I am Dog of the Month!

What an honor! Starting today, I am the December Dog of the Month at Bloom and Bark Dog Bakery. I got my profile on their web site, PLUS a bunch of free treats as a prize. Their stuff is freshly baked, super cute, and really yummy! Try out their goodies, and enter to win Dog of the Month yourself.


Check Me Out!

Your Best Friend,
Sonny

Starting to Get My Kicks!

Finally, our adventure REALLY begins!

We spent the night in Chicago at the pet-friendly and reasonably priced Howard Johnson Inn Downtown. There we got a free upgrade to a suite, where I was even allowed to stay for a while without supervision, and enjoyed one of those famous deep-dish pizzas from a nearby restaurant (okay, I only got the scraps...). Mmm mmm, Chicago Style is good.

The next morning, we traveled to Adams Street, where the "Begin Route 66" sign hangs. We were officially on Route 66!



From Chicago, we followed the Route to Berwyn, Illinois. Our first roadside attraction was "The Spindle" - a very modern art sculpture - in the parking lot of Cermak Plaza. Here it is, with me:



That was kind of neat, so we kept driving. Our next photo op was a bit over an hour away in Wilmington, IL. Outside of the Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant stands the Gemini Giant, a huge astronaut holding a rocket. Sadly, the restaurant wasn't open as early as we arrived, but we did get a few good shots of the big guy. Don't I look tiny?



Moving on, we rode through rural Illinois for a couple more hours before reaching Springfield, where we stopped for lunch. We ate at the appropriately named The Cozy Dog Drive-In, which happens to be the place where the corn dog was invented.



A bunch of restaurants along the way seem to be "Drive-Ins," which is convenient for pet travelers who aren't allowed inside most places. We just drove up to the window, ordered our delicious corn dogs and fries, and ate right in the car. Of course, I did get a chance to stretch my legs, too. And truthfully, I ate dog food. But I did get a bite of the corn dogs, and I highly recommend them.



Stay tuned to find out more about my trip down Route 66, starting with what I did AFTER lunch!

Your Best Friend,
Sonny

Pit Stop

We have spent a few days in Charleston, SC visiting Tom's family. It has been fun and all, especially getting to see my human buddy, Aris, who is almost two.


But I am anxious to get back on the road. Outside is much more fun than inside!



I can't wait until tomorrow, when we get on with the trip again!

Your Best Friend,
Sonny

Visiting Mayday Again

Before we start our drive down Route 66, we are swinging by South Carolina to see some friends and family. I am excited to visit Greenville, because my buddy Mayday, a dachshund, lives there.



Mayday is pretty cool, and she has great toys. We were a little bit apprehensive around each other at first, but we started to get along as long as I didn't try to steal her bone, and she didn't get too close to my mom. I am sorry to say I am the jealous type.




I didn't mind too much if she hung out with Tom, though. They have known each other since Mayday was a baby. Aren't they sweet together?



Even though I act up around other dogs sometimes, I normally get used to them and end up enjoying them a whole lot. I am really excited to sleep over - I think Mayday might just let me share her bed!




Your Best Friend,
Sonny

Puppy Pilgrimage

I spent the day in the quaint seaside town of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Plymouth is where the Pilgrims landed in 1620; the home of Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower, and also my human great-grandmother.

Here I am in front of Mayflower II, a replica of the real thing.




Even though we were right on the ocean, it was really hot - I needed to stay hydrated. A nice cup of spring water from one of the beach vendors made me very happy!





While we stuck to the main tourist area, which was very convenient for dogs to visit, dogs are also allowed on the beach as long as they remained leashed. We spotted this Saint Bernard cooling off in the water.



Since I have had enough swimming for one week, I remained on dry land, but did get my picture snapped with some nautical art.



Plymouth is a great place to see. If you go, make sure you visit the Rock:



Your Best Friend,
Sonny

Cool Fun in the Summer Sun

What a day! We arrived at my human grandparents' house in Braintree, Massachusetts this morning, and wasted no time taking advantage of their big backyard.

I started off with a bit of exploring. A garden full of fresh veggies and an upside-down canoe were among the treasures I found. Not as good as a bone, but still pretty cool!

I played fetch with a tennis ball for what seemed like hours. I especially enjoyed it because my buddy Amanda played with me. She gives great kisses!


The absolute WORST part of the day was when I had to go swimming! I didn't want to go but they put me in the pool anyway. Those meanies. At least I am a pro when it comes to the doggie paddle. But I don't like it!


After barely surviving that ordeal, I dried off in the warm sun. Everyone felt bad for me, so we topped off the day with a game of frisbee. I haven't quite mastered that one yet, but I am a quick learner!


It's the kind of day I normally only dream about. I'm going to have to look into getting one of those backyards for myself!



Your Best Friend,
Sonny

Camping in VA

On our way to New England, we stopped in Natural Bridge, Virginia to camp overnight. We plan on camping a lot on our trip, mostly at KOA Kampgrounds which are conveniently located just about everywhere, have lots of modern conveniences for humans like wireless internet and laundry facilities, and are very dog friendly.


This particular night at Natural Bridge KOA was somewhat aggitating because they had a parade with all the kids staying there, but after it ended, I was happy. It's pretty fun to sleep outside!

See you again soon!

Your Best Friend,
Sonny

Hitting the Road

The time is finally here! Austin, Texas is behind me and the whole country is in front of me. My family and I are roadtripping all summer.



First stop, Massachusetts. Then it's off to Chicago to start down historic Route 66. California, here we come!

Your Best Friend,
Sonny

More Birthday Celebrations

Today, my birthday treats from Bloom and Bark Dog Bakery arrived. I was ready to feast!






My first course was the Double Cheese Burger & Fries Basket. There was a ton of food there - I only got through one "french fry" (cheese flavored!) and a piece of the bun (peanut butter flavored!) - and I'm saving the rest. Luckily it lasts for six months!






For dessert, I had my complimentary Pup Cake - I'll admit I wolfed that one down. Mmm-mmm, was it delicious!

I have enjoyed turning 3 very much!

Your Best Friend,
Sonny

Happy Birthday To Me!

Today is my birthday! I am three years old. To celebrate, I got to go to PetSmart to pick something out. They tried to get me interested in a stuffed duck, a squeaky ball, and something plastic and bouncy, but I really just wanted a Greenie and a giant bone. So that's what I got!



I am also expecting some treats from Bloom and Bark, who sent me a coupon for a free birthday pup cake when I entered their "Dog Of The Month" contest. Thanks guys!

Overall, I had a fun day. So far, I love being 3!

Your Best Friend,
Sonny

I Love Outside!

I found a way to be inside and outside at the same time - the porch! My latest apartment has a balcony, where I can go outside without a leash and enjoy the sunshine and the fresh air without fear of getting lost or getting in a fight with one of the mean dogs that live near me! Yay!







Your Best Friend,
Sonny

Wedding Day Dogs

A wedding is the happiest of occasions, and a bride and groom can make it even happier with their best friends in attendance - including their dogs! Many dogs have been appointed ring bearer or flower girl, with their own fancy collar or even tux for the big day. For tips on including a dog in your wedding ceremony, check out this article at eHow.com.

Also, don't forget to include some pup-friendly wedding reception ideas, like puppy treats during the cutting of the cake!

Your Best Friend,
Sonny