED READERS:

Contrary to what it may seem like, I have not abandoned you. I am so sorry for the absence of posts in the past few weeks and promise to fix this problem as soon as my Internet works again (Saturday). I have many photos and descriptions saved up and ready to be drooled over.

I've just started classes and am switching jobs to being a dog walker (eeeeeeyay!!!!) for Beantown Bed & Biscuit. Please excuse my lameness during this period of change.

Sincerely,

bengalengs

Monday, August 2, 2010

Two Dog Blogs That I Want to Slobber All Over I Love Them So Much

I know I've been posting a lot of Puppy Paparazzi, which I hope you all enjoy. But just for a break in the waves, here's a little tip: visit these two dog blogs that I am absolutely in love with.

1. Fido Loves (http://fidoloves.com/) -- If you're looking for sound advice from a true dog lover and owner, this is the place. Blogger Jay Stebbins has developed a very sure footing in the dog blogging world and focuses specifically on Boston. Look for anything from beautifully shot pictures of pups to advice on where to house your pooch when you go away. Stebbins is the first to recognize new trends in the Boston dog world.

2. Dogblog (http://dogblogsf.tumblr.com/) -- Want to laugh? No, I mean really, truly laugh out loud? Visit this dog blog about dogs around San Francisco (my hometown!!) for some hilariously accurate blurb and photo pairings. From song lyrics to imaginary dog talk, dog blogger Jon (I couldn't find his last name, but I think that just adds to the mystery of his brilliance) is very adept at describing a dog's demeanor in the perfect words.



A photo of a scruffy sweetheart from Dogblog

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Puppy Paparazzi: Bailey the Mix





I don't wanna say I left the best for last, because I really did love all those other pups I just posted about. But Bailey was one of the most beautiful dogs I've ever seen, and chill-ness radiated from every strand of soft, wolfy fur.

Bailey looked a lot like a fox or a miniature wolf from far away -- that's why I ran down Charles Street to catch this incredible blue-eyed beauty. I loved Bailey with all my heart and wish I could know the exact mix, although as of now it remains a mystery. I'm guessing some kind of husky, maybe Australian Shepherd as well. Soft, sweet, and lovably calm, Bailey was so cool that I wish I had gotten one of the siblings. And Lucy was in love too (notice how insanely cute she is in the first picture -- together they are disgustingly adorable).

To top all this awesomeness off, dad told me his wife loves The Boston Dog Blog, meaning Bailey's mommy is a fan. I was so flattered that you love the blog and happy that I captured your baby on film! Bailey's a celebrity now!

Puppy Paparazzi: Lucy the Scottish Terrier, Marty the Toy Poodle & Tupper the Miniature Labridoodle



TRIPLE THREAT!!! I'm gonna be honest. I only stopped this dog walker because of Lucy, the Scottish Terrier. But I ended up loving all three members of this awesome trio.


I've always loved Scottie dogs. I think it dates back to my obsession with Lady & the Tramp when I was a wee lass (had to throw in something classically Scottish there). But since my young love for that Disney film, my love for Scottish Terriers has blossomed into something more: they pretty much look like zambonis. They're like little street sweepers shuffling along the streets, accidentally cleaning the city with their massive beards.




I soon found out that it was fate that I met this particular Scottish Terrier, as I was babysitting Lucy at the time, and this lovely lady's name was also Lucy. They took quite a liking to each other.

But Lucy wasn't the only one. These three pooches complimented each other's personalities so perfectly. Marty was a spunky little Toy Poodle with, thank Dog, no Napoleon Complex. He was energetic but just happy to be a part of the team, really. Tupper, the first Miniature Labridoodle I've ever had the honor of running into, was excessively cute (why do they always have to be so fluffy and irresistible to pet and cuddle?) and suuuuuper excited to meet me. He was even more excited to be a celeb via Puppy Paparazzi, so it took him a minute to calm down enough to get his picture taken. But once he got that shot, he GOT that shot -- he's a model in the making. I just know it.

If you're ever lucky enough to run into these three on the streets of Boston, stop and chat -- it's worth being late to any appointment.

 




Puppy Paparazzi: Joey the Portuguese Water Dog


Fluffy dogs galore!! Joey (one of my favorite names I might add) was a wonderfully furry 6-year old Portuguese Water Dog bopping around Charles Street with his dad and grandma. He seemed content to meet me, and took kindly to Lucy (who I had with me). Neither was scared of the other. It was fantastic.

As my friend pointed out, in the third picture Joey looks like he's rocking out. I'm gonna go ahead and say there was some dog-pitched Rolling Stones playing in the background, and that Joey can't get no satisfaction.

Puppy Paparazzi: Gunny the Bull Terrier

 



I'm very embarrassed about two things, dear reader.

One: First and foremost, I haven't posted on The Boston Dog Blog in far too long. I'm aware, and I'm really, really sorry. Work has me all tied up and completely drained at the end of the day. I promise to make an effort to post more though! The Boston Dog Blog lives on!!

Two: These are horribly poor quality photos of Gunny, the unusually large Bull Terrier. I was drawn to Gunny (who I spotted right near MGH) because when I was in Paris my greatest joy was heading to the pet store along the Seine that had an adorbs baby Bull Terrier and holding him until the salespeople were literally glaring at me. I fell in love, and Gunny helped calm my withdrawal (after a few months this lovely, expensive baby boy must have been adopted because he was gone. Someone paid over 1000 euros for him!)

Anyway, Gunny was nice and huuuuuge for her breed. She had a good attitude and a chill demeanor to go along with that "life is good" smile.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Puppy Paparazzi: Duff the Bearded Collie

Ok, I'll admit it. I cheated.

I know this is The Boston Dog Blog. but I found Duff in Hampton, New Hampshire by the beach. He was so fluffy and fabulous that I had no choice but to capture his soul on film.

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and this is definitely true for Duff. My friends thought this bearded collie looked scary, but I had only two thoughts: love (warmly reciprocated by His Furriness) and the dragon from The Neverending Story, whose name turns out to be Falkor. Please be so kind as to comment if you see the resemblance so I don't feel crazy!!


              Duff the Bearded Collie                                                                     Falkor the Luckdragon



Puppy Paparazzi: Sushi the Lhasa Apso/Japanese Chin Mix & Sake the Japanese Chin

 


  

Oh, the glory. Pure and underbitten glory. Observe Sushi (the beautiful black and white fluff ball) and Sake, the handsome mahogany and white furball with long, regal locks. Sushi is a Lhasa Apso/Japanese Chin Mix and Sake is a purebred Japanese Chin.

If you haven't noticed by the header dog at the top of The Boston Dog Blog, I have a fervent affinity for traditionally "ugly" dogs. I think they're crazy totally and completely cute and want a dog with an underbite more than anything. I'm also a real sucker for huge, bulgy eyes. So it's really no surprise that when I spotted these two across the Boston Common I practically pranced over like Bambi on a sugar high to pet them.

What I found I was certainly not prepared for: Sushi is an extra-famous celeb dog, because she won Boston's Ugliest Dog six years ago!! Needless to say, I was breathless with excitement, and completely enamored with her magical snaggletoothed smile. Both dogs were very, very excited -- hence the mediocre-quality photos. They were so personable and happy to meet me, they were running around (I really wish I'd snapped a better portrait of Sushi's underbite). My camera screen is also STILL BROKEN. Don't go to Best Buy, you spend $140 on a camera and it breaks two days later... and they won't fix it.

But anyway. Back to the point. Love these pooches, love their names. My favorite food, my favorite type of canine dental arrangement.