Capital Jack: 10 Burning Questions

Much has changed since I last blogged. For instance, I have a new haircut.

Oh, and I also live somewhere different.


We live in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Kind of. Really, we live in Alexandria, Virginia. But doesn't Alexandria seem far more friendly and accommodating?


I've been getting a lot of questions about life from my faithful fans, and I owe you some answers. Since the weather outside is frightful and I have nowhere to go until my evening walk, I will indulge you by answering them!

1. Do you like your new house?
Answer: Yes. Mom and Dad have provided a window seat and kibble, and that's really all I ask for.

2. What's a typical day like for you?
Answer: I wake up at 5:45 and wait for Mom to have her first cup of coffee before my morning walk and breakfast. After I eat, everything is a blur of blow-dryer, coat and scarf being tossed on, and a goodbye kiss. Mom leaves the faintest smell of Hermes perfume in the air when she leaves; she is an angel. I sleep until she comes home, and then there is our evening walk and dinner.

3. Are your household duties the same in Del Ray as they were in Buckhead?
Answer: Absolutely! I was delighted to see that the security threats remain the same (mail man, UPS man, youth with balls and bikes), and I am more than equipped to deal with them.

4. I hear you've been working on a new art project. Tell me more!
Answer: Ah, yes. You must be referring to my nose art. It's a constantly evolving installation in our home. I use my wet nose and hot breath to create fanciful designs on our bay window. By Friday afternoon, I've covered the entire pane of glass. On Saturday morning, Mom wipes the slate clean so I can begin again.

5. What does your new neighborhood have to offer in terms of sightseeing and entertainment?
Answer: The most exciting part of Del Ray is the dog park a five-minute walk away! Since it's so close, I'm there every weekend. In terms of sightseeing, there is a magnificent train that speeds past my window almost every 15 minutes. I think Mom rides it -- ask her to confirm. And in the evenings, I people-watch as I stroll up and down the main drag of the city.

6. Have you tried any local delicacies, like crab cakes?
Answer: Well, those are more Mom's cup of tea, but I have been eating an awful lot of baby carrots lately.

7. Certainly you've seen at least one local celebrity! Bo Obama? Jill Biden? Dish!
Answer: The other night, I thought I saw Uggie in a nearby antique shop, but it was my own reflection in the glass.

8. You have a fenced-in yard now. What's that like?
Answer: I pretended for the first two weeks that the front yard's fence could contain me, when I knew all along I could easily slip out. Imagine Mom's surprise when I broke free Friday morning in the bitter cold darkness and took off running down the avenue! I still chuckle thinking about it.

9. OK, so it's much colder in Virginia than Georgia. Do you mind the change?
Answer: Let's be clear, it's been a real adjustment on my paws. This morning's stroll on a thin sheet of ice wasn't exactly fun. But I feel rather manly out there in the raw, winter air! And I absolutely despise every sweater and jacket Mom has attempted to dress me in.

10. Will you blog more this year?
Answer: I will try! Now that I have new stomping grounds, I anticipate a lot more adventure. Stay tuned!

A Sleep Sequence

I told you about my new bed.

And I've told you about my sleeping habits. Yes, all of them.

I couldn't quite get comfortable in my new bed. So, I tried a few things.


But the best place to nod off is definitely on the rug.

Here...


...I go...

Label Snob

I don't like to point paws. But I know at least one person in this family who's a total label snob.

Di-va.


However, when Mom and Dad brought home a new bed with THIS label, I got a little offended.


"But Jupiter," they said, "it's small and snuggly! You will love it."

A few words about my old bed.


It is a triangle. It is brown. It is two years old. It fits into the corner of my window seat perfectly.


It is also stained. And it is lumpy from many, many cycles in the washing machine.


This new bed? I'm not so sure about it.


Will I ever love it as much as triangle bed?


I will make an honest effort to try.

HELP WANTED

Dear Friends.

It has come to my attention that there is HELP WANTED in Athens.


Meet Russ, the interim Uga. (Photo from Athens Banner-Herald)

I'm sure Russ is a very nice guy, but don't you think I'd look better in that doghouse?


Bulldogs...Jack Russells -- same difference, right? I'm certainly a lot more active than a bulldog. I could show those guys how to get things done.

This Is My Post-Bath Face

The Birthday Wrap-pup

I had a birthday party! It was such fun. And it was a total surprise.

Mom and Dad told me to go wait in my bed -- but I didn't know what I was waiting for.


They were in the kitchen, using all their upper-body strength to shove a candle into this dense doggie cupcake!


Don't ask them what was in it. They asked the shopgirl three times what the ingredients were, and she said "It's organic! It's all organic!" Apparently, that's a sufficient answer to some doggie parents.

The flavor was peanut butter and oat bran -- and trust me, it was fantastic. Organic or not.


Light it up! The presentation was so beautiful. Mom helped me blow out the candle. And then I tore into that cupcake!


Just like Mom, I eat the bottom first and save the top part (the frosting!) for last.


I ate every. Single. Crumb.

See?


Then, I posed with Mom and Dad. Thank you for the birthday party!

To Fetch or Not to Fetch

There's nothing I love better than lounging on a rainy day.

Here I am on my favorite ottoman, a fall-scented candle burning behind me (thanks, Mom!).


And then the ball falls. To fetch or not to fetch?


I'd rather not move at all.