Slowly Catching Up

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! For the past month, I have had a long To-Do list. It seems like our schedule gets busier and busier - school visits, working on a new story, answering emails, making our list for Santa Paws, and on and on. We aren't complaining - we love being busy.

Chloe and I love all the comments from CSI! We've received so many comments about CSI that it's taken me a while to put them on the blog. At the end of Chapter 6, our raft had capsized and Grady had fallen in. We asked you for ideas on how to help Grady. Here's one comment from our friends in Monticello:

Woody-we think you should hand an oar to Grady and pull him in. If this doesn't work---tell him to "doggy paddle" until the water becomes calmer and then he can climb back in. Have fun in the Grand Canyon.
Mrs. Gregory's 5th grade class at Monticello Elementary School.

The Grand Canyon??? Hmmm... looks like they will have to keep on reading. Speaking of keeping on, I have to keep on working down my list so I better skee-daddle. Have a great day! Stay warm and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Cards, Letters, Emails, and Gifts

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! I have the best friends in the entire world. Everyone is always showering us with cards, emails, letters, treats, and gifts. Last week, our family spent the day and evening at Prestonsburg Elementary. We love being with Ms. Damron and all the students and teachers. They gave us this beautiful quilt. We were speechless. I couldn't wait to bring it home and sleep on it. Mom said it was too special to sleep on, so are having a frame made to hang it in our room. That's even better. We will treasure it forever. A great big thanks to Ms. Damron and everyone at PES for making us feel at home. We are going to post more pictures in the next few days. It just seems like we have had so many things to blog about that it's been tough to keep up.

Here are just a few fun emails Mom and I have received lately:

Leigh Anne,

My family has a long haired dachshund, Piper. She was a pound puppy from the Hardin County pound. My children love Woody and Chloe and have several of your books. We were thrilled yesterday to read Chapter 3 in our local newspaper, The Morehead News. My daughter said, "Mom, Dad is in a Woody book", after I read it, I understood. My husband is the chief pilot for the Ky State Police and has achieved the rank of Captain. He flies the governor and other important officials and I have often asked if he says,"This is Captain Carlisle and I will be your pilot today,"....he laughs and says he DOES NOT. We all got a good laugh over Captain Carlisle flying Woody and Chloe. Just wondering why you chose "my husband" to pilot your plane????

Thanks for the Woody books!

Anissa Carlisle

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Hi Woody, my name is Nicholas Porter. You came to my school this week. I was so happy and I love you J. I enjoy reading about your place in Tinytown, Kentucky. I also would like for you to tell Chloe that I like her too. I would love for you to come and visit me someday. Do you like airplanes? I do maybe you could come and ride in my dad’s airplane.Thank you and God bless.

Nicholas

We also received two very special cards this past week from our friends at Holiday Elementary in Hopkinsville, KY. The fifth graders sent us a sympathy card telling us how sorry they were about our Papaw dying. A great big thanks to Ms. Lentz, Ms. Klingensmith, and all the students for the very thoughtful card. It meant so much to our entire family!

Chloe and I are two lucky and fortunate hot dogs to have so many friends!

We love each of you!

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

CSI: Chapter 5

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Our faithful readers in Ms. Rish's 4th grade class at Meadowthorpe sent me their answer to the following question regarding Chapter 5:

When the hot air balloon landed, Andy told Woody that the family had landed in four different states. How is this possible? Email Woody at woody@thewoodybooks.com and explain what might have happened.

1. They could have landed in the middle of 4 different states.

2. Different people could be standing in 4 different states.

3. One person could be standing on the border of 4 different states.

4. They were at the edge of all 4 different states.


Staci R. Rish
4th Grade Teacher
Meadowthorpe Elementary

We love hearing from our faithful readers! Keep those emails coming and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

CSI: Canine Secret Investigator Chapter 4

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! If you are keeping up with CSI, at the end of Chapter 4 I saw something flying through the air. I was quite the scaredy cat! I asked readers to email me and give me their predictions on what I could have seen. Take a look at all the answers:

We think the object is a flying saucer since Roswell is known for flying saucers in the past.

