Author: suburbanwundermutt

A cancer diagnosis will not slow the Suburban Wundermutt as he carries on with a yearly rite of passage: The coming of spring! Eight weeks into his battle his latest vet visit indicates only a slight growth of the tumor and no new nodules anywhere else. Bloodwork is very good and his appetite for meals and treats is as robust as ever. Time to celebrate the moment! With winter losing its grip our canine compadre rolls with giddiness at the thought of tall grass, pollen baths, and impromptu battles with unsuspecting carpenter bees. Here’s to the good life!

Just as the boxer works the heavy bag or the swimmer does laps in the pool, the Suburban Wundermutt continues a daily regimen of bone training. Beggin’ Strips are strategically placed inside the apparatus and SWM confidently works through his steps to get them out. There’s nothing glamorous about this process but it’s necessary. The well-conditioned athlete knows nothing else and our canine compadre is no different. Wayward deer and groundhogs see the results and scatter accordingly. Visitors to the Cul-de-sac Jungle will also find order and harmony due to this commitment to excellence.

Over the years the Suburban Wundermutt has developed a sophisticated series of unique stares to indicate different levels of the canine condition. Here, his deliberate head-on gaze leaves no doubt it’s dinner time. However, his 8 PM Dentastix stare is completely different. His right front paw will rise unsolicited to shake the hand of the snack provider while his head will stay slightly cocked to the left. For the recipient of these various looks, the result is always the same… inescapable guilt.

Although his demeanor may be perceived as a moment of Zen during the Coronavirus quarantine on the back deck of his lair, the Suburban Wundermutt is a actively tasting the air with his nose to recognize the familiar scent of wayward ground hogs or deer in the distance. His nostrils constantly flare, doing a dance similar to the honey bee when signaling to her apiary workmates where the nearest cache of nectar may be located. The Cul-de-sac Jungle is alive with subtle action if the trained eye knows where to look.

Unbeknownst to many, the Suburban Wundermutt is quite a supporter of the arts. He also likes to dabble in impromptu performances on occasion. Here he acts out, with great emotion, the Romeo death scene from the Shakespeare classic, Romeo and Juliette. “Wundermutt, Wundermutt… where for art thou Wundermutt?” Next stop: Off off off off Broadway to play the insatiable plant in Little Shop of Horrors: “Feed me!!” His research for this role has been ongoing for almost 10 years.

The holidays bring so many parties and celebrations, and we all take time to enjoy the season. But diligence never takes a holiday! The Feline Blizzard takes the high perch, ready to dispatch the Suburban Wundermutt as needed. Wayward deer, raccoons, and groundhogs, coming home from their holiday stupor, will not get a free pass through the Cul-de-sac Jungle. It’s a sobering reality they must face.

For most of us the transition of evening into night brings a calming effect. It’s a chance to wind down after a long day and relax. For the Suburban Wundermutt it’s a chance to get a second wind! His lair is cluttered with an assortment of chew toys, bones, and rubber balls so the possibilities are endless. Tonight’s choice is a knotted rope with frayed ends for extra tug-o-war fun. The night continues on as the game is afoot. There will be plenty of time tomorrow to sleep in.

On August 23rd, all the critters of the Cul-de-sac Jungle come by to wish the Suburban Wundermutt a happy birthday. Actually, that’s not true. They all loathe him for being the enforcer of order in this corner of the world… a world that is actually owned by his partner in crime, the Feline Blizzard. Nevertheless their respect for this canine crusader runs deep. There have been many devious plots hatched to facilitate his ouster. But for nine years now his reign continues, unabated. Happy birthday SWM!!

Baseball season is a wonderful time… unless you’re the Suburban Wundermutt and it’s raining. No hot dogs, no burgers, no chicken… all of the foods he covets are nowhere to be found. The grill is closed. But like the beginning of baseball season, hope springs eternal for the true fan. That includes the true fan of food. Stay strong SWM! Sunny days and smoky grilling, aromatic evenings are on the way!