Charlie the Dog Blog

The friendly club

2012-01-25T23:44:00.000-08:00

No one nis expects me to post here, which makes it a safer place than it even was before. I've been shaved, and had my anal glands cleaned, and I still feel the years on me. I'm curled up with my owner Amber, and we both wake with arthritis aches, which makes me a very sad dog. I feel sometimes that this isn't my youthful body. Amber is now married to Brian, and for a trendsetter like herself, she did something out of fashion. Marriage. It's not exactly the hipster thing to do, but one day she just woke up. She looked at me as I chewed a bone, and told me all her fears of marriage. It just felt right for us.

There seems to be a lot of love around here. Amber went on a trip to Utah and came home with a new sister for me. She is a pomeranian, cuddly, and awfully cute. I hate her. I can stare at her all day long with my glare, and she just smiles and sits on Ambers lap. I feel jealous, so I've become more moody, but the main attention is always still mine.

I watched Joan Rivers today while Amber was off facebooking again, and without makeup I didn't see any beauty. I saw fear. I saw raw fear. I saw a woman afraid of who she is. In Hollywood it's so hard to fit in. It's a town where every age is just a year older, but not something to celebrate.

I'm going to bark at Breaker, our miniture pin, and tell him to saddle Amber up and take her on a walk. She feels the weight of some slight depression which she suffers sometimes. Friends haven't been around as much because of isolation. Well I just read a very interesting thing, of course I can read or how else could I write!!!! Dogs read all sorts of things, like signs telling people to Beware of Us and On Leash and Off Leash signs and....well you get the picture. Anyway in this weeks People magazine, the one with Justin Bieber on the cover (I know I can't explain that either), there was something interesting that caught my eye.

In an article about Carol Burnett, apart from noticing that she married a man 20 years younger than her at 60, hey talked about "the friendly club" which was started by her and Charles Grodin and was about being friendly to people, smiling, letting them know you know they exist. John said 'It's a great idea; i'm starting to do it now.'I know Erin, Carol Burnetts daughter- and she even talks highly of her mother's kindness.

When I go on walks, I like the attention people give me when they compliment my walks. It's my favorite part of the day. Maybe dog's, and Carol Burnett's friendly club should be done by everyone. Imagine a world of kindness, love and acceptance-- without the nastiness.

Lonely thoughts

2011-02-01T23:38:00.000-08:00

I have noticed recently that one of the things that hurts people's feelings is rejection. Any kind of rejection stings, even when it's from somebody you didn't even particularly like, somehow even that rejection can be upsetting. And these days there are just so many more ways to be rejected - by text, email, facebook, twitter, voice message and complete silence. I feel sad for Amber that her family is strong-arming her with silence and rejection. She tried to help a family member, and it back-fired on her. She had to take a real look at why she wanted to help in the first place. At first she was sure it was out of love, but looking more carefully it was seeking the love from the family member that she helped. Love and approval, and connection. They are all needs of humans, and dogs. I want approval when a bone is thrown, and I run and get it. i want approval for even the little things like peeing outside, or not biting the F*** out of the new dog Breaker. I know that even he wants acceptance and love. Amber has made a bad-habit of over-working, and then she misses everyone, and they are off living different lives. I know I need acceptance, just like a fish needs water, or like a cat needs a fish. It's just life. Amber tells herself when she is alone that everyone is off having a good time without her, probably talking about how much they don't even like her. These stories can upset her, even though they aren't even true. She has a lot of wonderful friends and they love her, and she loves them. Lonely days happen, to all breeds, well maybe not to every single breed, but dogs and humans, for sure! I have to remind her that there are times when we are too busy too.

One time we had a phone call from one of our good friends asking us to look for a modeling book left behind here months ago. She called and called, and finally Amber snapped and said "I don't have time for this!" and once her friend came by to look for the book (and found it!) Amber felt bad that she had acted the way she did.

Today we went to the vet for checkups. Because Breaker came from the vet he was a fixer upper from the start. Breaker has a eye-ulcer we had dyed to confirm, and I have arthritis, just like Amber. So, we are having more check-ups in five days, and until then it is our mission to go out and make friends, call up old friends, and remember that people and dogs matter. Life gets busy, but don't be the one that could help someone become un-lonely, and don't get too busy to realize that our thoughts are just that-- thoughts, and often we tell ourselves things that aren't true.

Charlie the dog blog wuff

So, we

Pee on the floor and more

2011-02-01T00:29:00.000-08:00

Again, here it is years later and I am still peeing on the carpet even after Amber takes me outside/ I just prefer it that way. I think by now, 11 years later she knows I am going to do it, and her scrubbing is like second nature. I'm just a dog, and if I'm mad, I get over it quickly. If I'm happy, that passes quickly too. I wish it was like that for Amber, but it isn't. Her family and her had a falling out and even though months are starting to pass, she hurts over being ignored as punishment. Back in the old days, communities were communities and people looked out for one another and knew each other and rallied round the old and the weak and nowadays that is overlooked in our busy insular lives. It's the same with Families. If we don't like what our family says or does, we just delete them from our facebook, block their text messages and say things like "I have to study and can't be distracted" or "I have to focus on ME now." Connection is everything in this world and it's important to make connections to make other people feel as though they are seen and heard and cared about and matter. That is so key to feeling a part of this world so let's all do what we can. All this technology for connection and what we really only know more about is how anonymous we are in the grand scheme of things. There are so many ways to connect with others nowadays and I think that's amazing. I miss Amber being connected to more people, she spends far too much time with us dogs, and not enough time with humans. Sometimes the hurts and fears get larger than life, and we can paralize ourselves in a state where we are stuck. I have a new brother now, a mini-pincher named Breaker. We saved him from the pound, and he has so much energy and is always ready to go. Amber needs to hike him, but she doesn't have motivation because of the stresses. She would feel better if she would only stop and think more of herself, but she worries too much about others, and when it comes to her, she gets sad and then becomes very busy to overcompensate. I'm a dog, and sometimes I do eat too much Kibble and put on a few pounds and realise I have to eat a bit less and I stop. But the one thing I don't have to contend with is other dogs yelling at me that I look fat....and meaning that as the ultimate insult they can think of. Dogs don't decide whether to like or not like each other based on how heavy they are.It's true, Amber is gaining, and this nonsense must stop. Amber will continue to text her family, even ignored, and I will continue to pee on the carpet, even when paid attention. So, life is as it is, habits are formed, and it's a doggy dog world.And for my extended family of Ambers: I love you just as much, just secretly. For those of you who have followed the daily soap opera of our lives, I hope we meet someday, keep in touch, keep the faith and be kind....live in love not fear and follow your dreams, they will all come true if they're good for you Wuff. Charlie the dog blog

New Brother

2010-11-12T17:12:00.000-08:00

I haven't barked much here lately. It's been a really wild ride though, and there are many things to catch up on. First and foremost let me tell you that I have a new brother. His name is Breaker and he is a mini pinscher. I adore him, but he does take an awfully lot of attention. He is so cute though, and Brian (Ambers bf) just loves him too.

Today Amber took him on a walk around the block. They are leash training because Breaker just tries to ski the entire way. He does not like the leash. He will love walks once he gets used to them.

Woof!
Charlie the dog

love

2010-09-09T23:12:00.000-07:00

Today Amber and Brian went to a funny audition where they had to talk about their relationships, and look for the problem. The problems they had were so up in the air that both of them laughed when it was done, and came home and forgot about the whole thing. THat's the thing about love. If you love someone, the problems are temporary, if you don't-- learn to love by looking for the one thing in someone you can relate too..

Sharing passion

2010-09-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

Being a dog is not as easy as it may appear. The guilt I have over not wanting other animals in my house is because my owner Amber wants more pets. She thinks that sharing is best, but she hardly shares anything herself. Sharing is a funny thing. It leads to jealousy, and problems. But it also leads to being a good person, and making a difference for others.....so overall, it is best to share.

Today the weather has been a bit under. The sun is hiding and for me that's okay. It has been so hot lately that a little hiding from the sun works. However, it still gets everyone in quite the lazy mood. They all want to stay indoors, so commitments linger, and don't happen, and everyone in Los Angeles seems to get sick. It's a weird phenomenon.

I feel great though, and after this nap, I'm going to go on a nice long walk....it will also help Amber get her frustration out. She needs more help with her projects. She has the passion, the drive, and the people around her don't see things as passionately as she does.

Chapter ONE

2010-03-13T22:26:00.000-08:00

A BITCH’S GUIDE TO DATING: Everything you should know about men and dogs.

(Written by Charlie the dog)
with Amber Dawn Lee

CHAPTERS
1. CHASING POOP IS A BAD HABIT
2. GROOMING
3. PURE BREDS AND MUTTS
4. COMMUNIATION
5. RUNNING WITH THE PACK
6. TRAINING
7. TREATS AND REWARDS

©

“Things that upset a terrier may pass virtually unnoticed by a Great Dane” – Smiley Blanton

1. EATING POOP IS A BAD HABIT

I would prefer to chew on a nice big juicy bone, but if a bone isn’t available I’m perfectly happy eating poop. I’m a bitch, a real dog. It’s what I do. I eat poop. For my two legged human master, taking what’s “just available” could cause emotional distress, indigestion, and a lot of humiliation. My master does this when it comes to dating and I whimper every time it happens. For her poop and men are one in the same and she has no idea how to pick the right one. Her picker is broken. She can’t just accept whatever poop (man) that’s lying around the neighborhood looking steamy and hot, she has to learn to choose what she wants in a partner, and find a real prize of a fellow or she will get what she has been getting, which is a pile of warm smelly and hazardous waste. I know it sounds bold to compare men to poop. All men are not this way, just the one’s she spent the last few years dating.

My master needed to figure out what she wanted. She dated so many different untrained men, that by the time she hit her dating “low point” all bets were off, and the stink was starting to show. She was as pathetic as Bridget Jones before she found true love, and I was tired of biting ankles as they walked out the door. Men don’t usually come trained, and just like dogs, they need to learn the rules.

My master let her boundaries down, and instead of getting love for being “just as she is” the men she dated would push the boundaries to see what they could get away with, and just like bubble gum my master would stretch this way and that to become what they wanted her to be. Most of the time they got away with a lot of bad behavior, as my sad girl scrambled to figure out why she wasn’t getting what she felt she deserved back. She was lonely. She was lonely even when she was on a date. She had failed at love and had a past dating roster she was too ashamed to brag about. Her journey became my own personal canine and master project. She was acting like a pussy (cat) when it came to getting what she truly needed and wanted. Avoiding dating all together was not an option, so it was time to take a real hard look at what wasn’t working before she could figure out what would. You have to know where you are to know where the journey begins.

“When a dog wags her tail and barks at the same time, how do you know which end to believe?” – Anonymous

I covered my eyes with my paws one evening after my master had been texting one of her crushes from work. My master had a good career and this was not appropriate behavior in any way, shape or form. Do not poop where you eat! It gets even worse. This man had not paid her any special attention, and after my masters breakup of the prior loser (still living with his mommy at 35) she wanted this new crush from work to give her significance she had no patience to earn or even give herself. The new fantasy guy from work returned a text stating he wasn’t in a place to pursue a new relationship, but to send “sexy picks” to his email anyway “just for the fun of it.” What this means is “I don’t like you but I will look at your boobs if you send pictures, and I may even show my friends” This also means “You are acting like a moron so I’ll treat you like a moron.”

That should have been the first red flag for her, and “double dog dares” should be left for..well, for dogs. Any human could see my master should “run, don’t walk away” and stay away from any sort of texting frenzy and go have ice cream and calm down with a good movie. My master really liked the guy, she wanted him to “fill her heart up with romance” and ride off into the sunset and do everything the last guy who lived with mom couldn’t. She wanted to impress him, seduce him, love him, marry him, and ride off into the sunset. She thought that if she could impress him with the right picture angles, and airbrushed photos, and maybe a “sparkly text” to follow up the pictures, she may have a shot and he may change his mind and suddenly want a relationship with my master. After all, my human paid a lot for her breasts, she should show them, right? She put on her best bikini, sprayed on a stinky lotion tan, put makeup on her pimples, took the pic, and sent it off to his mobile phone memory and waited for a lifetime of love to begin. Wedding bells filled the valley as she waited to hear back from him and I curled up beside her as she looked at wedding dresses online. She was in fantasy land. Psycho fantasy land. It was a fantasy psycho land and my owner was oblivious as she flipped through Bridal websites dreaming up the perfect dress. She was looking for praise from the dude at work, while demonstrating bad behavior. “Bad Girl!” I growled. That sort of thing needs to be left for the dogs. It was too late, the pictures were out in cyberland.

If I become a nuisance, barking non-stop like a hyena, or chewed up a good Prada or Gucci shoe, I am not going to be rewarded for it. Doesn’t the same apply to stupid humans? My master learned lessons the hard way. Should peeps expect positive results for being bad? No. No. No. Bad girl. My master was fizzling faster than an alka seltzer, and just watching her drown in bad behavior made me need some alka seltzer. She tried every tactic she could think of, the same as barking up the tree for a squirrel who just wants to play games. She never heard back from him, but had to face him again on Monday, at work, where she hid her face behind her notebook as she sat in a business meeting. He never even texted or called her. Why? Because again, bad behavior doesn’t get you a treat, it get’s you shit. This wasn’t the end of her dating life though. She had many experiences dating, and as her best friend, and cuddler I knew that the men were guinea pigs, and that through every experience comes a big lesson, and a lesson means she was a step closer to finding true love, without restraining orders. She escaped the men but not without heartbreak and injury, and with Los Angeles as a dating playground the best was yet to come. So was the worse.

Realizing that it is okay that “everybody isn’t going to like you” is a big step in being proactive in your dating behavior. Doing things to destroy the potential of being respected was lame, but beating yourself up for a mistake is even more lame-o. It’s like beating a dog like me for pooping on the floor hours earlier, I have already forgotten the lesson, and now it’s just a beating. Brush it off like bad makeup, and move on. An old poet once said “We first make our habits, then our habits make us.” A bad habit usually deserves another bad habit. They can be a recipe for disaster if not stopped. They pile on each other and before we know it, we need a good lock up in the pound.

So, why did I decide to put paws to paper and write this book? I felt that there was a lot to learn from my master and her dating disasters and wins. It’s a jungle out there and if you don’t do things carefully you’re going to get your tail bit off.

What are some of your bad habits? Do you hang out with poop rather than wait on a big juicy bone? You deserve the bone. We all do.

“Even the tiniest Poodle or Chihuahua is still a wolf at heart.”- Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, Dogs: The Wolf Within

When I was a puppy, my human did everything she could to try and get me to act and behave as she wanted. She took me outside to pee and I would pee on the carpet indoors instead. I would bark, she would yell. I would run away. She would chase me, tripping over bushes and making a fool of herself all in the name of “training.” I wasn’t always a good bitch. It was great fun watching her stress out over me, and I had all of her attention, but she had none of mine. One summer day at the dog park, my master let the leash off, and I took off running like a full blooded greyhound even though I’m a five pound shih-tzu. I didn’t just run in circles, I ran zig-zags, I ran circle-eights. I ran and ran, and enjoyed the wind in my ears, and ran some more. I loved this freedom, and wanted to be as far from my master as I possibly could. She was always there no matter what I did and I liked my freedom. I was free to do whatever I wanted, and her love was unconditional. I knew she would always be there waiting for me when I was done, so I kept her waiting.
She would clap, and scream, and yell for me to come back but I just perked my ear, and ran the other way. I didn’t give her an ounce of attention. I knew she would continue buzzing after me, and that in a moment she would catch me and spank me as I yelped to be free, humiliated when all the real Great Danes in the park snickered at me for getting caught by my master. It was the game we played, and I would not change for anything. I ran off, she ran after me. It was far more interesting to do my own activities of humping, jumping, barking, just knowing she was there and the consequences would be small. I sniffed asses, chased toys, and humped park benches. I ran and ran. I loved the dog park. This cycle was our habit. One day everything changed. Now your wondering what this has to do with dating? Keep reading. You will have an “aha” moment just as my master and I did.

It was a humid and hot day outside, but we returned to the park a week later. This time she brought treats to bribe me with after I ran away. Bribery works in tricky ways. Instead she got the attention of all the mixed breeds, as they ate the jerky, licked her, and went on with their day of smelling each other, and growling at her for more. I was tired of her bribery, I knew this game, and I continued to play and run away. I still could hear her yelling after me until her voice was cracking, and so was her invisible whip as she yelled “get over here NOW Charlie girl!” as she patted her knee’s sternly. I ignored her. I ignored her bribery. I ran as far as I could to the other side of the park. I knew she would be waiting for me when I came back. Then something happened. I couldn’t hear her yelling at me. I didn’t know where she was, and suddenly she was gone. I panicked! My heart started racing as I looked around the large park full of dumb dogs. Where in the heck was my Master? None of the other dogs in the park mattered anymore. Nothing mattered. I wanted her there, but she was nowhere in sight. I needed my human. My tail stopped wagging, and I began to whine and howl. Just when I thought there was no hope, I spotted her. She was leaving the park. She had given up on me. I chased her quickly with my tail between my legs, and was at her heels in a moments notice, letting her take the lead, put the leash back on, and as I followed her to the car I wagged my tail. She was my master. I instantly got rid of the bad habit of running away. The pain of losing my master was intolerable. I knew the rules. I was so happy my human didn’t leave me.

“I’ve seen a look in dogs’ eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts. “ – John Steinbeck

There is little difference between dogs, and men. All men do not act like dogs, but some do. They don’t want to be harassed, and chased, and stalked, or bribed, or leashed unless they decide they want to be leashed. They want a woman who does her own thing and doesn’t need her. We as dogs will follow a pack leader, and so will men. Pack leaders just make things go their own way, but they do it in a way that is only known to human nature. My human was trying to train her dates to sit, stay, and roll over, but she had no idea how to do it. When she walked away that day in the park I knew for certain, she didn’t “need” me anymore, and was tired of my games. Then the roles switched and I needed and wanted her. Certainly men could be trained as I was, but how?

My master started to train me after that. She found that I responded better to rules and the techniques she used for training me can be applied to training a man too. There was little difference between men’s behavior and me when I was acting like a bad dog. The similarities of men and dogs can be both good and bad. They can be your worse enemy, or if trained right they can be your loyal best friend for life and love you unconditionally. There are many breeds of men, narcissists, addicts, religious maniacs, athletes, lovers, cheaters, friends, black, white, Hispanic, short, tall, famous, poor, mean, nice, big and small. Pick carefully.

Dog’s under pressure will panic, and run. Men under pressure will panic, and run. My master was flopping around like an untrained canine that needed a good bone, and she was doing the dating deal without any dignity at all. This was not show-dog business, but this was hood-rat living. It was a joke to witness, but as her best friend and canine companion for life, I loved her unconditionally. She would never get her own Mr. Right if she kept acting so desperate, untrained, and not valuing herself. She would overcompensate in anyway she could and all it suggested is one thing. She was a pushover with bad habits.

A bad habit starts with blaming others for your own problems. Blaming the guy for not acting right, your parents for divorcing and screwing you up, blaming your friends, your teachers, your childhood, your animals. Do not be a victim of bad habits. Do not blame others for reacting to your behavior. If you want a bone, get a bone. Get it by first respecting yourself and getting your own life. Don’t repeat mistakes, learn from them. Get control and improve your relationships. If you listen to what is outlined in this book you will ACE the dating life, just as my master did after many hard knocks.

