TAILS from the Buckeye State

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! We hope this finds you enjoying the sunshine! It is a sunny day at our doghouse in Shepherdsville! We have been outside chasing tennis balls and butterflies, but now we are back in the house, packing for a two day trip. We will be in Hamilton, Ohio on Thursday and then Booneville, Kentucky on Friday. We are excited about both visits! In fact, this is our second trip to Hamilton, Ohio in ten days!

Last Tuesday, we spent the day at Monroe Elementary in Hamilton, Ohio. Hamilton is in Butler County and is north of Cincinnati and south of Dayton. The drive to Hamilton was so pretty - and yes, Chloe and I saw lots of Buckeye trees! We had visited Monroe several years ago so it was a treat to see all the friends we had made. Tuesday was Mismatch Day. We laughed at the fun combinations of stripes and plaids and polkadots and zigzags! Just like before, everyone treated us like family - and nobody laughed at my heavily accented Kentucky bark!

Well, today we will drive once again to Hamilton, Ohio. This time we will spend our day at Lincoln Elementary! I can't wait to tell you all about it, so stay tuned! And stay tuned as we start revealing some fun information about our brand new newspaper serial story that will premiere in September!

In addition to keeping up with us on our blog, be sure to follow me on facebook! (Make sure you have an adult with you! Mom only lets us get on the internet with her or Dad.)

Have a great day! Enjoy the sunshine! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

TAILS from Valor

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Hope this finds you having a great day! I can't believe it is already May. I feel like I haven't caught up on all my chores from January!

As usual, our family has been busy. We have been writing the new story, working on a calendar, and visiting schools! This past week we spent the morning at Valor Academy in Louisville, KY. We were so excited to visit Valor. For one thing, their building is beautiful! It looks like a castle on the outside. On the inside, it's just as pretty - and is filled with beautiful people! Their mascot was the Valor Knights. We proposed they change the mascot to the Valor Wiener Dogs! We thought it had a great ring to it! You know, we suggest that to every school, but so far, nobody has done it! I guess it would be too expensive to change the signs out front!

This week, our family will head to Western KY to visit our friends at Pride Elementary! We are looking forward to it! Be sure to check back and see photos from Pride.

Also, in addition to our online doghouse, you can keep up with me on my facebook page. I am under Dogwood "Woody" Furr. Make sure that you always have permission from an adult to be on the internet and don't ever give out personal information about yourself. Mom reminds Chloe and me about that daily! She also tells us that we can only write positive things - nothing negative. "Woody, we want to build our friends up - NOT tear them down!" Great advice from Mom!

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

WOODY

Fish, Turtles, and Snakes! Oh my!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Please don't look at the photos and panic! I haven't had reconstructive surgery or anything. The photos aren't of me, Chloe, or any of our siblings! This is a snapping turtle that was in our backyard! Yes, the backyard that we play in every day! The backyard that we spend hours in fetching tennis balls, tormenting the cat, or just relaxing in the sunshine! Thankfully, Mom and Dad never let us play outside alone. Now we know why!

Last Saturday we were at our lake watching the fish swim near the bank when we came face to face with a huge snake! Mom, Chloe, and I were sure it was an anaconda! Dad assured us it was a garter snake. No, we didn't kill it. Even though snakes give us the willies, they are good for the environment. However I did dream of the slithering creatures for three nights straight! I was so scared that I had to sleep with Mom and Dad! Wait - I always sleep with Mom and Dad!

Well, if the snake wasn't enough, tonight Dad came in and grabbed Mom. He said, "Come quickly! You have to see this!" I was sure he was going to point out the big hole I accidentally dug in the yard. Instead, he showed Mom the biggest snapping turtle we had ever seen. It was honestly bigger than we were. We had to see it from the window because Dad said it could latch on and be dangerous. When I saw it from the window, my heart skipped a beat! Borrowing a line from That's So Raven, I said, "O Snap!" (A very appropriate phrase to use when encountering a snapping turtle.) We figure it was just coming out from the lake to say hi - or whatever it is turtles say! Maybe it wanted to play ball! Of course I can't imagine the turtle fetching the ball!

It's only April and we have already had so many creatures visiting us! I wonder who will be next!

I better go! It is almost bedtime! I have lots of things to tell you, photos to post, and some really exciting news regarding our newest stories! In fact, we have been burning up the computer writing our new story! We can't wait for you to read it!

Have a great night! Stay safe, watch for snakes and snapping turtles, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

TAILS from the Courthouse

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! When you read I was at the courthouse did it scare you? Did you think I was in some kind of trouble? Did you think I was getting my driver's license? Getting a marriage license? Well, none of the above! We spent some time with our friends Hannah and Lilly Mooney and their parents Kevin and Melissa. Hannah and Lilly's dad (Kevin Mooney) is the County Clerk in Bullitt County. We weren't exactly for sure what a county clerk did so we asked Hannah and Lilly. The said the clerk's office is responsible for keeping real estate deeds, running the election, and other important services. The county clerk also issues marriage licenses. I thought about getting a marriage license, but there was one big problem - I am not 18. You have to be 18 years old to get a marriage license. I guess another problem might be that I don't have a girlfriend, but I thought I would be prepared and get a marriage license just in case the right girl came along.

It was such a fun day! Hannah and Lilly love to read. We talked about books, story ideas, and of course animals. I asked Hannah and Lilly if they thought I could ever run for public office. They looked a little hesitant, but I think I would make a great mayor. Maybe I could start by running for city councildog. I bet I would have a great shot at being the dog catcher. I think I will start working on my campaign slogan now!

I better go. It is 4:30 and the day has flown by. I still have work to do. It is my night to set the table for dinner. I can't remember - is it forks on the left and knives on the right or the other way around? If I am going to run for office, I need to know these things. Maybe I should master table manners before I start writing my campaign speech!

Have a great night! Vote for Woody and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

American Idol: Wiener Dog Edition

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Saturday morning and the weatherman says it will be raining kitty cats and wiener dogs soon. I am looking for my rain boots and Scooby umbrella. I want to be prepared! Nothing worse than being a soggy, wet wiener dog!

This past week our family spent the day at White's Tower Elementary in Kenton County, KY. Kenton County is at the very top of the state - almost in the Buckeye State. It was easy to tell however that we were in the Bluegrass because everyone made us feel right at home! Ms. Kim Berry (the librarian), the principal, the teachers, parents, and students welcomed us with open arms. They gave Chloe, Frannie, Wally, and me lots of love and hugs. We were given presents too. Some of our good friends from the area came out to say ARFF! I included a picture of Mom and me with Danielle. Danielle, if you are reading this, thanks for the card and the dog bones. They made a terRUFFic snack on the way home! DEE-wishsus!

At the Family Reading Night that evening, we felt like we were competing on American Idol. There were signs in the audience saying that Chloe and I rule! How cool is that? I felt like I needed to sing a song and then wait to the judges to tell me what they thought. I wonder if Randy would call me "DAWG!"

Have a great day! Stay in, stay dry, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Happy Belated St. Patrick's Day

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers and Happy St. Patrick's Day - even though we are a few days late. Our family spent St. Patrick's Day in Hazard, KY at Dennis Wooten Elementary. We have never seen so much green in our life. We saw green shirts, green hats, green scarves, and even green hair! Chloe and I wore our green bandanas with the shamrocks to celebrate the day. Chloe looks great in green. I like green, but I still prefer Kentucky Wildcat blue!

Chloe and I didn't really know much about St. Patrick's Day so we did a little research. St. Patrick's Day is the national holiday of Ireland. Americans have been celebrating St. Paddy's Day since 1737. We celebrate it by wearing green! If we catch someone not wearing green, we are supposed to pinch them! Mom says it is the ONLY day of the year Chloe and I can pinch each other. Usually, we make sure we have on lots of green every March 17th. Being the pincher is more fun that being the pinchee!

Anyway, we had a great time at Dennis Wooten. Everyone treated us like family! They even planned the menu around our visit. Look at the great food they had! It was DOGlicious!

Speaking of food, I better go. The clock says 4:50 and that means only ten more minutes before dinner time. I have to help Chloe set the table. I don't like being late for anything - but especially not for dinner!

Have a great night!

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

TAILS of Natcher and Nat

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is a gorgeous day here at our doghouse in Shepherdsville. The sun is shining, there is a breeze blowing, the birds are chirping, and I just saw a dandelion poking up from the ground. It makes me want to put on my fishing hat and my flips flops. Problem is - I can only find three of my flip flops. Where is that fourth one? Oh well...

How can I possibly tell you about the PAWS-atively terrific day and evening we had at Natcher Elementary last Thursday? Natcher Elementary is in Bowling Green, KY. It is a gorgeous school with the best staff! In fact, the librarian, Ms. Alecia Marcum was named Kentucky Library Media Specialist of the Year! After spending the day with Ms. Marcum, we know why! Ms. Marcum and all the staff and students pulled out the red carpet for our visit. We felt like movie stars! We were showered with food, gifts, hand made bandanas for Chloe and me, hugs, kisses, you get the picture. Even better than that, the students were so thoughtul and respectful - and fun too!

You know how in Walt Disney movies two people see each other across a crowded room and fall in love? While I was at Natcher, I looked across the library and found my love. Our eyes met and I felt my heart go pitter patter. Sitting in the library was the sweetest, prettiest, and softest teddy bear ever. I had to hold it, so Mom handed it to me. I loved it so much that I couldn't put it down. I named the bear Nat - short for Natcher. I was so sad thinking I was going to have leave Nat, but Ms. Marcum said Nat could come and live with me! Isn't that great! Nat loves her new home. She is well taken care of. She sleeps with me and I carry her around everywhere. It's harder to carry her since one of her ears is well, nevermind about the ear. We are two peas in a pod! Nat and I are like cookies and milk, spaghetti and meatballs, rawhide and jerky treats!

A great big puppy dog kiss to Ms. Marcum for Nat and thanks to everyone who made our visit to Natcher so spectacular! We hope to see you again soon!

I have posted a few photos up but will hopefully get more up on the photo page in the weeks to come. In fact, updating my photo page is on my Scooby Doo To Do List. My list gets longer every day! Speaking of, I guess I should go. We will be leaving for Maysville, KY in a few hours for a school tomorrow. We always love our trip to Maysville! Mom told us that after school we could go and visit the flood wall and the murals. I am hoping there are are wiener dogs on the murals. I will let you know!

Have a great day! Enjoy the weather! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

TAILS from Heartland

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Monday and boy is it cold! BRRRR... We couldn't put on enough sweaters this morning for our walk. And to think it is now MARCH!!!

Since it is Monday, we are in the usual routine of packing for our school visits. This evening we will travel to London, KY for a school tomorrow. We always love going to London - even if it's not to see the Queen!

Speaking of queens, we were treated like kings and queens last week! We spent the day in Elizabethtown, KY at a new school called Heartland Elementary. The school was gorgeous - all brand spanking new! We were very careful not to spill our lunch tray or drop dog bone crumbs. As you can imagine, we didn't have any accidents either!

The day was extra special for us since we had family at Heartland Elementary. Cousin Austin is a student at Heartland. We were able to catch up on all the family news. Of course everyone thought we looked just alike. I posted a photo (second photo) so you could see the resemblance. We could be twins, couldn't we? A great big thanks to Cousin Austin and everyone at Heartland for making us feel at home!

I better sign off for now. I have so many chores to do before the Woody Bus leaves this afternoon. My desk is a mess, my toys are scattered on the floor, and I can't find my Scooby Doo pajamas that have the four feet. I have lots of work to do!

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

WOODY

TAILS from LeGrande

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Yet another busy week on the Woody Tour Calendar. We just spent the last four days at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center for the Kentucky Craft Marketing Show. It is one of our favorite times of the year. It's like a homecoming! We get to see all our friends, look at beautiful art, and taste DEE-LISH Kentucky made food! The show was terrific, but after it was over, our family was dog tired! Anyway, enough about that. I have to tell you about one of the best school days ever!

Last week our family spent the day and evening at LeGrande Elementary in Hart County. We were so happy to finally make it to the school. Our first day was cancelled because of the ice storm. Then our make up day was cancelled due to the ice storm. Thankfully our make up day for the make up day went off without a hitch! I was afraid we would have a tsunami or a volcano erupt or something else that would force us to have to postpone. Mom told us not to worry. She said volcanoes, hurricanes, or wild horses couldn't keep us away! It was definitely worth the wait.

LeGrande Elementary has students from Preschool up to the 8th grade. We saw all ages and sizes of students! We met lots of peopele - CAT fans, Cardinal fans (which were out numbered by the way) and even students with nicknames like NAILS. NAILS said he got the nickname because he was "tough as nails." I think I need a nickname - maybe PAWS or something. Woodster has a cool ring to it too.

Not only did I meet people, we were showered with gifts. Ms. Northcutt (the media specialist - third photo) gave us presents. My favorite present came from Ms. Northcutt's mother, Ms. Damron. Ms. Damron is the media specialist at Prestonsburg Elementary. While we were at that school, I fell in love with this bear. That bear was so big - and it belonged to the school so I had to leave it there. I really missed it! Ms. Damron sent me a belated Christmas present! It was my very own bear! You can see how much I love it! I have been carrying it around EVERYWHERE! It's a little harder carrying it around now since one of the ears is well, nevermind. The bear is my new best friend! I sleep with it every night. It keeps the lions and tigers away!!!

Dad took great photos at the school. He took over 100! My diary will only let me show you five or so. Here are a few of my favorites like the one of Frannie being held by a student. We also love the one of Ms. Spillman (the media assistant) and Chloe. The CAT and Card picture speaks for itself!

We will add more to the picture page soon. We had gotten behind with that but are trying to catch up! Also, check the site in a few days for our first ever clothing line!!! My very own sweatshirts and tee-shirts!

I better say ARFF! It just turned 9:00 and I have chores to do. Chloe and Frannie are helping Mom with the laundry. Wally and I are going to help Dad pick up sticks in the yard. Thankfully the sun is shining! Wally and I get the tough chores since we are guys! (Don't tell our sisters that.)

Have a great day! Enjoy the sunshine, work hard at your chores, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

aka WOODSTER

HelmWOODY Heights

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It's Wednesday afternoon and we just finished our afternoon walk. When we returned home, Mom treated us to a nice cold cherry PUPscicle! Yum! It hit the spot! Anyway, while I waited for my lips and tummy to warm back up, I thought I would tell you about our visit to Elizabethtown last week. (Sorry for the typing mistakes. My paws are still stickkkkkky.)

Last week, our family spent the day at HelmWOODY Heights. Well, the name of the school is Helmwood Heights, but I am sure they are just waiting until they change the sign out front before they officially start calling it HelmWOODY Heights! We had visited the school several years ago. When we returned, it was just like walking through our own front door. Everyone made us feel like family! They showered us with hugs, kisses, compliments, and gifts! A great big puppy dog thanks to Ms. Haycraft, Ms. Wilson, Ms. Wilson's Reading Class, and all the staff and students! We are still barking about our day!

Ms. Haycraft and Ms. Wilson gave Mom a brand new nightshirt. We love it! The first night she wore it, I was scared! I woke up in the middle of the night and thought there was another wiener dog in our bed! I was afraid our family had adopted another wiener dog and everyone forgot to tell me. After barking and waking up the entire family - and probably neighborhood too - Mom reminded me it was just her nightshirt. Whew!

I better say ARFF! Our family is getting ready to load the Woody Bus and drive to the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville. We will be at Kentucky Crafted for the next few days. If you are in the area, come and see us! It will be nice to be close to home this week. We can spend the night at our actual doghouse! Also, I can't wait to tell you about the fantastic day and evening we spent at LeGrande yesterday. I have lots of tails and photos from that visit too. I will write again in the next day or two so stay tuned!

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

WOODY

TAILS from The Lexington School

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Thursday afternoon and we are at our doghouse in Shepherdsville doing what we always do on our day off. Mom is cleaning, Chloe, Frannie, and Wally are napping after a hearty lunch, and I am answering email. I don't know how anybody can sleep with the noise. Dad has his chain saw outside and is cutting downs limbs from all the storm damage. Mother Nature has been busy!!! Chloe and I helped Dad pick up sticks, but when the chain saw came out, Mom made us come inside. She said it was too dangerous. Between Mom and Frannie the Body Guard, we are always taken care of!

Last week, we spent one day at The Lexington School in well, Lexington and another day at Walden School in no, not Walden, but Louisville! Both days were so much fun! It was our first time at The Lexington School. We met so many students and teachers. The school was beautiful. There were beautiful big photos of the students all along the walls. They had a yummy school lunch! We ate bean soup and cornbread. DOGlicious!!! Here are a few photos from the day!

It was our second time at Walden School. When we walked in the door, it was just like returning home. Ms. Donna Sewell made us feel right at home. The students had grown from the last time we had spent the day at Walden. Funny, they didn't think Chloe and I had grown at all!!! Unfortunately, we don't have photos. Last week, somebody (I'm not naming names) forgot to pack our camera. Well, it may have been me, but I can't remember. I am sure somebody will send us some photos and we will post them soon!

I better go. I can't wait to tell you about our visit to HelmWOODY Heights yesterday! It was too fun! Also, I made friends with a crocodile. Maybe it was an alligator. Oh well, I will tell you about it next time. Wally the puppy has just gotten up. He is running through the house. I have to go chase him!!!

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Prizes, For Me?

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Well you know what the say about New Year's resolutions? They are hard to keep! I had made two resolutions. I was going to keep my desk clean and organized and I was going to write in my diary more. Well let's just say that I am doing better about writing in my diary than I am about my messy desk. In fact, I just found a stash of Scooby snacks underneath my pile of papers!

We have been busy lately, but not really in the schools. The snow has kept us out of school lately. Our schools were cancelled last week due to snow and this week it looks like a major snowstorm is headed our way. We have plenty of dog food in the cabinet and our sleds are ready and waiting! The good news is that we have make up dates scheduled for all the schools we have missed. It looks like we may all be going to school this summer!

Remember how I told you we received a big literacy award from the World Association of Newspapers? Well I wanted to show you some pictures of it. The first picture is of Mom and me looking at the award. Isn't it beautiful? It was made from our very own newspaper articles! Of course, the second picture is of Mom, Dad, and me. The third picture is of James Asher, our illustrator; Kriss Johnson with KPA (we call her Aunt Kriss); and Cliff Feltham with Kentucky Utilities. KU and LGE are two of the big reasons our stories can appear in the newspaper! (If you were wondering where Chloe was, she was snapping the photo.)

If that award wasn't enough, this past Friday, we were awarded the Kentucky Press Association's Russ Metz Most Valuable Member award. The fourth picture is of Mom and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear. We were so excited and so honored!!! We hung the award in a very special place and Chloe and I look at it every single day! Who would have thought that just an ordinary country boy like me could accomplish something like that??? It proves what Dad says, "Anything is possible but you have to Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!"

Check out www.nieconnects.com.

I better go for now. Mom says we need to run some errands before the roads get too bad. We need to go to the library to get plenty of books to read and the grocery store for some more milk and bread! I may need a few more Scooby snacks. I guess I should look under some more piles of paper first! Actually, Mom just told me we weren't going anywhere until I cleaned up my mess!

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

WOODY

An UGLY Dachshund???

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Saturday morning and we just returned from our morning walk. It was much shorter this morning since it is raining cats and wiener dogs. We had to wear our rain slickers and rubber boots! We were sloshing water everywhere! We love Saturday mornings. After we finish our chores, we have the opportunity to play. Sometimes we play checkers, go to the library, or watch a movie. Today, our very favorite movie is coming on the Hallmark Channel. It is The Ugly Dachshund. I know, the title is very confusing. I mean, who has ever seen an ugly dachshund??? It may be a confusing title, but the movie is our favorite. It even features a dachshund named Chloe.

Speaking of pets, Mom and Dad are watching the news and the anchor is interviewing a man who has 180 cats living in his house! He helps rescue them and find homes for the cats. Frannie the Bodyguard and Wallie the puppy are both from rescue organizations. If you need a new pet, check out a rescue group!

We had a great week! We kicked off the 2009 Woody Tour in Montgomery County at Mt. Sterling Elementary! It was a big school - over 700 students! Even though it was large, it felt really small. Everyone made us feel like family! Mrs. Wendy Rogers, the media specialist, planned the perfect day - and boy did it fly by! You know the old saying about time flying when you are having fun!

We hope your day is fun! Chloe, Frannie, and Wally are settling down in front of the t.v. so I better go. The movie is getting ready to begin. We have seen it hundreds of times but that doesn't matter. It makes me giggle everytime - especially when the doxies make a big mess with all the yarn! They can get in lots of trouble!!! Just think, if that man has 180 cats in the house, Mom and Dad could get 176 more wiener dogs! Now THAT would be fun!!!

Have a great day! Stay dry, stay out of trouble, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

A New Year

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Breathe in, breathe out! Breathe in, breathe out! I think I am finally caught up! You should have seen my desk. It was covered in cards, letters, research for the new story Mom and I are working on, my favorite coloring books, the list goes on and on... Mom said I had to get things cleaned up. "It's a new year, Woody. It's time to start fresh so CLEAN UP YOUR MESS!" So, I cleaned up my mess and feel nice and organized!

Our family has been off for Christmas break. We had a great time. We slept a little later than usual, played more checkers, took more walks, and took advantage of our vacation. We also went to Memphis for the Liberty Bowl. Our Kentucky Wildcats played the Pirates of East Carolina University! Guess what? We won! Chloe, Frannie, Wally the puppy, and I stayed in the Woody Bus during the game but we listened to every play and cheered them on! (You should hear Chloe being our head cheerleader!) Our cousins Caroline and Patrick were at the game too. Dad took a photo of Mom, Caroline, and Patrick. Look at all that blue!

I also included a photo of President Lincoln and me. This was from the 2008 Kentucky Book Fair. (Ran across it when I was cleaning!) Thought you might enjoy!

We are loading the Woody Bus getting ready for our trip to Mt. Sterling Elementary. We have our warm clothes packed. We can't wait to get back in the schools tomorrow!!!

Everyone has asked if I have any resolutions for the new year. For one, I am going to get back to regular blogging. I had been a slacker! Oh, and I am going to stop being so messy. No more crumbs everywhere when I am eating, no more messy desks, no more toys all over the room. I am going to be Woody the Clean and Organized Kentucky Wiener!!!

Have a great day! Stay tuned, stay organized, stay warm, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY