Wednesday, October 13, 2010

My First Asado


Just got home from my first asado!!!! What a puppy paradise... There was meat and sausage of so many varieties that everyone tried to feed me, and of course the requisite Argentine beer selections of Quilmes and Stella Artois, as well as a nice malbec from Rodas. I wonder if all asados have such tasty food. Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Mati hosted this asado in honor of Bonnie's brother Morgan coming to Buenos Aires for a visit before they moved to New Zealand. If only we had a parilla at home I would make my dads have asados instead of brunches, but I guess we will just have to be more WASPy than Argentine for now.

Also, in addition to my first asado, I got to meet my first cat! Her name is Polly and she lives in Aunt Bonnie's apartment (the only truely permanent resident). We didn't really get along - but apparently that is to be expected since they say that things fight like cats and dogs. To my great surprise Aunt Bonnie bet against me in a fight against Polly (her brother Morgan, rightly, chose to back me); luckily it never really came to a fight since really all I ever want to do is play, but lets just say Polly knows who is boss now...

Monday, September 13, 2010

Mr Panda, are you coming home???


I am so excited for this weekend! Not only is it great because it is a weekend and my Dads are home with me, but my Aunt Tefi is coming to visit. I last saw her when I took my trip out to the country and my cousins stole Mr. Panda... I know it is hard not to love Mr. Panda and I hope that Zoe and Ona have been having fun with him (and keeping him out of Hannah's tummy). The drive back from Rosario was really scary when I had no idea what had happened to Mr. Panda - but I was so relieved to get a call letting us know he had been found safe and sound in Uncle Nico's room. Now it is just a few more days and he will be home, safe and sound, where he belongs. And maybe Mr. Panda can start a search party with Mr. Puppy and me to find Mr. Bunny; I have had to get my new toys since all my old friends are in missing.

Friday, September 10, 2010

New Toys... Never Enough...


I have been having some trouble recently with my toys... Mr Panda has been held hostage in Rosario, and Mr Bunny is nowhere to be found. As my teeth continue to grow (along with the rest of me) I am chewing and chewing my way through all of the temporary replacement toys. Of course Mr Puppy is still holding down the fort, and Mr Panda and Mr Bunny are going to be back soon, I hope. However, I finally put my paw down and got some new toys!!! My favorite is my new rainbow colored ball. The ball I had before is now more like a hemisphere because I chewed it so much. Of course my Dads are always looking for new and interesting toys for me and suggestions of places here in Buenos Aires to find them!










Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Oops I did it again...




Oops I did it again, I made a mess of the apartment... Dad said that there was no more powder in the bottle, so I could play with it. I guess I proved him wrong! After I proved my point the bottle got washed out and now I am using it as one of my regular toys (although I may have almost destroyed it by now...) I am looking forward to getting some new toys soon though since I am chewing my way through the old ones... Anyone have any ideas? Leave a comment below!








Tuesday, September 7, 2010

I have been very busy...




Sorry for being so bad about writing for the past few weeks... as you can see I have had a lot of drafts but just nothing to publish yet. I am working on my review of several Buenos Aires restaurants, as well as some art criticisms from Gallery Night, and of course all things fashion for the four-legged! Keep posted, I promise they will be up by the weekend...








Sunday, September 5, 2010

Puppy Shower - Champagne Brunch in Recoleta

I hosted my first brunch today. Although very common in New York, where my Dads claim I will one day live, it is not very common here in Buenos Aires. Only a few restaurants cater to the champagne swilling brunch goer - even though it seems perfect for the Buenos Aires Porteno lifestyle. Personally, I love brunch, we had several courses of delicious food and as everyone drank more they also dropped more food. I even got bold enough to check on the food that was to be dropped and remind everyone where their empty glasses were. Mimosas and Lemonchamps flowed, and my guests Argentines, Yankees, Venezuelans, Brazilians, Aussies, and a Kiwi enjoyed a beautiful afternoon with friends. I appreciate everyone coming out to celebrate my Puppy Shower Champagne Brunch. Soon all of the furniture and art will be in place and I look forward to hosting another food dropping extravaganza!



Sunday, August 29, 2010

Mr Panda FOUND... Safe and Sound!


Only a couple hours into our trip home, probably the saddest of my life, and finally some news of Mr Panda... He has been FOUND!!! I am so relieved to know that he is safe and sound in Rosario. I was really worried that my cousin Hannah might have eaten Mr Panda, since she has recently acquired a taste for exotic plush foods (having devoured three furry legs of Zoe's Ms Octopus just last week). I felt a little reassured that there were no squeaks coming from her belly when we left. Mr Panda is not quiet, and would have made plenty of noise if he had been eaten alive. Instead I think that Zoe hid Mr Panda from me - although nothing has officially been proven. However I am just so happy to know he is ok and that hopefully Mr Panda will come home to Buenos Aires soon.

Mr Panda is LOST - Has anyone seen him?!?!


I am packing up to leave Rosario for Buenos Aires and I can't find Mr Panda anywhere!!! I have a sneaking suspicion that my cousin Zoe has stolen him in order to get back at me for playing with her toys this weekend. If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of my dear dear Mr Panda please let me know. Buenos Aires will be so lonely without Mr Panda - and I have finally gotten strong enough to squeak him...

Saturday, August 28, 2010

First trip to the country...


Bye bye, Buenos Aires. I went on a roadtrip to visit my extended family outside of Rosario this weekend... Sooooo excited to feel the grass between my feet (for the first time ever) even though at first I didn't know if I should really be walking on something so prickly. Very quickly I found my country side and shed my prissy city girl manners. Now I am running and jumping and playing with my cousins (especially Ona my Rottweiler cousin). More pictures and info coming soon, but right now I need to get outside and play some more!!!




Saturday, August 14, 2010

Ultimo Beso - Buenos Aires' Best Tea House

I loved my first visit to a restaurant the other day. After getting my retractible leash at Amor Animal we headed over to the nearby Ultimo Beso in the Palermo Soho neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Argentina does not have that many propper tea shops, and Ultimo Beso is by far the most girly and romantic. Its shabby chic mix of furniture blends seamlessly with the outdoor area which is pet (and smoker) friendly. Even though it was still technically winter - burgeoning on spring - the garden at Ultimo Beso was green and sported a few early rose blooms in its trellices. My dads had been here for dinner and, especially, dessert several times before so we knew we were in for a treat. All of the teas are paired with a movie that embodies their flavors, and the menu is perfect for someone looking for a light meal after night after night of steaks. Of course we went there for coffee and tea with a dessert (as a snack before dinner). The brownie with dulce de leche and the lemon pie with a marshmellow topper are both to die for... and my dads had both, as always, while I explored the outdoor area. I can't wait for it to be spring to go back to Ultimo Beso for another delicious snack!
***************Pictures Coming Soon***************

Monday, August 9, 2010

First Veterinarian Visit

So today I was old enough to go for my next level of shots. I am so excited to be one step closer to being allowed to run and play in the parks. Now I can go out on the sidewalk by my house and be in friend's gardens, but nowhere public yet. I get the final shot in a month and thenI was happy enough with my veterinarian, he didn't make me cry or anything when I got the shot, but I would really like to find one that is more personal than a pet store on a main street. The loud noises from the cars and trucks makes me very nervous. I think they are the closest ones to my house in Recoleta open Monday - Saturday. Does anyone have any suggestions for me and my dads???

Saturday, August 7, 2010

My First Bath


Finally I have managed to crawl under the kitchen cabinets enough times for my dads to give me a bath! I love the bathroom and sitting in there when everyone else gets to shower and am so excited to finally get my turn in the big tub. Of course it was a little surprising to be put down into so much water but I didn't complain at all. And I was happy to show off how little I am under all of my fur. The picture here is a sneak peak of the video I will post early next week.


********************Video Now Up On YouTube*********************


You can go to my YouTube channel or look below for the video...


Thursday, August 5, 2010

Mister Bunny Photos



As promised I am getting pictures up of my toys... Though I haven't done an inventory yet I am still hunting for a lot more. My favorites also seem to be the most destructible - so they don't last long enough to have their photo taken. These include paper-towel rolls, toiletpaper rolls, milk bottle tops, accounting paper spools, and (for dessert) dulce de leche tops. Mr. Puppy has been in one of my YouTube videos and Mr. Panda was already discussed so here is Mr. Bunny. He is my favorite because I can play with his ears until my jaw gets strong enough to squeak him. If you have any suggestions about pet stores or doggie boutiques please let me know so my dads can get me more toys!!!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Dog Days of Winter - Perros in Peril


Winter has come in full effect with gusts from Antarctica blowing into Buenos Aires and bringing with them frigid temperatures. But the shivers dogs all over Argentina are feeling aren't from the cold. An outbreak of leptosporosis, a bacterial disease found in dog's urine, in Neuquen had put over 1000 dogs infected by the disease at risk of being euthanised (the city's council had approved the action). The mayor and city government have said that all efforts to curb the problem without affecting the dog population will be explored after animal rights groups protested the decisions of the city council. Neuquen is one of Argentina's most overrun city having literally gone to the dogs. The city has nearly three times the number of dogs considered healthy by the World Health Organization, and many of them are feral - living near trash dumps and in constant contact with the rats - both of which are responsible for transmitting leptosporosis to the canines. Two humans have been infected by the disease, which can be fatal, but there have been no deaths at present. I hope for the sake of the dogs and people of Nuequen that this gets under control soon and without anyone (on two or four legs) being hurt!

Doggie Fashion

Thus far I only have two outfits but I am going to grow a lot and will definitely be shopping up a storm for clothes and accessories. This is where I will keep a list of all of the boutiques and stores I review as I shop my way across South America and beyond! Hope you don't mind the placeholder for now...

Restaurant Reviews

This is just the beginning but soon I expect to be getting out and about a lot more. Here I will keep a list of links to my reviews of Dog Friendly restaurants I go to with my dads. Hope the space holder post isn't too bothersome...

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Starbarks Coffee Sunday

My dads and I decided to go for a Sunday stroll to Starbucks for a nice morning snack. I am still too young to walk on the street (I get my second vaccine next weekend and then 2 weeks later can finally hit the ground running). Even though we live in Recoleta, and it was quite chilly out with the Antarctic winds blowing our way, we went to the Alto Palermo Starbucks where they used to spend a lot of time before moving from Palermo to Recoleta. While I really like going outside and all the sights and smells, I do not like wearing my clothes for too long. So far I have only gotten a few outfits and I am wearing my favorite here. It is a red fleece lined plaid outfit with velcro straps across my chest and belly - from Amores Perros. I got it a little bigger than I am right now since I plan to grow a lot in the next few months.

After the walk over I was so happy to be in line in the warmth of Starbucks, and I was surprised I was allowed in... but once we got our coffee and snacks the security guard saw me and despite my cutest puppy face possible we had to sit outside. I was not looking forward to a chilly breeze as my dads tried to enjoy their caramel macchiatos, but imagine my surprise that Starbucks has installed heaters in the overhang of the outdoor patio. As we enjoyed our breakfast I was wrapped in a wave of warmth, outside!!! This is definitely a spot to remember and I look forward to more Sunday coffees at Starbucks, or as I like to call it Starbarks...

On the way back I met some other Miniature Schnauzers, including a really handsome boy who is Salt and Pepper like me (or like I will be when I grow up), and Daniel a Pharoh Hound, with eyes like his namesake Prince Daniel of Sweeden, who was wearing 4 layers - he is much more patient than I am...

My thoughts on Amores Perros and their amazing clothes is coming soon, I promise!

Friday, July 30, 2010

パンダ犬氏パンダ - Mr. Panda and Panda Dogs

使用したGoogle翻訳...申し訳ありませんが私が話す問題(している場合、英語とスペイン語これまでのところ)。

私は渋谷からの訪問者があった見て、日本は私が興奮して...もよりも早く、私は犬の毛づくろいの最新動向について話をするだろうと思った。私の父親は多くの私の将来の身づくろいの習慣を議論されている。彼らがいるかどうか私は伝統的なミニチュアシュナウザーカットや私は少し異なる(そしておそらく少しともっと女性らしく毛むくじゃら)がに必要がある場合もありますことを確認されていません。私は日本のパンダ犬として見てのエキサイティングなを持っていないがいずれにせよ!日本と中国では犬のパンダとタイガースのような他の動物のエキサイティングなのパターンに私たちの自然コートを変更するに身づくろいの主要な進歩をしている。何もこれらの私たちのこれらのエキゾチックなデザインをスポーツに起こるので、安全のためもちろんすべての最高のゲレンデは、すべて自然の染料を使用します。私はおそらくようになります。チンチラ...またはタイガーカブ!私は2つの新たな、最近氏が子犬に追加する友達を詰め - 氏はバニーとMRを得たので、私は特にこのことについて興奮していた。パンダ!氏パンダはパンダ犬と同じように左に見えます。写真すべての私のおもちゃもうすぐの...


ジャンプした後パンダ犬とタイガー犬のいくつかの写真と同様に、日本が救助されたとパンダ(にした、今テレビスター犬についてのビデオ)です...


Mr. Panda and Panda Dogs

After seeing I had a visitor from Shibuya, Japan I got so excited... even sooner than I thought I would get to talk about the newest trend in dog grooming. My dads have been debating my future grooming habits a lot. They aren't sure whether I should have the traditional Miniature Schnauzer cut or if I should be a bit different (and maybe a little less hairy and more ladylike). Either way I won't have as exciting of a look as Japan's Panda Dogs! In Japan and China there have been major strides in dog grooming to change our natural coats into the exciting patters of other animals like Pandas and Tigers. Of course for safety all the best groomers use all-natural dyes so nothing happens to those of us sporting these exotic designs. I could probably look like a Chinchilla... or a Tiger Cub! I was especially excited about this because I got two new stuffed friends recently to add to Mr. Puppy - Mr. Bunny and MR. PANDA!!! Mr. Panda looks just like the Panda Dog to the left. Pictures of all my toys coming very soon...


After the jump are some pictures of Panda Dogs and Tiger Dogs as well as a video from Japan about a dog who was rescued and made into a Panda (and now a TV Star)...


Thursday, July 29, 2010

My YouTube Channel is Up

I am very excited to announce that you can now see videos of me on YouTube! I am sure as I run and jump and grow there will be a lot of antics caught on film... The first video (and currently only one) is of me on my first day home getting used to my new environment and new family.


I have included my first video here...


Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Munch Munch Munch

I am loving my new teeth... I can't find enough things to chew on! My dads have been trying to find me all the best toys and other doggie goodies. So far, though, my favorite is the top of the milk bottle. We live in Recoleta and as of now we know about the following places for me to find toys

Amores Perros
Amor Animal
Bien Fifi
Canine Couture
CentroPet
Pets and Glam
Puppis

If you have any other suggestions my dads would love to know about them! Post it in the comments section, send me a message on twitter, or email me...

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Hello World

Hello and let me introduce myself. My name is Brigitta and I am a Miniature Schnauzer living in Buenos Aires. I was born just two months ago but already have a lot of opinions (and attitude). I hope you will follow me as I talk about all the exciting things for those on four legs living in South America!

You can also follow me @BrigittaBA on Twitter...