Last two pics courtesy of Chris Grieb

As many of you remember, Deuce was dead when she came out, grey body and blue in the face. Bill and I worked on her for some time thumping on her heart, getting fluid out of her nose and throat, and breathing into her mouth. What a gift when she responded! Even so, we feared she would have brain damage since we had no idea how long she was without air in the birth canal. She won a lot of hearts with her determination to survive, and within a few weeks, we knew she could see, hear, react, etc. just fine.

Georgia has always been the intense one. Our independent tomboy who is always moving … I just knew in my heart she would be a champ on the track, and when she was the first to run Grade A I was not surprised at all. She has many fans, but the coolest one has to be George of New England. That relationship has been so much fun.

Mattie-kins. Named after a brand of wine (Mattie’s Perch) because of the way she wrapped her paws around Snickers leg at nap time. She is also sassy, and has been talking back to us since she was probably 2 weeks old. Mattie is a go getter like Georgia, and I expect good things from her now that she has recovered from her near death scare a couple of months ago. I am so thankful that God wasn’t ready for another of our babies! Mattie is more affectionate than Georgia, but just as athletic. She also has great stand up earsies.

Tank – Started out as the biggest girl, and her name doesn’t really make sense anymore but she knows it, so it stays. We tried Lainey, but she wouldn’t answer to that. Tank is the girl who demands at every turnout to have her belly rubbed, and won’t leave you alone until you do it. She cannot wait until I finish sweeping the kennel, either. I have to stop when I get to her crate and spend a couple of minutes doing the belly rubs so she’ll be quiet. She likes to bounce around and play with the other girls, and I think just loves snuggles and fun more than anything. She has a hurt ankle right now, but hopefully will be racing again in a few months.

My little nugget Gypsy. The first one to try to steal my credit card with eyes barely open. I think someone told her about bling and treats and she was determined to start early! She was named Gypsy because she was the first to walk, and man did she motor around the kitchen with a purpose. Gypsy also craves attention and lovies. She is addicted to standing on her hind legs and draping her paws on my arm to get kisses and be as close to me as possible. She’s so gentle about it, that I don’t even bother making her stop. (Tank on the other hand is a nose bopper, so she gets popped on the head when she jumps on me.)

The Mudd Puppies even have their own fan club on Facebook. How cool is that?!

Happy 2nd Birthday, little brindle doll babies. We love you very much!

Tonight is da Puppy Steaks! That’s right! Yu (and sebben other puppies) are running for all the glory wiff yur kennel mate Paddy Whacker. I am SO proud of yu!  An Unka could knot ask for more than the effort yu put forth to get to this big event!   Two wins in the early rounds assured yu yur place in history!

Yu drew a bad box, unforchewnately. The center is KNOT yur best placement, but if yu bust out of the box as fast as yu possible can and just GO as fast as possible, yu can do it! Let those other houndies jostle and bump! Keep yur eye on the prize and make me and Mama Caffie proud!

No matter what happens, we will be proud of yu. And as long as yu finish safely, it will be a greyt night.  But it shore wood be nice to win, eh?

I will be nervously watching yu on the live video feed, and chatting wiff yur other fans in the Mudd Puppies fan club.

Remember Georgia, those three important things I taught yu when yu were just a baby: Run Fast, Turn Left, Don’t Fall Down!

Good luck!

I lubs yu!!!

Unka George

The Boys:

• Hanks Bullet (”Tango”)
• Hanks Franky (brother to Emerson)
• Hanks Emerson (brother to Franky)
• Hanks Lucas (”Tigger”)
• Pak McCracken (”Ernie”)
• Hanks Gipper (”Gibby”)
• Waterboy
• Orbit

The Girls:

• Hanks GoGo (”GoGo”)
• PeeWee

Pictures to be posted in separate blog post.

I can KNOT tell yu how proud I was da other nite when I watched yu on da live feed from Orange Park winning yur first Grade A race!  I roooed so loud ma throat hurt!!  The way yu busted out of the starting gate–like yur paws were on fire!  Yu got out in front and that was all there was–no one else had a chance!

Did yu know that you have a fan club?  Dats rite!  We meet up on da Facebook in da Mudd Puppies Fan Club, and we discuss da highs (and the lows!) of yur racing.  Yu have fans from as close as Florida, and as faaaaaaaaaaaar as Canada.  Dat is up near da Norf Pole, by the way.

Now, lets tawk about these houndie that have been bumping yu!  I was outraged to see a giant black houndie body slam you the race BEFORE the won yu won.  Yu had it in the bag little girl, in the bag!  Then WHAMMO!  He hip checked you and off yu went, sideways.  But ma ginormous hart swelled up to see yu just keep going!  That’s ma girl!  A houndie never gives up, never surrenders!

Two things to remember: Thing won!  Always pay attention to what is comin’ up behind yu!  Iffen yu can feel der hot breaf on yur afterburners, dey are getting close and yu need to shift it into overdrive.  Thing too!  Pay attention to who is next to yu.  Try to KNOT be too close to anyone.  Da best way to avoid this is to break out of the box FAST FAST FAST and then just GO!  It’s not very faaaaaaaaaa.

I hope that yu got the ice creem I asked Mama Caffie to give yu?  If KNOT, let me no.  I will see about sending yu a package of dem Frosty Paws ma hooman gives me sometimes.  Dey are most delishuss!

Never forget I am always proud, even if yu do KNOT win.  It is cleer to see yu are trying yur very best.  Stay safe!  Behave!  And always, but always, turn LEFT!

Lubs,

Unka George