Some bad habits my master had to overcome:
Being desperate, acting desperate
Making another person the reason for happiness
Not controlling your life
Not living confidently
Not respecting herself
Not having balance between men and other activities
Dating in mass amounts rather than for value
Acting cheap and easy

Grab a pen and paper and write down some of your own bad habits. If you think you don’t have any than you have already started, that is your first bad habit. We are all flawed. Even show dogs have hidden flaws. They just don’t flaunt them. Mark up your paper with bad habits, drawings, outlines, notes. It’s your life, and your future! If you don’t want to write them all down, start small and just write down a few. Then look at the bad habits and you will know exactly what to do next. Write down good future habits you want to create.

New good habits:
Never act desperate
Create your own happiness
Control your own life
Be confident
Respect yourself
Balance dating with other outside activities
Date the kind of men you would want to marry
Don’t act cheap or slutty

Be a pack leader. A leader won’t kill herself chasing a man down, desiring to get her own way through a shrieking yelp of desperation. Hey, does she want to be an old bag lady, with a million cats, living alone forever? I am a bitch, and I despise cats. I certainly don’t want that, and neither should you. So STOP CHASING AFTER SHIT, AND GO FOR THE BONE. Are your bad habits hurting or helping you? For my master they were hurting her. She dated men who behaved like bad dogs, even worse.

Bad habits put limitations on us. Changing them can bring out the best in us. Practicing your bad habits is not who you are, it’s just like wearing glasses with the wrong prescription. Take them off. Get the right prescriptions.

“Everything about Men I learnt from my dog” – Clare Staples

My master met a good-looking guy in college. He was an artist. He was hot. He was a “troubled brooding, and deep” sort of chaos just like she was. He was her soul mate the moment she met him. He lived in a motor- home and moved around from spot to street, and was not in any place to have a relationship with anyone. My master thought he was awesome, and took it as her own job to save him from his own demons and to ride off to the next parking spot forever.

My master bribed him into liking her by draining her savings account and decorating his motor home with fluffy pillows, art deco, candles, and of course, framed pictures of herself to not just remind him of her, but to tag his motor home as her space in case any other girl showed up. Gag. She wanted to leave her mark on his motor home and she wanted to be thought of every day. One day, she drove to the last spot the motor home was parked. She had a nice surprise (lingerie and turkey tacos) and the motor home was gone. I quickly started sniffing out the trail, but the guy and his home on wheels was gone. She called and called his cell phone, but there was no answer. She did everything wrong in this situation, bribery, giving away the bone, and was always available and gave this artistic dude anything he wanted to “earn” love. I have my own pillow to lay my head on and I would never share it with other Bitch’s that just came over to re-decorate my pad. I mean really, save the decorating for after the marriage, and never, ever, under any circumstances decorate a motor home. She expected this guy to get what she was all about, and realize how great she was for everything kind she did. It wasn’t kindness, it was excuses to get what she wanted and needed too. She was doing things to build his life up and make it better while neglecting her own life and needs at the same time. She had an expectation of him that he never even hinted at delivering. She doubted him from the beginning, remember the self portrait picture center seat in the motor home? The clues are often there and denial doesn’t change the truth.

Some weeks later she saw the motor home parked across the street from campus. She parked her car a block away and stalked, listening to “their song” on her Ipod. After she almost killed me with the overkill of bad lovers music, I had to get out of our stalking car to pee. She wanted to know why he had ignored her calls, after all she had “done” for him. I sniffed around the other car wheels as she looked on desperately as the motor-home door opened, and out walked a skinny blond woman, hand in hand with Mr. Jerk off. Dogs are narcissistic. Some men are narcissistic too. Even when they live in motor homes they can be narcissistic. This guy walked right past us as I urinated and said “yo baby, wh’sup” as he strutted past us with his latest flashy girl who probably got “true love” from Mr. Jerk off on the pillows that my master bought him. I bet the picture of her was taken down too.

My master was sad, but she deserved every tear she cried. I wanted her to hurt from it so she would use the experience to make a change. What kind of dumbass re-decorates a mans place, even if it was a moving home on wheels? Bribery, and gifts are for Bitch’s to not pee on the rug. It rarely works for us dogs, and it doesn’t work with men, obviously. The truth is that the more she centered her life on these men, the more they became unattracted to her. She was building her entire emotional bank on whatever their needs were, and she neglected to have any self care along the way. Her security came from them. Her value came from them. She was always worried about where she stood in the relationships because she was really not a value to the other person. Bribery isn’t value. My master needed to handle her independent emotions outside of dating and take care of herself first. She thought that dating a loser would maybe be a better fit. That obviously didn’t work either.

My master was dating lower companions and then would get upset that “even the loser didn’t want” her. The lessons were just starting, and a shift was about to take place. If she knew then what she does now, she would have saved a lot of tears and heartbreak.

Lessons of Paw:
* Change bad habits
* Don’t settle for poop, wait for the big juicy bone.
* Choose what you really want in a partner.
*Barking up the wrong tree will only get you a nut.
*Bribery doesn’t work.
* Dogs and men under pressure will panic and run.
* Stop chasing.
* Be a pack leader, not a follower.

“To Err is human, to forgive, canine”- Unknown

2009-12-23T18:23:00.001-08:00

Christmas is sneaking up on us too soon!

A Peta note. Unbearable

2009-11-11T11:53:00.001-08:00

Dear Amber,
For most people, the sale of cats and dogs from animal shelters for use in laboratories seems like a barbaric practice from the distant past—as it should be. Shockingly, in some states homeless animals are still purchased from shelters and then used in cruel and painful experiments, even at seemingly reputable universities. PETA's newest investigation goes undercover inside the University of Utah to reveal the school's shocking experiments on homeless animals.

One of these animals was an affectionate orange tabby cat named Robert. University of Utah experimenters drilled a hole into his skull and implanted electrodes in his brain in order to run an electric current through it. The university also paid a shelter $20 for a skinny black-and-tan German shepherd mix named Lady. Lady's neck was cut open and a medical device was implanted as part of a cruel heart experiment. Kittens born to a cat purchased from a shelter had chemicals injected into their brains. All the kittens died during the course of the experiment.

In other experiments, mice were given enormous tumors and monkeys had holes drilled into their skulls. These monkeys were also kept constantly thirsty so that they would "cooperate" with experimenters in exchange for a few drops of water. These are just a few examples of the many instances of cruelty documented by PETA's undercover investigator at the University of Utah.

PETA is taking swift action by filing formal complaints with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health alleging violations of federal law and noncompliance with federally mandated guidelines. We are also filing a criminal complaint with local law-enforcement officials. However, as long as any university or company continues to blind, poison, maim, torture, and kill animals, our job isn't done. PETA—and supporters like you—are often the only hope for these animals.

Please be a voice for the animals suffering in laboratories at the University of Utah. Urge the university to end the use of animals from shelters in its laboratories.

Thank you for speaking out for animals in laboratories. Your voice makes a difference to the countless helpless animals who have no voice.

Action and friendships.

2009-11-09T20:47:00.000-08:00

A bitch is a bitch, that's all there is to it. But sometimes when others act out insanely I just scratch my head with my paw and wonder "what just happened?" It's been a rollercoaster in the last few weeks. Old friends are changing, and some of those changes aren't going in the same direction as Amber, so parting ways is the best way sometimes. It is funny and sad all at the same time when people you have known for so long change and you can't help them as they spiral down. All you can do is hang on for dear life, and stay afloat until they let go of your life raft. It's important to set a positive emotional climate for yourself. Just like a garden that flourishes best under certain conditions, your life operates more smoothly when the emotional climate is well thought out. So goodbye to 2 of my old mates, and on to smoother waters. I wont mention names because that is not the business of me to tell, but I will say Amber is at peace with it.

Amber has been working on a film project day and night with her partner Gary Kohn, Gary is mulit-talented and believes in Ambers abilities. I am proud of her for the hard work, but sometimes she goes into work mode and rarely notices that hours have gone by. I wine at the door, she stops, and we spend time outside in the yard before returning to the grind. It's an awesome project and it's coming together wonderfully. So lights, camera, and action are the words of the day! Friendships, and doing what we love is what it's about. Pick your passions carefully, don't let them pick you.

Wuff Wuff, Charlie the dog Blog.

Circus-charlie the dog blog

2009-09-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

The circus has come to town in the form of a BRITNEY SPEARS CONCERT, and Patty and Amber packed their mini purses, threw on some jeans, and ran out to see what all the fuss was about. I stayed home because I was afraid of possible large elephants and flying men. They had a blast. The show was really well put together and Brit was an amazing performer, despite past screw ups. It really made Amber think about how people, and things can hold a person back from true talents. It happened to Brit for awhile, it's happened to Amber. There are so many things that can stop our true goals, and magic if we let them. People like to ride on others insecurities when they are jealous of another's journey. Patty, the beautiful girl, has become close to Amber and they are having alot of fun on adventures, and I am barking with joy over it. It was funny when Amber dropped Patty off last night Patty said "Amber, maybe it's time to grow up" and Amber just laughed, because Patty just took her to Britney Spears before saying that. Oh,,,, the circus of life.

Amber wrote a film with intention of shooting it before the end of the year. She has amazing people on board to complete this project and if it weren't for passion, this project would not come to fruition. The amazing Gary Kohn is on board with Katia Bokor and Margo Romero directing. Dave Thies is Directing the photography and Jody Sweetin is putting her post production house into action. We are moving forward with it, and our team just keeps building. I am so grateful that it's working and the momentum is building. MY only question is why Amber put a cat in the story rather than me.

Enjoy the circus, enjoy your life.
Charlie the dog blog

Weekend coming. DOG BLOG

2009-09-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

The weekend is sneaking up again and friends are going to WYNN In VEGAS! Not us though, we are staying put and working this weekend, and we could not be happier. Yesterday we worked on a comedy central pilot, and it was so nice to be on a set doing what we do. It was especially nice working with Erin, Rob, Chuck, and Jacob again. We make a great team, and understand how to make a project go because we know each others strengths and weaknesses, and we fill the voids and make it perfect.

Things are better than they seem

2009-08-31T23:12:00.001-07:00

Things are always better than they appear. I learned this when I was given the smallest bone and Sasha and Jillian got the bigger ones. I felt jealous, and a bit bitter, until I bit into the deep peanut butter that came out of the small bone. In these uncertain economic times it's easy for Amber to worry about the securities she is used to both financially and emotionally. Things can affect dogs and people in different ways, and security is incredibly significant to Amber. It makes me sad when she worries nervously. I know that everything works out, and also know that with so many mulitple projects, something is going to hit. In a busy business like show biz it's easy to run with fear in between projects, but I wag my tail, curl up with our friends stay reminded that things are always better than they appear, and that it will all work out.There is the right time and right place for everything. We spent the other day with a wonderful new friend and we are learning so much from him. It's so nice to be challenged, and through it learn new things. And it made me think that so many times we just happen to be in the right place at the right time and see these things that really are quite special. But then I really got such a profound sense that it's not an accident, God just puts us there and all we have to do is enjoy it. Or screw it up. Bark. I do believe that there is a reason for the people in our lives though, and that once one lesson is learned, we postulate new opportunities, and friendships and hopefully get to keep the old ones too. It's been unbelievably hot here in Los Angeles, and the heat wave is unbearable sometimes. The hiking is on hold for the week until things cool down so there is plenty of time to work. xo Wuff Wuff

Charlie the dog blog

Yesterdays world

2009-08-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

Charlie the dog blog

There have been so many times when you have found me in yesterdays world. Paying high prices for mistakes made in the past like pooping on the floor, barking at the wrong dog, or for Amber-- making many mistakes while living in a fog. Living in yesterday is something that can't be avoided sometimes. However, this is such a great opportunity to open up the doors, and let new lessons fly in. Living in the now is the best way to look at your life and celebrate today. Letting go of all pride and mistakes and not letting them hold you from your destiny is significant.

Today there are so many summer parties, and places to go. It is a blessing to be invited everywhere, but it's also alot of time going "here and there" and giving many hugs and thanks to those who have opened their hearts. It is our belief that there is a higher power at work, and that by really going after what we want we cannot fail. Yes, we can get heartbroken, yes we can fumble, but what the hell is wrong with living a BIG full life? How can we expect to achieve anything if all we do is stay hidden from our real hopes and dreams because of yesterdays failures?

Sasha dog will be home soon, and we are waiting for her to come back and wag her tail all over the place. Loving where we are, and remembering yesterdays lessons are not todays moments....... is the best way to live for me. But hey-- I'm a dog. What do I really know anyway?

Charlie the dog blog
Charlie

Lessons from the dogblog

2009-08-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

History teaches us the best lessons. If only we would always learn our own personal lessons from our own history. Went hiking with Katia and Sasha. What a great time it is to just get away and hike and share a friendship away from bills, city smog, and all the other things that bother Amber and bog her down sometimes. She is in the midst of several really big projects however, and we know this year is going to be one of the best, but also one of the hardest. In the midst of lessons it's always best to just breath, hike with a friend, and take a moment to remember that we are all flawed in some ways, and that if we do the best we can, and make amends for our mistakes, opportunities will come, and lessons wont be so harsh.
xoxo

Note from Amber on BIZ

2009-08-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

Dreams to reality; dare to take action

Everyone comes to Hollywood with a dream. They come here to make it big, to become a star, to live the fancy life most people just see on television. These desires are not just a dream to many artists, but a definite way they MUST live. They must do what they love, they must have their own expression, and through the entertainment business they feel they can finally fit, they can finally belong, they can finally make their dreams a reality. Artists are my favorite kind of people. Artists think differently than non-artists. They must dance, sculpt, write, act, paint, or create in their own way or they are depressed. Artist’s give who they are internally, and find a way to express it to the world.
Here is what I found as a definition of an artist.
n.
One, such as a painter, sculptor, or writer, who is able by virtue of imagination and talent or skill to create works of aesthetic value, especially in the fine arts.
A person whose work shows exceptional creative ability or skill: You are an artist in the kitchen.
One, such as an actor or singer, who works in the performing arts.

In my opinion who would want to do anything else? I can say that. I’m an artist. Everyone has a deep need to contribute to the world in his or her own special way. Motivational speaker Tony Robbins has even said that it’s a deep human NEED to contribute, and that everyone must in some way. Contribution comes in many ways but for Artists it’s a way of life. I am thankful for the artists that have contributed prior to me, and grateful for those who are continuing to create works of aesthetic value.
Artists are the ones who demonstrate history for us. Because of artists we understand the ways of life of those who lived before us. We understand the life of a man in the 20th century when we study Picasso. We learn of the ways of life when looking at the old walls of Egypt We understand comedy and tragedy when we watch an old Chaplin movie, and how history changed forever with Lumiere’s film Arrival of a Train. In the short film, terror gripped audiences in only fifty seconds as they witnessed an everyday occurrence on film for the first time. A train pulls into a station. Simple for us to understand because in modern films we watch buildings blowing up, people disappear, and worlds created by artist’s imaginations. However, in film history this small film made the audience run for safety, scrambling to get away from the locomotive because they had never experienced film, and the movement of something unreal. That gives us understanding of a time before us. That’s history. That’s an artist’s work. I remember the tragic day airplanes struck the world trade center. I watched it from my television on the first day I arrived in Los Angeles. I was helping a friend cast a project and many of the actors called in and said they couldn’t make the audition because of the tragedy. I didn’t comprehend the gravity of the situation at that time because I was numbed to seeing this sort of thing in films for years. It took me about 2 days to realize what this was really about, how lives were really lost, and the significance of the horrible day in America. I didn’t run from the screen, I didn’t scramble for safety. However History shows us that modern cinema has also numbed tragedy through entertaining audiences. Never underestimate the importance of being an artist, it is one of the most significant contributions to society that one can give.

Head out the window

2009-08-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

Charlie the dog blog

BIg things are happening here in Hollywood and every dog knows it. Things happen so quickly sometimes that we expect it will always be busy with people, and excitement. Amber is having a moment to catch her breath after Allie left. Amber has been struggling because she misses her girl already, and no one can ever take the place of family. Having things go a different way than what you believe is the right way is tough. Powerlessness over people, places, and things, is a tough thing sometimes. It's hard because you have to turn things over to God, and have FAITH that God really knows your best path. It's really something to have faith, and it takes alot of practice, and even prayer to have more faith. Amber really likes to control her environment, her friends, her productions and career, but sometimes things are just out of our control, and to think there ever is any real control is silly. That's when it's time to let go..and just trust. Some things are just strange-- and having faith in the unknown is one of the strange things we have to do. Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window! I do it all the time. Sometimes we just don't know what we really even want. We just have to trust that some higher power does.

I believe in Life

2009-08-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

Charlie the Dog Blog

Change is hard. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Making real changes when habits are already formed, makes me growl, and stick my tail between my legs. New tricks are better, but learning them, is tough. If I hear the can opener, I instantly salivate. I the refridgerator door opens, I wag my tail. What if I try something different? What if I rearranged my life and stopped just drinking toilet water and using my water bowl as a fountain of fun, what if I did the OPPOSITE? I have to resist the urge to roll around in stinky stuff right after I bathe.

Amber has made changes that are unexpected this week. Things were thrown in her lap that made her open her eyes, and realize she has more potential than what she has been settling for. Why do we settle? Well for Amber it's comfortable. A change makeover is now absolutely in progress.It is a mistake to regard age as a downhill grade toward dissolution. The reverse is true. As one grows older, one climbs with surprising strides if they make efforts.

Someone close to us hurt Amber this week by saying cruel things. It's easy to believe what was said, and it took a real moment of reflection to get past the hurt and realize that people throw stones when they are hurting. Amber certainly isn't a saint, and doesn't want to pretend she is. However, when we allow people to make us feel bad over and over again, our esteem suffers. When our esteem is lost how can we really help the greater good? God wants us to do great things, and God knows the truth. Just because someone abuses us doesn't mean we have to let it happen again. Last night Amber asked someone if they believed in Heaven, and they replied "I believe in Life." That really stood out to her because so many of us, her included, think about the future, the past the problems, rather than solutions. "I believe in LIFE" means to live for right now, and excuse my bark but "fucking enjoy it" now, not later. Now. I will no longer chase a stupid stick, unless it leaves Ambers hand.

I wish you all love life and the privilage of believing in life.

stop and make something

2009-07-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in life it's important to just stop, make something, and relax.

“You can run with the big dogs or sit on the porch and bark.”

2009-07-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

“You can run with the big dogs or sit on the porch and bark.”

Charlie the dog blog

This morning we woke up relaxed and felt excited about what the day has in store for us. Amber has been stepping outside of her comfort zone this week, working on an exhausting project, going out with friends doing new things, and trying to enjoy what life really is. She has spent alot of time in worry and that doesn't help anyone. There are alot of fears out in the world, financial, spiritual, romantic, maternal. It's easy to get caught up in them if fun isn't scheduled into the mix. Isn't that what we are supposed to do? Enjoy life, chase dogs, run in the wind, chew up new bones? Why wait until you have the perfect bone to chew on instead just go and have fun with what you have. God will place what you need in front of you, and if we do the work, have the playtime, experience our friends to the fullest, we may just have an "experience" we will cherish. Life is about those little magic moments we find in between our fears and worries. Life is about loving those around us, and staying open even if we can't see the sunlight. I don't blame Amber, she is human of course, but whoever said we were supposed to worry when we aren't rich, or popular, or perfect. That is a chase I don't want to be a part of. Instead Amber went shooting at a gallery for the first time in years, got a new tattoo, and is in constant prayer for direction on Gods will.

Today we are going to the house of the wolf to make more fun leather things. Then dinner with the wonderful Greg Brooker, and home to work on research for Ambers latest project with the lovely Dianna Terranova. Prayer and dancing and loving is at the top of it all. May we stop and pause when agitated or fearful, and know that we are born to be big, born to run with the big dogs, born to play full out, and born to trust God.

dancing with wolves

2009-07-13T18:07:00.001-07:00

Shoes make me happy. Bags make Amber happy. This week she has had a wonderful time creating things out of leather with her good friend Henry Duarte the designer. It has helped ease other tensions going on around her, and just seeing her get lost in making things crafty makes me very happy. Marcello has a wolf in the back of the place where Amber runs away to create things. I never can fully relax knowing that the wolf is there, prowling around in the trees behind the house. It has been there since it was a baby but it tore up a mans face once who came into it's space. Marcello's own brother got mawled by the beast. IT really wakes up the tribal instincts within to be around leather and feathers and creativity. It's been said that to look into the eyes of a wolf is to see your own soul, and I think that is true.

Cherokee Prayer
As I walk the trail of life
in the fear of the wind and rain,
grant O Great Spirit
that I may always walk

Amber is Cherokee-- her background is awakened with each step she takes towards it.

People: 'Cherokee' is Creek for 'people with another language'. (It's amazing how white settlers always managed to learn another tribe's name for any group of Indians. They learned the Creek word for the Cherokee tribe, but not the Creek word for themselves.) Anyway, our original name for ourselves was Aniyunwiya, but Cherokee is fine too (though we say it Tsalagi). There are 350,000 Cherokee people today, mostly in Oklahoma and North Carolina.

History: The best-known episode in Cherokee history was also the worst: the Trail of Tears, the forced relocation of the Cherokee Indians from their ancestral home in the southeast to Oklahoma. The Cherokee people were an urban, Christian, agricultural, intermarried society who had supported the United States against other tribes. In the end this was all for nothing. Though prominent Americans like Davy Crockett and Daniel Webster spoke against Removal, and though the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional, President Andrew Jackson sent in the army. Fifteen to twenty thousand Cherokee Indians (along with Choctaw, Creek, and other tribes) were rounded up and herded to Oklahoma in the winter of 1838-1839. Driven from their homes without being allowed to collect their possessions first, even their shoes, the Cherokees were no better equipped for an 800-mile forced march than people today would be. Between four and eight thousand Cherokee people died of exposure, starvation, disease, and exhaustion along the Trail of Tears. If you understand this, both the extent to which the Cherokees had adopted American standards of civilization before the Removal and the ultimate futility of it, you will go a long way towards understanding the Cherokee mentality and also the attitudes of other Indian peoples towards us.
like a woman

No regrets

2009-06-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

Charlie the dog blog
So here's the story: After a lifetime of handcopying ancient texts, an elderly monk became abbot of his monastery. Realizing that for centuries his order had been making copies of copies, he decided to examine some of the monastery's original documents. Days later, the other monks found him in the cellar, weeping over a crumbling manuscript and moaning, "It says 'celebrate,' not 'celibate!'"

Ah regret, it will bite you every time if you let it. My regrets of sharing my bone, not going to the dogpark wednesday, or unsuccessful grooming jobs gone wrong. I have many regrets from bad decisions, wrong turns, and unsuccessful ballads. I have to leave the past alone, move forward and not have regrets. Amber read a saying in a great blue book once that says "We will not regret the past, nor wish to shut the door on it." Sounds easy right? Wrong. Who's sorry now?

The funeral is over, and life is knocking on the door loudly. Amber is working hard trying to hold it all together while many emotions of sadness, joy, regret, relief, and challenge are pounding her path. God has plans for all of us, and it's up to us to listen for the next action rather than focus on the last feeling. Other people in her life are trying to tell her how she is "supposed" to act. Her partner wants more affection, which is next to impossible in the midst of mourning, her daughter needs more attention, which is hard to focus, Jillian dog wants to sleep in my spot, and her landlord wants...well, it's time to work hard and stay out of life results.

Amber is working on clearing up and re-remembering her past. If you think that can't be done, think again. Literally. The past doesn't exist except as a memory, a mental story, and though past events aren't changeable, your stories about them are. She wants a life of no regret, at least not banging her own head about them is a great start. So it's time to put on your best hat, and celebrate what life is giving us.

Wuff Wuff
Charlie the dog blogger

Never underestimate

2009-06-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

Charlie the dog blog

In the animal kingdom there is a certain order of things. The lion is the king of the jungle, the snakes eat the mice, the alpha dog rules the home. This has been a very interesting day for Amber because sometimes she thinks she is the king of the jungle, when really all she can be in the moment is the lame mouse, running around doing tricks. It's a tough business, this Hollywood Showbiz thing-but once you are around the Lions, it feeds so much of the artistic side. It also reminds Amber of the fact that she isn't in charge of everything, that she isn't running everything, and that the show must always go on, with or without her. I am a dog that wants attention. Everyone does at some point. What do you do when you are a mouse hanging out with alot of lions? Do you roar hoping someone will see that you can be just as ferocious as they are, or do you stay small and out of the way, doing your job like a normal person. Today I am accepting that we all have dreams, we all have the ability to help each other, and we all deserve a chance to shine. If ever I see a mouse, I will ask it to roar, and if it does so, and the roar is fierce and strong, I will let the mouse stand in for the lion. Amber Dawn Lee wants to roar. Never underestimate the power of anyone if they just put their trust in God, do the work, and stay out of the results "others" may see for you. Never let anyone lock away your potential.....

Wuff Wuff
Charlie the dog

moving on

2009-06-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

Losing someone you love brings forth so many different feelings, shock, anger, irritability, sadness, and guilt. Amber is feeling all of them this week and it's not as pleasant to be around her as normal. There are times in life when tragedy hits, and it hits hard. I still want to do my routines like playing ball, going on walks, and eating treats for tricks. Amber is not in the mood for any of this and is praying alot to help move past this. She feels she doesn't have time to heal however because she needs to work, and keep on living.

Sunday Morning after...

2009-06-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up growling. So many feelings are coming up surrounding Ambers mothers death. Life is an interesting journey, one of love, heartache, growth, spurts and stops. We are powerless over death and powerless over how it makes us feel. What we do have power over is how we are going to handle it. Amber is just trying to look for spiritual solutions in all she does. It is difficult. Doing the next RIGHT ACTION is the best thing. For us today it is going to meet with Katey Sagal and talking over coffee, then doing some laundry, and walking. A library trip may happen, a song may be written, a flower may bloom. It's just about putting one foot in front of the other, praying alot, and staying clear to hear what GOD has in store for us next.

Doggie Tears

2009-06-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

Charlie the dog blog
Doggie Tears
It has been a really tough week for Amber and I. Ambers mama passed away and we have been through so many emotions that we just want to curl up and make it all go away. Life doesn’t happen like that though, and so my tail is lowered as we trudge through the next action. We got the call a couple of days ago that she died in her sleep from the cancer. We cried all day, and no dog bones, treats, or love could make us feel any better about it. The next day we jumped on a plane, United who is unbearable with service, and flew to Utah where we were welcomed by Ambers sister Nancy. After hugs, we packed in our suitcases and Nancy turned up Madonna and started disco dancing in her seat the whole ride to Jessica’s. She was clearly emotional but didn’t know where to put the feelings, so she sang loud the whole ride over. Amber looked out the window at the Utah mountain’s and recognized the beauty in the place mom called home. Family was gathered, stories were remembered and pictures were shown. Amber stared at a blank page of paper and wondered how to pull together a small talk for the funeral. She felt alone. She felt overwhelmed. She felt hurt. She felt a lot. Here is what she came up with about her mother, and this is what was read at the funeral.

Amber for her mother:
There really are no words to express what a loss this is for our family. We love our mother very much, and if you ask any one of her children or grandchildren you will hear that each of us, were her favorite. I have many memories of my mother. My first memory of her is a simple one. I was sitting in the sun watching her wash the dishes. I remember the feeling, more than the details. The feeling was warmth, love, and that of home sweet home. My mother was a hippie at heart, and took me in as her own at a quant little head shop in Dallas Texas. That was where the smell of incense became part of the constant swirl of smells, trips, and adventures our family lived. We traveled a lot and lived in many states, and me, Celeste, and Aimee spent more time than we would like to admit in the backseat of many junker cars as we were always off starting fresh again. We lived in Logan, Utah at a big white house that for me, will always be home. We went to church there and the smell of TABU on her breasts is my most intimate memory. I loved my mothers breasts. They used to be big, and were always the perfect pillow.
My mother would do laundry in an old ragtime washer but our laundry pile never ended. Mother loved combat boots with bright polyester blouses, and would embarrass me when her and daddy would take us to the local mall and play Miss Pac Man for hours and hours. She was hip then, and I didn’t even know it. My mother was young at heart from the time we traveled the carnivals to the day in the hospital she asked all of her children, and grandchildren to dance for her to Madonna as the nurses watched, scratching their heads with wonder.
My mom was a walking contradiction. She liked her children dressed simple, but let us pierce our ears very young and loved big dangly earrings. She taught us modesty, but threw us all in the bathtub together. She taught us about health as she ate cookie dough batter for lunch and we had sour blended dandelions for dinner. She taught us education, but we often were distracted with sledding, ice-skating, and garage sales. She taught me how to “behave damnit” as she made me pick a switch from the apple tree to “learn obedience and discipline” but never kept up with any discipline or schedule. My mother taught me tolerance of all people as she had a lot of trust for those around her. She could have a conversation with a sinner, or a saint, a president or an artist and you would never know that there was a difference between class and taught us that we can do anything we wanted in life. She wanted to live in a mansion, but cuddled with us even during hard times, making us feel safe. My mother loved and appreciated fine art, and we spent many nights watching old slides of Van Gogh and Matisse. My mother was rich, she has a family that loves her.
My mother spent many years chasing different faiths, different groups came in and out of our lives as she was always searching for her own truth. I never understood her need to go to such extremes, but her years were spent praying for guidance. My mother has that now, she now found the truth, and knows more than any of us could possibly know. She taught us to love Heavenly Father, to have our own relationship with our higher power, to have patience, kindness, love, tolerance, and a wild passion for family. She is survived by us, and we will never forget her. She is, and will always be my mother.
The funeral was a waterfall of tears, photographs that made Amber remember so many different things. It was surreal, and more can be shared on it later. Amber had a hard time watching her mother lowered to the ground, and climbed in the hole once the cement top was placed to write one more “ We love you” on top while the truck of dirt sat waiting. Her ragdoll is in the casket with her mother to remember that she is loved, no matter what.
Life is a journey for all of us, and one thing we can’t escape is the end. We have our own belief that life doesn’t stop here, so we are going to listen for birds, bells, music, and watch for hugs, kisses, and love. She will never be forgotten.

June Aggression

2009-06-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

Charlie the dog blog

June Gloom is here and I am begging the sun to come out. The weather affects us, and Ambers broken foot isn't helping. I want to hike, and play ball, and run around. However, we can't always do what we want to do, and sometimes God steps in and stops us. In this case it's the weather, and broken foot. Sascha dog went after another dog today and Amber is certain it's because she needs to walk more. Aggression is a manifestation of fear, which we all have. We need to just take the next right action, and do the best we can regardless of the universe giving us other plans. Allie is in town and that makes us chipper, happy, and full of excitement. We are waiting for the clouds to go away-- and are making plans for the sun! Dating...dating on the other hand has been alot more complicated.

I would prefer to chew on a nice big juicy bone, but if a bone isn’t available I’m perfectly happy eating poop. I’m a dog, it’s what I do, I eat poop. For my two legged human, Amber, taking what’s “just available” could cause emotional distress, indigestion, and a lot of humiliation. She can’t just accept whatever poop-head that’s lying around, she has to learn to choose what she wants in a partner, or she will get what she has been getting, which is a pile of warm smelly and hazardous waste. My human needed to figure out what she wanted. She dated so many different untrained men, that by the time she hit her dating “low point” all bets were off, and the stink was starting to show. She was as pathetic as Bridget Jones before she found true love. My human let her boundaries down, and instead of getting love for being “just as she is” the men she dated would push the boundaries to see what they could get away with. Most of the time they got away with a lot, as my sad girl scrambled to figure out why she wasn’t getting what she felt she deserved. She had failed at love and had a past she regretted. Her human journey became my own personal canine project. She was acting like a pussy (cat) when it came to getting what she truly needed and wanted. Avoiding dating all together was not an option, so it was time to take a real hard look at what wasn’t working before she could figure out what would.

“When a dog wags her tail and barks at the same time, how do you know which end to believe?” – Anonymous

I covered my eyes with my paws one evening after my human had been texting one of her crushes from work. This man had not paid her any special attention, and after the breakup of a relationship with a loser (still living with his mommy) she wanted this new crush to give her significance she had no patience to earn. The new fantasy guy texted her telling her he wasn’t in a place to pursue a new relationship, but to send “sexy picks” to his email anyway “just for the fun of it.” That should have been the first red flag for her, and “double dog dares” should be left for..well, dogs. Any moron could see she should “run, don’t walk away” and stay away from her texting frenzy, but my human really liked the guy. She wanted to impress him. She put on her best bikini, took the pic, and sent it off to his mobile phone memory and waited for a lifetime of love to begin. She was looking for praise while demonstrating bad behavior. If I become a nuisance, barking non-stop like a hyena, or chew up a good Prada shoe, I am not going to be rewarded for it. Doesn’t the same apply to stupid humans? Should they expect positive results for being bad? No. No. No. Bad girl. She was fizzling faster than an alka seltzer, and just watching her drown made me need some. She tried every tactic she could think of, the same as barking up the tree for a nut, and nothing happened. She never heard back from him, but had to face him again on Monday, at work, where she hid her face behind her computer. Don’t send sexy pics to co-workers. Duh. Even a bitch knows this, but my human didn’t and she paid the price, and there was no treat as a result. Realizing that it is okay that everybody isn’t going to like you is a big step. Doing things to destroy the potential of being respected was lame, but beating yourself up for a mistake is even more lame-o. Brush it off like makeup, and move on.

“Even the tiniest Poodle or Chihuahua is still a wolf at heart.”- Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, Dogs: The Wolf Within

When I was a puppy my human did everything she could to try and get me to act as she wanted. She took me outside to pee, and I would pee on the carpet indoors instead, I would bark, she would yell, I would run away, and she would chase me, tripping over bushes and stepping in poop to try and get my attention, and to train me to be a good bitch. It was great fun watching her stress out over me, and I had all of her attention, but she had none of mine. One summer day at the fun and beautiful dog park, she let the leash go, and I took off running like a greyhound. I ran and ran, and enjoyed the wind in my ears. I loved this freedom, and wanted to be as far from my controlling human as I possibly could. She was always there, no matter what I did. She was such a nag, and I knew she never gave up on me, and would be there waiting for me when I was finished. I was free to do whatever I wanted, and her love was unconditional. I drove her insane, and I didn’t care. I’m her bitch, and it was my way or else. Amber was yelling like a shrieking, panicked, desperate woman, as she usually did when I ran away, and I didn’t give her an ounce of attention. I knew she would continue buzzing after me, and that in a moment she would catch me and spank me as I yelped to be free, humiliated when all the Great Danes in the park laughed at me for getting caught. It was the game we played, and I would not change for anything. It was far more interesting to do my own activities of humping, jumping, barking, just knowing she was there. I sniffed other dog’s asses, chased bright-flashing cars, and ate poop like it was peanut butter ice cream. It was a great frolic until she finally caught up to me, and with a tail between my legs, she made a fool of herself, and me, as she scolded me for being me, and we left the park. This cycle was our habit. Over and over again until one day everything changed. It took different debates however, and teaching an old bitch new tricks took practice.

It was a humid and hot day outside, but we returned to the park. This time she brought treats to bribe me with. Bribery works in tricky ways. Instead she got the attention of all the mixed breeds, as they ate the jerky, licked her, and went on with their day of smelling each other, and growling at her for more. I was tired of her bribery, and harassment and I continued to play. I still could hear her yelling after me until her voice was cracking, and so was her invisible whip as she yelled “get over here NOW” as she patted her knee’s sternly. I ignored her. I ignored her bribery. Then something happened. I couldn’t hear her yelling at me. I didn’t know where she was, and suddenly she was gone. I panicked. None of the other dogs in the park mattered. Nothing mattered. I wanted her there, but she was nowhere in sight. I needed my human. My tail stopped wagging, and I began to whine and howl. Just when I thought there was no hope, I spotted her. She was leaving. She had given up on me. I chased her quickly, and was at her heel in a moments notice, letting her take the lead, as I followed her home. I was so happy my human didn’t leave me.

“I’ve seen a look in dogs’ eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts. “ – John Steinbeck

There is little difference between dogs, and men. All men do not act like dogs, but some do. They don’t want to be harassed, and chased, and stalked, or bribed. They want a woman who does her own thing. We as dogs will follow a pack leader, and so will men. Pack leaders just make things go their own way, but they do it in a way that is only known to human nature. My human was trying to train her dates to sit, stay, and roll over, but she had no idea how to do it. Certainly men could be trained, but how? Dog’s under pressure will panic, and run. She was flopping around like an untrained canine that needed a good bone, and she was doing the dating deal without any dignity at all. It was a joke to witness, but as her best friend and companion for life, I loved her unconditionally. She would never get her own Mr. Right if she kept acting so desperate, and not valuing herself. She would overcompensate in anyway she could and all it suggested is one thing. She was a pushover. A pack leader doesn’t devalue herself. She won’t kill herself chasing a man down, desiring to get her own way through a shrieking yelp of desperation. Hey, does she want to be an old bag lady, with a million cats, living alone forever? I am a bitch, and I despise cats. I certainly don’t want that, and neither should she. So she needs to STOP CHASING AFTER A BONE, do her own thing, and wait for them to come to her.

My human met a good-looking guy in college. He was an artist. He was hot. He was a “troubled brooding, and deep” sort of chaos. He lived in a motor- home and moved around from spot to street, and was not in any place to have a relationship anyone he said. Amber thought he was awesome, and took it as her own job to change his mind. She bribed him into liking her by draining her savings decorating his motor home with fluffy pillows, art deco, candles, and of course, framed pictures of herself. Gag. She wanted to leave her mark on his motor home and she wanted to be thought of every day. One day, she drove to the last spot the motor home was, with a nice surprise (lingerie and tacos) and the home was gone. She called and called his cell phone, but there was no answer. She did everything wrong in this situation, bribery, giving away the bone, and was always available. I have my own pillow to lay my head on and I would never share it with other Bitch’s that just came over to re-decorate my pad.

I am possessive over my resting spot. I like it the way it is. Leave it the Fuck alone. He was gone. Some weeks later she saw the motor home parked across the street from the school. She parked her car a block away and stalked, listening to “their song” on her radio. After she almost killed me with bad lovers music, and I had to get out to pee, the motor-home door opened, and out walked a skinny blond, hand in hand with Mr. Jerk off. Amber was so sad, but she deserved every tear she cried. What kind of dumbass re-decorates a mans place, even if it was a moving home on wheels? Bribery, and gifts are for Bitch’s to not pee on the rug, and to come when people call. It rarely works for us, and it doesn’t work with men, obviously. I ran to bark up the leg of Mr. Wrong and the cute little blond pet me, wiping half of her spray on tan on my fur. My human grabbed me up, tail between legs, and ran to her car. After stalking his Myspace page like a crazy loon, she saw that Mr. wrong was “in a relationship” with the new blond and her tan. That girl was sleeping on my human girls pillows, and her bank account and heart suffered for it. She had tried to use bribery to get his love. It didn’t work. After a week we stopped listening to “their song” and curled up together with a cup of latte, and my lonesome human was single again.

Lessons of Paw:
* Don’t settle for poop, wait for the big juicy bone.
* Choose what you really want in a partner.
*Barking up the wrong tree will only get you a nut.
*Bribery doesn’t work.
* Dogs and men under pressure will panic and run.
* Stop chasing.
* Be a pack leader, not a follower.

“To Err is human, to forgive, canine”- Unknown

Wuff Wuff
Charlie the dog blog

Best friends are worth it

2009-05-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

Charlie the dog blog-Friends

There are times in life when real friends really step it up. There are times in life when you find out that those who love you, actually really do love you. What also comes is finding out that those who don't love you, and don't respect you really show their fangs during difficult times. It's hard to believe that anyone would want to tear another down during the hot spots of life, but that's when you are at your weakest, and they know that. As a full grown dog, I have a great life, but again, was taken from my mother too soon. I act up, I pee on the floor, I growl at the neighbors, but at the end of the day I just want to curl up with Amber and get the love I really desire.
Yesterday I went on a hike with Amber and Katia. Both of them were laughing as they hiked, and had to stop from time to time just to laugh at the absurdity they are experiencing in their dating lives. They chatted like two schoolgirls and shared tales of men, their silly text messages, and what dating life is really like. Friendships are special that way. A real friend can hold your hand when you cry, laugh with you and remind you of who you really are. I cherish those hikes up Fryman canyon, and feel blessed to be up there on the mountain, chasing critters while Amber screams, watching Sasha dog carry her own leash, and feeling a little bit closer to God and heaven on a hill up high. It's a nice time to forget the smog, the cars, the noise, the texts, the facebook, the chase of the dream. In Los Angeles alot of us are away from home, and it's our friendships that keep us glued together.
Amber went with Aubrey to sing some karoake last night. She didn't have the nerve to sing herself, but soon she is going to belt it out no matter how she sounds. Friends are magical, and make the life experience better. Wuff Wuff.

Friends are better than bandaids-charlie blog

2009-05-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

Charlie the dog blog

Sometimes life is so dog gone hard, and sometimes it's so simple I feel like someone will take the bone if I stay to happy with it. It's been a great week, but the changes have been extreme highs and extreme lows. Amber is working hard on selling her television show, and it looks amazing, and could actually possibly sell. It's all very exciting and I am wagging my tail with anticipation wondering what's going to happen next? Her book is done, her show sizzle is done, her projects are out there, now it's a big patient pause.

Then there is the dating issue. Amber and Brian ended their relationship, and are no longer friends. Sometimes when you stay in something longer than you should you learn that you are hurting the other person by continuing, and leaving is better than staying for their happiness, which is turning to misery. Relationships are a fun learning experience, we learn alot from them. Then the lessons are learned, and we move on. Sometimes you can be friends with them, sometimes you cant. Time will tell on everything. Amber learned alot, and so did I. A dog's instincts aren't always right.

I ran up and down the stairs today while Amber shot with Juliette. She loves Juliette and is glad she is in her life. Friends really are better than bandaids. They remind us that our crazy head is just spinning, and everything is okay.

Give away

2009-05-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

Charlie the dog blog
As a dog it is my responsibility to love all animals. The nature of having the will to run, and be free is within us. Sometimes there are things that want to hold us back, and those things are good too sometimes, but not always.

Amber just finished her online ebook that will be published with Judy May later this week. She is excited about sharing what she knows, and feels that by sharing with others it blesses her own life. We cant keep what we cant give away.

Dear GOd

2009-05-18T20:31:00.001-07:00

Dear God:

Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever,

smell one another?

Dear God:

When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch?

Or is it still the same old story?

Dear God:

Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar,

the mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not

ONE named for a dog?

How often do you see a cougar riding around?

We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the

"Chrysler Eagle" the "Chrysler Beagle"?

Dear God:

If a dog barks his head off in the forest and

no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?

Dear God:

We dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals,

whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's, electromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths.

What do humans understand?

Dear God:

More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.

Dear God:

Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?

Dear God:

Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must

remember to be a good dog.

1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they

throw it up.

2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because

I like the way they smell.

3. The Litter Box is not a cookie jar.

4. The sofa is not a 'face towel'.

5. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.

6. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's

on the toilet.

7. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way

of saying "hello".

8. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the

coffee table.

9. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the

house - not after.

10. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt.

11. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch.

12. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and he

makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.

Charlie alone time

2009-05-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

CHarlie the dog blog
We have been on so many adventures together over the last few months. It's been unfortunate that I haven't put my paw to paper. I miss my readers, and have been getting several requests to hear more, so here it is. The California weather has been great and Amber and Sascha have been hiking the canyons and having a wonderful time. I stay home, and crawl under the bed everytime she tries to persuade me to go. I am a “stay in the safe cave” kind of dog. It takes a lot of guts to do new things. However when they leave to go hike, I am alone, and miss them terribly. I howl and moan and scratch the door. I didn’t want to go in the first place, but everytime they left, I was upset. I decided lately to start exploring the place, and have found there are many adventures to have here. There is also something very new and refreshing about alone time. It is a good time for reflection, and I don’t have to share my toys, the whole house is just mine, and mine alone. I love that. Amber is learning how to enjoy her alone time too. Now she is not in a relationship anymore she is having new opportunities to renew herself. Being alone is a bad thing if you don’t like yourself, but if you use that time to do the things you need, and give a bit of self-love, you can rejuvenate yourself. So that’s where life is now. A rejuvenation is taking place, and chewing old shoes, or chasing balls, and even a nice fire hydrant is a completely different experience when you do it alone. So I am letting go a bit more, and off to a whole new world.

Dancing and remembering

2009-04-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

Charlie the dog blog

It's been quite awhile since I put my paws to paper. My life has been distracted with so many different things that sometimes I forget what is even keeping me and Amber so busy. Amber and Erin are working hard on a new reality show, and personalities are keeping us spinning as we create the perfect cast. The truth is that we have no control over the outcome, but if we do all the hard work..there is something to be blessed or blocked. Today we are putting all the work away and taking off for Disneyland with Allie who is here for Spring Break. We can hardly wait to just breath, and know that we are living life now, and it's not something to wait for, it's here right now. Amber stepped on my tail this morning when she heard an old TOTO song that reminded her of her youth. She shot up and started dancing like a ballerina that she once was, and not so elegantly as the years have kept her out of practice. It was still wonderful to see, that no matter how old we are, the child is still within us, the love and faith is still there inside, and sometimes--- just sometimes, it's good to get up and dance like we once did.

Wuff

Strawberry tragedies

2009-03-03T11:56:00.001-08:00

Charlie the dog blog. The sun is shining and I have been laying out on the front porch soaking it up, waiting for the mailman as dogs seem to do. It's been a nice relaxed morning, and I've had time to have alot of reflection. Life has been a bit more challenging for us the last few weeks. Sometimes it's hard to see the big picture when we are caught up in the little tragedies that come our way. Come what may, we are still living a blessed and wonderful life. Our friends show up when we are down, and we have so many opportunities to show up for them. Amber has been working with her favorite girl Erin on a new idea, and the two of them are like two children when they get excited over something. They work well together, and they are hoping their idea comes to fruition. Amber has opportunities coming but the waiting is like waiting for food after starving all week. It's tough.

Amber has kept close tabs on her mothers mood as hospice has been caring for her, far away in Utah. It's a blessing everyday to realize the love you give is the love you get. When she was younger she made a strawberry cake that she spent so much time decorating for someone that it made her really feel proud, and life is really the same now. Be there for those you love, forget the mini tragedies, show up, and God will take care of the rest.

wuff wuff
Charlie

Faith and acceptance

2009-02-22T11:01:00.000-08:00

Charlie the dog blog. Sometimes when life is throwing big events your way it's hard to handle the catch. There is the old saying that "when it rains it pours" and for our life right now we are trying to handle each event as it comes with love and grace. Sometimes at night I crawl under the covers and growl at it all, but I am powerless over the events so what can I really do about them? I just have to have acceptance. I like to control everything in our home. When people visit I bark. When they leave, I nip at their feet. When someone walks by I try to stand proud like a doberman and let them know I'm on gaurd. Still...at the end of the day, I have no real power as life is life, and things and people and events happen. I just take them one day at a time, and stay out of negative actions. We are blessed to have loved the ones we love. We are blessed to have the experience and friendships that help us stay on course. We are blessed to know that God has a plan for us, and we are blessed to have the ability to practice faith. Wuff Wuff

Cancer

2009-02-21T11:21:00.001-08:00

Charlie the dog blog: Life isn't always easy, sometimes there are tough times, and emotional challenges. Those happen the most when there is fear, sadness, and loss. We are back from Utah where Ambers mama lays in the hospital, unable to get her health back. Being powerless over her health is the hardest part. Letting go of those we love is tough. It really pulls at the heart. So many lovely memories were talked about in the hospital room. Things like how when Amber was young she said: Peanut butter and jewolly samenerch please, and how she baptised her sisters holding them under the pool water, and the cats, and how she was held so much as a baby she didn't even sit up on her own until she was 7 months old. The memories of her mama, her sisters, her brother, her life. Mamas life. It was all reminded and it was cherished. All the faith Amber had as a child is being tested right now as she prays with all her might that her mama will be released of all the pain that goes with cancer in the end. Wuff Wuff

A full litter

2009-02-17T09:31:00.001-08:00

Charlie the dog blog

We have spent a week in the hospital with Ambers mother. So many emotions are running at high speeds, but sitting down to write them out seems impossible. This is life on life's terms, and I want to have all the power and take the sickness away from ambers mom, but it is in God's hands. All of her siblings, and other family came to Utah to see her mom--they came from all over. Lee from Oklahoma, Lisa from Oregan, Celeste from Hawaii, Nancy, Jessica, Matt and Aimee came from different parts of Utah. It was a reunion both sad and happy. We teased Ambers mother for being a diva, and only this could bring her kids together. Thank you for all the prayers and posts from friends around. We are traveling back to Los Angeles tomorrow, and Amber is raw, and almost afraid to breath, but is keeping her heart full of prayer. I was born into a large litter like Amber was, but her closeness with her family is something she has gratitude for.

Amber booked a film, and the culture shock of hospital vs hollywood set is going to really remind her of the value of what life is about, and we are glad we showed up for it. Life is a journey and it has to end for all of us. It is sad when someone leaves us, and goes to unknown placs. Being left behind is not something that anyone wants to feel, but feeling life and playing full out is a wonderful experience we all have the opportunity to have.

xoxo
Wuff
wuff

Amber's mama

2009-02-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

Charlie the dog blog

There have been many memories of childhood flooding the home lately. Amber's mama was hospitalized and because of her condition and age, it put in a bit of panic, fear, and extreme love. She is doing okay this morning, but we are still waiting on test results. Her aged body is ailing, and it's in Gods hands right now. Amber remembered all the hugs, all the scoldings, all the love, and misunderstandings, and ignorance, and intelligence, and right and wrong she experienced with her mama. Her strongest memory is of laying her head on her breast in a church meeting, nestling in her breasts of perfume and body. It was a distinct moment where she was a mama in every sense of the word, and that smell, the soft pillows attached to her body, will forever be marked in Ambers heart. Did Amber do everything right as a daughter? Perhaps not. Perhaps life is just that, life-non perfected and scarred. All the prayers in the world are sent to a hospital room in Provo Utah, and we hope with all that we are, that she is feeling okay, and loved. My paws are praying..and my tail is reverent as we wait on results.

Pictures

2009-02-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

Ski Joring

2009-02-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

Charlie the dog blog

This has been a full week. Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile, but my paws were tired. It was the last shoot for Amber on Wreckreation Nation, and we flew to New London to shoot the East Coast Ski Joring event. Although I was fine with my fur and my sweater, Amber froze herself solid wearing just a fluffy winter coat. She borrowed a coat from someone who had mercy on her shivers while she was there. The airline flight was long, and we curled up like we were young, sprawling across the airline seat, tucking our heads beneath our blanket. Amber wondered if she was too old to curl up like that, but the body took over and she was fast asleep as we crossed the United States, way up high in the sky. Once there, we tumbled out of the plane with our film crew of men. Amber wrapped herself quickly with a pink scarf, as if to remind the guys she was a girl, and to not ask her to pump gas, or carry their luggage. It's easy on the field to forget the sexes, as we all have to work together for the purpose of production.

The drive from Boston to New London was a few hours, and we had two passenger vans full of film equipment, hungry men, and the snow around us was sensational. Along the way we stopped at a little restuarant that served the best Chinese food Amber has ever had. It was a random find, out in the middle of somewhere, with nothing around for miles. Once at the Lamplighter motel, we unloaded the equipment into our rooms, and each crewmember went to their own private space. I ran around the room, wagging my tail, but Amber fell in the bed-and stared at the doily covered windows and her wooden paneled television wondering how she ended up there--producing a television show, in the middle of somewhere. It's fascinating how this all came about--googling events, planning them, filmming them, and watching them--tuesday nights, on Discovery channel. Before even closing our eyes the alarm was off and we were scrambling to bundle up and go film the first day of ski-joring. It was exciting being around horses, watching them prance through the snow like they do in one of her favorite films "The Man from Snowy River." It was true beauty, and seeing things like Chickens wandering around in the snow cocking their heads with curiousity, reminded Amber of the whole world outside of Hollywood. THe real people, doing real things, living a regular life. She was jealous for a moment, but only a moment. She couldn't imagine life without her Hollywood, but real people fascinate her. The event was good, and filmming went well. I would love to tell the rest of the story, but Discovery channel has to have it's secrets or no one will watch to see what happens next.

Once alone in our room again, Amber turned on her IPOD and danced. Dancing reminds her of God, and when she dances, she feels prayer. Life is such a journey, and we all do our own things for whatever reasons we may have. The horses in the snow reminded us of GOd, of Life, of our journey towards great things. Life is full of cliffs we must jump over, but at the end of the stumbles we earn wings through experience.

Small bones with Bluebeards

2009-01-25T18:34:00.000-08:00

Charlie the dog blog: Written by a dog

This morning we met up with some very fun friends of ours we haven't seen in awhile. It was magical. Amber felt her shoulders lift when one of her all time favorite crushes showed up, and she had a lovely conversation with him. Plans were made for the weeks coming up over breakfast, and everyone hugged and smiled when we parted. The day became lazy with phone calls, cleaning, and good old television. It was the perfect day all things considered. I am a big bully sometimes because I am a little dog. Sometimes when people and pups feel small they bully other people to make them feel bad. Amber had been bullied by someone she was once close to, and made wrong for asking for the smallest thing (a DVD to watch) and it made her feel really bad. I cuddled with her and reminded her that people would not treat her that way if they really were there without expectations. She has moved on from the situation, learning enough to write an entire text of what she will never accept in her life again. This person held her hostage by restricting any love/friendship/kindness/giving without having his own will enforced. Adjustments in This new way of life will take practice, but as Amber's girlfriends remind her "bluebeards are a mirror of what you feel you deserve". Being in a relationship where you are shown little love, but with alot of expectations makes a bully feel big, ,even when Amber knew deep down she deserves someone who gives unconditionally as she does. LIfe is full of learning. May she not think she only deserves small anymore. It taught her not to ever bully anyone emotionally herself. Being a person who deserves the best means believing you deserve it first. Only then, will she be taught that she does deserve to spend time with magnificent people who contribute all that they are to this world. I only bark at big dogs out of fear, but once fear is removed, I will be a friend to even the greatest of Danes.

Here are 25 Random things about Amber that I asked her to write:
1. My mother had a fake I.D. on her when I was born, so my real/fake first last name was Everhart
2. My mom hitch hiked cross country with me in a papoose on her back
3. I was adopted because my mom robbed a bank, and was sent to prison
4. Parents owned a head shop “The Abovo” head shop, childhood smelled like incense
5. I baptized my cats in a kiddie pool so they could go to heaven, at 8 I was baptized Mormon
6. When younger sister Celeste came home from hospital I said “nighty night, outside!” and put her in my toy box.
7. I played the violin and sang a lot as a child in church
8. I used to have a lot of freckles and hated them
9. As a child I put on productions of singing, dancing and plays using all the neighborhood children as my cast, and charged the adults a quarter to watch
10. My dad taught me to drive in the snow of Utah
11. I’ve lived in a tent, a storage unit, a car, a trailer, and a mansion
12. My favorite book is The Diary of Anne Frank. My favorite movie is Little Women, reminds me of my sisters
13. A stranger left a black haired rag doll on my porch as a kid. The note said: From someone who loves you. To this day it is the best gift I have ever received
14. Journey and Def Leppard remain on my play list for all time and eternity
15. I believe in love
16. My biological mothers line is Cherokee, my bio father is unknown, but thought to be Jewish
17. I love to cook, but rarely eat anything I cook
18. I imagine what someone looks like naked when I meet them
19. I love organization, but I am not organized
20. My first film crush was Ralph Machio in Karate Kid, then Eliot in E.T.
21. My family owned a movie theatre for awhile, and I would run the projectors
22. The home that has my heart is 394 West Center Street in Logan Utah
23. Greg Brooker and Margo Romero hold special places in my heart
24. My biological brother Tommy is now in a box on my bookshelf may he R.I.P.
25. I have a tattoo of a turtle because I asked God for a sign once, and turtles popped out of the ocean, dancing in the waves

WUff WUff
Charlie the dog
xo

Fairy "tails"

2009-01-23T08:09:00.000-08:00

Do fairy tales make it difficult to live a simple life? Sometimes I wonder about this. With all the fairy tales of a prince charming storming in on a fiery steed to save the day, it makes simple things feel a bit more..simple. Romance is on Ambers mind alot but she rarely acts on it. Most of her romance is saved for the pages of her writings, and each day I wonder when the time is that God will bring someone new in her life. Someone last night said something brilliant, and that was that if you want the mate you desire become the mate you want yourself. This really rings true and this year has been one for the texts. With many of our friends in worse situations, it really is a time to feel blessed with who we are and what we are, rather than to worry so much about what will come. True love lasts a lifetime and we have had it, and it is still with us.

This morning was still, and there was no one in the house. It felt lovely for us, and we hesitated to do anything to get the day started because it was so nice and zen right where we were. I am still working on my book, and insecurities about it have been lingering in my doggie mind. That just wont do, and Amber is helping me to overcome them so that I can push through, and get it done well. The lessons we have learned ourselves should be shared, and we hope to share the ideas we have with the world. There are always treats and rewards for good things, if they are done with the right intentions.

Special prayers go out today for Heather, Charlotte, Toni, and Jade. May these beautiful girls feel the light of a beautiful world within them. We hope all their fairy tails come true.

Wuff Wuff

New Dog in the white-house

2009-01-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

"As I prepare to assume the presidency, yours are the voices I will take with me every day I walk into that Oval Office -- the voices of men and women who have different stories but hold common hopes; who ask only for what was promised us as Americans -- that we might make of our lives what we will and see our children climb higher than we did," Obama.

I'm barking with excitement over the hope of change within the new presidency. It's the countdown and the first black president will be taking over our country, and leading us towards a new change. I feel very blessed this year, and I am blessed to have you readers sharing my experiences along the way. I believe in the new president Obama, and feel that he is just the human to get things in order. I also like him because he loves dogs, and is inviting a new dog into the white-house. That's the kind of human I dig, a doglover.

Tonight Amber starts a book reading with her mentor Katia G. It's going to open alot of thought, just as good books do. Our scene is ready to start rehearsing with Luca, we are doing Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner.

I'm saying "we" loosely as I have no personal part in the project other than cheering Amber on as she does what she loves. Amber and I love historical events, and for her to get to play a fascinating real person will be alot of fun. Margo is directing the piece, and Jeff is doing the camera. Wearing the old clothes of the 40's will be so much fun, I just hope Amber doesn't smother me with kisses when she is wearing the famous RED lipstick.