Ms. Gregory’s 5th Graders at Monticello Elementary

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We think that Woody saw a Hot Air balloon at the end of chapter 4.

Your third grade friends from Picadome.

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My class had a few ideas...


1. Sky

2. Birds

3. Wings of the airplane

4. Helicopter

5. Turkey Vulture

6. Hawk or an eagle

7. Army jet

8. A different plane

9. Someone sky diving with a jet pack!

10. Someone with a parachute??

Staci R. Rish
4th Grade Teacher
Meadowthorpe Elementary

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Here were some answers from several students in Fayette County:

I think the object is a smaller plane guiding the plane into the runway. I am also very happy that my answer for the time zones was right! :) – Christopher


I think the thing in the sky was another airplane. – Joseph

Maybe it was a piece of luggage? – Andrew

I think it was a bird. A bird might not be strange but they can go up to 37,900 feet alttitude. – Anna


Hey woody I think the thing you saw flying was another airplane because an airport is where airplanes land and take of so it might have been a really close plane so it might of scared you. It could have looked like it was about to crash into you so you panicked. - Amaya

I think it was either a U.F.O or a bird. – Joshua

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Mrs Michelle Lentz' fifth grade reading classes at Holiday School had the following comments when asked "What do you think Woody saw"?

I think Woody saw a helicopter pass by the plane. Mollie Grace

A spaceship was flying in the air. Zachary

A space shuttle. Vance

Birds flying together. Kalaysia

I think Woody saw a jet or helicopter flying through the air. Sydney

I think Woody saw a spaceship or another plain. Morgan

A bird flying in the sky or an unidentified flying object. Jalen

Spaceship. Emilee

A jet plane. Ke'ala

I think it was a bird. Edward Lee

I think Woody saw maybe another airplane or somebody parachuting out of a plane. Abigail

A bird. Zack

A spaceship is what I think he saw. LaQuire

I think Woody saw a flag waving and he thought it was something flying in the air. Bailey

Jet plane. Deavion

I think Woody saw another plane or the wing of the plane. Logan

I think it could be a jet, helicopter, or another plane... Gracie

I think Woody saw a bird, or another plane. MacKenzie

I think Woody saw an airplane. Sincerely, Asyah

Woody saw a building but he must have thought it was moving with him. A'nya

I think it was another airplane taking off or the airport going past them as they were landing. Ethan

I think what was in the sky was a jet. Kassidy


Mrs Lentz' Fifth Grade Reading Class
Holiday Elementary School, Hopkinsville


We love hearing from you! Keep those emails coming and keep reading CSI!

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Bonfires, Wiener Roasts, and Girls - Oh My!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Several weeks ago, Mom and I were invited to speak at a Bonfire Wiener Roast. Imagine my fright when I learned there was going to be an open fire with hot dogs, buns, mustard, and ketchup! Mom assured me it would all be fine! She explained that it was an event hosted by our church, Okolona Christian. I breathed a sigh of relief - and then Mom dropped another bomb. She explained it was an event for ladies and girls and that I would be the only boy in attendance. Gulp! This was not the news I was expecting, but I always trust Mom and Dad. As promised, it was a great night. The campfire was lots of fun, there was music, and the s'mores were doglicious! The best part was all the hugs and kisses I received from all the girls. My heart went pitter patter quite a few times!

I better skeedaddle! I have so much work to do today!

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Our Precious Papaw

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Many of you sent emails asking where Chloe and I were from September 25th to October 3rd. One emailer wanted to know if we had been captured by a flying saucer while we were in Roswell. Thankfully, we were not!

