Merry Christmas - a Weenie bit late!

Hi Friends! Hope you all had a great Christmas. Sorry I haven't blogged lately. Our Christmas was busy, with lots of traveling. It was hard to get my paws to the computer. Chloe and I just wanted to take the time to say "Arff"! This was a photo from a book signing we did in Evansville, Indiana. Our good friends Connor and Faith came to the signing. We always love seeing our friends.

I will blog again in the next day or so with some photos of our Christmas. I can't wait to show you what Santa Paws, I mean Claus, brought us!

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Ahh... A chewstick

Hi Faithful Fans! Sorry I haven't blogged in a few days! It has been a busy time with school visits and bookstore signings. Christmas time is always busy - even for little wiener dogs! I can't imagine how Santa Claus must feel, though he does have elves, Rudolph and all the other reindeer to help him! Anyway, we getting ready to head to London. (London, KY, that is.) We will be in two of the Laurel County Schools. We are so excited. Chloe and I took a break from packing to enjoy our favorite chewstick. Yummy! We definitely hope Santa leaves some more of these in our stockings! We will also be in Bowling Green and Henderson this week, as well as Evansville, Indiana. Be sure to stop in at one of these places and see us!

I better go. Dad is warming up the Woody Bus and is wondering where we are. I will blog in a few days with lots of pictures from London! I promise!

Stay warm and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Sleighbells ring...

Chloe and I just love the Christmas season. We love singing carols. We kicked off our Christmas season with a parade! This past Thursday, Mom, Dad, Chloe, and I were in the Bardstown Holiday Parade and guess who was asked to be the Grand Marshal of the festivities? That's right, (sniff, sniff), me! It was too fun. The four of us rode in a really cool (and I mean cool) convertible! It was misting rain and windy. Convertibles are nice, but I don't think they were designed for winter! Oh well, it was an exciting night, no matter what the temperature. Besides, Mom had dressed us in our warmest sweaters and hats!

We are off to Northern Kentucky for a school visit. I better help Chloe pack her suitcase. I will post pictures in a few days! Have a great week, stay warm, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!


...a beautiful sight, we're happy tonight, Walking in a Winter Wonderland!!!

Woody

Chilly Dogs

Hey Friends! You can sure tell winter is on its way. It has gotten so cold!!! In fact, Chloe and I have to wear our sweaters when we go outside now. We will definitely put our sweaters on tonight. Chloe and I have been chosen to be the Grand Marshal of the Bardstown, KY Christmas Parade. We are so excited! We will be riding in a convertible! We will be sure to post pictures tomorrow!

This is a photo with our new friends at Russell-McDowell Intermediate School in Greenup County. They were so friendly - and excited about our visit. They had put posters all along the hallway showing us how much they love us. It was a great, great day!

I better go. Chloe and I have to practice our parade wave!

Have a great day. Be sure to put your sweater on when you go outside!

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Stuffed Hot Dogs!!!

Happy Thanksgiving (a day late)! Chloe and I hope each of you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday. We always love Thanksgiving. It is nice to see all of our family - and to eat the yummy food! Mommy always gives us a plate of turkey and gravy! I asked Mom if it could be Thanksgiving every day!!! She said we should be thankful every day, not just one day a year. Chloe and I agreed. Then we asked her if we could eat turkey and gravy every day. She and Dad both said no! At least we tried. Thank goodness for left-overs for the next few days.

Mom, Dad, Chloe and I spent Thanksgiving in Paducah with Granny, my aunt, uncle, and all my cousins! While we were in Paducah, we took the time to do some sightseeing. Be sure to check the web in the next few days to see all the photos. We also spent the day before Thanksgiving at The Carlisle County News in Bardwell, KY. This photo is of a lady who came to meet Chloe and me. She is 79 years old. Her birthday is the day before Chloe's!!! She was so sweet to Chloe and me. She would have taken us home if she could have. Chloe and I love meeting people of all different ages who have read "Tails".

"Tails of the Bluegrass" may have come to an end, but I am already hard at work writing my next column! Stay tuned for the details!

Have a great day, don't eat too many left-overs, and tell your family you are thankful for them! As always, Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

An evening at the GreenWOODY Mall

Hey Gang! Sorry I haven't written all week. As usual, our week has been packed meeting people and visiting exciting places. Most of this week found us in my birthplace of Paducah. It always gives me warm, fuzzy feelings to spend time in the very town I was born. We were with the students at Heath Elementary, Concord Elementary, and Heath Middle. If you are a weather watcher, you know that the weather was RUFF in Paducah this past week. In fact, Mommy, Daddy, Chloe and I had to get in the tornado position with all the students at Concord. That was a first for Chloe and me. It was easy since we were so small. Thankfully, we didn't have a tornado!

Last night, we were able to spend some time in Bowling Green at the GreenWOODY Mall. We always love being in Bowling Green. This is the town Dad went to college. (It is also the town that Big Red and I took a tour of in the cool corvette.) We met many students who have been following the "Tails" series. The first photo is with our new friends Christopher, Cookie, and Victoria. They were students from Auburn. Christopher said his favorite story in the "Tails" series was when we visited Rupp Arena. The next photo is with Trey. Trey goes to Richpond. He really liked the Monkey's Eyebrow story. Trey also asked the question everyone wants to know: "Why does a dog's leg shake when you scratch his belly?" I am still trying to figure that out myself. When I find out, I will let you know!

I better run. Chloe and I are busy catching up on chores here at home. I will "blog" again soon!

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Kentucky Book Fair

As you can see from our blog, it has been a busy week! Today, Mom, Dad, Chloe and I spent the day in Frankfort at the Kentucky Book Fair. This is one of our favorite events of the year. We were able to see so many of our friends. It was even more exciting this year to hear the tales of people following the TAILS series! We signed so many books that we finally had to take a break. Mom said she would sign books while Chloe and I rested in Daddy's arms. When nobody was looking, Chloe and I both took a cat nap!

We will be traveling back to my birthplace this week to be with the students of Concord Elementary, Heath Elementary, and Heath Middle. We always love being in my hometown! We will be staying with our Granny. I bet she will make her chicken and dumplings! YUMMY! We will also be at the GreenWOODY Mall in Bowling Green on Thursday evening signing our scrapbooks! If you are in the GreenWOODY area, come on out!

We are getting ready for a bedtime snack. Mommy said we could eat Vanilla WOOFers tonight. Chloe is calling me! Talk to you soon!

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

ARFF!

WOODY

On the playground with Ms. Lucas's gang!

Hi Friends! The game of basketball was a huge success! We were exhausted! In fact, Woody was too doggone tired to type. Once again, being the big sister, I am helping Woody out!

After P.E., Woody and I spent the afternoon with the students in Ms. Lucas's class. Since it was such an unusually warm November day, we decided to spend it outside! J.T., Dylan, and Savannah lunged for the swings while Josh S.,Alex, and Elizabeth dangled from the monkey bars. If you are wondering where Paul, Lee, Lily, Madalyn, and Willie were, well they were playing a game of tag. Boy could Madalyn run fast for a girl!!! Craig, Jeremy, Olivia, Jill, Travis, and Jonathan decided they would have a snack. Since their lunch pails were empty, I decided to share my Scooby snacks. They thought they were doglicious! Jacob, Hunter, Heather, and Josh C. were being top notch students and reading their favorite book, "A Penny's Worth of Character". While everyone was playing, Woody and I helped Ms. Lucas grade the spelling tests. Boy, fourth graders can spell some difficult words like Mississippi. I never knew that state had so many letters!

It is time to go. In fact, the buses are pulling in the parking lot. Woody and I have to pack our backpacks and say goodbye. We will miss everyone! It has been such a wonderful week.

In the words of my brother, "Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!"

Arff!

Chloe

I won't even tell you what Chloe and I found in the Hardinsburg cafeteria today. You guessed it - corndogs! I was so glad Mommy had packed a peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich for Chloe and me.

After lunch, Chloe and I spent time in Mrs. Hagman's class. Friday afternoon meant time in the gym for Mrs. Hagman's students. Chloe and I really enjoy P.E. class. Everyone knows how much we would love to play ball for the University of Kentucky Wildcats! We were thrilled when we learned we would be playing basketball during P.E. time!

Chloe and I put on our best tennis shoes - all four of them - and we ready to play. We chose teams. Ben, Bryce, Mikayla, Meggie, and Taylor were on a team. They decided to call themselves the Louisville Cardinals. Chelsea, Luke, Dusty, Robbie, and I were the opposing Wildcat team. Ms. Hagman, Kaysie, Shayna, Allie, Megan, Kayla, and Chloe were the cheerleaders. Garren, Zach, Jason Henning, Logan, and Bradley were great referees. Tyler was the Wildcat mascot while Jason Parry was the Cardinal mascot. Ms. Cronin and Mommy were the coaches. We didn't know Mommy could coach like that! If you are wondering where Dad is, well, he was the best water boy around!

After a spirited game, I am happy to report that my team (the wildcats) came out on top. We won the game 45-40. Mommy, who was the wildcats coach, was so excited that she did something that I had never seen her do before. She ran out on the court and did a cartwheel with Chloe and the rest of the cheerleaders. I never cease to be amazed at all of her talents.

The cardinals were really good sports but they wanted to play another game. Unfortunately there wasn't time because Chloe and I had to go visit with Mrs. Lucas' class. As we bid Mrs. Hagman's class farewell, we spotted Mrs. Lucas' class heading out to the playground for some fun in the sun. After playing basketball, we decided that some fresh air and sunshine was just what we needed.

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

Arff!

WOODY

Ms. Burrows and her Budding Picassos!

All of that singing stirred up my creative juices!

After leaving music class with Ms. Hall and her students, we pranced to Ms. Burrow's class. We arrived just in time for art class. We were so excited that our tails couldn't quit wagging! It was time to start on our project! Everyone knows how much Chloe and I love looking at the colorful murals. Ms. Burrows said we could take a wall in the school and design our own mural! We knew one thing it would definitely include - a wiener dog!

While Chloe and I were putting on our smocks, Anna, Jacob, Ashton, and Darren collected the paint. They chose UK blue and U of L red, along with so many other bright, bold, and shining colors. Every painter needs a good brush. Andie, Justin W., Megan, and Grant J. were in charge of the utensils. I think we were ready to begin.

Standing at the blank wall, ready to paint, Amber, Jenna, Grant L., Whitney, and Austin began to sketch the outline of the wiener dog. They needed a live model. Chloe and I were happy to oblige. Bubba, Alexis, Stacey, Teressa, Chase, and Ms. Susan helped Chloe and me stand in place. Ms. Burrows, Jordan, Keona, Justin S., and Jessie began to put the first coat on the wall. Though we still had lots of work ahead, it was already beginning to look fabulous!

I wish I could tell you all about the finished product, but we are late for our next class. I sure hope that is lunch because this little wiener dog is starving. I will catch up later. In the meantime, Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

Arff!

WOODY

Ms. Hall and the Howling Hot Dogs

"The sun shines bright on My Old Kentucky Home..."

Hi Friends! Wish you could hear us howl - or sing! This morning, Chloe and I were able to attend music class with Ms. Hall and her students. While in music, we decided to sing our favorite song - no, not "Who Let The Dogs Out", but "My Old Kentucky Home". Ms. Hall, Chloe, and I were a trio. Actually, we were Ms. Hall's back-up singers! She had the loveliest voice. While singing, several classmates added their talents. Tristen played the Kentucky dulcimer, Megan played a mean banjo, while Lonnie burned up that ol' fiddle. Natasha, Maddie, Kyle, Krystal, and Austin square danced. You should have seen them do-si-doe! We couldn't do it all by ourselves though. We needed Hope, Bubby, Brooke, and Cody W. to be our conductors. They kept us right on key! It didn't take us long to realize we needed some more instruments. Blake, Brandi, Karena, Aaron, and Cody B. kept the rhythm with the bongos, the xylophone, and the clanging cymbals. Jonathan, Bradley, and Chris covered their ears and laughed out loud!!!

I better run for now. I have to go to another class and besides the phone is ringing. I think it is Nashville, TN calling to ask Ms. Hall to come to Music City and record a CD!

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

ARFF!

Woody

More TAILS from Hardinsburg...

Day two from Hardinisburg - another fantastic day! We haven't had hot dogs for lunch and Woody hasn't had an accident in the classroom!

Hi Friends! This is Chloe. We arrived home late tonight after a full day at Hardinsburg. Woody was worn out. Daddy carried him in and put him straight to bed. I knew how much Woody was looking forward to writing his blog, so I decided to write it for him.

Today was spent with the students in Ms. Burrows and Ms. Hall's class. It has been so exciting talking to the fourth graders about writing. It is also thrilling to hear their comments about the "Tails from the Bluegrass" series. Ms. Hall's class is charting our journey on their Kentucky map. If you look closely, you can see it in the background.

The highlight for some of the students is when they have Woody's pawprint stamped on their face! Ms. Burrows even put one on her cheek! Doesn't it look pretty?

Tomorrow the classes will be helping us blog. Be sure to check back and see what they have said! As usual, we have a busy day tomorrow. Therefore, it is time for bed! Besides, Woody is snoring so loudly that I can hardly think! Have a great night. In the words of my brother, "Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!"

ARFF!

CHLOE

School days

A great big HotDiggetyDog hello! Hope you are having a wonderful week. Chloe and I sure are! This week we are with our fourth grade friends at Hardinsburg Elementary. We met them last year on one of our visits and they were kind enough to invite us back. This time we are spending three whole days with the fourth grade talking about writing! Chloe and I are minding our manners and being respectful. I am trying real hard not to have an accident in the fourth grade class like I did last week at Jenkins. It really was an accident and I was very ashamed. Enough about that! Anyway, here are two pictures. The first photo is with our friends in Ms. Hagman's class. They were holding up their "Tails" scrapbooks to show us how much they are enjoying the stories. The second is of some friends in Ms. Lucas's room. They were working on writing a letter to me explaining why I should write about Hardinsburg in the "Tails" series. It was a wonderful day! While Mommy was talking, Chloe and I were pretending how much fun it would be if we were teachers. Actually, I was pretending I was the principal and Chloe was the teacher! It was nice dreaming, then Dad said Mom needed our help. Back to earth!

I better go to bed. Tomorrow we will be with the students of Ms. Hall and Ms. Burrows. We can't wait. We will post some photos with those students tomorrow. Keep your eyes open! Also, the fourth graders told me they would help me write this BLOG all week. It will be nice having some help!

Daddy is getting ready to read us a bedtime story! Talk to you tomorrow. Sweet dreams! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Happy November!

Hey Gang! I can't believe it is already November! Where did the time on my Scooby watch go? I had several emails this past week that said, "Woody, where are you? You haven't blogged lately?" Well, we have been busy little hot dogs! Where should I begin?

We kicked off the month of November in Letcher County (a brand new county for us) with the students at the Burdine and McRoberts campuses of Jenkins Elementary. This was one of the most exciting weeks! First of all, we were able to be with Jan and Harvey Tackett. We met them a few years ago and instantly became friends. They have three dogs - two of them being wiener dogs. We knew they were great people! Anyway, while we weren't enjoying our time with the students at Jenkins, Mrs. Tackett was being our tour guide. She took us all around Letcher County. We saw the most beautiful mountains. It was gorgeous with all the leaves changing colors. At one point we saw the sign that said, "Welcome to Virginia!" Oh no! We had driven so far that we were in Virgina. Mom told us that Letcher County bordered Virginia. We also met lots of people in the town who keep up with the "TAILS" series through their paper, The News Press. I could talk all day about our visit. We will put some photos up soon!

Letcher County wasn't the only county in Eastern KY we visited last week. We also spent a day at the Pikeville Public Library. There were 101 pre-school children in our first session. There were kids everywhere! Needless to say, Chloe and I had lots of loving that day! While in Pikeville, we saw the 99 steps to the college. This time, since I wasn't in the doghouse, I tried climbing them. I only made it up about, oh, ten. Oh well, at least I tried!

Friday was spent in Maysville with the students at Jones and Straub Elementary. They were excited to meet us and to have their scrapbooks signed. That afternoon, we went to their newspaper office, The Ledger Independent to meet the folks of the community. Ms. Ginny Butler was a great hostess. She even had dog bone cookies!!!

Though we were finished with our work week, it wasn't time to go home yet. We had to go Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington to root for our CATS! We came in second place! (Dad says you never lose, you just come in second!) We had a great time just the same. Here is a photo of some of our friends at the game! Notice how we have on our blue!

Be sure to check the site in a few days to see some of the new photos from this past week!

Whew! Chloe and I have to go to bed now. Just thinking of our busy week makes me dog tired! I will blog again soon! In the meantime, Work and Dream Like A BIG DOG!

ARFF!

WOODY

A riddle for you!

Here's a riddle for you: What kind of dog loves to take a bubble bath? Are you ready? A ShamPOODLE!!! Hee hee! Get it? A Shampoodle! One of my new friends I met this past week told me that joke! Chloe and I laughed and laughed! A shampoodle!

Well I hope you had a great week. I feel so rested since I was able to move my Scooby watch back an hour. An extra hour of sleep is always nice - especially when you have been as busy as we have! We kept the highways of Kentucky hot this week. Chloe and I want to nominate Daddy as "Best Driver of the Year"! Nobody can drive the Woody Bus like Dad!

This is a photo of our new buddy, Jordan. We met Jordan this past week. Chloe and I were so impressed because Mom asked Jordan a question and he answered her with, "Yes Ma'am!" Now there is a boy with manners! I asked Jordan if we could take his picture to post on our site. We just love manners! Dad may get the "Best Bus Driver" award, but the "Best Manners" award definitely goes out to Jordan!

Well, I better run. It is getting close to bedtime. Chloe is watching Lassie and once that is over, Mom says we have to get to sleep. We have another busy week ahead. We will keep you posted! In the meantime, Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

A shampoodle. Hee, Hee, Hee!

Woody

Arff, Arff!!!

Arff, Arff!!!Hope you are all having a great Wednesday! We are in the middle of a wonderful week! We are actually home today, getting ready to jump in the Woody Bus again to visit two more schools for the week! Already this week we have been at Sutton Elementary and Estes Elementary in Owensboro, and St. Anthanasius in Louisville. We enjoyed our time at all three schools!!! Sutton Elementary did serve corndogs on the day of our visit. That was a little frightening at first, but everyone was so nice that Chloe and I weren't scared for long!!! Here are two photos from Estes Elementary. It was fun to see our pictures on the wall!

Well, I better run. Mommy, Daddy, and Chloe are already packed and ready to go. I still have to put my toothbrush and monkey in my suitcase. Have a great rest of the week. I will write in a day or two.

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Lazy dog days...

Hey Friends! Finally, a Saturday. There is nothing that Chloe and I love more than working and seeing all of our friends, but sometimes a day off is nice. That's right - here we are at our doghouse in Shepherdsville, taking it easy. Mommy has already given us a bath(not my favorite thing), Chloe has been playing with her tennis ball, and we have been eating our yummy chew sticks! Our favorite team, the Kentucky Wildcats, has a football game today. We are going to listen to it on the radio and hopefully cheer them to a victory! We hope they score lots of touchdowns! Well, I better go. Mommy is getting a load of clothes out of the dryer. Chloe and I love jumping in the warm and snuggly clothes! Have a great day! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG! GO CATS!!!

WOODY

What a week!

Wow! In the course of last week, Chloe, Mommy, Daddy, and I traveled over 300 miles, visited four different counties, and saw lots of people. The first part of the week was spent in Northern KY with the students at Miles and Lindeman Elementary. We had a blast! We made so many new friends.

Friday was spent in Paintsville, KY with students from the area schools coming to meet Chloe and me. They brought their scrapbooks to have signed and also had lots of questions. The question everyone had was if I would be out of the doghouse to write this week's article, or if Chloe would still be writing. I told them they had to tune in.

We left Paintsville in time to make it to the Pikeville Fall Festival of Authors. We saw so many of our good friends in Pike County. People in Pikeville asked if I was going to try to climb the 99 steps to the college like Chloe. That's too many steps - even for a little guy with four legs! By the way, we saw lots of people drinking Pepsi!

We have schools this week in Barren County, then we go back to Northern KY! (They really like us in Northern KY!) Mommy has washed our blankets and toys and we are ready to hop in the Woody Bus yet again! I am hoping we stop for lunch. This little hot dog is hungry!

Have a great day! I will write again in a few days!

Work and Dream Like a BIG DOG!

Arff!

WOODY

On the road again...

Hi Friends! It is Monday afternoon and we are loading the Woody Bus ready for a full week on the road. As you can see, I am trying to help with the luggage and equipment. Mommy says she appreciates our help, but it is easier if she and Dad load the bus themselves! Anyway, we are off to Northern Kentucky, then Eastern Kentucky. Hopefully we will see you in one of those two places, or somewhere in between! So, come and visit us! I will write again in a few days with pictures of the trip! Have a great week, work hard in school, and WORK AND DREAM LIKE A BIG DOG!!! ARFF! Woody

Catching up with Faithful Woody Readers!!!

Hi Woody Fans! Hope you are enjoying your Friday! Chloe and I have been two busy little pups traveling all around the Bluegrass! This past week found us in the Western KY area - my old barking ground. We spent Monday and Tuesday with the students at North and South Livingston Elementary. We were treated like a KING and QUEEN!

Wednesday found us in my birthplace of Paducah. I always love being in McCracken County with my Granny, cousins, and friends! We even did a surprise visit with the kids at Clark Elementary! We were there right at lunch time. Can you say "LUCKY DOG"? They were having fried chicken. Yum, yum!

While in Paducah, we met with the faithful readers of "Tails...". So many came out to the library to have their scrapbook signed. They asked us lots of questions. One young guy even wanted to know what my favorite Moon Pie flavor was!!!

We left Paducah in time to make it back to Bardstown for another "Meet-n-Greet", this time at "The Kentucky Standard". It is always fun to be with the folks of Nelson County. Dad is a Nelson County native. He had a fun time talking with all of his friends. Lots of people thought Dad and I look just alike - I think I look more like Mommy! Anyway, above are a few photos of the great event!

Well, I better run. Today is our day off and we have lots of things to catch up on before getting in the Woody Bus again. Chloe said to tell you all "Arff"! She is playing with her Raggedy Ann doll, getting ready to watch Scooby.

Talk to you soon! Work and Dream Like a BIG DOG!

ARFF!

WOODY

TAILS...

Hey Friends! Hope you are enjoying this nice fall day. I can't believe it is fall already! Chloe and I may have to break out our sweaters soon. It can get cold going outside in the early morning. Can you say "CHILI DOG"???

It has been so exciting to see our column in the papers across the state each week. This past week, we spent an evening with the folks in Henry County. Their newspaper, "The Henry County Local" hosted an event so that our faithful readers could meet Chloe and me! It was so fun - even more fun than playing fetch!!! At the end of the evening, they presented us with a big box of yummy goodies! DOGlicious! Chloe and I were so excited that we just climbed in!!!

Well, it is almost dinner time so I better run. Chloe is picking up her toys and needs my help. Have a great day! I will "blog" again soon! Work and Dream Like a Big Dog!

WOODY

Welcome to my new blog!

Come in and visit my blog! My name is Woody. I am otherwise known as the Kentucky Wiener dog. I spend my time traveling all over the state, along with my sister and business partner, Chloe. Together, we talk to children everywhere about the importance of being a good reader and citizen. Currently, I am the star dog in three books - "The Adoption," "Welcomes a Dad" and "A New Home," and a newspaper column "Tails From the Bluegrass."