The Train

2009-01-18T09:25:00.000-08:00

In Lumiere's short film "Arrival of a train" the brothers set out to film an everyday situation, of a train coming into the station. Spectators came for miles to see the short film, but when the train headed towards them on the screen, audiences panicked, screaming to get to safety. It was something they had seen quiet often but it was shown to them in a way they couldn't comprehend. It's a great life lesson really, things aren't always as they seem, the train wont hurt us, and if we look at things in a different way, we can enjoy them fully.

This weekend our car is in the shop. It was moody when Amber tried to start it the other day, and finally we had it towed to a shop. It's not a good time for this to happen, but it stressed Amber a bit more because her job is ending next week too. It takes effort to look at things like the film, and know that things may not always be how they seem, and really we are okay, and life is on track.

Wuff

Listen to the Alpha doggie

2009-01-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

This morning we slept in till' 9 AM. In the old days we wouldn't even go to bed until that time, and today we feel we got that extra snore in. Life is wonderful, but it's because we work so hard to keep it that way, it isn't always easy.

Our dear friend Toni is going through a hard time with her sobriety, and asked to get the word out that she needs the help. Rob is looking to get her into Betty Ford treatment center after a suicide attempt. Our other dear friend Margo has a niece in the hospital from the same thing. Her niece is not as lucky as Toni so far, and is in critical condition. The problem starts in our mind, and grows from there. If we don't stop and check our thoughts in with someone wiser than us, it can spiral out of control into something deadly. Most of the time our own "self thinking" is wrong, and our "bright ideas" are not so bright. It takes a village to get it right sometimes. Sure, we can manifest our own destiny. But having others help us guide the way is important for our survival. Looking to the Alpha dog's in our pack for guidance will keep us safe. Sylvia Plath had her pack, but chose to ignore them and struggled with her own destiny.

We worry about our Allie when she is so far away in Oklahoma. She is the light of our world, and she is missed beyond measure. It is with alot of prayer that we trudge through the times we are apart. Brian has been spending time at our house again lately, and he has been on his best behavior and not causing as much stress as he used to. I hope he gets a job soon so he can buy me a big juicy bone. I'm tired of eating my own poop, and a bone would be nice. The sun is shining here in California and there are wonderful things all around. We just have to look extra hard sometimes.

People matter, dogs matter, animals matter, and life matters.

It was brilliant

2009-01-16T10:29:00.001-08:00

This is the last week of work for Amber on WRECKREATION NATION with Dave Mordal. What a great journey it has been for us. So much has been learned, so much...there are not enough words for it even. There are alot of projects that Amber and I are working on during the break from Television, but it will be bittersweet saying goodbye. The office is not full of bubbly co-workers as the last days wind down. Amber has one more shoot in New London, and then it's going to be so quiet that the crickets will sing. We are living the best life we have ever imagined, and Rob Fox made it all happen by believing in us even though the credentials were not there. After booking many shoots, and showing up to do the hard work, he feels his decision to bring us on board was right on spot.

Nothing in the world can bring on perserverance. Talent will not, nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persisience and determination alone are onmipotent- Calvin Coolidge

Allie had something to be proud of. Her mommy did something good. Amber has had so many adventures on this job. She did things she never even knew were out there. Soapbox racing, alligator wrestling, chess-boxing, and even saw a castle in the middle of the Colorado mountains built by one man alone.

Having faith that if the work was done, we would get our chance paid off. We hope that a second season of the show is picked up, but we are in complete gratitude that we had this opportunity. It was brilliant.

Bionic Dolphins

2009-01-15T11:02:00.000-08:00

There have been so many event's since the last time my paw touched the computer, that I'm not quiet sure where to start. We just went on the road for a film shoot, and there is always so much to learn out there that sometimes it's a bit scary. We flew into Sacramento on Monday, and drove for a couple hours in a caravan to our location in Redding. Once there we mic'd up the characters and interviewed them on their creation of mechanical dolphin boats. After hours of shooting we settled into our hotel for the night. The next morning we were up and went out to the lake to film the Bionic dolphins in action. One of them didn't start, and caught fire. The second and third worked beautifully. Amber scrambled to take production notes while on a follow boat as we crashed through the currents following the speeding characters. There were ducks I wanted to chase, sun, and beautiful mountains surrounding us. It was a tiring, but blessed day. Amber felt proud that she found this story, and that it will be airing on the Discovery channel soon. It turned dark and we headed back to our room where we tucked in and watched our creation on Wreckreation Nation. What a cool job (other than dealing with the all male crew) this is. It is very humbling and fills me with gratitude everytime my nose itches with discontent. Life is what we make of it. Like the dolphins, we jump in and out of hoops, and sometimes we land on our sides, but we are capable of doing it right, and by trying and trying to do it well, our life becomes magical.

Wuff

Friends and Love

2009-01-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

Three dogs, a cat, two fish, and a roomate. We have a wonderful full house of joy, and I feel incredibly blessed. Amber had a best friend years ago named Charlotte Louis and I was named after her. This week Charlie called and said she was coming to California to live. Amber was excited, anxious, worried, and nastalgic about it. They had so many adventures together as youngsters, and they certainly got in alot of trouble together. It's a loving relationship between the two of them, and I am glad that they are re-connected. It's wonderful when you build up the kinds of friendships where even if they go away for awhile, you can pick up the phone and know that there is love. I have experienced many wonderful relationships with Amber along the way..Heather Dean, Charlotte Louis, James Cooper, Laurie, Judymay Murphy, Heather Dodson, Dawn Tingle, Sandy Castro, and all her Tony Robbin pals. Everytime I feel lonely and cuddle up to Amber, I remind her of all the blessings we have, and she reminds me of how important it is to remember. Life is such an interesting journey, and if we look at it through our hearts instead of our heads it is magical. Damon, Amy, and Bill will never be forgotten. Lisa Cassileth, Margo Romero, Greg Brooker, Erin Affourtit, Katey Sagal and a stranger we met on the side of the road once long ago, Monty Brooks, will all keep a special place in our hearts. The sun is shining in Hollywood today, and it's hard to believe it's winter in some places. If you have friends, you will always be warm inside. xoxo
Wuff

Experience and television

2009-01-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

It was a late night and an early morning today. My tail is wagging as I prep packages of my new book to send out to publishers. I hope they like it, because I worked really hard on it. My human thinks it's pretty adorable. It's a good lesson to try new things that you don't know if you can do or not. I love doing new things, and trying to enjoy the process is important. Amber felt bad because she is still smoking and this is the year she wants to put down the pack of fags for good. Looking at defects that we want to erase are good, and keeping our minds open and knowing that with alot of work, and the grace of God these things shall pass in time. Banging her head against a wall will just cause bruises.

The premiere of the show Amber is producing WRECKREATION NATION premieres tonight on Discovery channel. Amber is so excited, and I am running in circles from the anticipation. It's a good show, and Amber and her other producers worked incredibly hard on it. It's a magical experience seeing idea's come to fruition on the television screen.
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Here are a couple of things we covered in the show:
Chess Boxing is a hybrid sport which combines the sport of boxing with games of chess in alternating rounds. Chess boxing fights have been organized since early 2003. The sport was started when Dutch artist Iepe Rubingh inspired by fictional descriptions of the sport in the writing of Enki Bilal organized actual matches. To succeed players must be both skilled chess players and skilled boxers. The new novelty sport Chess-Boxing is gaining attention rapidly because it is both mentally and physically challenging. It’s a combination of both boxing and playing chess, two of the strongest sports involving physical strength and intellect. In order to win you must use your hands, and most importantly your brain.

The two opponents start by playing chess for four minutes then the two opponents combat each other in two minute rounds of boxing. This is repeated until someone wins. A victory can be achieved by either knock-out or check-mate.

This game requires equal skill at moving pawns and throwing punches.

The sport had its beginnings in a comic strip by the French author Enki Bilal, titled Equator Cold. The last work in Bilals “The Nikipol Trilogy” features a blood-stained chess boxing battle set in a fictional apocalyptic city in 2034.

In 2003, the young Dutch artist lepe Rubingh decided to bring it to life, but with less brutality, and he organized the first match in a bar.
The sport is now governed by the World Chess Boxing Organization (WCBO), whose motto is "Fighting is done in the ring and wars are waged on the board." The first world championship was held in Amsterdam in 2003 and won by Iepe Rubingh himself. The First Chess Boxing World Championship took place in Berlin in 2005.
In 2007 chessboxer David Depto lost a dramatic fight against “Anti-Terror” Frank Stoldt for the world title who in turn lost out to Nikolay Sazhin in 2008.

And...

Falconry is a recreational event although some consider it to be an art. Falconry involves the use of trained raptors (birds of prey) to hunt or pursue game. The Falcons hunt for rats, mice, rabbits, or ducks, and extreme practice must be used to train the raptors as well as their owners. Dogs on the ground mark the locations, and the bird is set free to hunt for it’s meal, swooping through the air at speeds up to 243 mph. There are several different applications in training that take place to teach the bird how to respond to lures, to robo-rabbits, then on to live bait.

Historically, falconry was a popular sport and status symbol among the nobles of medieval Europe and feudal Japan; in Japan the sport is called Takagari. Eggs and chicks of birds of prey were quite rare and expensive, and because the process of raising and training a hawk or falcon requires a great deal of time, money, and space, it was largely restricted to the noble classes. In Japan, there were even strict restrictions on who could hunt which sorts of animals and where, based on rank within the Samurai class.

In art and in other aspects of culture such as literature, falconry remained a status symbol long after falconry was no longer popularly practiced. Eagles and hawks displayed on the wall could represent the noble himself, metaphorically, as noble and fierce. Woodblock prints or paintings of falcons or falconry scenes could be bought by wealthy commoners, and displayed as the next best thing to partaking in the sport, again representing a certain degree of nobility.

We also covered soapbox racing, dolphin boating,pumpkin chunking, iron man, human dogsledding etc. WOW, what a fun year.

Life is blessed, and my favorite part of this new year is knowing that there will be surprises I never even thought about, and once I experience them I will wonder how I lived my life without them.

Wuff Wuff

Changes for the New Year

2009-01-04T20:37:00.001-08:00

There are so many furry animals that didn't quite get the same holiday blessings as I did. Please look at the website http://www.adoptapet.com and help make dreams come true this year for the animals.

It's a fact that furballs like me make life a fuller, and happier place to be. I could not believe the horror I saw when I looked up websites that showed dogs going to the market for dog meat. The bastards that would do that are unbelievable, and I am now going to do everything I can to help the animals that aren't as fortunate as me. Amber is finishing a copywritten book called "A BITCH"S GUIDE TO DATING"and is going to give 10 percent of all sales to the dogs that are suffering. IT IS HEARTBREAKING.

Prada shoes, and Gucci bags are usually the things that peak Amber's interest, but this is a new year, and new things are coming up that are interesting her. There are specific changes that Amber wants, and here are a few:
1. LIVE IN A STATE OF GRATITUDE AND GRACE
2. EAT HEALTHIER
3. LISTEN TO ALLIE CLOSER, MORE ACKNOWLEDGMENT
4. EXERCISE
5. SAVE MONEY
6. CLEAN HOUSE BETTER AND MORE OFTEN
7. FINISH TASKS, PROJECTS
8. WALK DOGS
9. CREATE REAL FRIENDSHIPS WITHOUT EXPECTATIONS, ESPECIALLY GIRLS
10. MAKE PRAYER A HABIT
11. STOP SMOKING YUCK FOR BETTER KISSING
12. DO NOT GOSSIP
13. DO NOT ACT LIKE A STRIPPER
14. DO NOT ACT “NOT SMART ENOUGH”
15. STAY ORGANIZED
16. VISIT ALLIE OR VACATION WITH HER
17. NOT GET SO REACTIVE OVER X
18. BECOME SOFTER, MORE BEAUTIFUL AS A FEMININE SOUL
19. STOP TALKING LIKE A SAILOR
20. LISTEN TO PEOPLE, INSTEAD OF JUST TALKING
21. WRITE LETTERS TO SEND IN MAIL
22. KEEP CLOSE TO FAMILY
23. FEEL CONFIDENT
24. FEEL PRETTY
25. LET GO OF EGO
26. SOFTER SOUL
27. NOT REGRET THE PAST
28. BE STRESS FREE/ MASSAGES/ FACIALS
29. FIND SPIRIT, REWARD SPIRIT
30. KEEP NAILS DONE, HAIRCUTS
31. GET A SOLID RELATIONSHIP WITH HIGHER POWER
32. CHOOSE FRIENDS INSTEAD OF THEM CHOOSING ME
33. FEEL “GOOD ENOUGH” FOR GODS COURSE
34. ENJOY CANDLES
35. GARDENING, PLANT FLOWERS
36. LISTEN TO MORE VARIETY OF MUSIC
Okay, so it's more than a few but it's a whole year we are talking about, so there is plenty of time to do these things. The main thing is to love herself, and love others. This is a great rule of paw.

Having wonderful friends, like the gorgeous talented Erin make changes fun! WUFF!

Cold

2009-01-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

It's cold again in California..what a nice way to start the new year. We don't get cold here very often and it's the perfect time to snuggle up, and make sure we have all our goals in place. xo

Pooch and Person New Years Day

2009-01-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to every pooch and person! THe horns have blown, and we have howled away 2008. It's time for fun new beginnings and many many wishes, and love. Allie is the best gift any pooch could have.

New year endings, and beginnings

2008-12-30T09:14:00.001-08:00

Now that it's coming close to a new year full of great beginnings, sad endings, and fearful dreams, I thought it would be nice to re-post my favorite human Judy May's post. It says what I am feeling spot on, and her stories, and "tail's" are an inspiration worth re-reading. So without further waiting, here it is, Miss judy May Murphy:

RISE AND SHINE by Judy May Murphy from http://www.OneYearDream.com

The greatest of humans are those who have risen to meet the greatest of challenges.
Are you feeling a little less than great right now, that your own life is a little flabby around the edges? Do you know that there is more to you than you have been showing up with? Perhaps this is because you've been reacting to what others throw at you instead of setting your own goals and targets?
What is phenomenal about having a DREAM and taking MASSIVE ACTION to achieve that dream is that you not only end up in a place that serves you better, you are also a better person as you arrive there, shaped as you have been by the road. So often we play small, denying ourselves the thrill of becoming more simply because the old way of life has tired us with its monotony and conformity. You can change this in the blink of an eye.
Creating a worthy challenge and then answering its call is the greatest pleasure afforded us in this lifetime. Here are some empowering guantlets, thrown to you by inspring leaders.
'You must be the change you wish to see in the world.' Gandhi
'Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.' Princess Diana.
'Don't let yourself be lulled into inaction.' Bill Gates.
'Normal is not something to aspire to, it's something to get away from.' Jodie Foster
'If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.' Maya Angelou
'Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.' Dale Carnegie
'Avoid using cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs as alternatives to being an interesting person.' Marilyn vos Savant
'Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.' Winston Churchill.
'The winners in life treat their body as if it were a magnificent spacecraft that gives them the finest transportation and endurance for their lives.' Denis Waitley
'I challenge you to make your life a masterpiece. I challenge you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk.' Tony Robbins

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to make this year the best so far, starting today. The year in which you are healthier, sexier, even more amazing looking, earn so much money that you fall over in surprise, get more good lovin' than you ever thought possible, do things that make your heroes proud of you, grow so much you can feel your spirit moving inside you, become skilled in more areas than you have in the last decade, skip straight to the top rungs of your career ladder, laugh so much every day that people want to bottle you and share you with the world, live the dream instead of inching towards it, shine, build, dance, and sing, and sing, and sing. This is your year to live, finally to really live.
This is your birthright. Claim it!
Judy May Murphy

In order to provide a fun, specific and proven way for you to rock out and live your ultimate dream life, Judy May Murphy and Ben Lowrey have created an adventure site called http://www.OneYearDream.com Please feel free to visit and watch the free 'make-it-happen' videos.
Please share this article with as many people as you feel will greatly benefit; e-mail it, put it in your blog, post it on your site, put it in print. We just ask that you reproduce it in its entirety, with all names and links included. Please also include this bit. Thank you.

A dog gone flat

2008-12-29T16:28:00.000-08:00

The last few days have been hit with a bit of self inflicted bad luck for Amber. She ran into a curb, flat sober, and got a flat tire. It was on a weekend, so it took a couple of days to get it handled. The flu she has had didn't help the matter much. She was up and about today and is feeling better, and is turning the luck card around. She vows to have more zen when driving and will hopefully not do that again. It was a battle of Christmas nerves left unleashed that caused the quick swerve, and once the tire blew, my human knew that there was no one to blame but herself.

The most beautiful girl in the world, Miss Allie Ruhlman is coming to town tomorrow. We will have many fun stories to tell, and I'm on my best doggie behavior, because I want her to cuddle with me non-stop. I even washed between the ears, and brainwashing is the hardest when we get used to certain bad habits, like barking up tree's, and peeing in the wrong spot. I want to jump up on her the second she steps in the door, and I for one...am wagging with excitement.

Amber is going to settle down for a nice warm movie tonight at the theatre. Some popcorn and an old friend fix us up when we are feeling as flat as a tire. So much to look forward to this year, and one flat wont get us down.

Christmas barking

2008-12-25T12:02:00.000-08:00

Christmas day! Today we are going on our rounds of dinner after dinner. I am already full just thinking about it. Amber is going to her Aunts house, where alot of her bio family wil be, and then off to see Margo, Jeff and friends. I have to put on my favorite dog sweater and get going. We slept way too late.

wuff

tinsel and toys

2008-12-23T09:15:00.000-08:00

There is a bustle of Christmas shoppers everywhere. Lines are long, sales are tempting, and even dog's like me get excited over the holiday spirit. It's also a time when gloom can overwhelm people if they aren't cautious that their feelings can be wrong, that they are loved, and alot of friends are just out of town on a thursday, that's all it really is. We forget the real meaning of Christmas so easily with all the distractions of bows, gifts, toys, and silver linings. It's a wonderful holiday if we just remember what it really is. Red, Green and tinsel are the colors that surround a theme, and when we remember that miracles happen, as they did for Mary, Joseph, and Jesus years and years ago, we can be at peace just a bit more.
I tore apart wrapping paper while Amber wrapped up a few little presents for Allie, and we watched t.v, and Brian did our laundry, and massaged Amber's hands like she loves, and Amber cooked him a dinner. Brian is in her life, he is out, he is in, he is out. It's like pulling a daisy apart waiting to find out what the answer is with them. They are wonderful friends sometimes, and others they bring out the worst in each other. They do love each other and are in each others life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Time will tell.
It was a nice day yesterday, and Amber realized she was doing those things she loved from her list of to-do's. She also guided me as I wrote a bit of my new book last night. The outline is in place and now I just have to fill in the blanks, and put all I know about her dating secrets on the page. I have never written a book, but I wont be the first dog to do so. There are wonderful stories out there written by other dogs, and I am just one of the many who have something to say about my two legged friends.

Christmas museum

2008-12-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

Amber had a wonderful time the other day with Greg at the Getty museum. She loves looking at all the art there, but has been there so many times she wishes there were new paintings in the millions.

All Christmas plans have changed last moment, and updates will be posted. Dogs are allowed to change our minds, we can be very fickle sometimes.

xoxo
Wuff

Truth and Chocolate

2008-12-21T12:38:00.000-08:00

Amber woke up in Chocolate today, and even though dogs aren't supposed to have chocolate, I begged her for some anyway. Of course she said no. Such a human decision on that one. I see nothing wrong with just one bite. She and Katia B. stayed up really late watching movies, catching up, and eating chocolates. It was quite messy for them but oh so yummy they said. It's so nice having girlfriends that you have known for awhile. The ones that have stuck by your side through breakups, struggles, laughter, and tears. They are the best healing power a dog, or girl could have. Friends remind us of the bigger picture, and remind us of who we are, and the TRUTH about a situation our own mind has made different. My truth was turned into something else lately, and I knew my truth, and I acted as though I had forgotten my own worth, because some people had not seen the truth for what it is. Their truth is not my own, and friends who know you best, and closest, will remind you of your beauty, and significance through their memories of life together.

This morning Amber went up to meet Katey on Mullholand, and the drive through the mountain is so beautiful. Amber thinks it is one of her favorite places in Los Angeles, because it seems so full of life up the hill. Katey is so wonderful to talk to, and Amber is happy she is in her life.

She is having a break from her SONS OF ANARCHY show, and both her and Kurt are happy for the break. It was like old times seeing them again, and having had a long time away from them Amber suddenly forgot why she had stayed away so long. Everyone hugged, and talked, and shared, and by the end of the morning, everyone was ready to live a full spiritual day. So Amber put her own spiritual postulate out there: To remember she is a child of God, and to treat herself as such. It makes perfect sense. My own whiskers twitched like a kittens when she said it out loud. A child of God. That's right. That's it. That's good. That's God.

The Farmers market was full today, and we shopped for healthy food, and even treated ourselves to fresh cut flowers for the table. It was a bustle of different smells, colors, music, people, and all sorts of jewelry, pots, clothes, and things you don't really need, but buy anyway. So once home again, the hot coffee was brewing, and Amber is getting ready for a wonderful day with another wonderful person she can't wait to see. I will share all the secrets of their day soon.

Until then: stay in truth. Others opinions of who you are don't matter, as long as you know your own truth, God's truth, your own standards, ethics, and life path. Your truth is between you and God, and sometimes it takes spending time with the friends who recognize that, in order to remember it yourself.

Wuff.

A leash

2008-12-20T11:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the last day of work for my human Amber, and we were both glad that the break was here. Amber's gorgeous friend Ben came over and cooked us dinner, and we went upstairs to Angies for dessert and then to game night with Margo and Jeff for alot more chocolate, snacks, and ice cream. It was a full day in every way. My favorite part of the day is the walk Amber took me and Jillian on. Walking on a leash is my new favorite prozac, and I can't wait to go again today. Her friend Katia suggested we walk every day, and I could lick Katia G. all over for making that part of our routine. We are feeling healthier, and happier each new day. Amber gained quite few pounds in her last relationship, as Brian lost a few pounds. Lucky guy. Women seem to pad around the middle when they are unhappy, and men get to lose. It's so unfair, but now Amber is working it off again in a healthy way.

Amber is going vintage shopping today with Angie, and loves the old clothing she finds in stores. She is dressing me and Jillian in our finest sweaters today to keep the chill off. Our new routines, and getting out of the house to actually live is something that makes us feel a brisk new meaning to life.

Our leash goes both ways. Amber is in charge of us as we walk, but we are the ones guided towards happiness. Amber is doing the same thing by turning her own life walk over, and letting God and her sponsors direct her walk.

Amber has to focus on the things she loves and A few of Amber's favorite things are:
Seeing Allie smile, first bite of Mortons tuna tartare, her moccossin high heels, mascara, art at the getty center, the smell of a saddle, coffee on a rainy morning, The hollywood sign, getting her nails done, Thai massages, hand massages (Brian was great at that) a full fridge of food, drumming circles, gardens of flowers, sushi, good will, paint and an empty canvas, Victoria Secret lingerie, stamps and envelopes, acting class, pillows, the ocean, a new c.d. turned up loud (thanks ben for making her a mixed c.d. yesterday) photographs...and oh the list goes on....

wuff..xoxo

I fell asleep curled up with my human, and snoozed all night.

God Switch

2008-12-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

This morning the house was more empty as normal because our dog Sascha is gone, and Annmarie is away for Christmas. We miss them, but know they are having a fun holiday. Amber is feeling better and better as each day happens. She feels like she turned her GOD SWITCH on, and as her best friend, it makes my tail wag. She is walking us on leashes, which she avoided before,and spending more and more time staying out of negative feelings, and more into her spirit. Problems are like fleas, but if you treat them daily, and do what is needed, before you know it they are gone. Life is always better without fleas, but when they show up, knowing what to do, is by far a better way to live.
Amber went out with Katia G, Jaime, and Antonia, last night. It is healthy for her to be around these wonderfully gorgeous and loving women. I love them, and am glad they are in our life. The maid has come today, and everything is sparkly, clean, and fresh, but the best news of the day is Allies grade on her finals: (90) What a smart human family I have.

Marcus is coming to see us for the holiday, and we are looking forward to him being in California again. He has to fly back again to work on Wednesday, but is flying back for Christmas. Amber was shocked that he would buy two round trip tickets to be with her again, because her self esteem has been a bit low in the last few months. It feels nice to have someone investing in her being happy, and without any expectations Amber is happy to have the company. He hasn't been to our house in about 9 months, and it will be comforting to have someone we know so well keep us company over the holiday, since Amber is now single and was worried she would be alone for Christmas.Plans are still being made, but we may all go to Amber's grandmothers home to sing carols, and eat alot of food. Or they may just join the MOGG family for dinner. They used to date months ago, and romance is always there no matter if they are in a relationship or not. Amer is going to stay "uncommitted" for awhile since her last break up. But she likes getting pampered by him, he cooks, he does her hair, he makes her do situps...okay, maybe we could do without the situps, but life is love, and having love in all forms is a wonderful thing. This morning an old friend of Amber's was listening to the sound of Music on their way to a hike. It's a brilliant idea that 'when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when you're feeling sad you simply remember your favorite things and then you don't feel so bad...' Amber is glad she is doing some of her favorite things, and is making a list to share with y'all when she finishes it.

By keeping our God switch turned on, and letting our own negative feelings stay out of the way, we are open to new endevours, experiences, and things we never thought possible. By thinking of our favorite things, people, and friends, we are letting God direct our biography and sometimes, it goes the way we would like it to go.

My Opinion

2008-12-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

Steak and Peanut butter

2008-12-18T12:45:00.000-08:00

The life I am living is blessed, and I am a very lucky dog. I have been through so many changes with Amber, and just when she feels she can't take another change, we always trudge through to the other side of upsets, and have alot of celebration over lessons we learned. Sometimes we have to sit through the uncomfortable times to understand why things happen as they do.

We have no power over other people, how they feel about us, or who they are. It's one of the hardest thing in the world, because everyone wants to be well loved, even mutts. Letting go of things that aren't good for us is tough too. Especially when the things/people/places are what we wanted, and it doesn't work out. It's like Apples, I love apples, but the peel makes me throw up. I like peanut butter, but I can't swallow it. I like rotweillers, but they are too dominating and stuck the way they were bred to allow a fixer--upper like myself in too close.

Amber just got an approval from the network at Discovery for Human Dogsled racing. It is exciting for her that the show is completely booked now, but also sad because most of the season work is done. She has one more travel date to Denver in January, and the season is a wrap.Today the office is celebrating at Mortons steak house, and Amber will make it a date for meat, which she eats very little of, and usually saves for me.

The holidays are near, and old and new combined are going to make it a nice Christmas under the mistletoe!

Put the ball back

2008-12-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

Sometimes self care can be mixed in with our feelings, and our feelings aren't always right. Amber is an artist, and has feelings about everything. Sometimes it's hard to know what feelings are healthy and which ones aren't. So today she has a plan to not use her feelings for anything other than helping other people, and staying outside of her head. Last night she talked with her niece Jessie, and somehow Jessie knows the right things to say to put the ball back on the throwing course. Family knows your heart sometimes behind all the chaos we sometimes create for ourselves. It's a world where Hallmark, and commercials, and romantic comedy combined can make us feel like our own life isn't large enough, and fulfilling. But if it's on paper- we are truly blessed if we truly look. Truly..xo. So without hesitation, I am not going to bark up the wrong tree's, I am going to leave the squirrels alone, and I am going to look for the positive in my day.

Life is such a blessing that can easily be taken for granted. Amber has a favorite prayer that she is going to read a million times today until she gets it right."God, I offer myself to Thee--to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life.

May I do Thy will always!"

The holiday season is near, and the rain will not keep Santa away--

*Amber has prayer for Michelle today too. She wants amazing things to happen for her, and is praying it all works out*

A human job

2008-12-16T14:56:00.001-08:00

Amber's job at the Discovery channel is coming to an end this month, until we get ratings for the new show- and hopefully get picked up so we can come back to work. It has been one of the best experiences of her life, and hopefully just one of many.

Katia Lunch

2008-12-15T16:38:00.001-08:00

Amber met with Katia for lunch today, and Katia is really great at putting things into perspective. Amber was amazed at what she had to say, and her experiences only deepened her conviction. It was nice, and I will give her a high paw when I see her again.

Amber is in alot of transition getting ready to set the new year goals in place. Tonight she is meeting with a group of friends, and they are all going over their future plans together. New Year is a great time to reflect on where you are going and where you have been. This year has been the best year ever, with alot of the worse things happening. It's all experience, it's all living. How we choose to deal with the experiences shows our knowledge of serenity and peace. Today Katia was an inspiration for Amber.

WUFF

Rain tears

2008-12-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

Amber woke up really really early, and because it was still dark outside, I was not ready to get out of bed. She was up, and checking email, sipping hot coffee, and getting ready for the day. I tried burrowing back under the covers, and watched TLC’s “Bridal Dances” as I waited for the light. Amber has the defect of a racing mind, and it keeps going sometimes even when she is trying to sleep.

The actions of other people have put her in a tailspin, rain tears have fallen, and the actions of an x have made me want to hide with my tail tucked nicely, with perked ears, because I feel “on guard.” She spoke to this someone last night he even told her he was trying to hurt her back, and let her FEEL what he had felt for months. He knows Amber has innate heartbreak associated with abandonment, as a result of her being left behind as a baby, and it goes on from there. He intentionally let Amber hurt, and it makes me feel sad. He finally told her he wanted to teach her what pain felt like as if she didn't know. All Amber wanted was to not act on the anger, and be friends, and mend up any wrongs as a pair of people who truly cared for each other.

Ambers battle of emotional security is a daily struggle, and she has a hard enough go at it without anyone else trying to purposely make her hurt, and feel pain. The ironic part is Amber scrambled, crying, begging, seducing, and any other tool she had to make the pain stop. She was millimeters from wanting to drink, and her body followed her emotional upset by becoming sick itself. Every emotion from all her childhood aches came full surface, just as he wanted them too, and she was down for the count. Amber thought she had kept herself guarded enough in the relationship that he would have no control over her emotions, but in the end he had learned how to hurt back, and the hurricane knocked Amber over when she least expected it.

The entire experience has left my mind cautious, and if anyone wants in her life, I will not be as open to not biting them, and chasing them away. She went on a few dates, and had a nice time, but she is not going to let anyone new come in easily. It is a sad case when someone else wants to destroy happiness, security, and love, and they want to stop her growth. Many prayers are going to be said, and her knees are going to be red from being kneeled on for sincere prayer for Gods protection. This one is going to take strength, and a lot of action to get over, even though she knew it wasn’t right from the beginning, she trusted and loved him, and always wanted him in her life. She never imagined he would set out to try and strike at her, because he was hurt. But he did strike even knowing hour after hour, how much she was hurting over it. She should never assume because “he” is a man, that he will act strong, and lead Amber towards the right path regardless of his own battles. Amber made that assumption because the past relationships over the years were with men that would have Ambers back always, and they knew that they should not add to her struggle, but help her. She has that in Greg, and had that with Damon, and John, but not here now this time.
Amber doesn’t want to date, and for the moment believes that she would rather be alone, than hurt by people she opens up to.

Peter Pan

2008-12-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

thinking

2008-12-13T22:06:00.000-08:00

Thinking

From Judy May

2008-12-13T17:31:00.001-08:00

RISE AND SHINE by Judy May Murphy from http://www.OneYearDream.com

The greatest of humans are those who have risen to meet the greatest of challenges.
Are you feeling a little less than great right now, that your own life is a little flabby around the edges? Do you know that there is more to you than you have been showing up with? Perhaps this is because you've been reacting to what others throw at you instead of setting your own goals and targets?
What is phenomenal about having a DREAM and taking MASSIVE ACTION to achieve that dream is that you not only end up in a place that serves you better, you are also a better person as you arrive there, shaped as you have been by the road. So often we play small, denying ourselves the thrill of becoming more simply because the old way of life has tired us with its monotony and conformity. You can change this in the blink of an eye.
Creating a worthy challenge and then answering its call is the greatest pleasure afforded us in this lifetime. Here are some empowering guantlets, thrown to you by inspring leaders.
'You must be the change you wish to see in the world.' Gandhi
'Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.' Princess Diana.
'Don't let yourself be lulled into inaction.' Bill Gates.
'Normal is not something to aspire to, it's something to get away from.' Jodie Foster
'If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.' Maya Angelou
'Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.' Dale Carnegie
'Avoid using cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs as alternatives to being an interesting person.' Marilyn vos Savant
'Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.' Winston Churchill.
'The winners in life treat their body as if it were a magnificent spacecraft that gives them the finest transportation and endurance for their lives.' Denis Waitley
'I challenge you to make your life a masterpiece. I challenge you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk.' Tony Robbins

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to make this year the best so far, starting today. The year in which you are healthier, sexier, even more amazing looking, earn so much money that you fall over in surprise, get more good lovin' than you ever thought possible, do things that make your heroes proud of you, grow so much you can feel your spirit moving inside you, become skilled in more areas than you have in the last decade, skip straight to the top rungs of your career ladder, laugh so much every day that people want to bottle you and share you with the world, live the dream instead of inching towards it, shine, build, dance, and sing, and sing, and sing. This is your year to live, finally to really live.
This is your birthright. Claim it!
Judy May Murphy

In order to provide a fun, specific and proven way for you to rock out and live your ultimate dream life, Judy May Murphy and Ben Lowrey have created an adventure site called http://www.OneYearDream.com Please feel free to visit and watch the free 'make-it-happen' videos.
Please share this article with as many people as you feel will greatly benefit; e-mail it, put it in your blog, post it on your site, put it in print. We just ask that you reproduce it in its entirety, with all names and links included. Please also include this bit. Thank you.

Rain

2008-12-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

It's funny how you don't feel as tired and lazy when you feel peace inside your doggie soul. When Amber is depressed she doesn't want to even poke her head out of bed. Now I can't keep her in bed she is in such a rush to start the wonderful day!
This morning we were up early, and ready to hit the beach, but the rain was pouring and the sand is so wet we could build castles that would quickly wash away. When Amber was in Mexico years ago, she was driving her jeep through the rain when lightening struck right in front of her. She was wearing a metal bangled bracelet that burned a hole right in her skin. She has always been weary of lightening and rain since then.

Sometimes I feel that she has experienced it all, and there is always something she has done, that ends up as extreme. Maybe she was a cat in her past life, and has a few lives left in her. Not sure. But one thing is certain, and that's her journey. She is trudging through the heartaches, the happiness, the dancing, singing, loving, hating, and every emotion that one human could endure. She has learned that happiness is something to work at, and it takes action. And rain, or no rain, she is up, and loving her opportunities.

Another thing the rain reminds her of is a song her mom used to sing to her often, using hand gestures and funny expressions:

Itsy bitsy spider Crawled up the water spout Down came the rain And washed the spider out Out came the sun And dried up all the rain And itsy bitsy spider Crawled up the spout again.

It's a great lesson for living.

Animal magnetism

2008-12-12T23:40:00.000-08:00

Amber has kept us quite busy over the last few days, and we are moving faster than if I was chasing my tail. We have been out and about and all sorts of new exciting things have all of my senses going. I love the cool fresh Los Angeles air in my ears, and being out of the house is amazing, scary, and new. Over the last few months Amber has had more anxiety around people than a chihuahua, but it's finally fading into excitement now she is facing fears head on, and being around people who are on her team. It's important to choose your friends instead of letting them just choose you.

Animal magnetism isn't just for doggies. All humans have experienced it at one time or another in life. When emotion is intertwined in that, humans call it puppy love. I'm not sure what I call it, but it's out there, and it's something to be cautious of if used incorrectly.

Amber was just given a wonderful new little book by someone she went out with today, called CITY DOG.

There are so many great places to take dogs all over Los Angeles. From wags to whispers, it has all the essentials any good dog should know. Now, I just have to watch out for those doody dude dogs that want to take my bone for their own. It's a happy trail we are going down together in life right now, and even the things that hurt (like Amber's tattoo she got today) are worth it if we stay in the moment, and let life take it's guided course. Tomorrow morning we are getting up early and going to the beach to play red-rover and frisbee after meeting girlfriends for coffee in the morning. It seems like life is just beginning, and if humans could wag, I would call Amber a full bred tailwagger with alot of magnetism towards the opposite sex, new books, new adventures, and new friends. I have been hiding in my kennel too long waiting for her moody blues to go away, and it's time for us to go out and play finally, and we are having a wonderful time.

Sometimes in life we get in habits that are just comfortable, and we forget that magnetic lives are here, and living them is just the beginning of a real adventure. Wuff

John Payne

2008-12-12T18:29:00.000-08:00

For over fourteen years John Payne was the lead vocalist for British rock band "Asia".
During that time John wrote and produced seven studio albums that found success across the world. He also played concerts with the band in Europe, United States, South America and Asia. Amber is embarking on a musical adventure with John, and what they are doing together is another of Ambers life long dreams. God is already moving next years hopes forward. We love John, and he loves animals more than any other human I have encountered. January recording will be alot of fun, and a magical experience. I'm already howling at the moon! Amber and him have been dear friends for years!

Ambers radio interview

2008-12-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.rockymountainparanormal.com/chat.htm

True Beauty

2008-12-12T11:31:00.000-08:00

Rita Rudner said "I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult." In Hollywood women are trying to look younger, lips plumper, breasts higher, and skin tighter. After nipping and tucking, everyone starts looking the same. There was a famous photograph of a woman in the Great Depression that is the same age as Amber. Her lines and wrinkles tell the story of her hardships at such a young age. Amber loves the photograph and it reminds her of true beauty. Women are extraordinary creatures, and can be quite strong when they need to be. This photograph speaks a thousand words, and is a true work of art.

Amber stayed home from work today because she wasn't feeling very well. It should pass quickly if she shoots the vitamin C, and takes care of herself. She is worried about her roomate, Annmarie, and we are all hoping that Annmarie knows how loved she is in her grieving period from BIlls death. Being sick in body is so much better than being sick in the mind. It takes courage and strength to overcome obstacles, and see things as clearly as a dog could.

True beauty is being a friend, a cuddler, a loving force. It is an inside job. It isn't measured in what someone appears to be, but how they act instead. If Amber had to choose to be a woman of soft inner beauty or outside firecracker, she would choose the inner strength of feminine spirit. Perhaps she can have both in this town where all is available, but no one is beautiful if they are ugly inside. Wuff.

True Friends don't act like mutts

2008-12-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

Sigmund Freud said that "Dog's love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate." Yes, I often bite my enemies, and I even bite the ones I love the most sometimes. As an average dog, I am a nicer "person" than the average dog though. Today Amber had to make a list of all the things she wanted in her life. She said some of them were too scary to write, but she did it anyway, and met up with a girlfriend to talk about them. They laughed over the last years stuff, and shared stories with each other that can make a dogs tail curl. Although I am her best friend, I am glad she is welcoming her true friends into her closer circle, and making room for those who care for her. She avoided alot of them while she was in a temporary relationship that was going nowhere, and she feels thrilled that her anxieties have evaporated. Sometimes mean mutts can be unkind, but sticking with the well trained and disciplined can open all kinds of doors.True friends don't treat each other like they are in a dogfight constantly, and love can be cherished if you are careful of who you give it too. Amber is focusing on the right friends and getting more excited as each day passes, because Allie is coming to California, and having her home is the best treat for both of us. My tail wont stop wagging like buzzing mosquito, I am just so anxious! Wuff.

you and me

2008-12-11T16:07:00.000-08:00

I am you
You are me
We are one
Under the sun
And always shall be

Bubble bliss

2008-12-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

This morning the chilly air filled our warm home and I knew it was time for a beautiful change. Instead of burying my ears under a pillow, I jumped up and felt excited for a new day. Last night Amber did a bit of self care, and got her nails done at the spa, and came home for a nice bubble bath and some reading. She sometimes forgets to care for herself for no good reason, and lately her nails have been chipping, and her mind has been racing. Spending some time alone with me gave her alot of perspective on self. She needs to care for self first before inviting in new friends, then she can care for them and they will have her full attention. So new painted nails, some shopping, and hot bubbles, were the perfect solution to a full day of work and worry. She is also starting a journal course with a new coach, and is looking forward to what comes of it. It's a funny thing, because as soon as she stopped worrying about not receiving a text back, or what so and so thinks, she got some real clarity. Soon after, her phone wouldn't stop buzzing with texts from all the people she wanted to hear from, but ironically, it didn't matter anymore.What she already had, a home full of pets, a warm bed, wonderful true friends, and alot of faith, was more than enough. Alot of prayer and hope ended the evening, and she is excited about new opportunities.

Humble Pie

2008-12-10T10:26:00.000-08:00

Humble pie doesn’t taste very good sometimes, but even if we don’t like it, sometimes we have to just eat it. Last night Amber sent out a text to someone she wanted to get to know better. The crickets chirped as she waited for a response, but none came. Doing things to get the response we want sucks, and today Amber is serving herself a second portion of humble pie. She is eating so much of it that it is making her sick. So today she is turning to prayer, and helping others instead of trying to guide romances, direct friends, and run her own show. It’s bad doggie behavior to try and run your own show, without taking any direction at all. This morning Jillian got out of the front gate and went running down the street, tail wagging, without a second thought in the world. Little did she know that by running her own show, she was in self inflicted danger. Amber chased her down the road in her pajamas as cars honked, irritated that this crazy lady was chasing an unruly dog in the middle of rush hour. Once inside, Amber insisted on stricter guidelines for herself and the dog family. She has had enough humble pie today to last the holiday season. She can either be right or she can be rich. The top thing our ego thrives on is being right. It would rather have you be broke, homeless, and alone than be wrong. In this holiday season, one of the things that is really making her most unhappy is being right and keeping other people wrong. Holidays bring up lots of pain for many humans, but as a dog my emotions only last in the moment. For Amber some relationships haven’t gone well. Some humans are reminded of how alone they really are in the world. How alone they have become is often self inflicted from making things go only their way. All this separation comes from the ego. It uses being right as a tool to separate humans. It tries to convince us we are better off without others. It makes us think we’ll be destroyed if we are wrong. But just look at Jillian the silly Scottie dogs action this morning. She could have been badly hurt or worse, because she just was “ careless in her own decisions” without listening to her owner. Actually, it’s the ego that is destroyed when we are wrong, not Amber. The secret is… overcoming ego. Really pissing it off is the greatest joy. The greatest freedom from the suffering of ego is seeing where others are right and letting them be right. We’re all just trying to survive without eating too much humble pie.

* Amber is focusing on her work today, and blessed and happy to be part of the big picture.

Doggie Love

2008-12-09T10:03:00.001-08:00

Yesterdays post received quiet a few emails after readers saw youtube video's of the hero dog that pulled his friend from the side of the freeway after being hit. It really woke Amber up to something she never expected. She is a full blown dog lover. She was a cat girl years ago, and because she wasn't raised around dogs, she rarely had experiences with them. Once she purchased me, dogs started showing up in her life. Her roomate Annmarie came with Sascha, our huge Golden Retriever, Our scottie dog Jillian came from our friend Terry, and now our home is packed as full as it can be with animals: 3 dogs, a cat Tiffany, and 2 fish named Thelma and Louise. There are days when Amber goes absolutely bonkers tripping over us, wiping up dog hair, feeding us, taking us to groomers, taking away bones as we fight over them etc, but she is learning of a selfless love she never experienced from the animal kingdom. Sometimes blessings come when we aren't asking for them, and don't even think we want them. Dogs and humans together is a beautiful thing, and the magic moments shared between us is priceless. Amber started reading Cesars book about dog-training, and I am getting nervous that she is going to start making us walk more, be more disciplined, and have a more full life, just as she is getting. Cesar said that we reflect our owners like a mirror. So Amber better re-train me quick before people catch on that she is a little finnicky, a bit of a bitch, and always has to have her way. That just wont do anymore as changes are coming.

There are so many things Amber recieved this year that make her feel truly blessed. The funny thing is that alot of things she never would have thought she wanted. Like a real job behind a desk producing Television. Or alot of friends who don't party, or alot of responsibilities, or a disciplined life with coaches leading her way. There is an old song that talks about "If I had her, I wouldn't of found you, thank God for unanswered prayers." These are the best unanswered prayers that Amber could possibly think of. Like having a dog when we would rather have a stuffed animal, sometimes blessings just show up.

This made me proud to be a dog

2008-12-08T23:11:00.001-08:00

Homeless dog tries to save dog hit by car in Chile
Buzz Up
Send Share Print
Mon Dec 8, 8:58 pm ET
SANTIAGO, Chile – Chileans have a new hero: an apparently homeless dog that pulled the body of another dog through traffic off a busy highway. A surveillance camera on a Santiago freeway captured images of a dog trotting past speeding cars to pull the lifeless body of the other canine, which had been run over by a vehicle, away from traffic and onto the median strip.
The scene was broadcast by Chilean television stations and then posted on Web sites such as YouTube.com, and hundreds of thousands of people had viewed versions of it by Monday.
Highway crews removed both the dead and live dogs from the median strip of the Vespucio Norte Highway shortly after the Dec. 4 incident. But the rescuer dog ran away.
Authorities say images of the rescue prompted some people to call and offer to adopt the dog, but neither highway workers nor a television crew could find they animal.

Cleaning house

2008-12-08T13:47:00.001-08:00

Today Amber talked with her dear friend Judy May Murphy in Ireland. She is such an inspiration for Amber, and she is the most giving soul. Amber is working on a new “Guide Book” and Judy May has been incredibly insightful. Amber is blessed to know the people in her life, and my tail wags every time Amber strengthens her relationships with positive people. Her life has sometimes been the product of decisions made by others, and in the last couple of years Amber decided to take the leash on her own life. Cleaning out the old friends who are negative and hurtful is something that Amber hates to do, but it has to be done.

Yesterday we went to Mass with Annmarie to say her final goodbyes to Bill Barth. Amber has only been to mass once before in her life, with her friend Charlotte (who I am named after) and she enjoyed the priest telling everyone to go home and clean their homes. It was a nice lesson, and hey, if it’s coming straight from God, Amber better get on it, and clean house! Funny what lessons you can get when you are least expecting them. I’m going to hide under the bed while Amber and the maid finish winter cleaning. I don’t want to be used as a mop again this year.

Life is ours to live, and the choices we have to sometimes make are temporarily uncomfortable in order to do the big picture right. Collect blessings, give to others, share your bones, and don't pee on the floor. oxoxo

Guide to Dating.

2008-12-06T12:20:00.000-08:00

I'm writing a new book about dating. I am tired of watching Ambers flops, and it's time for this bitch to get serious. Dog's eat poop, it's what we do, but to take the poop rather than chew on a big juicy bone is a choice for humans. I'm so confused by the decisions of women today, especially Amber. She should know better. No great dane will come her way unless she makes a massive change.So time to wipe away those tears, and stop checking those lame text messages, and get with it. (Note makeup smeared photos here--yikes,ola)

Stiletto's and Biscuts

2008-12-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

Amber has been highly sensitive this month due to high stats of suicide among dancer friends, and now that the Christmas season is in gear, bah humbug is showing. She tries to ignore how this has affected her, but it's something she thinks about quietly every day. This life is a journey, and heartbreak is a part of that journey. When I experience pup heartbreak it makes me enjoy the days when I'm given a bone even more.

Amber just wishes she could help everyone of her friends who are gone. The past is the past, and she doesn't want to shut the door on it, but she does want the thoughts of sadness for the loss to pass for her, as well as for the other family and friends left behind by her sexy dancing girlfriends. Amber's co-authored book STILETTO SUICIDES is in the creative process with Chris Enss, and it will be healing, and informative all at the same time. Tragedy becoming Art is the way Amber deals best with things, and for both of us it becomes a better spiritual understanding once something bigger is created and tragedy becomes art. May the families and friends of those lost enjoy the holiday season and know that although the lost aren't physically with us, they are always in our hearts. So we trudge along, and laugh at the silly things we do. Here's one of them:

The other day ANIMAL PLANET television came to our home to check in on our doggie behavior. I bit Annmarie once, and bit Amber 3 times. I also got in a big fight over the dog bed with Jillian. It was a demonstration of my nerves unleashed. I was not happy that the camera man was recording my every move, waiting for me to mess up. I just imagined what it would be like to be a famous dog, and have paparazzi catch me peeing on the wrong corner. They interviewed Amber and Annmarie, packed up the cameras and left. After an hour, I felt calm again. I felt like I had swallowed the canary when they were here, and unlike Sylvester the cat, I don't think I want to be famous for it. I want to do my duties of being a best friend, cuddler, bird chaser, and burglar alarm. Now where did I put my best biscut treat? That is something to enjoy!

Candle's and magical moments

2008-12-04T10:56:00.001-08:00

Some things in life become magic moments. Yesterday was one of those times. While in the middle of a business call, Clare came into Ambers office and said “Come quick, this is more important!” In this business nothing is more important than researching your characters for television, but Amber hung up the phone and rushed to see what was so important. At that moment everyone in the office broke out in song with a cake, and candles “Happy birthday to you…” Amber almost cried she was so happy, and it was such a nice surprise. Her real birthday was one week earlier, in the middle of Thanksgiving. After huffing and puffing to blow out the candles, Amber hugged her co-workers, ate the yummy cheescake and went back to work. A magical moment happened right in the middle of the day, deep in a production office in Burbank, totally unexpected.

Life is about the spirit you can create, give, share, and enjoy. The friends Amber shares in the office are authentic and loving souls. Amber hopes they know just how special it was for her. I only wish she had brought home the rest of the cake! We are souls first, and personalities second. Today I feel like a very “worthy” pup and I know I was not put on earth by accident.

I have so many reasons to be here and accepting what is in my heart and realizing it’s not an “It” that I’m really looking for gives me my authentically empowered life. There are never any guarantees but there are magic moments everywhere when we look past the grey, and focus on the bright lights. In yesterday’s case, the bright lights came in the form of candles. Today the bright lights are with you readers.

Dalmation Spots

2008-12-03T10:13:00.000-08:00

Every good dog knows that if a Dalmation goes to the cleaners to get his spots washed off, it will never work. The spots are part of who the dog is. It makes Dalmations different, and lovely. A Dalmation stands out in a crowd, either with pride, or with a tail between their legs. There are moments when Amber doesn't want to be different. She wants to blend with everyone around her, and sometimes just disappear completely. I think that's why she stayed suspended in a cage dance for so long. She could disappear there, and hide her own "spots" otherwise known as inner flaws that came out over time. The interesting part about coming into your own birthright is that it is scary. Dalmations are born white, and the spots come out as they grow, and no doggie should apologize for his spots, and a human should celebrate their legacy. Taking chances without asking for forgiveness is a developed skill. Amber is singing off-key, dancing when there is no music, flirting without a response, and working like a dog.

Amber has considered pulling out her boxes of Christmas decorations, but she has yet to do so. Christmas music is playing everywhere, and Christmas lights are decorating the palm tree's of California. Santa's helpers wear red glittered bikini's here in Hollywood, with medicated personalities, flawless bodies, and botoxed smiles. Amber thinks this town is full of wonderful experiences and opportunities, as long as she herself remembers who she is, and let's her spots shine without apology for them, everything will be okay.I think Santa is very happy with his Hollywood helpers, and can see past what they put forward.

Today we are being interviewed by a doggie casting director for bad behavior. We may be on television with a trainer soon. Amber was called up yesterday by casting after a friend suggested her, and they asked about me, and my sibling dog's. Today they will come over and see if we are truly as "bad to the bone" as they need. I'm a dog with old tricks, and the Animal Planet trainer has a job set out for her if she wants to re-train us.

A very wise Great Dane once said "It's far better to go through life like a dog does - no regrets and no apologies. Just live your life and laugh it off when it doesn't go exactly right. Crazy to spend your life safely and get to the end of it relieved that you just didn't embarrass yourself."

Roller skating

2008-12-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

When Amber was younger, and living in Logan, Utah, her parents would drop her and her sisters off at the roller-skating rink on Friday and Saturday nights. The old leather skates, and the spinning lights mixed in with “rock” music made Amber happy, and fearful at the same time. However many times they went, Amber would wonder if a boy would ask her to skate on the “boy-girl” skate, and then if and when it did happen if she would be able to hold herself upright while the boy whipped her around corners, speeding along while holding her hand.

The problem with this sort of early thinking was she was waiting for the guy to ask her to skate before the “real” skating begun. Now, year’s later, she feels that she is waiting for the RIGHT boy to ask her, and for her REAL life to begin. In the meantime, songs are playing, lights are flashing, sisters and friends are skating, and she is missing a lot of it with her fairytale hopes. When we look at our blessings as “not enough” and look at outside appearances, and fixes to make us whole, we will never have enough, or be enough.

Spiritual fitness is important to Amber, and takes massive action on grey gloomy day’s like today. Instead of feeling like a bunny running from a hawk, Amber is sitting still in meditation and prayer, and reminding herself what to be grateful for. She does not want to miss her life while waiting for her mock REAL life to begin. She also does not want to forget her gratitude for all the many things she has, a beautiful smart healthy daughter, family, friends, love, a job, and sometimes even extra doggie treats for us. (By the way dogs CAN count. Just try putting three treats in your pocket and only give us two.)

Mark Twain said “If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.” Amber was spiritually starving and her life has dramatically changed in the last few years. She does not want to bite the hand of God, and be ungrateful, when the blessings are there. Today she is taking off her blinders, getting back to gratitude, and trudging the road of life, and she is taking her daughter roller skating when she gets here for Christmas. Tis the season..

wuff wuff
Charlie the dog blog

Tied up in doggie-wood

2008-12-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

The Rolling Stones said “You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find, you get what you need.”

Today I am feeling like I need more than what I have. My bone isn’t good enough, my doggie bed isn’t fluffy enough, my bows aren’t the right color, my fur is too spotted, and my tail is too dull. Needing and wanting are two different things all together, but when they blend together it is hard to distinguish the difference.

Amber is missing her family very much. She misses the mountains, and the white house, and the hugs, and the kisses, and the understanding, and the love. She feels like she is alone again, and isn’t even paying much attention to us doggies, and our fish Thelma and Louise are swimming around wondering what is wrong with her?

How can someone feel so hopeful and happy in one moment and so confused and alone in the next? Perhaps it’s because she is back in the big game and the chase of succeeding in career? Perhaps it’s the break-up of her and a guy who didn’t fit each other, or perhaps that the nostalgia of being home is drifting away. Los Angeles is the kind of town that sort of ties you in knots, and the fast paced life is hard to reunite with after being home. Sometimes when you are in knots it's hard to remember your authentic pup within.

Amber loves her job, and the creative influence she gives, and is so glad to be back. Chuck and Erin are very dear co-workers and friends, and she could not ask for a better opportunity or better team to be around. Maybe it isn’t a depression she is feeling, but a wish that she could bring the entire village of people she loves into one central location.

The truth is that they are in one location: her heart.

I will rub my wet nose on her, and whine until she hears me. Life is good, even if sometimes we forget the blessings we already have. So I will wear my stupid bows, and funny Christmas sweater, and pray that bah humbug doesn’t hit.

Las Vegas vs Norman Rockwell

2008-11-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

Amber and I arrived back in Los Angeles last night. On her layover from Utah there was a long stop in Las Vegas. It was shocking for us, as we just left the Norman Rockwell life of Utah. Amber exited the airplane and stood silent, and helpless as she was blinking over the footlights of a gambling city airport. The blinging and dinging of the machines, the hustle and bustle of the people, and the lack of eye contact, and quickness of it all left Amber realizing that she had left her heart in Utah. Something happened there this trip, that she will hold with her forever. She suddenly knew. deep down where home was, and it was buried deep in the mountains of Utah. She felt like she had been left outdoors overnight and rained on, again, as she looked at all of the strangers, who ignored her teary eyes. Instead the people of Las Vegas airport read the promise of failure in each other, and Amber had been in the position of hopeful carnality too -- years ago, when she got caught up in all of the lights of the stages there, where men fumbled in the dark for money, and perfumed women with plump promises skipped about.

Amber was haunted at that time with a million depressions. Years ago, Amber had forgotten to be afraid-- and she was swept up into that lifestyle as quickly as she exhaled her first fag of a smoke. It seemed like everyone was paralyzed with a formal smile, and empty crunching coils of failure. Amber couldn't turn back on the years, and she couldn't turn back on her flight home. Instead she just sat in a corner, waiting for the next flight home, clicking her zippo- wondering where the years had gone. Wasn't it true, that everything in life from the point years ago that she tried on her first stilletto, that she had done all the things she hadn't really wanted to do? Taking a hopelessly endless job to prove she was not a failure, but a new and improved self supporting traveler. In the end however, her life was on the defensive, her dreams were six inches too high, and her aristocratic spirals of smoke were fading. She boarded the plane, and buried herself in a book, ignoring the passenger in the next seat over fumble over each other. Finally she landed in Hollywood, and her friend picked her up at the airport. There was a birthday present waiting for her, messages of love from friends, and a genuine similarity in her home here, matching what she left in Utah.

Home sweet Home

2008-11-28T18:44:00.000-08:00

Today was the best day of my entire life, and I would not have changed a thing for Amber. Her happiness was at the highest peak it has been in years. It was a magical and emotional high unlike any other for her. My ears are perked back with excitement over the therapeutic healing the day has given. While in Utah the girls, Amber, Aimee, and Jessie packed their cameras, and high expectations and headed to their hometown of Logan, Utah. This is the childhood place where everything went from normal to chaotic in a matter of a few years, but the general part of their childhood lay in the middle of the mountains, in a quant little town of Logan. They made plans to visit the childhood home where they lived, and knock on the door and see if it would be okay to come inside and visit the house, and maybe look around. Driving into Utah Amber instinctively knew which way to turn, and which way to go, to take her directly home. Much like me, she had her doggie instincts on high. A true home can always be found when you open up your heart, and let the wind of change carry you.

They arrived at the home at 394 West Center Street. They pulled in and right away they couldn't believe their eyes. IT WAS FOR SALE! THey thought about going and looking in the windows and they found an unlocked door. Suddenly the girls were running around inside and skipping from room to room, just as they did when they were children. It was so amazing, and so surreal all at the same time. SO much was the same, and so much was different. IT was home. It was home. It was home. And home was for sale for over 300 thousand dollars. Still, it was home. They went up and down the stairs, from the attic to the basement, one memory in one spot, another in another. It was so great and suddenly all the years of being out in the world, making decisions both good, but often bad had disappeared and they were home. Sweet, sweet home.

They all cried with happiness because this was the place where they loved each other, made dreams, put on shows, had Christmas, spankings, laughter, hide and seek, and most of all they HAD EACH OTHER. Things got rough once that house was taken, but while they were there, it was as normal as could possibly be.

Amber remembered the day that the house was sold, and she marked her name in the closet door. Her initial was still there. Right where she had left it. Amber's feelings and emotions and thoughts, and love, and everything from within came to the surface. It was still there, it was still home.

They also went to the old theatre Amber's parents used to own. They found another unlocked door (a secret one in the back that led to the coal room) and again, broke in and went through memory lane of working there, and late nights. It was bliss.

Tonight they are running numbers, and finding a way to buy their home back. Amber is thinking of moving there, to live in the home of her dreams. Jessica has the down-payment and the credit, and Aimee would live there too. It's all just thoughts, and ideas at this point, but one thing is certain. There is no place like home.

Wuff Wuff
Charlie the dog blog

Picture worth a million words

2008-11-28T09:39:00.000-08:00

A picture is worth a million words, and so here are a few million.

Authentic inner puppy

2008-11-27T11:45:00.000-08:00

This morning Jessica came in and woke Amber up by crawling in bed with her, and chattered away without a second thought that she may still want to sleep. Family is wonderful in that way, you don’t have to stress or wonder “will they like me?” or “Am I acting okay?” The family knows better than all of that, and you can’t play the victim card with them, because they know you too well, and your circumstance, was also theirs. How it affects us is different, and that is as plain as day with Ambers family. It is an eclectic combination of Felons, business owners, drug addicts, artists, polygamists, and models. The common bond is that they are family, and love each other very much. Love was never anything that was tucked away for Amber growing up. Anger, arguing, and some ignorant decisions (like switching or polygamy) by her parents still were done with love.

Aimee finally brought over some fags for Amber to smoke, and after a hot shower and a lot of coffee, Amber wandered out into the yard to see if the goat was still there, grazing –and tied to a chain. It had a bowl of water and walked right up to Amber the same way I do when I see her. Is it a goat? Really? And why is it here?

When Amber was young her family used to go milk goats with the Green family when they lived on another commune in Montana. Amber and her sisters got lice everytime they went, but her parents kept on taking them over there. Amber loves goat cheese, but still wonders how the goats feel about being treated like well-groomed doggies, chained to a random fence, able to wander about in grass. It all brings back so many memories. One particular memory is her dad drenching her hair in Kerosine, and gasoline to get rid of the lice, while her older brother smoked fags close-by. Doesn’t seem like the safest or smartest way to go about it.

Amber jumped in the 1927 Buggatti, put on her goggles, and went whizzing down the Utah country road. There were horses, emu’s, and more goats. It reminded me of a cartoon seeing her face stretch out in the wind-- and the history of the landscape blended with the car from the 20’s made it a great, but really a cold ride. Jessica has a collection of cars here including beetles, a pink VW bus, and a car called “the thing.” What a fun-but expensive hobby. The choices she made in her life led her to where she is today, comfortable with family and toys in the Utah countryside surrounded by mountains. It’s what you decide to do with your circumstances that matters, not what others try and make you.

Last night Ken told Jessica that “your family seems like they lacked something growing up, everybody talks, no one listens, and everyone has to be the center of attention.” Amber is not a psychology major but she is sure that somewhere a lot of that is true. It’s hard to see from the inside out, but when others see it so clearly, it’s hard to ignore. All Amber can do is try and remember her authentic inner child, and bring the love she feels for life, for fun, for family, to the life she lives today, alone without family, in the middle of the city of Angels.

Today is Amber’s birthday and every time someone says happy birthday I tuck my tail and hide. Amber has always been sensitive about her birthday. She always wanted to be younger, smarter, prettier, further along in decisions around love, career, etc. She also wants to have a closer relationship with her biological mother who is in jail this holiday. I wonder if she is thinking about Amber? Because Amber is adopted, she thinks about her biological mother on every birthday. She has never spent a birthday with her bio mom, and from the way her mother drinks, and holds resentments, it may never happen. She wasn’t raised by her, and her mom has a lot of creative talents, but loving Amber without perfected expectations isn’t one of them. The childhood is gone, but our inner child will always be there, with a lot of the same hopes we had when we were just puppies. Holidays can make you feel young, and old as hay -- all at the same time.

Ballyhoo Theatre starring the FAMILY

2008-11-26T20:28:00.000-08:00

This family is insane.

Amber landed in Utah today after putting on her retro 70’s gear and loading herself onto the plane. She wasn’t quite sure she would fit. After all- she got a head start on the holiday weight gain, and has already put on 10 lbs according to the doctor’s checkup this week. She was welcomed by her sister Aimee, her niece Jessica, and Seth, Jade, and Emerald.

It was a happy reunion, and we went out to a fun little restaurant named IGGY’S, where Amber’s other sister Nancy met up with them. Ken, the chap who married into the zoo, came just in time to catch up to all the tears, and arguing, and misunderstandings, that only a family could get away with. The argument was over Nancy’s dog being welcome to Thanksgiving dinner. Rockee’s side is the side I have to agree with as a dog myself, about the eating at the table part. As a very untrained dog myself, I would suggest only eating table scraps and begging, but I do talk, and write a blog. So I am not normal, why would I want anyone else to be when it comes to dogs? For Jessica, it was no laughing matter. Amber and Aimee laughed so hard that Aimee said she peed her pants a little. This was only after Nancy told Jessica in an argument that she could not and would not come without Rockee the dog, and that the dog loves her more than the family. It was also after Jessica she could come over as long as she didn’t act crazy about her dog, and Nancy said, “Then that’s not going to work!” We laughed at her because it sounded like she had to be crazy, or nothing at all would work. She started crying and walking away, and Amber walked with her trying to console her, even though she was trying hard to not laugh out loud at her fabulously wonderful characters she has in her family tree.

Amber can see as clear as a doggie treat---that the yelling, and screaming, and yearning for love and attention became a family habit very early on, and that this was not something she wanted by herself. Her sisters are very similar to Amber in all the wrong, and right, ways. It was all wonderful for Amber, even laughing that everyone is so sensitive, and that we all cry at the drop of an argument.

It becomes easier and easier to have an understanding for people through time. Acceptance is the key for Amber and she accepts her wonderful family through all of their beauty, their faults, and their untamed spirits. Having been adopted into this family is crazier than it would have been if she had stayed with her biological mother while she robbed banks. Amber is hoping that her mom comes to visit her while Amber is so close. The group she lives in is very strict and they don’t leave the setting of Polygamy often.

The most exciting part of the day was when Amber got to Jessica’s house and saw a marquee that says: Amber Dawn Lee’s New Reality Now Playing! The coolest part of it all was that it was on a BALLYHOO THEATRE marquee. This almost made Amber cry because the Ballyhoo Theatre is one that Ambers parents owned for awhile when Amber was young. She has a lot of memories of watching movies, eating popcorn with cayenne and lemon, sweeping up under seats, eating candy for lunch, and loading the film with her dad. This was a good part of Ambers childhood, and seeing her name on a marquee that only she and family would understand was a priceless moment.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. It will be amazing, but if you hear this doggie yelping, and you haven’t heard from me in a couple of days—come looking for us. Until then may all of you readers and friends have a Happy day of Gratitude.

Road trip

2008-11-25T09:09:00.000-08:00

Today Amber is back in town from her mini road trip. She decided last minute on Friday morning to pack her bags and hit the road with Katia and Brian. No one knew what to expect but the trip turned out to be quite an experience, one of laughter, heartbreak, and lessons unexpected. They traveled to Las Vegas first, and checked into a beautiful suite at the RIO, provided by our good and dear friends Ben and Mark. They are professional gamblers and spend way too much money on their favorite games in Vegas. Katia and Amber went out to a club where they have a lot of friends they haven’t seen in almost a year. It was surreal to them that the people at the clubs were the same, and that not a lot had changed in the year they were gone. Katia is a professional ballerina, and a lot of fun photographs were taken of her doing her art on tires, or just about anywhere she could dance. Amber loves spending time with Katia, because she is a true friend who keeps secrets, and has morals of a saint. She is a great gal, and Amber respects her completely, and thinks she is truly a friend of a lifetime. Amber wishes she was a ballerina like Katia, so it’s funny watching Amber try to do a kick, or a leap. It always ends tragically, with a trip to the chiropractor and a promise not to try that again. The road trip ended in Calico, an old GHOST TOWN of the wild west frontier. Amber was inspired, and excited about the history she experienced while there.

Amber was saddened by the death of another friend Tiffany. It has inspired her to write a new book, where Amber plans on collaborating with a talented author who writes in the same genre of the old west. It’s fascinating how history repeats itself over and over again. Amber looks forward to meeting with and sharing ideas and inspiration with the beautiful writer Chris Enss. Certainly Chris has no limit on ideas, she has published 22 books on Amber’s favorite subject: The wild west. Amber has lost three friends in the last 2 months to self-inflicted end’s. It can either sadden Amber into isolation, and despair, or she can take the route she knows best- and create a project out of the losses, and share with the world a voice that could otherwise not be heard.

Last night Amber spoke to Margo Romero who is ready to produce Amber’s romantic comedy script MOCKSTAR. Margo is an extremely talented producer and director and Amber works well with her and her partner Jeff Linnartz. They have already produced Amber’s film HOOKERS FOR JESUS, which is in post production right now, and Amber came on board to help them produce the horror film BUTTERFLY directed by Edward Romero, which is in post production too. After a horror film, and a drama, a comedy like MOCKSTAR is going to be a lot of fun. Last night Margo said she wants the crew, and staff to all wear 80’s clothing while on set filming to make it a lot of fun.
I love her for her quirky way of making things happen. Casting an A-List actor for the lead is in the works now, and another film is collaborated on and working it’s way to production through Blank Page Entertainment and Movie Junkies Productions. MOCKSTAR is Ambers second script that was a quarter finalist in AAA screenwriting contest awhile back. I hope that they wrote a part for a dog, because I like dressing up in bows and growling for an audience.

Stilleto's to suicide..again

2008-11-24T12:17:00.000-08:00

Tiffany Sloan (35) former model and actress who was named Playboy Magazine's Playmate of the Month in October 1992 but continued on with her modeling and acting career, including her guest appearances on the hit TV show Married with Children. Sloan recently became a featured exotic dancer at Club Paradise, a popular Las Vegas gentlemen's club. She died of unspecified causes in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 1, 2008.

Amber was deeply saddened to hear of another dear friends overdose. She had wonderful memories with Tiffany, and always looked up to her for having such a strong determined soul. Amber will cherish every memory, and is deeply affected by the loss of another close friend. It has been a devastating two months of losses with Amy, Bill, and now Tiffany. They were friends for years-- and knowing someone so well makes it harder to imagine that they are really gone.

Tiffany wrote this poem and it is haunting because Amber understands what she was talking about.

She Won.....

How could you dare?
I thought you cared?
I thought I knew you better,
well now that doesn't matter..
Your freaking insane,
you brough back SO much pain.
I loved you and I did everything for you. But what did you do?
I ran back to you more than once.
But now it's over and i'm done. She finally won.......
Tiffany Marie Sloan

Copyright ©2008 Tiffany Marie Sloan

Good Morning America and Art

2008-11-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

Charlie the Dog Blog

Put an artist on a desert island full of great wonder, and take away all possibility of creating, and that artist will go insane. How do you paint without a brush, how do you film without a camera, how do you write, without the resources? It is a true test of will, that makes it possible to create out of the impossible. It’s the game of life, and people pulling together resources, and art, that makes history. Scientology creator L. Ron Hubbard said “ART is a word which summarizes THE QUALITY OF COMMUNICATION.” There have been so many events in Ambers life that she would like to turn into art in one way or another. This year she flew to New York to film Good Morning America and talk about some of her childhood experiences. She is working now on production of a film about those experiences. A lot of people are living just to cut down other beings, and destroy their art. Amber doesn’t allow those people in her world, and disconnects completely from them in hopes of a beautiful big picture. So now she is focused on her projects, her endevours, her journey of art. May all those who want to create, have the ability and resources to do so. If you don’t, ask for the help. It’s there, but you have to make it happen for yourself first. In other words, give a dog a bone, and make the best out of the bone you are given.

Charlie the dog blog
Wuff WUff

Castle in the sky

2008-11-17T12:35:00.000-08:00

Charlie the dog blog

Jealousy can be a tricky thing. Amber has a friend who spends all her time with royalty, celebrities, and wealthy businessmen and women. These things never bring happiness, and Amber knows that many people with these things, and they can’t buy happiness, and that it’s always an inside job. Still a small green jealousy man sneaks in sometimes to taunt Amber and make her believe the grass is greener, and richer over there. Stuart Little said, “I think I have an empty space” when he was searching for his family in order to fill that void. Amber’s close friend Greg Brooker wrote that movie, and the writer himself has made Ambers life more full with all of his contributions to her world. Filling a void the wrong way can be the quick and easy fix. Some people fill it with toys, or drugs, or people, or religion. I personally fill it with a quiet time with my own special doggie treats. Life is a blessed thing, and it is what we make of it that counts. Amber has dreams that are reality, and dreams she still is working on. She is humbly grateful for all she has. It is by loving ourselves that we can love others, and without taking care of our needs, dreams and desires, we cannot fill the empty space with creative spirit.

Last night Amber filled her empty space with an assortment of different flavors of yoghurt from her favorite place: Minchees. She piled nuts, candy, fudge, pumpkin, and peanut butter crumbs on the treat, and ate it like it was the last meal on earth. Brian was guilty of indulging her, and he had his own. After a weekend workday it was a nice finish to a long day of planning and organizing with a pile of yummy.

Amber is starting her own film network group, and a lot of work has to be done in order to get it off the ground. It’s called www.moviejunkiesproductions.com. She feels it would help filmmakers get their projects off the desktop and onto the screen if everyone worked together. It felt good to come up with ideas, and figure out what obstacles could get in her way. There are a lot of decisions to be made, and Amber has reached out to Richard Lawson to collaborate. They are meeting to talk early this week. Some thoughts are:

1. Decide on a fee, and amount of hours for each member monthly

2. I made applications to apply what each persons mission statement is.

3. Decide on monthly meeting time and location

4. Have website built where contributions can also be made online.

5. Open call for applicants (all can join if positive attitude)

6. Agree on club secretary for notes, and other positions including treasurer.

7.Each member adds what he or she can offer and pay monthly due (approx 18.00 maybe?)

Examples but not limited to:
Time
Energy
Expertise
Equipment
Creative support
Set design
Makeup hair artist
Location avail
Music/ band rights
Scripts
Craft service
Edit
Lights
Sound
Camera
On set photography
Stock footage

Anyone with any ideas to contribute would be greatly acknowledged and appreciated. Amber’s friend and cinematographer “Blue” (D.T) is discussing the sale of/ or use of a camera. It’s all working progress, but by making our own dreams come true, and contributing to others—we can fill that empty space we all know about. Sometimes it takes a village to build our own castle in the sky.

Charlie the dog blog

Laundry the film brings excitement

2008-11-16T11:06:00.001-08:00

Charlie the dog blog

Last night Amber went to the Richard Lawson first annual film festival. It was so wonderful seeing friends and actors celebrating their work. She felt so inspired by all of the films. Her own film LAUNDRY premiered there. She felt so excited by Richard Lawsons dedication to filmmaking, and after talking to Shervin and Sasha, she decided to make a production group. She is putting this out as her first postulate to the group:

Movie Junkies Productions is a practical collective of filmmakers who donate to each others projects in order to green light our own films. We have a monthly fee to join, and a certain number of hours must be contributed to remain a member. We not only work on our own films, but help each other make dreams come true. "Never Wait"   One challenge has always confronted filmmakers at every level of the business- How can we convert our ideas into reality?   In 2008 Amber set out to find her own solution to that question. The traditional answer meant waiting...waiting to be introduced to the right contacts, waiting to have scripts read, waiting to get the green light.   Waiting, in other words, for someone else to give permission. But Amber isn’t satisfied with waiting, and she saw that the digital video revolution had provided us with new low-cost, high-quality tools to reduce the obstacles of movie production. Realizing she had the freedom to make films with no one's permission but her own, she began working on a collaborative group.  All we had to provide was the hard work to make it happen.    Film Fast, Film Well, Film Often   Movie Junkies productions is a creative collective of filmmakers actively dedicated to bringing our visions to life. Since our inception we will shoot at least one script every month, moving quickly from concept to production to post.  We get our movies made.   Whatever the story, wherever the setting, we find a way to make it real. Veterans of dozens of short films Movie Junkie’s productions is going to be constantly moving forward, making bigger and better movies, and we're always looking for talented and motivated people to join our cast or crew. You won't find a nicer group of filmmakers working today., more professional, or more fun.

My tail is wagging with anticipation to see how this all plays out.

Charlie the dog blog

Pictures in mini

2008-11-14T16:23:00.001-08:00

High School

2008-11-14T11:06:00.001-08:00

Charlie the dog blog

It’s a beautiful day in Hollywood. The sun is shining, the movie-stars are strutting, and the traffic is at an all time high. My tail is wagging, because Brian took us outside this morning to play with the neighbor dogs. Amber has had a fun time this week re-connecting with her old high school clan. Amber told me that “When we are in high school we think that our entire life is defined by who we are there. In a lot of ways we are defined in High-school, but not in the way we believe. We are finally coming into our own as young adults, and we think we have everything figured out. The hard knocks we get in those significant years help shape us into who we are.” I’m so glad I’m a dog, and the training and school, and hard knocks are mostly spared.

Yesterday was Damon’s birthday. Amber and Damon were high school sweethearts on some days, and pulled each other’s hair out on others. Amber started dating him when all she had was a bike, and they lived a few blocks away. They fought a lot, but they did have a long standing love for each other, and went through a lot together over the years. They went to prom together, and then 10 years later they went to their high school reunion together (his). They traveled to Denver to walk on fire together, and rode his Harley to biker conventions to get away and just feel the wind. They had an accident, where a truck hit them in an intersection, and Amber feels that Damon saved her life that day because he covered her as the truck hit. Amber broke her jaw, and knocked her head pretty good. Damon had a real love for motorcycles, BBQ, Hawaii Oceanside, and friends. He will always be missed, and Amber wears an engagement ring he gave her years ago for a wedding they were both too immature to have. Both Amber and Damon had different relationships with others, but your first real love will always matter. Audrey, his beautiful sister read a poem in a floral filled funeral for Damon that will always mean a lot. She is a true light, and Amber feels blessed to know her.

The surest thing there is is we are riders,
And though none too successful at it, guiders,
Through everything presented, land and tide
And now the very air, of what we ride.

What is this talked-of mystery of birth
But being mounted bareback on the earth?
We can just see the infant up astride,
His small fist buried in the bushy hide.

There is our wildest mount--a headless horse.
But though it runs unbridled off its course,
And all our blandishments would seem defied,
We have ideas yet that we haven't tried.

The pictures of Damon and his friends making mini trucks to cruise Broadway are always funny to laugh at. Amber also has had a chance through facebook to catch up with other friends she used to hang out with in school…and it’s amazing and fun to see where they are today. Rainey, Vanessa, Chris, Sandy..and the group of Damon’s crazy friends. Life is full of memories both good and bad. It’s a wonderful world when you look at the big picture and realize that life is just as it’s supposed to be. We live, we learn, we play..and we build memories that last forever. For this pup, I am glad Amber has had the wonderful experiences she’s had.

Charlie the dog blog
Wuff Wuff

Lost in a cage

2008-11-13T12:46:00.000-08:00

There are days when Amber struggles with who she is. Her past was so distinct and she knew exactly what was expected of her, and she did it well. Her present takes alot of work with details, and ethics, and she has to pray to God for daily guidance. It's a challenge when you change everything you knew, to become something different. I'm proud of Amber for the progress, but she misses knowing exactly where she belonged...even if it was just losing herself in a cage.

Wuff wuff
Charlie the dog blog