On September 25th, our Papaw (Dad's dad) had a stroke. We didn't know what a stroke was, but Mom said it was when the blood doesn't get to the brain. The ambulance picked up Papaw at his house and took him to the hospital where the doctors and nurses took great care of him. Six days later, Papaw went to Heaven. Mom and Dad were with Papaw and got to hold his hand. The interesting thing was that we were getting ready to throw Papaw a huge 90th birthday party, but he passed away 3 days before his birthday. We had a different kind of party - a celebration of his life. The church was packed with his family and friends - and true to Papaw there was lots of laughter. Mom even spoke at the funeral. She said it was a huge honor! Papaw served in the Army during WWII. (He had a military funeral with TAPS and a 21 gun salute.) He was a master trim carpenter, loved God, his family - especially Mamaw - his wife of 70 years, fried chicken, and checkers - and believe me, he was the King of Checkers!

A great big thanks to all of you who knew about Papaw and sent cards, letters, and emails. Also, a huge thanks to our "NANA Diane" and Gussie Lee and Sadie. They came and stayed with us for 9 days to help take care of us while Mom and Dad were with Papaw, Mamaw, and the rest of the family.

Chloe and I are carrying on Papaw's legacy by being the best checker player we can be!

We love you, Papaw!

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

CSI: Canine Secret Investigator

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Here are more comments from Chapters 1 and 2 of CSI! We love reading your mail so keep those cards and letters coming!

Mrs. Stamper's class thinks that the ROW in the story stands for the row that the person will be sitting in on the plane.

We think that Chloe was taken away because she set off the metal detector and the airport security wanted to make sure that she didn't have any weapons. We think that she WILL make it back in time for the flight because after the police check her bag and see that she doesn't have any weapons they will send her back to her family.

Jamie Stamper
Cluster Leader
4th Grade Teacher
Meadowthorpe Elementary School

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I think it stands for what plane they will be taking and what seats they will be sitting in.

MacKinsey

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Mrs Lentz' 5th Grade reading classes from her homeroom and Mrs Molly Campbell's homeroom had these comments on Chapter Two:

Dear Woody, I think they took Chloe away because her collar triggered the alarm or maybe it was your harmonica. I think they took her to an office to talk to her. MacKenzie

They took her to a room to ask her all about the items she put in her bag. Sydney A.

I think the officers pulled Chloe away because she is a dog and she has to be in a kennel. Abigail

Woody, I think your identification would be your tag on your neck because it has your name and where you live. Sydney C.

I think Woody went shopping in the airport and bought a new dog collar. Logan

I think Woody bought a soft pillow and a blanket at the airport. Ethan

Woody had no metal in his bag but his harmonica was in Chloe's bag and that's why Chloe got caught. Jalen

I think he bought a pillow, glasses, and oars for the boat. What does SDF-ROW mean. Deovion

I think Woody would have bought a mug. Edward Lee

I think he bought a detective book. Shane

Woody would have bought candy from the airport store because he's funny and he talks like he wants some candy. Kalaysia

I think they took Chloe because her collar had a metal tag on it. Bailey

I think they are taking Chloe on into the plane. Tyler B.

They took her to see if there is anything bad in the collar on her. Cody

I think they took Chloe to the line for her plane because her parents were waiting for her. Ashley

They took Chloe on into the airport so they could all get on the plane. Avery

I predict that they took Chloe to the airport jail because when she went through the security point the alarm sounded. Alex

I think they took Chloe to jail or put her in a cage because she did not take her collar off and the monitor went off. Angel

They took Chloe to the outside of the airport because they thought she had something like a sharp knife or prohibited item. K.T.

I think the security guards took Chloe to a place where they take people if the alarm goes off. Catherine

Because Chloe set off the alarm with her collar. Tyler H.

They took her to a private room so they can ask her questions and see if she has any weapons. Ra'Lexus

They took Chloe to their office because she had something sharp in her bag. McKenna

They took Chloe away because of the alarm and how she kept on walking. So they just picked her up and left. Larissa

I predict: They took Chloe away because she had her collar on and they thought she had something metal. Madison

I think they took Chloe away because they thought that she had a weapon. Taylor

Chloe had a collar that was metal and it activated the alarm which caused the security guards to come. Braden

They took Chloe away because of her collar. Morgan D.

I think Chloe got taken by the TSA and her mom and dad had to go get her from the TSA. Megan

They took her to check for sharp items that could hurt people. Katie

I think that they took Chloe away because she tried to hide something in her fur. Emily A.

They took Chloe to s security room and asked her some questions. Mary Ann

Because Chloe got into trouble because of the harmonica and plus they had to catch a plane. CeCe

I think that Chloe got on the airplane and then she went to a different place. Tyree

I think the cops whisked her away because she went through the metal detector and it went off. Brandon A.

I think Woody bought a mug from the airport. Ke'ala

I think Chloe got taken away because she had a bone phone that connects to the internet. (no name)


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I better scoot! Barney the Basset Hound is digging and Chloe and I are still trying to figure out why! Interesting, very interesting...

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

CSI: Canine Secret Investigator

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! We hope this finds you having a great day. Hopefully you are following our new story, CSI: Canine Secret Investigator. If not, it's not too late! Sixty-three newspapers are running it this year and we have already had lots of emails!

At the end of Chapter 1, Chloe and I saw a code that read SDF-ROW. I assumed since it said ROW that Chloe and I would need our oars for the trip. Several of you emailed me and told me what you thought ROW stood for. Here are some of the answers:



Woody, I think ROW stands for Roswell, New Mexico.

Genny

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Dear Woody:

We read Chapter one and glued it in our scrapbooks. The story is very interesting and we are anxious to see what SDF-ROW on the airline ticket means. We think it is the airport that you are leaving from (SDF) and the airport where you and your family are going (ROW). We do not think you will need oars to row a boat.

Anxiously Awaiting Chapter Two,

Mrs Michelle Lentz' Fifth Grade Reading Class
Mrs Molly Campbell's Fifth Grade Reading Class
Holiday Elementary School, Hopkinsville, KY

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This message is from Hannah at Providence Elementary. I think that SDF stands for Standiford Field in Louisville. This is where Woody and Chloe would take off. The ROW stands for Roswell, New Mexico which is where they would land. Is this right?

Thanks,
Hannah

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After Googling airport codes, I think ROW stands for Roswell.

Chris (Woody's vet)

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Dear Woody,

I think R.O.W. means Ride Over West. Thank you for looking at my message!

Sincerely,
Katrina

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Row Out West - Eli

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San Diego Fair Run Over Water - Andrew

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Dear Woody,

I think the word row means, you are in a row, for example my best friend is sitting in the row in the front.

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I think row means route to west

JACOB from CLAYSMILL

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I think ROW means… Route to west.

Lucy from Clays Mill Elementry
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I think row means Route-out-west

Nathaniel from Clays mill

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I think ROW means ride out west is that correct?

Mackenzie from Clays mill elementary

Lexington Kentucky

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Thanks for the emails! Keep 'em coming! Stay tuned and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Back in the Saddle Again

Back in the Saddle Again
Out where a friend is a friend...

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Hope this finds you having a great day! Why am I singing that old Gene Autry tune? No, I didn't buy a horse. It's just now that Labor Day is over, our school visits are in full swing again. We kicked off the 2010-11 Woody Tour in Bardstown, KY at St. Joseph's School. It was the perfect day and evening! I posted a few pictures of our afternoon sessions. The first picture looks like Mom and me are singing a duet. Maybe we should add that to our show. The third picture is of a student that has the coolest name on the planet. You guessed it - his name is Woody too! The last picture is of the preschoolers and myself. Chloe and Mom were with the older kids while Dad and I had some fun in Preschool!

Last night we spoke at the First Baptist Church in Sebree, KY. I will post pictures soon. Tomorrow finds us in Lexington, KY at Sandersville. Can't wait to see our friends!

Better scoot. The dinner bell is getting ready to ring at our doghouse and I definitely don't want to be late!

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Wiener Dog Days of Summer

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Hope this finds you having a terRUFFic Sunday! Our day has already been busy. Breakfast, a walk, a treat, Sunday School, lunch, a walk, a treat...

I had an email this morning that said, "Where are you Woody? You haven't written in your diary?" Our gang has been busy this summer. I mean, just look at what we've done today and you can see what a crazy schedule we have! Throw in traveling around in The Woody Bus, a Scooby Doo calendar full of speaking engagements, newspaper articles and books to write, as well as chasing the cat, barking at the mailman, digging in the yard, and taking naps on Mom and Dad's bed, and you can only imagine how swamped we are!

A few weeks ago we did a radio interview for Hometown Spirit, featured on Salem Radio Communications. Mom and I handled all the questions. Dad, Chloe, Wally, and Frannie were behind the scenes making sure we covered everything. I wanted to play a song on my harmonica for the interview, but Mom said it was for a talk radio station - not a music radio station. I was bummed - especially since I had practiced Camptown Races for days! If you are around the radio next weekend, tune in. I will post the specific times this week.

We are also gearing up for a busy year in the schools. We will kick off our 2010-11 Woody Tour on September 9th! We can't wait!

I better go. Dad is reaching for our leashes. I guess that means one more walk before our afternoon nap. Gotta scoot!

Have a great day! Keep a bowl full of water, wear your sunscreen, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

PS - Can you see where I am in the picture when the four of us are on the bed. That's my brother Wally that you see by Frannie. I'm in my favorite spot! Do you see me? Do you see me?

Hip, Hip Hooray!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Chloe, Frannie, Wally, and I can say we are truly hot dogs! Yesterday, our wiener dog thermometer said it was 103 degrees! Needless to say, we've been staying in, reading books and newspapers, playing checkers, Monopoly, UNO, and working puzzles! We had a busy summer traveling and speaking, as well as finishing up our new story, CSI: Canine Secret Investigator. Call your newspaper today and ask them to sign up!

Speaking of newspapers, we found out yesterday that our story, Dog Gone Wild, won 3rd place in the Newspapers Association of America Newspapers in Education contest. A great big congrats to the Kentucky Press Association, Mom, our illustrator - Paul Brett Johnson, and all the newspapers who ran the story! We love awards!

I better scoot. Chloe and I are thinking of setting up a lemonade stand today. As hot as it is, I bet people will be standing in line!

Have a great day! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Catching up with Photos

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It's a busy day at our doghouse in Shepherdsville. We are getting ready to load the Woody Bus and drive to Dixon, KY for An Evening with the Pups. If you are anywhere in the area, come out and join us!

In the past month, we have spoken 16 different places - including Paris and London! As you can imagine, we have kept the highway hot. We've been burning rubber. We've had the pedal to the metal. You get the idea!

Anyway, I just thought I'd share some pics. As you can see, we've had packed crowds. It's been standing room only! We have seen some of our very favorite friends and met some new ones too. We have even expanded our show! In London, we had an opening act. Chloe Young sang at both of our presentations. She has a voice like an angel. Chloe and I (my sister Chloe, that is) would love to be her back up singers - or better yet, I would love to play harmonica in her band. We can't wait until she releases her first CD.

The past month hasn't been all work. This past Thursday I had my teeth cleaned. They sparkle and shine. I now have breath that is fresh as daisies. Up until last week my breath had smelled like dead daisies. Or dead animals. Puuu-weee!

We also added two new additions to our family. We welcomed Moose. No - he's not a Moose. He's a beagle pup. We also gave a kitten a home. Her name is Molly. I put a picture of Molly. This was taken the minute we brought her home. Wally was checking her out. I will post a picture of Moose soon! Someone asked the other day what the names of everyone is. Here you go: Boulder, Santa Fe, Moose, Chloe, Frannie, Wally, Dolly, Molly, and yours truly - Woody!

Better scoot! I hear Dad firing up the Woody Bus! Have a great day! Drink plenty of fluids, wear your sunscreen, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Summer Tour in Full Swing

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! We are up early! Mom has been waking us up early for our morning walk since it's so hot outside. We've stocked up on plenty of sunscreen and our water bowl is always filled with fresh water and a slice of lemon. It keeps our whistles wet!

