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: 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.

Puppy Paparazzi Group #7: Tommy the Yellow Lab

I know I said I was waiting on more photos, but I'll just have to do another post with them later. I had to post these pics of Tommy (a girl), the yellow lab I met on Charles Street who carries around everything -- and that day it was a giant blanket. Not only is she talented, but so pretty.

She had gorgeous eyes and I wish I could have gotten a close-up of her face, but I'm pretty sure she was only focused on two things at that point: protecting her baby (the blanket) and getting home for dinner. Mmmmm, scrumptious fleecy blanket.

Just had to add that I loooooove the name Tommy for a girl. I've always loved traditional boy names on girls; see Charlie.

Puppy Paparazzi Group #5: Dobby the Spanish Water Dog + Barnabus the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel

What happy, curious pups. Inventive names (please Dog God, let me have gotten both their names right), wagging tails and a curiosity to match Duke's.

The first one pictured to the left is Dobby, a Spanish Water Dog. The second is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Barnabus who it was nearly impossible to snap a decent photo of. Some dogs run, some dogs turn away from the camera. Barnabus just wanted to know what was inside the camera, so he got as close to it as doggonly possible at every attempted shot.

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it thrilled the dog. Need proof? Look how cute these two are.

Puppy Paparazzi Group #4: the Irish Setter

I feel so bad for not remembering his name, because he was handsome, calm and although a bit timid for a moment, liked interacting cordially with Duke. They seemed like old friends meeting up for a chat.

Unlike the puppy play fights, these two shyly introduced themselves then seemed immediately at ease in each other's presence.

A note to the friendly owner of this gorgeous Irish Setter, if you're reading this: please correct me on the name! For some reason I'm thinking Xavier, but I have a feeling that's wrong. Please comment or email me at bengalengs@gmail.com to let me know his actual name.

Puppy Paparazzi Group #3: Goose, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

I think it's safe to say that after the number of times Duke and I ran into Goose and his owner on Charles Street and the surrounding area, his owner was tired of both our faces. Oops.

Goose and Duke play fought and seemed to love it -- each fight ended in gently wagged tails -- but it was nerve-wracking to supervise. It seemed like at any moment a growl could become real. Paranoia? Probably. But somewhat legitimate as again, Goose was a baby and Duke is larger and more experienced, even if it's just at play fighting. Luckily Duke is a gentle giant (although not really a giant to people, per se) and would never hurt a flea.

Either way, Goose seemed like a great dog and I love the irony of his name considering the name of his breed. Duck, duck, Goose.

Duke and Goose play fight

Happy Hour With Your Dog in Boston

I'm about to do the big reveal: what dog-owning Bostonites really need. Hate those days when you want to relax and grab a drink with friends, but know you'll be seeping guilt from every pore for leaving Lucky home while it's a gorgeous day out in Boston?

I just turned 21, but I discovered dog-lover's heaven at Alibi Bar and Lounge (in the Liberty Hotel in Boston) over a year ago when I was the PR and event planning intern last summer. Alibi had monthly Puppy Parties -- with Alibi Puppy of the Month chosen at each fabulously dog-friendly party -- and I was lucky enough to work at the events.

Each month, the most awesomely-tempered and generally coolest dog was chosen from a pack of panting mutts. Every breed, age and personality of dog rolled through, almost like a canine kegger, but with water and jerky treats instead of beer and potato chips.

At the same time as the dogs were frolicking together, their owners could interact too, while sipping on ice-cold beverages provided by whatever company was sponsoring the Puppy Party that month (for instance, one month the sponsor was Bacardi, so dog owners enjoyed refreshing summer mojitos).

The winner won a prize from a local pet business and its very own Alibi Puppy of the Month mug shot. So adorable was the first winner, a pug with a mug to die for, that I kept a copy of her mug shot and hung it on my door. She looked as guilty as the celebrity shots lining the walls of the used-to-be jail, competing with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan (safe to say, she's much cuter than Lindsay or Paris).

I think Alibi stopped putting on the Alibi Puppy Parties (called the Dog Days of Summer), but I do know they still welcome dogs on the patio with open arms. I also know that the General Manager is a dog-lover herself, because I used to carry her baby long-haired chihuahua Charlie around with me all day at work.

Check it out for some fun in the sun (or the shade -- there are umbrellas) with your pet and other dog enthusiasts. And I'm willing to bet that if we get enough people who want to re-start the dog parties, it'll happen.

Alibi Bar & Lounge

215 Charles Street

Boston, MA 02114

(857) 241-1144

events@alibiboston.com

http://www.alibiboston.com/

http://www.facebook.com/alibibarandlounge

http://www.twitter.com/ALIBIbarlounge