We started our Summer Woody Tour last week. We kicked it off in Garrard County - as always. We love those folks. This year, Ms. D. gave me my very own library card!!! We saw lots of our friends - like Steven, Lauren, and their mom. Steven told us he just won a National Art Award. He had drawn the branches of the military. We asked how he was at drawing wiener dogs. He said he would practice and let us know.

Last week also found us at the Woodford County Public Library in Midway. Midway is one of our favorite towns. Chloe and I love looking out the window at all the horses and the farms. We saw some old friends like the Woods Family and met some new folks too! Ms. Woods is getting ready to write an article on us for Kentucky Living magazine. I will keep you posted.

I better scoot. Today the Woody Bus is heading to Mayfield, KY. Everyone knows how much we love Western KY! While there, we are going to stop by Granny's house for a home cooked meal. I know it's hot - but I sure hope she has a big pot of chicken and dumplings on the stove! DEE-LISH!

Have a great day! Keep that sunscreen on and keep plenty of water in your water bowl! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Gearing Up for Summer Woody Tour

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! We hope everyone had a great Memorial Day! Our family had a terRUFFic time! We grilled burgers, ate PUPscicles, and played lots of cornhole. I don't want to brag, but I am a mean cornhole machine!

We had a week of rest last week. The school year has come to an end but the library visits are right around the corner. We have a very full calendar for June and July. The boxes in Scooby's datebook are covered with notes! Since we've had a week of rest, that's exactly what we've been doing. We've taken naps, read books, chased the geese in our yard, played checkers, played cornhole, played cards, you get the picture. Of course we still have our chores to do every day!

Our new book, Dog Gone Wild is selling like rawhide! It's flying off the shelf. Our new story, CSI: Canine Secret Investigator is being illustrated now. Lots of exciting events so stay tuned!

I better scoot! I have to finish my chores! Stay tuned to the blog as we will be updating it during the Summer Woody Tour! You can also follow us on Facebook! ARFF!

Have a great day! Wear plenty of sunscreen, keep lots of water in your bowl, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Where have we been???

Hey WoodyWatchers! Sorry I haven't written in a while. My Scooby Doo calendar has been packed with activities. I can't seem to catch up! Chloe and I have been busy selling our brand new book, Dog Gone Wild, finishing up our school visits for this year (we have LOTS of pictures to show you) and writing our new story. We know you are going to love our new story. It's called - are you ready for the title - CSI: Canine Secret Investigator. So, between writing, selling, speaking, and traveling, we have been busy little hot dogs! Don't worry about us though - we've had lots of play time too! The weather has been perfect for romping outside. Our sister, Frannie the Bodyguard, caught a live snake in her mouth last week. Mom is still trying to get over that. Can you say SCAREDY CAT???

If you aren't following us on Facebook, have your parents check it out. It's a fun way to keep up with our family!

I better go. It's dinnertime and I'm starved! Have a great night and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

It's here! It's FINALLY here!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Our new book, DOG GONE WILD, is finally here! I had a board meeting with Chloe, Frannie, and Wally. We decided to offer a special to our faithful WoodyWatchers. Signed, personalized copies w/FREE SHIPPING! If you're interested, see info below. Chloe went to the post office to buy stamps. She's ready for orders!

Books are $12.95 plus 6% tax (KY residents only). Mail payment to Woody @ PO BOX 747 Shepherdsville, KY 40165. Include a note saying who we should sign book to and where we should mail. Make checks payable to HotDiggetyDog Press.

Wish I had more time to talk! We have lots to do. We are also putting our finishing touches on our new story, CSI: Canine Secret Investigator. We know you're going to love it!

Have a great day! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

March Madness

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is a gorgeous day at our doghouse in Shepherdsville! We have been chasing our tennis ball outside and walking around the lake. Wally the Puppy loves dropping the tennis ball in the lake and then trying to fish it out! It's been quite the fun morning! We want to get our playing out of the way because tonight we've got some serious business to take care of - a UK Basketball Game! That's right - our CATS are playing West Virginia. We've made it to the Elite 8 and if we win tonight we will go to the FINAL FOUR! We just love March Madness! Go CATS!

A few weeks ago we spent the day and evening at Rineyville Elementary in Hardin County, KY. We had visited Rineyville years ago and were so excited to be invited back. Talk about surprise!!! The school had totally been renovated and it was gorgeous - beautiful - divine! Chloe thinks HGTV should do a special on Rineyville Elementary. I agree. I was on my best behavior and in case you're wondering, I didn't have one single accident of any kind! It was terrific seeing all our friends - especially Mr. Coffee, the principal!

One of my favorite pictures from the day was the one Dad took of the 2 UK fans giving the UofL fan a hard time. It was all in good fun!

I better scoot. Chloe and I still have chores to do before the games begin! In other news, our new book is being shipped! I will keep you posted! In the meantime, have a great day, enjoy the sun, GO CATS, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

School Visits, Newspaper Stories, New Book, Oh My!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! I can't believe it's been several weeks since I have written in my online diary. Our days have been filled with school visits, writing our new newspaper serial story, getting our brand new book ready to come out, playing, and watching our Kentucky Wildcats win basketball games! The game this past Sunday was a real nail biter. My paws were sore after it was over!

On March 2nd, our family spent the day at Clear Creek Elementary in Shelbyville, Ky. We had been to Clear Creek several years ago and everyone was just as friendly as we remembered them. Here are several photos from our day and evening. My favorite is of the Cat in the Hat, Mom, and me! I remembered my manners and didn't chase the cat down the hall!

I have plenty more pictures to post and stories to tell - not just from Clear Creek but from our other schools we've visited this month. I have to skee-daddle though. We are scheduled to be in Georgetown, KY this evening. It is time to brush my teeth, comb my hair, and help Mom, Dad, and Chloe gather our things for the trip.

The new book should be out next week! We will keep you posted. In the meantime, have a great day and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Snow, snow, and more snow!!!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Ol' Man Winter must love Kentucky as much as we love Kentucky! He has certainly been hanging out around here lately. Our school for today was canceled due to snow. That makes 4 schools canceled in the last 3 weeks! As you can imagine, my Scooby Doo calendar is one confusing mess right now. I have erased, written new dates, erased - you get the picture! Thankfully, we will be making up all those dates, so if we are scheduled to come to your school, no worries! We look forward to seeing you soon! The weather man says that spring will arrive one day!

These were some pictures we took during one of our last big snows. There was definitely a couple of inches of snow this morning, but nothing like a few weeks ago. Here are some pictures of Chloe and me playing. Wally is in one of the pictures. Frannie, our Body Guard, was taking the picture and making sure we were staying safe!

Hope you are staying warm today! Mom is making us some warm milk for our afternoon snack. I better scoot!

Have a great day! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Our Cousin Alex

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers. Once again, our yard is covered with snow. Every day we watch the news and see all the schools that have been canceled. Our schools last week and this week were postponed due to Ol' Man Winter. We are using our time to read, play checkers, and work on our brand new newspaper story. Speaking of newspapers, this was in The Athens Review today. It's an article about our cousin Alex. The picture was taken a few weeks ago when she scored her 3000th point. We are so proud of Alex. We wanted to share the news! Extra, Extra, Read All About It!


After 4 Spectacular Years, Furr Takes a Bow


Prep career may be over for AHS’s all-time scoring leader, but Fresno State awaits

Jayson Larson The Athens Review

FAIRFIELD —  Alex Furr says she can remember her first varsity basketball game like it was yesterday.

It was against Highland Park her freshman year. Her memory? Throwing up about seven airballs.

“I was convinced I had to step up my game,” Furr said.

Boy, did she.

Furr’s high school basketball career officially ended Tuesday night in Fairfield, as the Lady Hornets dropped their bi-district basketball game to defending Class 3A state champion Waco Robinson, 37-30. Furr scored 18 points.

She hangs up her No. 11 jersey at Athens High School as the school’s career scoring leader. In 123 games, Furr scored 3,169 points, an average of 25.7 per game.

Time and again, the 5-6 guard has managed to find a way to top herself. She entered her senior season having scored a career high 51 points as a junior.

As her senior season began, it became clear that mark was in serious danger. She began the season by scoring 40 or more points in nine of the Lady Hornets’ first 12 games. She netted 49 against Mount Pleasant in the third game of the season, and then 48 in a win over Martins Mill a week and a half later.

The best was yet to come, as she topped her career high with a 54- point performance against Class 5A Tyler John Tyler just a few weeks after that. She went for 51 once more, this time against Crockett in the District 20-3A opener on Jan. 9.

She was named All Henderson County Girls Player of the Year as a junior, when she led the state of Texas in three-pointers made with 146. She has been named all-state two years running and seems to be a lock for a third selection.

Earlier this season, she signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her basketball career at Fresno State University in California.

“I got a lot of lucky breaks,” Furr said, “but I’ve practiced really hard to get where I am.”

Every single time I read it, I get goose bumps! We can't wait to see Alex play at Fresno!

Have a great night! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Showered with Attention

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Our family should be in a school today, but guess what? That's right - more snow! Dad said we had about 6 inches this morning! I didn't know how many inches, but I did know that the snow was almost taller than me. It made our morning walk very interesting, if you know what I mean! The snow looks like it will be here for several days! Hopefully we will build a snowdog later. I will try to post a picture. Anyway, because we are home today, it's the perfect chance to catch up!

A few weeks ago, The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning in Lexington, KY invited us to spend a morning at Liberty Elementary and then spend the evening at the Carnegie Center downtown. It was a very exciting day! We met lots of new folks. We noticed during the morning assembly at Liberty there was a group of nurses seated in the back. I was scared for a while. I was so afraid one of them was going to pull out the nail clippers - or WORSE! After the assembly, the nurses came and introduced themselves. Their instructor, Ms. Judi Dunn, assured me they would not be clipping nails or giving rabies shots! Yesterday, Ms. Dunn sent us the nicest email. I thought I would share just a line or two -

I’m the UK College of Nursing Instructor that met you with the nursing students at Liberty Elementary in Lexington last month. I loved your program! The nursing students are learning how to promote health and wellness and teach “healthy” lessons to elementary school students as well as mentor a child that needs a little extra attention. You were a perfect role model on “how to teach elementary school children”! Thank you! We all enjoyed the lesson in more ways than one!

That made us feel so great! Chloe has talked about being a nurse. She would make a great nurse, if you ask me. Anyway, this email inspired her even more!

A great big thanks to all the nurses who take care of people and animals! You are the greatest!

Have a great day, stay safe in the snow, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

TAILS from Southside

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Saturday afternoon and we are looking out the window at 4 inches of snow! We went outside early this morning and made snow dogs - our own version of snow angels! We couldn't stay out long because it was so cold! It was only about 17 degrees. Chilly dogs for sure! And you know what would be perfect with chilly dogs? Snow cream!

Last week we spent two days and one evening at Southside Elementary in Shelbyville, KY. It was so wonderful to be at the same school for more than just a day. We had the opportunity to learn lots of names, hear funny stories, and make new friends. Mrs. Jennifer Slaughter planned the most perfect visit for us. Our entire gang is still barking about it! Dad took about 195 pictures but my blog will only let me post a few. Here are a few pictures from Southside. It was terRUFFic!

Chloe and I have received so many emails from our Southside friends! It's fun to open up our inbox and see your emails! Keep 'em coming!

I better go! Chloe is putting on her scarf to go outside again. Our Kentucky Wildcats play basketball this afternoon and I still have chores to do before the game starts!

Stay warm, enjoy the snow, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY