The Adventures of Tilly the Wonder-mutt

First Snow with my new Bro

2011-10-03T15:29:00.002-04:00

Editor's Note: This is a true account of how Tilly dealt with Vince during the first snow storms of the 2010 Christmas Season!

Hey everyone it is me Tilly! I know it has been a while since my last post, but Vince is keeping me and Alison really busy. As you know I have not quite warmed up to the idea of having a little brother, and being the busy bully that I am his antics are not quite tolerated as of late. This feeling has only gotten worse (or has it) now that winter is here and we have had the worst snowfalls on record for our area. Being from the Jersey Shore...no not that dumb show that everyone watches and thinks represents our area and those that live here....we normally do not get much snow due to the Atlantic Ocean always keeping our temperatures warmer than even a few towns over. Oh, I'm sorry, I must have forgotten to mention that I received my PhD in Meteorology at the mere age of one—so yes I know what I am talking about here. Every morning, at approximately 6 am, I am awoken by the rattling of breakfast/dinner bowls and the scampering of little paws. I mean COME ON—can someone quite this little pest up. He then tries to jump on me to get me to play with him. Luckily this little runt is not allowed on the furniture...hahaha—so there! This particular morning was a bit different though—Alison was upset and running around the house with the puppy tucked under her arm. She was frantically pulling layer after layer of clothing on and screaming for Andy to wake up. Now I know I do not mention Andy that often, but I will tell you that he is not a morning person. He even makes this bully look like an early riser on his days off! With Alison running a muck, and the puppy whining, Andy stomping around there was no hope of falling back to sleep—so this bully finally rolled off the couch to see what all of the commotion was about. Well let me tell you it was like nothing I had ever seen before...pure whiteness from here to eternity; or at least as far as the end of the driveway as I could not see past the white fluffy mound that encased our entire house. Alison made us all go through the garage and when the door started to lift the wind started swirling this wet, white, cold mush all around. I could not see over it—Vince and I were too small to walk through it. We tried to jump over it, but we just sunk into it...brrrrr! Let me tell you that at this point I was wide awake and ready for action! Alison walked in front and made a path for me and Vince. She kept making a swooshing sound and a path was formed behind her. I think I mentioned before that Alison has magical powers and a magical car—but this was the bees knees! I could plow through the snow and my belly wasn't even getting cold. Vince and I ran here, and there, and everywhere. We ran to left and then to the right. It was so much fun, I had even forgotten that I do not like this runt of a mutt. After a few hours outside we all ran back into the garage and got a towel down—this is my favorite part to getting wet...the "RUBBIN's!!!!!" As the day progressed and the snow kept falling, Andy continued to shovel away the white powder—but it just kept coming...it truly was glorious. Alison took Vince and I out every few hours to play, run, and tumble. All in all this puppy thing is slowly starting to grow on me...but let's just keep that between us for now—ok!

I wonder what new antics Tilly and Vince will get into next? Is Tilly truly warming up to the idea of being a big sis? Find out what Tilly is thinking in her next story!!!!

Big Sister

2011-06-03T10:27:00.000-04:00

I know it has been a while since our last story but things have been a bit hectic in the world of all things "canine." Tilly has, since our last post, become a big sister to a Lab/Golden cross named Vince. Vince is a service puppy in training for Canine Companions for Independence. Although, my life is hectic and I never seem to have enough time in the day, I absolutely love training these pups to be the best dog they can be at every moment and experience they come across. This story is about Tilly's first day becoming a big sis! ENJOY!!!!

Alison and a thing called a "Vince"

Hey everyone, it's me Tilly! I am about you tell you the story about how I became a big sister and the challenges and rewards it presented to me. It has many parts to it and I am still living this weirdo reality called "big-sisterhood," so sit tight and follow me on my adventure.

It was still dark outside when Alison and Andy grabbed me from my comfy spot on the couch. They kept telling me I had to wake up, and that they had a big surprise for me. I tried to ignore them and roll over but they kept poking at me and rolling me around until I finally gave in a woke up—but not willingly I tell you! I moved as slow as molasses, I figured if I move too slowly they will just let me go back to sleep, but they didn't. They raced me out to do my business and then they threw me into the car. The car had a crate in it and I was annoyed because it was taking up the whole back seat. "What the heck," I grumbled. I could not get comfortable with this dumb crate in my way. I pushed and squooshed, and I tried to squeeze my way into a comfortable spot in the back but it was no use that crate could not be tangled with. So, I gave in and fell asleep in a tight ball next to that huge obstruction. Once again, as I have told you before, sometimes when I am in the car a magical thing happens. When I close my eyes I remember seeing my house and my yard, and all of my toys, and then when I wake up again I have been transported to new and wonderful land filled with new smells, sights, and sounds. It is quite a magical car that can transport you to such amazing worlds where everything is new and fresh and unknown. When we finally stopped the car and Alison and Andy opened the back door to let me out. I could not figure out where I was. I heard dogs barking, and I smelled other dogs and there was a huge area where I could run and run and run!!! As, soon as I stretched my little bully legs and was finished running around, Alison and Andy put me back into the car and told me to wait there. I sat in the car and waited for what seemed like eternity—it was probably only a few seconds, but you know us doggies we have no idea about time... Then Andy came back out and sat with me in the car. I had no idea where Alison had gone. Where is Alison? Why won't Andy tell me where Alison is? Where oh where could my Alison have gone? Ok, ok...so I am being a bit melodramatic, but remember I have just woken up after being transported to a new universe and now my owner has disappeared...why isn't Andy worried....hmmmm this is all very curious! Just as I was about to start bopping Andy with my flat face Alison appeared and she had this little thing in her arms. What is happening? What is that little puppy doing in Alison's arms? Why is she holding him when he smells and looks weird? Alison put this little, smelly, long-nosed, wormy "puppy" on the ground and introduced me to, what she called a "Vince." VINCE? What the heck is a "Vince" and when is he going away? I jumped out of the car and sniffed him high and low. This "Vince" kept jumping on my head...although it was annoying it gave me a chance to really smell him in all of those doggie places we like to smell. I could not quite figure out what was happening, when we started to walk over to that area where I was allowed to run free earlier. I was so happy then, I was so carefree then...what is happening. Andy and Alison let us both off our leashes and let us walk around together, but all this "Vince" did was jump on my head. Alison kept taking him off my head but he would just jump right back up there. This "Vince" thing is weird, he smells kinda like a dog but he thinks he is a hat. I was not interested in him at all, so that is when I decided to ignore him. Maybe that will work I thought...If I ignore him he will go back to where he came from and we can go home. Yep, that will work I thought. So I turned my butt to him and would not look at him..."Vince" just kept walking around me and trying to jump onto my head, so I would keep turning. We were going in circles and I was getting dizzy...wowsers! Finally, Alison made us do our business and she picked up "Vince" and we walked back to the car. Alison gave me the command to get into the car and I jumped in willingly. I thought, "Great, thank goodness we are done with all of that nonsense." But can you believe that Alison put that smelly thing into the crate that was blocking my way the whole ride here. Is she kidding me? Is this some sick joke? It was no joke—that smelly, stinky, stupid puppy that thinks he is a hat is staying in the car and I think we are about to transport back home. Well let me tell you I grupmfed...and humpfed...and snorted to let Alison and Andy know that I was not too happy with this at all. Could this still be a joke? Maybe we are just dropping him off at some stop on our magical ride? Maybe if I fall asleep again I will wake up in a new place and this stinky thing will go away. So that is what I did, I fell asleep hoping that my magic car could take me back to my house without this thing called a "Vince." But it was no use, when I awakened from my sleep my magical car did transport me back to my house but it also transported that "Vince"-thing too. I am not sure what will happen next, or if this "Vince" is going to be staying here with us, but I am working on a plan to get rid of it.

What the heck is this "Vince" thing and why does it keep following me??!!

Stick with us and find out how Tilly deals with being a big sister.

Pawtographs! Get Your Pawtographs Here!

2010-03-23T08:40:00.000-04:00

www.kimlevin.com

Editor’s Note: Tilly’s latest bought with fame has been her inclusion in the newest release of “DogPlay: The Canine Guide to Being Happy!” The photographer is a local woman, Kim Levin, and her writing partner on the project is Christine Montaquila. This is the third in a series of books that they have published, their other books are appropriately title, “Cattitude: The Feline Guide to Being Fabulous” and “Frenemies: Cats, Dogs, and Lessons in Getting Along.” These are great books for all animal lovers, as the photographs are amazing, soulful, and endearing, and the writing humanizes and captures a look, a pose, and an action perfectly. Tilly got into the book on a whim. I originally met Kim at an event for our local SPCA. Tilly seemed to capture Kim’s photographic eye when she (Tilly) chose to stretch out and loll in the shade right next to Kim’s booth. Kim took the opportunity to snap a few quick shots of Tilly and the rest is history. Here is the story of our day being Kim’s mascot at her book signing in our area. Enjoy!

Tilly and a few of her fans!

Hey everyone it is me, Tilly, and boy do I have an exciting story to tell you!!! I am in a book, a real sold in the stores, on a shelf, come and get your copy, book! My beautiful mug is donning the pages of a hardcover book named, “DogPlay: The Canine Guide to Being Happy!” I was all a-twitter when Alison told me and showed me my picture. Can you believe that this silly bulldog has gotten some face time in a real book! Once the initial shock of my skyrocketing popularity wore off and I ran a few circles around the living room, just to show everyone how excited I really was, Alison told me that I was going to a few local book stores to promote the book and be Kim Levin’s, photographer and friend, mascot. Well this news put me over the edge, I had to get outside. I had to run and chase and then run some more. I ran and ran until I could not lift my paws another step. I ran until my face was covered in goobers and froth. I ran until Alison came outside and called me back to the house. After I came back inside the house and I was cleaned and toweled off, I laid down and fell asleep. I dreamed of red carpets, cookies, treats, and bones. I dreamed that I was famous and everyone wanted to take a picture with me. I dreamed of the beach and running with my friend Coal.

Kim and Tilly hanging out at the signing

Percy watching Tilly's every move...or lack there of!

Tilly talking!

Percy resting

Tilly and Asuego hanging out!

A few days had passed and my ego had deflated some, well at least enough to fit my head through doorways. I was back to reality and going to the hospital to meet my friends and make them feel better. I also went to the school and did some therapy work there as well. The days came and went and after a bit I had forgotten all about the book. I had forgotten all about the book signings until Alison said one day, “Tilly, we have to clean you up for your debut!” I have to a bath....yuck! I do not think anything is that important that a bath is necessary! But obviously Alison did not agree with me and in I went to get cleaned up. I shook and rolled, I rubbed and twisted, until I could get all of that water off of me. Then it was “TOWEL TIME” the best time of any bath. This is the point in which you get completely rubbed and massaged with a towel from nose to tail and everywhere in between. After I ran around and played with my toys Alison told me it was time to go, and off we went. I jumped into my magic spot in the car but before I could fall asleep we had already arrived at our destination, Barnes and Noble. The day was glorious and the sun was shining so brightly. People were everywhere, and everyone had their eyes on me! I could hear some whispering, “hey look, a bulldog!” Or “What is a dog doing here?” But I kept my head high and I pranced into the enormous book store and that is when it happened. Everyone was standing at the entrance waiting for me. As soon as we penetrated the front entrance I was mauled by every worker, patron, and passer by. They all wanted to give me a pet and a squeeze. I was so excited my bully-butt was wiggling and my head was bobbing. I just kept going in circles as everyone was petting me, I could not contain my excitement. As things started to calm down, people got their personally signed copy of DogPlay, and a few pictures with me, a large group of people with dogs came through the front door. These dogs were wearing vests, so Alison told me to stay because she knew that these dogs were in training and I was not to bother them. One after another yellow labs, black labs, and a few golden retrievers came into the store and we all stood together. I got to sneak a few sniffs in, so I got to know who they were, but then a familiar face came in, he was a black lab and I thought it was my friend Coal, but Alison kept telling me it wasn’t. Finally I was allowed to saw hello and I sniffed him up and I sniffed him down, and I could tell that Alison was right, it was not Coal, it was Asuego. Asuego is a service dog who aids his owner in everyday tasks. Asuego is also a companion and friend to his owner who is wheelchair bound. I loved meeting all of my new friends, they are so cool and they get to go into places that not even this bully can enter. They can go everywhere, how cool is that! Well, after hanging with my new friends, taking photos, and giving out my pawtograph the time had come to head home and reflect on everything that happened today. I think the coolest part of today was meeting my new friends, Asuego, Percy, Bright, Bright, and Abbey. They are helping people just like I help people, and eventually everyone will have had some emotional or physical help from a canine, well at least if I have anything to say about it!

I wonder where Tilly is heading off to next? Stay tuned an find out what fun Tilly can find at her next adventure!

Tilly Takes on Stratton

2010-02-23T14:51:00.001-05:00

Editor's Note: Today was another fabulous day in the life of my English Bulldog, Tilly.

Hey everyone, its me, Tilly. I am here to tell you another fabulous tale of my adventures on Earth. Today’s adventure starts off, once again, with the magical mysteries of the car. Alison got me into my duffel bag that lines the entire back seat of her car. It not only keeps this little bully safe and sound while driving about town, but it is also cushioned with 2 inches of foamy goodness to keep me feeling like I am being transported on a fluffy cloud, floating through the universe. Alas, because my space is so plush and comfy I inevitably pass out within a few moments of the car moving. Who can blame me? I mean come on the mushiness of the bed, the movement of the car, and the vibrations and sounds of the engine slowly encasing me in a warm cocoon, who wouldn’t fall into a deep sleep. After the engine abruptly stopped I woke up only to realize that we were somewhere I have never been before. Where could we be? How did we get here? Oh yeah the wonders of Alison’s magical mystery car!

Alison got out of the car and opened the back door for me. I stood there sniffing the air trying to figure out where I was. The air smelled briny like a river. Now that smell I know, but it was not home. Then I saw a mound of fur come speeding around the corner of the house. It was a new fur friend coming to greet me. He started barking at me. A loose translation in non-fur language is,

“Come on! Let’s Go! Get out of the car! Let’s play, Let’s play! HURRY!!!!!”

So in an instance I jumped out the car and followed my new friend into his backyard. We were running and jumping and nipping and tugging. I was so excited I forgot to even check out where I was, or who else was here!” So I asked my friend, “What is your name?” he told me, “Stratton.” I asked him, “Where am I?” He answered simply and quickly, “Home.” Home? I thought, “but this is not my home?” Stratton replied, “Not your home silly, my home! Welcome to my house!” What a wonderful, fun, and fantastic home this was, indeed! There was a dock, a river, and tons of grass for Stratton and I to chase each other. We ran and romped and played some more it was so much fun!

Tilly and Stratton

After Stratton and I ran around the property for what seemed like days the sun started to go down beyond the river and darkness was creeping in. I heard Alison yell for me and I came running around the corner. Alison was standing with the car door open and I jumped back into my cushy duffle bag that lined the back seat of the car. Alison told me to say good-bye to my new friend. Alison then informed Stratton that we would come back soon. And in a flash, we were heading home. As Alison pulled out onto the street and headed toward the highway I was lulled back into my dream world. This time I dreamed about my new friend, Stratton, and his cool house and backyard.

Sleepy Tilly! Dreaming of her fabulous day with her new friend, Stratton!

Tilly can’t wait to go back again! I wonder when Tilly will see Stratton again…stay tuned and find out!

Visiting Our Nation's Capital

2010-02-01T14:19:00.002-05:00

Editor's Note: My family lives in the Washington D.C./Maryland area and we are fortunate enough to visit them all several times a year. Tilly loves going to see our family mainly because she adores my Mother and primarily because she loves all my young nephews and niece. One of our favorite things to do while in the Nation's Capital is to walk around all of the outside monument.s All of the visitor's really get a kick out of Tilly and Tilly gets a kick out of seeing all of the life-like statues all over the mall. Though the Korean War monument scared the be-jinxsies out of Tilly the first time she saw it, but it made for a a lot of laughs around the dinner table that night.

Well everyone it is me Tilly here to tell you a tale about my latest adventure to Washington D.C. Once again I got into the car at home, and I fell asleep once the car got moving, and when I woke up I was in Potomac, Maryland at my Meema's (Alison's Mother) house. I do not know how Alison does it but every time I am in the car something magical happens and transports me to another state. SO COOL, I always thought that Alison had magical powers...humpf!!! Once we were in the driveway I jumped out of the car and started running around in circles bobbing my head and wiggling my butt. I was so excited to see Meema I could not contain my enthusiasm. Alison and Andy unpacked the car and got all our stuff settled into the house. I ran around the house in circles sniffing every corner to see who had been there before me. I ran up the stairs to find Alison and Andy. I wanted to hurry them along so that we could get going on an adventure. Once they finally seem to get everything put away, we all headed downstairs to get our packs to together for our venture. We loaded into the car again and headed to Janine's (Alison's sister) house to pick up my two older non-fur cousins, Zach and Tyler. I was so excited to see them that I jumped out of the car and raced to the front door to greet them. Everyone was excited to head to The Mall, and time was wasting so I nudged Alison a bit to get everyone moving. It worked too!!! My nudge got everyone moving and grooving and we were ready to go see some monuments...YIPPEE! Everyone piled into the car and put on their seat belts...like I always say safety first!!! We got to The Mall in seconds flat, well it felt like seconds to me. Zach, Tyler, and myself jumped out of the car and started to run free. It was exhilarating! The feeling of the crisp winter breeze in my snout and in my fur was one of the best moments I can remember. Alison and Andy caught up to us and Alison put my leash on...humpf! I resisted the leash because it felt so wonderful to be free, but Alison told me that I was not allowed to run free here and if I did not want to wear my leash then I would not be able to participate in the fun. I chose the fun! Zach and Tyler found a large patch of ice and they asked Alison and Andy if they could play on it for a while. Of course they said yes, and Alison even let me play on the ice too! It was so cold on my paws, but we were having so much fun I did not want to stop. After we played and slid and romped we headed toward the Jefferson monument. It was enormous. I felt like an ant next to this structure. There was a marble staircase that ran for miles. Andy, Zach, and Tyler ran up the steps and headed toward all of the sites, but when Alison and I started our trek up the stairs a man with a large green hat, green shirt, and green pants came over and stopped us. He said to Alison, "NO DOGS ALLOWED!" What the heck....the nerve of this...how could he not let me....I am so insulted! So Alison and I sat on the bottom of the steps waiting for everyone to be done with this monument...humpf!

As you can tell from the photo I was sulking a bit, but Alison sat with me and told me that not all dogs are as nice and well behaved as I am, and that is why I could not go up with my cousins to see what was going on. Luckily the sun was shining and the air was not too chilly, so sitting in the sun and basking in its warmth was actually delightful. Sssssshhhhh please don't tell anyone, I was definitely working it for sympathy...BOL (bark out loud!)

After some time Andy, Zach, and Tyler came back down the steps and we headed off for the next monument, FDR. Zach, Tyler and me all ran and ran and ran as fast as we could. I was having so much fun. I mean who doesn't think that being outside running and sniffing isn't the best! We walked through the FDR monument and there were statues and carved walls made of stone. There were even some waterfalls. I went over the water, sniffed it and it smelled delightful. Zach touched the water and said it was freezing, so I kept away. After walking through the space and reading the walls and seeing all of the amazing carvings it was time to head off to the Lincoln, Vietnam War, Korean War Memorials. When we got to the Korean War Memorial I was not scared. I knew this time that the men in the center of the space were not real, but just bronze sculptures. Alison and I ran forward to catch up with Z and T, and this was the moment the adventure had peaked. As we got to the top of the wall, sitting to our left on a bench was Santa Claus with Mrs. Claus. It was really them, I could barely believe my eyes! Z and T were leering at Santa from the corner of their eye. I was too excited to be coy! I started bobbing my head and wiggling my tushie until I caught their attention. I mean who could resist a bully being all wiggly and cute. Well Santa and Mrs. Claus came right over to me and started petting me from my head all the way to my little nubby tail. Alison was talking with them, asking questions about Christmas and were there a lot of kids on the good list this year. She then asked if Z and T were on the good list?! Santa told them they were and to be good little boys for the remainder of the days leading up to Christmas. Zach and Tyler were ecstatic about meeting Santa and also to find out that they were on the good list, well it made their day! After a few more minutes with Santa we headed off again to visit a few more monuments then we headed back to the car. I think I was floating through the air! I mean what Bulldog gets to meet Santa? Z and T couldn't stop talking about the meeting and whether or not he was real, but I knew better. He was Santa and she was Mrs. Claus and this was the best day ever! When we got back to the car everyone hopped into their seats and I fell asleep. I dreamed about Christmas and getting a really big bone. I hope that Santa heard my dreams, but I won't know until Christmas morning when I can open all of the presents that Santa leaves for me. Paws crossed he heard!!!

I wonder what Tilly got for Christmas! Do you think that Tilly met the real Santa and Mrs. Claus? Check back and find out what adventure Tilly will go on next!

Getting the Red Carpet Treatment

2009-12-31T14:07:00.003-05:00

Tilly hammin' it up, despite the pouring rain, in Rockefeller Center!

Editor's Note: Happy Holidays!! This is a story from Christmas Weekend 2009. Andy, Tilly, and myself had the pleasure of spending the weekend at The Pierre in New York City this year and it was a holiday we will never forget and fondly remember! Fun was had by everyone in my family as well as the entire staff of The Pierre. It seems that having Tilly as their guest was as big a thrill for them as it was for us to be there! This weekend was filled with long walks, exciting sights, rain galore, delicious meals, and a nice respite from our normal day to day routine. I hope you enjoy reading Tilly's view of her weekend in New York City! Be well and Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays everyone! I have something very exciting to tell you about my latest adventure. I was recently treated like royalty at a very hoity-toity hotel in New York City! Yep you heard right, this bullie was hanging with the elite in New York City’s most exclusive hotel and getting the Red-Carpet treatment. I have told you this before but it still amazes me every time it happens. When I got into the car this morning I settled into my comfy backseat bed and fell asleep, and when I woke up I was somewhere totally new and exciting. As my door was opened by a man in uniform, wearing a big hat and white gloves, I was overwhelmed by what was around me. The sights, sounds, and especially the smells...ooohhh those smells....made this bullie wiggle from head to my little nub of a tail! I was so excited I could not contain myself. Where are we? Who are all of these people greeting me with pets, kisses, and squeezes? Why do we have so many bags? Now I will tell you that I have been to New York City before. Alison and Andy have taken me to Central Park and the area surrounding the park for a day trip, but never have I come to the East Side of Central Park and gotten to walk into one of the beautiful buildings that don the sidewalks. As we walked toward the front entrance of the hotel there was a door like nothing I had ever come up against. I have to admit that I was a bit tentative about walking into this door because I was not sure how I would get out! Alison coaxed me into the area that was shaped like a slice of pie, with glass running from the floor to the ceiling. I stood there trying to back out but I was trapped. I was a bit nervous but Alison reassured me and slowly moved these walls in a circular motion and then all of a sudden I was on the other side and inside the hotel. Oh, what fun! Can we do that again? I walked back into the glass pie and tried to get Alison to go around in circles with me, but she said we could do it again later...humpf...but I wanna do it again! I didn’t have a chance sulk for long because as soon as we stepped into the marbled-floor foyer of this magnificent building all of the staff came over to greet me. They went right by Alison and Andy and came over and got on the floor with me and said they had been waiting for me all day! Can you imagine that?! They had been waiting for me, and they were ecstatic that I had finally arrived. I started to wiggle again. I could not control myself. I was so happy. My head was bobbing and my butt was going a mile a second back and forth, to and fro! Then a man came out and escorted us to our room. He took us into an elevator and there was a man inside who was called the elevator operator. He was dressed in a very nice uniform too. This man was so excited to see me too. I walked right into the elevator and sat down. Alison gave me a treat and I waited for the doors to open up again, and they finally did! We were very high up. I know this because me little ears went POP! In the elevator when were riding up, up, and up. As we stepped out of the elevator our room was down this very long hallway. There were only a few doors though...hmmm that is strange, I thought! When the man opened our door a beautiful room was unveiled. I ran an inside and sniffed all around. There was one room and then another, and another, and when that man opened a door, another room appeared, and then there was another room too. I could not control myself there was so much for me to explore, and so many smells for me to smell. I was having so much fun. Then I ran into the bedroom and there it was, I could not believe it. They really were waiting for me! I ran back to get Alison and she followed me into the bedroom. She called out to Andy, “You have got to come see this, you will never believe it!” When he came in we all stood there in awe. There was a bed made up for me with a set of my own bowls! Can you believe that. They made a space just for me! I jumped into the bed and started sniffing the bowls. I thought maybe they left me a little treat and it smelled like they had, but I think Alison took it away before I could nibble on it. She said, “No, no! You can not have that! You have too many allergies and we do not want to have a reaction the minute we get here!” I looked up at her with my two big brown, and blue eyes and gave her that look. You know the one, the look that no human can resist. Well it worked and she gave me a treat for being so good. It did not taste like the one that was in the bowl, but it was delicious anyway! After we got settled into the room we went back out onto the elevator, back into the marble-clad lobby and went for a walk in the park. I now, can you believe it? Central Park was just steps away! Alison, Andy, and I walked and walked, and walked until my little paws could not walk any further. We headed down the famous shopping mecca, Fifth Avenue, and what a sight to see. There had to be a billion people walking the streets. There were vendors everywhere with everything you could image. From scarves to hot dogs. OOOooooh, the hot dogs, now that is where I want to be! Every entrance to every store was so inviting. Lights flashing and holiday music ringing out into the streets. We went into Barney’s and looked about. Yep, they even let this little Bully into Barney’s! Everyone gushed over me there too. I was starting to turn pink and not because it was cold outside, this little bully was getting bashful from all of the attention that was being lavished over me! After Barney’s we went to see the famous Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza. This tree was colossal! I do not think I have ever seen a tree so tall. There were so many lights. It was truly breath-taking. All of the policemen/women and security were giving me pets. I guess they do not get a lot of Bulldogs in this part of the city. We walked and then walked some more until we finally reached the entrance to our hotel again. I got more love from everyone who worked there. We rode up the elevator and all of the other guests were amazed at how well behaved I was. They even gushed over me and gave me some lovin’. When we finally reached our room, Alison made me get rinsed off. She said something about me being filled with grime. I do not know what grime is but I know it took a long time for her to get it off of me. When she was all done rinsing me off and toweling me dry I found a comfy spot on the couch and I fell asleep. I was good and tired from my adventure. Each day after until the day we left was filled with more exciting things to see and smells to sniff. I met more people in three days then I have in all of the years that I have been alive on this Earth. By the time the weekend was over and we had checked out of the hotel and packed the car back up I was one weary bullie! I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow in the car and I never woke up until we pulled into the garage of our house. I have to say that I may have slept for a few more days after we got home, because I was so wiped out from all of the wonderful things we did, but it was worth every step. This was one of my most favorite weekends ever and I can’t wait to do it again. Watch out New York, because this bully has got the Big Apple Fever!

Yahoo...this place is awesome!!!

Andy and Tilly sitting in the living room warming their tootsies by the fire!

Central Park and the famous Tavern on the Green

Tilly zoinked from a long day of sight-seeing

(FYI: this is not the bed they set up for Tilly, this is her pop-up tent that we travel with!)

I wonder where Tilly will travel to next. Stayed tuned for Tilly's next exciting adventure!

Learning to Walk

2009-12-19T06:48:00.002-05:00

Editor's Note: This has to be one of the most exciting and thrilling days of my life. This actually happened on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at The School for Children and it the best Christmas gift I could have ever wished for! I hope you enjoy the magic of this story as much as I enjoyed being a part of it!

Hey everyone, it's me Tilly and boy oh boy do I have a great tale to share with you today! Alison and I went about our normal routine for a Thursday morning: I woke up and had my breakie...or as you would call it breakfast, and it was delicious! Alison packed up my supplies to go to The School for Children: water, treats, and baby wipes to keep me clean and fresh! Before we could leave for school we went outside so that I could do my morning business and the cold air hit me straight in the snout and boy did it feel good. Alison was moving fast and I was trying to keep up but as you know I am a bulldog and my legs are on the short side and it is still morning so I was still a bit sleepy. Within a few seconds of being in the winter breeze I was awake and feeling good. After Alison gave me a good brushing and a final wipe down I jumped into the car and we were off to visit my special friends at school. I love going to school. Walking the halls and getting pets, hugs, and sometimes a smooch from everyone! I hear kids sometimes complain about school, but I just do not get what the fuss is about, this place is great. I went about my normal routine and went to our first class. Everyone was in great spirits and full of love. I think all of the kids and the teachers were getting excited for their holiday break, though I was a bit sad about them going on break because that means I do not get to see them for three weeks...humpf. After my first classroom Alison and I said our good-byes and wished everyone a happy holiday and off we went to our next class... this is where our adventure begins! I walked into the second classroom and all of the kids were so excited to see me. I got a ton of hugs and everyone was reaching out to grab my leash because they all wanted to be the first to walk with me down the hallways. (Editor's Note: In this classroom the children walk Tilly up and down the hallways to strengthen their muscles, train them to focus on a particular task, and to also make them pay attention to what is in front of them. These seem like simple things but to these children it is very strenuous and it takes a lot of energy to keep their focus on accomplishing these assignments.) The first to take me for a walk was my friend Johnny. He was so excited when we walked into the classroom that he scooted over to his apparatus and was trying to lift himself into it so that he could walk me. My heart was swelling and I know that Alison was definitely feeling it too, because she walked over and helped Johnny get into his device and handed him the leash so that he could be first. Johnny's device is a bit tricky to maneuver and hold a leash, but he had so much determination that he would not allow us to help. If the leash got caught up in his equipment he would stop and get readjusted and then start wheeling again. It was amazing to see him multi-task, in fact it was incredible! We walked the halls and then headed back to the classroom. Alison and I took each of the kids out and walked with them up and down, to and fro. Then when we got back my friend Jessie was waiting for us. Jessie does not usually walk with me for numerous reasons but the most important one is because he can not walk and is usually in physical therapy when we come to his classroom. Today Jessie was standing up with the teacher and reaching out for my leash. So I walked over to him and the teacher told us that we are going to try and get Jessie to take a few steps on his own; as he has been working toward standing and walking in therapy, but has not quite been able to balance himself and walk on his own. So I walked a few steps ahead of Jessie and the teacher was holding him up from behind and Jessie was walking, and walking, and walking. Then it happened, the teacher tripped and let go of Jessie and Jessie took four, yes four, steps on his own! Well the teacher let out a scream and I stopped dead in my tracks. I did not know what had happened but I knew to stay still if there was a problem, and because of the scream I thought there was a problem. But nope, no problem here!!! The teacher was yelling to all of the aides and nurse, "Did you see that? Did you see that? Jessie took his first steps!" So everyone started cheering and I was wiggling my bum and bobbing my head. We were so excited and so was Jessie. The teacher asked Jessie if he wanted to do it again and he motioned that he did and then he stood up on his own while holding the leash without using his hands. Another triumph for Jessie! Everyone started hooting and hollering again and Jessie was getting fired up. After a minute to calm down we then got situated. I was out front, Jessie was holding my leash, and the teacher was holding Jessie. Then as we started to walk everything seemed balanced and calm, so the teacher let Jessie go and away we went. Jessie and I were walking around and around. If I felt his weight pull back, I pulled forward; if I felt his weight shift forward I stopped walking until he balanced again. We were working as a team and it was working. Jessie took 40 steps around the room. It was amazing and luckily the teacher had pulled her video camera out so that when Jessie started walking on his own she could video each and every step! Now his family could see his first steps on his own and be a part of this amazing victory. After Jessie lost his balance and dropped to the floor we all were screaming and shouting, "Hooray, Hooray for Jessie!" Jessie was clapping and had a smile that reached across his face! It made all of us so happy! It was now time for Alison and I to leave and say our good-byes, which we did. But this time we were leaving with a huge gift and sense of accomplishment! It is great to be me, it is great to be a therapy dog, it it just GREAT!!!! Be well, and sending you all big bully love, Tilly.

Happy Holidays to everyone and remember to take a moment and reflect on all of the important people and things in your life!

Stay tuned because Tilly has been doing some traveling and she can't wait to tell you where she has been!

Where's the Beach?!

2009-12-10T15:51:00.001-05:00

Tilly patiently waiting for her next adventure!

Editor's Note: This is another fun adventure at the local beach! Enjoy!

It was a glorious day right from the start. The wind was light and the sun was shining so brightly overhead that you had to squint to see in front of you. Alison had a ton of work to do so I sat around patiently wondering—"Are we going to go to the beach today? Am I going to get to play with my bestest friend Coal today? When are we going on our adventure?" Well just as I was losing hope and thinking today there would be no adventure in my future the phone rang. I could not understand exactly what was going on but I heard these three things, "beach, Coal, 11:30!" Well my adrenaline started pumping because I was raring to go—WAHOO the beach. Alison started to pack up all of the things we need, you know the normal laundry list of things, treats, water, poop-bags, etc. and away we went. I was so excited the whole ride I was whimpering in the car. Coal was already there waiting for me and I could not get out of the car fast enough. Well we walked onto the beach and boy it was awe-inspiring, breath-taking, just stunning. The Atlantic Ocean was as calm as a pond—the wind was minimal and the beach seemed to stretch on forever. Well Coal and I were released from our tethers and we were free to roam, run, wrestle, jump, and even swim—ssshhhh, do not say anything because we were supposed to be leashed at all times—but who was watching!! We ran and ran and ran—It was absolutely glorious! This is what freedom feels like. Peaceful, calm, unabridged, and exciting. There were so many friends on the beach this beautiful day, each time we came near another dog or people—Alison would leash us up again, so that no problems arose. I mean why would anyone want to ruin such an amazing day. The first little friend we met was Odie—a 3 month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Alison would not let me and Coal off our leashes. She kept saying he is too little to play with. Why did he get to run around free—I mean I am a good dog—humpf!! But Alison did not want me to unintentionally hurt him while playing or running—he was just a little baby, so I understood—kinda! We left Odie and Coal and I were once again freed from our shackles to run and romp on the beach! Then we came up to another group of friends—it was a Father and his young daughter and their dog Milly. She was a 2 year old Bouvier des Flandres and she was fun. Though at first she was leery of Coal and his intentions. She was very, very protective of that little girl. In fact it was really neat to see this dog's protecting behaviors. Milly always kept one eye on that little girl and one eye on Coal and she definitely kept pushing Coal away from that little girl. If Coal would come charging down the beach, Milly would run out toward him and veer him away from the child—all the while barking and making it known that no tom-foolery would be tolerated. Milly would even approach Coal and lay her head over his back—definitely posturing her dominance over him. Milly did not seem at all threatened by me though—she liked me, it must be because our names rhyme—MILLY and TILLY—oh isn't that SILLY! Well Coal and I started to wrestled and chase each other and all of a sudden—Milly realized that Coal was not a threat at all—and that we were fun to play with. Well we all started running around and jumping in the water. Then we would chase each other all over the beach. Oh what a glorious day indeed. Alison kept looking for sea-glass and gave all of it to the little girl. That little girl's face would light up like a ray of sunshine with each piece of sea-glass Alison would give her. Milly had to go and we still had a long walk back to the car—so off we went again. We found a ton more friends on the walk, a Golden Retriever, Woof—that is his real name! He was a bit scared of Coal and I though. Alison tried to throw his stick for him. He would swim all the way out into the ocean and retrieve it, but then Coal would swim out with him and as soon as Coal went near the stick, Woof would drop it—humpf, wimp! !!! Alison threw the stick for Woof a ton more times, but alas he bored us so we moved on. Coal and I were getting closer to the end of our beach adventure so we took the opportunity to run around like looney tunes and wrestle for the last leg of the walk. By the time we reached the car I could barely lift my head. Alison lifted me into the car and I fell fast asleep. But unfortunately I was awoken by being leashed up again because I had to get in the shower—yuckie baths. But now I am fresh and clean—and all tuckered out from my adventure at the beach. Be well my friends and stayed tuned for more of Tilly's Tales!!

I wonder what fun adventures Tilly will have next? Is Tilly going away for Christmas...hmmmmm I wonder??? Stay tuned to find out what Tilly will get into next!

Special Gifts From Special Friends

2009-11-29T12:06:00.000-05:00

Editor's Note: This is a story from a few years back, but it is still as prevalent today as the day it happened. The story's backdrop is at The School for Children, which is a school for special needs children. This school is absolutely amazing and prepares families and their children for the modern world. The school is for all types of children who do not learn or function in the "normal" stream of society. This environment allows for the students to learn at an individual pace and to also learn how to use new equipment that will allow them to communicate, maneuver, and work along side the rest of the world. It is truly an honor to be able to be a part of this school's therapy program and to witness the amazing progress these children make each day. please enjoy another amazing tale of Tilly.

Tilly resting before school!

Well my adventure today started on the hectic side. I woke up this morning and was rushed through my morning routine...what a way to start your day...humpf!!! Alison was running late which in turn means I was running late. Today we had to get to school to see all of my special friends! Well we got there on time and without a problem, which is fantastic. Now this is how you start a day!!! We went to our class and everyone was in a phenomenal mood. All smiles and gentle touches! What a great treat today. I did not get pinched, squeezed, bit, pushed, or pulled by any of my little friends. We had a full classroom this morning and everyone was sitting nicely in a circle. I got to go around the circle like I was Old Mother Hubbard playing duck, duck, goose. The children all sat in their spots and waited so patiently for me to get to them. I got kisses from Mike, kisses from Alanna, nice pets from Carla, kisses and pets from Sharon, kisses and hugs from Emilia, pets from Noel, pets and kisses from Trina, and pets from Mona and Marie. I know that it does not sound like a big deal that I got all of these hugs, pets, and kisses, but some of these children are in some heavy duty equipment, for instance wheelchairs, walkers, or apparatus that helps to make you stand up—so any form of stretching, extending, or leaning can be considered a monstrous achievement. And these children all pushed their little bodies to their absolute limits. They reached as far as they could, they lifted their heads up high, they even opened up their hands to pet me from my head to my tail. What a day, all the love that these children shower over me is something I could never describe. It makes me glow...so now you all can call me Tilly the glow worm. One of the greatest things about my day today was that Carla and Marie usually do not initiate any touching with me, but today was special and they reached out to pet me not once or twice but a ton—it made me feel all warm and gooey inside. It was like I had finally gotten through their shell and they were accepted me! These special visits to the school are so wonderful that I am always excited about the next visit.

This day could never be outdone—or could it....you will just have to stay tuned and find out.

Me and my Uncle Duncan (aka Unkie Dunkie)

2009-11-18T14:37:00.001-05:00

Me and Uncle Duncan...we look like twins!

My Uncle Duncan!!!

Editor's Note: This story is from an annual event, Belmar Beach Bulldog Bash, that supports a local Bulldog rescue group, MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue. The event is at one of the local beaches and it is an event for all of the local bullies and the loony people, that absolutely adore and cherish the breed, to come together. A chance to let their bullies go hog-wild, while raising awareness of the breeds very 'quirky' needs, maintenance requirements, restrictions, and health concerns. Oh yeah and to raise a few dollars too. Please enjoy another fabulous tail...oops...tale from Tilly's perspective.

The sun was shining and there was a cool breeze rolling over my fur as I laid on the couch on our front porch. I wonder what we are going to do today? I wonder if Alison is taking me on an adventure? As I sat and wondered about what fun we could have today I let the sun bask over my fur and take me to my dream world. In my 'happy place' everything is edible and I can run around without a leash on! Oh what a wonderful place that would be. Just as I was about to sink my teeth into a beef jerky fire hydrant I heard a rustling in the kitchen....TREATS!!!! I woke up immediately, jumped down off the couch and ran into the kitchen.

TREATS! TREATS! TREATS! Please can I get me some TREATS! TREATS! TREATS!

I stood patiently at Alison's feet waiting for her to notice me. I may have accidentally nudged her, but only on accident...BOL (Bark Out Loud)!!! Why doesn't she see me, I am standing right here...humpf! Just as I was about to nudge Alison again, she looked down and said, "Tilly no treats now, but we are going on a very special adventure, so get yourself ready!" An adventure...WAHOOO!!! I ran into the living room, and then back again. I ran outside then inside. An adventure, how wonderful. I wonder where we were going...hmmmm! I ran to and fro, inside and outside. I was so excited I could not contain my enthusiasm! I sat down at Alison's feet again and watched as she filled up my treat bag, put water in my water bottle, and packed my day bag with all of the necessities us bullies need to be safe and comfortable. Just as the last supply was placed into the bag Alison said, "Let's go Tilly! Uppies in the car!!" I ran to car and I jumped into the back seat where I have a 'doggie duffel' to lay in when driving around. The 'doggie duffel' keeps my Mom's car clean and scratch-free while keeping me super safe. How cool is that! And just like that we were off on our adventure, but I still did not know where we were going, or what we were doing...humpf! I tried to ask Alison where we were heading, but she doesn't understand me sometimes. So I just laid down in my duffel and took a short snooze. I have the best trick, though I am not sure how it works exactly, but anytime we are going somewhere and it is taking a long time to get there I lay down and fall asleep. When I wake up we are always there. It works every time, I promise!!! And sure enough it work this time too. When I woke up Alison was parking the car and getting all of my stuff together. We were heading for our adventure! As Alison opened the car door I smelled the beach, but not the beach that I always go to, somewhere else. Then as we walked to the boardwalk I started to notice other dogs that looked just like me. There were tons of them all around! Every where I looked, every time I turned there was another bulldog. It was so exciting. We walked onto the beach and Alison was cooing and gooing over all of the little bulldogs. Picking them up and sniffing them, then hugging the poor littl 'uns til I thought their eyes would pop out! I am glad that she is not trying to do that to me, yuck!!! Alison took off my leash and let me run around with my new friends. I ran to and fro, teaching them to run in the water and barking...FOLLOW ME!!! I was having so much fun. Then my friend Gullie showed up and we wrestled and rolled! Some of the other bullies even joined in our fun!

As time went by, I started to get tired from all of the wrestling, so we walked back toward the boardwalk area. Just then I caught a familiar scent. Humpf....what is that smell? I know that smell, but what is it? It was just at that moment that Alison must have smelled it too, because she was leading me over to where the smell was coming from. Then we got to a bulldog who was so familiar to me, but I did not now why. I heard Alison asking his owners a ton of questions. "Where did you get your bulldog? What litter is he from? Do you know 'Momma'?" She just kept asking question after question until she let out a squealed! Alison then got on the sand between me and the other bulldog. She took my face in her hands and squeezed my jowls and said, "Tilly this is your Uncle Duncan! He is your Momma's brother and litter-mate!"

Momma....oh Momma!

I knew that the smell was familiar and so wonderful! It is my Unkie Dunkie! I gave him a big lick on his nose and both our families started to giggle. We sat together on a blanket in the sand and snuggled for the rest of the afternoon. The best part is now I never get too lonely or sad without my family because I get to see Uncle Duncan all of the time. Another wonderful adventure filled with fun, wrestling, new friends, and FAMILY!!!!

I wonder what Tilly's next adventure will be? Will she get into some trouble with her friends? Will she meet a new friend in the hospital? You never now what could happen next to a silly Bulldog named Tilly, so stay tuned for her next tale!

Tilly Best Friend Ronald McDonald

2009-11-11T17:09:00.001-05:00

Tilly and Ronald McDonald at a BBQ together!

Hanging with my friends!

Editor's Note: Every year Tilly and I are invited to the Ronald McDonald House for a BBQ. This is always an amazing day filled with fun, friends, and food! The Ronald McDonald House of Long Branch provides a home away from home to the families of seriously ill children receiving medical treatment at area hospitals in the two house locations - Long Branch and New Brunswick - They also operate Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms and a Hospitality Suite in the pediatric units of three Monmouth County hospitals. This charity is not only phenomenal because of what they do, but the houses themselves are unbelievable. Our local business men and women have all come together to make the interior and exterior of the house state-of-the-art. This is truly a miraculous charity, so next time you stop into the "Golden Arches" for Chicken McNuggets and fries or to buy your daily USA Today paper throw your spare change into the donation boxes because all of the proceeds go directly to the local houses! A great way to think and act locally!!! Enjoy Tilly's adventure at the bbq!!!

Hey everyone, it is me Tilly, here to tell you another fabulous tale. It has been raining, and raining, and raining for days now. If I wasn't a smart Bully I would think that at any moment Dr. Suess's Cat in the Hat is going to appear at the front door and unleash Thing 1 and Thing 2 on me and Alison. I am especially upset about the rain because tomorrow we are heading over to the Ronald McDonald House for their annual Friends and Family BBQ. It is such a fun day with all of my little friends, including face painting, pumpkin painting, prizes, awards, balloon animals, and FOOD...my favorite! Tonight I will fall asleep and dream about sunshine, birds, and warm weather. Paws crossed it will work.

Well I fell asleep without a worry in the world. I knew that there was no way that there could be rain tomorrow. I mean how could it rain and ruin all the fun. When I woke up , I opened one eye first and peeked threw my winkles. Then I hopped up and started to prance around the house. It's sunny, it's sunny...YIPPPEEEE and YAHOOO!!! Today is going to be great. Alison was getting everything ready and while I waited for her, which seemed like forever, I sat outside and basked in the beautiful sunshine. It was beautiful out, a perfect 10, I could not wait to get over to see my friends! We loaded everything into the car, including ourselves and headed over to the Ronald McDonald House! We got to the house and headed up the front walk and guess who was there waiting for me... come on and try to guess! Why it was Ronald himself and he couldn't wait to say hello. He was so excited because it had been over a year since the last time we saw each other. Well I wiggled and wiggled and he was hooting and hollering and we were jumping around in a circle with such glee. Then some of our other friends saw all of the fun and commotion and they came over to join in too. Round and round we all went. Skipping, and wiggling, and hootin' and hollerin'! It was already turning out to be a wonderful day!

We all went into the front yard and that is when all of the real fun began. There was a woman sitting at a table and she was painting all of my little friend's faces. She was painting some of them like cats and some looked like dogs....this is my kind of party! Then another woman was making these huge balloon animals. It was really fantastic. She made a parrot and it sat on one girls shoulder, a humongous spider that sat on another boy's head (that one scared me a little bit), and even a giraffe; all out of balloons. Isn't that remarkable. In another part of the yard a table filled with pumpkins and was set up for everyone to paint. My little friends had fun with that too. Everyone was running everywhere. Up the stairs and down the slide, into the playhouse, then out again. This is just about as much fun as this little bully could take when Alison walked us over to this enormous truck. It was big and red and had tons of lights and whistles. Alison said it was a fire truck. Can you believe that? It was wondrous. Just when I thought things couldn't be any better Alison picked me up and put me inside the fire truck! I couldn't believe it!

Me in the fire truck with real firefighters

We got to touch everything, and I mean everything. Alison opened every door and hatch in the truck. I would have but I don't have thumbs...humpf! Then I got to press on some buttons and the lights started to swirl and the sirens started to sound. It was so much fun that I started to do a bulldog wiggle! Then it was time for the award ceremony to start so we got out of the truck and watched as all of our friends received their awards. I was so proud of them all for all of their hard work and dedication to making others lives a bit easier.

As the last award was handed out it we knew it was time for us to head home. So that is just what we did!

Ronald giving out awards

I wonder what will happen tomorrow? I wonder if I will get to meet up with anymore of my famous friends? You will have to stay tuned-in to The Adventures of Tilly the Wonder-mutt and find out!!!

Tilly's big break!

2009-11-05T22:52:00.001-05:00

Editor's Note: This was a story from the summer when Tilly and her best buddy Munch were hired to be in the latest Microsoft 7 commercials. As soon as they walked on set everyone came out to meet them! It seemed as though the cast and crew were waiting excitedly for the stars to arrive. It was a very exciting day, extremely long, but truly an experience like no other. I hope you enjoy this adventure of Tilly and Munch.

Tilly with her biggest fan!

Tilly waiting patiently on set

Tilly trying to get back to the food tent!

Tilly watching Munch during his scene

Tilly and Munch hanging out after their big scenes

Tilly and Munch eying up the food...mmmm mmmm delicious!!!

Hello everyone, it's just me Tilly again, here to tell you about my latest adventure. Alison got a call from my agent, Cat! Yes I have an agent. Yes I know what your thinking and no she is not a feline cat her name is Cathryn and we all call her Cat...humpf! Cat called and asked if we were available for an upcoming commercial. Alison assured her we were and the next thing I knew we were scheduled to ride up to New York State for a Microsoft commercial. We did not know any other specifics, because Microsoft was launching a new product...soooo sssshhhhhhh!!!! I am a bit blurry on the details of this particular morning because all I remember is Alison waking up and it was still dark outside. I am not sure if you know this about bulldogs, but we really like to sleep in, so if it is still dark out, then we are still snoring...BOL (Bark Out Loud)!!! Then I recall her picking me up and carrying me to the car and putting me in my "doggie duffle." I immediately fell back into a very deep sleep and when I felt the car stop and I lifted my head we were in a very strange place. I sat right up and looked all around, but I did not see anything or anyone that I recognized. Alison got out of the car and opened up the back door for me. She leashed me up and off we went. I was so excited I could not contain myself. Now you may be thinking that I was excited for the big commercial shoot, but I did not even know that I was doing that yet. I was just excited because there were so many new sites, smells, and people around that I just could not calm down. Alison and I walked and walked and walked.

Where are we going? What are we doing? Where are we? Who are all of these people?

There were so many trucks and cars around to carry equipment, lights, sets, and wires...tons and tons of wires. Alison's phone rang and it was Cat. She was calling to let us know that she would be on set in just a few minutes and to keep an eye out for the lead actor, Munch! Just as Alison and Cat hung up the phone a van pulled around the corner and there he was hanging out looking so dignified. It was Munch in all of his handsome glory! Alison and I waited for Munch and his family to get parked and grab all of their equipment to go on set with. Who knew that us dogs could have so much luggage. Alison was carrying a few bags and a cooler filled with all of my essentials, and Munch's owners, Deirdre and Adam, were carrying bags and bags filled with all of his stuff too. We needed assistants to assist our assistants...BOL!!! After walking a bit we finally got to the set and man was it beautiful. It was a gorgeous older home that was used in the filming of "Unfaithful" with Richard Gere and Diane Lane. The yard looked like a park, with grass from here to eternity. There was a pool and a lake too. It was like doggie heaven. Then to make this place even better there was a tent set up and under the tent they had gourmet food all day long. The chefs were asking Alison and Deirdre if me and Munch wanted anything, but Alison said that we were fine...humpf! How does she know, maybe I wanted a pork chop, or at least some fruit. I mean we are the stars shouldn't we be taking advantage of the perks...BOL!!!

After some time had passed Munch was called to set. That was when I saw the magic really begin. Deirdre took out a special bag filled with doggie make-up and wipes, a special spray for Munch's unmentionables, and even a misting fan to keep him cool! WOW, now he is a STAR!!! I sat and watched as Munch was preparing for his debut. Then we all moseyed over to the farthest part of the house, near the lake. Munch was brought to his mark and the filming began. It was very painstakingly long. They must have taken a billion takes and kept changing the script. Thank goodness Munch is a fast study...phew! He was amazing sitting up there, doing his bulldog moves. He barked on cue and stayed on his mark. He snuggled up to girl in the shot with him and even jumped off the lounge on cue too. He is my hero! I want to be as good as Munch when it is my turn, I thought! Munch was finishing up with his scene when the director came over to me and Alison. He said we needed to get ready for our scene. Well just like that Alison started swirling around me and then Deirdre and Cat followed. They were like Tasmanian Devils in a fevered dervish!!! Deirdre started wiping stuff on my face and then some stuff on my nose. I was trying to move away, but man were those ladies fast! Before I could resist their advances those ladies had whitened my fur, shined my coat, and even made my nose look blacker! Now I was ready for my scene. I was brought over to one of the first people I had met when we got to the set. She was really pretty and super nice to me. Alison was given instructions as to what I was supposed to do and we were given a few moments to run through our scene together. Alison and Cat set me up and off I went. I had two trial runs and then it was SHOW TIME!!! My job in this scene was to jog along side the pretty lady. I know what you all are thinking. You think that bulldogs can't run! Well this bully can run, and I can run pretty fast too. I got through my scene in only a few takes. Alison was so proud of me! Even Munch came over to congratulate me on a job well done. Munch and I sat together for a few more pictures and then it was over. The day had finally ended and we started to pack up and head home. As we all walked back to the car Munch and I pranced and wiggled our bums to and fro, and our owners rehashed the day. It was truly a dream come true. When I got to the car I jumped in to my 'doggie duffle' and nestled in for the ride home. As soon as Alison started the car I felt my eyes get very heavy. I tried to stay awake and relive my moments in front of the camera but I was sooo sleepy. Within a few minutes I had fallen fast asleep and by the time Alison had woken me up we were back home again.

What a day! What an amazing adventure! I wonder if Tilly will ever be in another commercial? Come back next time to read more Adventures of Tilly.

P.S. Alison woke me up this morning to break the sad news that I was cut out of the commercial. But don't feel bad because it was still one of the greatest days of my life. I got to meet tons of new people, have an amazing adventure, and meet my newest and bestest friend Munch!!! So in my eyes (even the wonkie one) this was definitely not sad news.

The Day I got my name...Van Etten's Waltzing Matlida: affectionately know as Wonkie Eye!

2009-11-04T22:42:00.002-05:00

Editor's Note: This is the story of how I found Tilly and the day she came home to live at the Jersey Shore! This tale is really about seeing the beauty within and looking beyond what some may consider a "defect!" Enjoy!

showing off my beautiful "wonkie" eye

Playing hide and go seek at my new house!

thanking Alison for looking past my "defective wonkie" eye!

Hello everyone it is me Tilly and today is a very special day for me, I am meeting my new family, or at least the people I hope will be my new family. I had heard some chatting in the other room earlier about two people coming to check us puppies out! YIPPEE! YAHOO! Is today the day I get to go on my first adventure? Oh, I hope so!! The thing is, I think this couple is coming to meet my brother. Don't be nervous, I know that once they get a look at my mug they will scoop me up and take me right home with them. My brother is so goofy and dumb they will never choose him over me...humpf!

It is around noon on a very hot and humid day in August. My sister, brother, and me just turned 4 months old and we are relaxing in our crate together, waiting and waiting for our visitors to come. Just when I was about to nod off I heard the doorbell ring...

DING DONG. Oh my goodness, they're here, they're here!!!

Everyone get up, THEY'RE HERE!!! BARK...BARK...BARK!!!

We all sat up and were wiggling and prancing around in our crate. Even our Mom, Grandmother, and Dad were up and excited to see who was coming in the house. Then the door opened and this couple came in. There they were looking at us with big smiles on their faces.

"Hey over here! Look at me, look at me!!"

This couple was spending way too much time on my Mom and Dad. What are they looking at them for they are not going anywhere...humpf! My Dad was standing on his hind legs waving his front paws up int he air. This had the new people laughing and smiling. Then my Mom sat right down on the new lady's foot and she started to pet and love on my Mom.

What about Me? Look over here at Me!!!!

Just when I thought my chance was gone and that it was hopeless, we were let out of our crate and set free. Oh, now is my chance to shine!!! I ran around in circles at top speed! I knew this would impress them, definitely. Then I jumped on my brother and sister and started to gnaw on their rumps, and wrestle with them! We were rolling and rolling and growling and rolling some more and then someone opened the door, and we were free! WAHOO!!! Let's go! We all ran outside and I ran, and ran, and then ran some more. My brother and sister were trying to keep up with me but they are sooooo slow! I was running back and forth, to and fro. I ran in the baby pool and cooled down, and then I ran around the backyard some more. I was running and romping, and having such a good time that I almost forgot what I was supposed to be doing...ENAMORING MY NEW FAMILY!!! At that very moment I looked up and I saw those two people looking at my brother. They were holding him, and squeezing him and loving him to pieces. They were checking out his mouth and looking at him from head to toe. I stood at their feet and started to wiggle, but that didn't work...humpf. I even started to talk to them..."Hey down here...Look at me!!!" Bu tthat didn't work either. Then I stood up on my back legs and waved my front paws in the air, just like my Dad, and guess what that got their attention away from my stupid brother. They put him down and started to check me out. The touch me all over, and it tickled. They looked in my mouth and I heard that lady say, "Her jowls are much tighter than his!" Then she started asking about my eye. She said, "Why are you letting her go, now? I thought she was show-quality? Is her eye, ok? Can she see? Will there be any future issues with her eye?" WHAT THE HECK IS THIS LADY TALKING ABOUT!? Why is she so interested in my stinking eye? Well everyone, I am not sure if you realized this but my one eye is still blue, it never turned brown. That is not the "breed standard" and is not looked upon well. Some people even think it is ugly. Can you believe that? I mean look at me. How could anything about me be UGLY!!!! At the very tippy top, of my eye, it is brown, but the rest is the color of ice! My other eye is a deep brown but not my right one it is so light it is almost transparent! I don't know what all of the fuss is about...so what, who cares, it is just a different color, that is all...humpf. Then I heard the breeder tell these people that they were hoping to keep me to show and to have puppies, but because of that defective eye they can not. What the heck is that supposed to mean. I am still fun, and cute, snuggly, and squishy! Who cares if my eye is blue? Well I guess a lot of people care, because so many people have overlooked me because I am different.

I walked away from everyone with my head a bit lower and my gate a bit slower. But then I heard that nice lady say, "WE'LL TAKE HER!!!!"

They want me! Oh my goodness, they want me!!! YIPPEE...YIPPEE!!! They want me!

And do you know why they wanted me because of my "wonkie" blue eye! I guess they are the perfect family for me, because they see my difference as something beautiful, not a defect at all. I am so happy that they fell in love with me and I know that I will have so many fun adventures ahead of me. And with a wave to my fur-family, and a squeeze from the breeder I was off to the Jersey Shore and my new home. YIPPPEEEEE!!!!

Momma always said, "If you have nothing nice to say..."

2009-11-03T08:46:00.004-05:00

Editor's note: I am always so flabbergasted when a grown, mature (well maybe not mature) adult says things that are mean and hurtful to others. I am even more amazed when they say it without any remorse and feel that their statement is shared by everyone else in the world. This story takes the old and insightful adage, "If you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all!" and shows when you do not heed these words you may hurt those around you. I hope you enjoy this tale of Tilly!

photo by www.kimlevin.com

Good morning everyone!! It is just me, Tilly, here to tell you another tale of my life as a bulldog and therapy dog extraordinaire! I woke up this morning to a crisp Autumn day. This is my favorite time of year. The air is cool on my fur, and the wind whips those tasty leaves all around for me to chase and gobble up!! Mmmmmm-mmmmm delicious! Ooooh what fun I am having, chasing and eating, eating and chasing! I could do this all day long, but Alison said, "Uppies in the car, we have to go see the kids!" So I jumped into that car, toot-sweet, because I did not want to keep my little friends waiting. We got to the hospital in no time and we got up to the Valerie Fund in seconds flat. Alison was shocked that I was moving so quickly, but I knew what I was doing. I could smell something in the air, and no it was not a snack...BOL (bark out loud!!!) When we got to the Valerie Center I walked in and my whole body was wiggling and my head was bobbing up and down. Alison was laughing because she did not see what I was getting all excited about, but then she saw him. It was a friend who we have not seen in a while, Christian. He was sitting there with a huge smile that stretched across his face, ear to ear! He had made his appointment so that he could see me! I got so excited I could not contain myself...I am about to tell you something, but it has to be our secret, ok! I was so excited that I stood up on my back legs and waved my paws up in the air. (Alison calls this the 'Wally dance'. She calls it the Wally dance because when Alison and Andy came to get me from the breeder my real fur-dad [Sluuger, but they called him Wally because he looks like a walrus] stood up on his back legs and waved his two front paws up in the air! I guess the apple does not fall far from the tree..BOL!) Christian grabbed my two paws and we danced around in a circle! Everyone was laughing at this sight! A bully and a boy dancing together..."only in the day-in-the-life of Tilly" they kept saying! What a wonderful surprise! Today is the best day ever!!!

Just when I thought this would be a day that could never be topped...I may have spoken too soon. Right at this moment a woman walked in with her teenage son. I had never meet them, so of course I wiggled right over to them to say hello and get some pets from my new friend. As I was sniffing and checking out these new friends, the Mother asked Alison, "Why is there a dog in the hospital?" Alison replied, "This is Tilly she is a certified therapy dog, and she comes in to give emotional support to the kids and their family while waiting for their appointment or receiving chemotherapy or a transfusion." The woman just sat there staring at Tilly. Then a ton more of my friends came into the office and all of us were running around and having the greatest time, when it happened! That woman said out loud for everyone to hear, "Well they sure did pick the ugliest dog to be a therapy dog!" Well I was shocked and my heart sank a bit! I never thought I was ugly, everyone always says how cute I am! My head hung low, and if I had a tail it would have been dragging on the floor. How could anyone say anything so mean? Alison said that my wiggle turned into a slump and asked Christian if he wanted to walk with us over to the other side of the hospital. Alison ignored that mean lady and told me not to worry, that I am the prettiest bully in the whole world. Christian gave me a hug and we walked away. Although my heart was broken, I know that not everyone is going to love me, but I also know that you should never say anything that may intentionally hurt someone else. I guess that woman was out sick the day they taught that lesson at school! Oh well, I know I am beautiful inside and out, and that is all that matters! Be well my friends, sending you all bully wiggles and smoochies!

Will Tilly's heart ever mend? Will she have the will to go back to doing her therapy work? You never know what tomorrow will bring, so check back and see!!!

Tilly Gets Accessed

2009-11-02T20:26:00.001-05:00

Editor's Note: This is a story that is an amazing testament to the disposition and unbelievable good-nature of my therapy dog. Please do not attempt this with your own animal as they may not be as mellow and trusting as Tilly. I am always trying to come up with new and innovative ways to incorporate Tilly into the daily regime of The Valerie Fund. Sometimes these techniques work and other times they fall flat. This technique not only had the child intrigued about the procedure, but it also seems to alleviate some of the fear that goes along with the process. The idea behind it was basically, "If Tilly can handle getting accessed then so can I!" It is extremely endearing to see these children become so brave when their best fur-friend Tilly undergoes the same procedures as they do! I hope you enjoy this amazing Tale of Tilly.

this is what a port looks like, and it placed under the skin on the

left or right side of your chest when you are receiving chemotherapy.

Tilly getting ready to be accessed!

Good afternoon everyone it is me Tilly here to tell you about another day at the hospital with some of my bestest non-fur friends. Today was a special day for me, it was going to be the first time that Alison was going to try out a new experiment to help one of my friends get through his treatments. First let me explain to you what was going to happen, I was going to get accessed, pretend of course. Accessing is a process in which all of the children at the Valerie Center who are undergoing treatment for cancer undergo. Each child, once diagnosed, is given a totally implantable vascular access device which is designed to provide repeated access to the vascular system for the delivery of medications, fluids, blood products and imaging solutions. The system consists of two primary components: an injection port with a self-sealing silicone septum and a radiopaque silicone rubber beaded catheter. All materials are biocompatible and can be used with virtually all injectable solutions. Port access is performed by percutaneous needle insertion using non-coring needles. I know, I know that was a mouthful, but without understanding what it means to be accessed you can not imagine what it is like for some of my friends who have become fearful of the process. Although, the doctors and nurses have pre-warned Alison and myself that the action of accessing a child does not actually cause too much pain, it can be very, very scary for some of the kids here, and so Alison and I have tried many different techniques to make this part of their visit a little bit less scary.

We all went into the examination room and me, Alison, and my friend John were playing games together while we were waiting for the nurses to proceed with the procedure. Alison helped us build a fort to hide in, away from the nurses, doctors, and especially those needles. She gathered paper to make the walls and then used bandaids to tape up the walls so that we were invisible to the outside world. It was so much fun. John and I were having a marvelous time together. But to all good things there must be an end, that is when the nurse came in. She called out for me and John, but we were quiet as mice. Not a peep came out from behind those paper barriers, but Alison told us it was time for our procedure—so we reluctantly came out. First me and then John. John was nervous, but Alison told him don’t worry Tilly will go first, and so I did. Mom made a bandage of gauze and tape and placed it on my chest—in the same place as John’s port is on his chest. Then she asked me to lay down on the ground, and roll over. Well I felt silly, but John thought this was very funny, and he laughed at me. I did not mind because at least he was laughing. There I was laying on the ground with all four paws sticking straight up in the air, and then the nurse proceeded to access my pretend port with the needle—just like the one they use for John. Once the nurse was done with my port access it was John’s turn, and guess what he said, “Now it’s my turn, right!” and Alison said, “You are right, John.” And guess what the nurse placed the needle into his port without him getting too upset, or anxious, or sick. It was the first time that John had not run out of the room in a panic. It was such a triumphant day for us all. Now that John’s port was accessed the only thing let to do was watch a movie while his chemo dripped into him. So that is just what John and I did, we went into the cinema room and watched a movie together. I think I may have fallen asleep, but don't tell anyone that I fell asleep on the job, ok...it will be our little secret! Be well my friends, big bully smoochies to you all!

I wonder what procedure Tilly will undergo tomorrow? Will Tilly let the nurses access her pretend port again, or was it a once in a lifetime opportunity? You will have to stay tuned to find out!

Bully's Hit the 2008 AKC Top 10 list!

2009-11-01T13:49:00.002-05:00

Editor's Note: This is a fun story of Tilly's Grandmother being posted on every website, newspaper, media venue available. Regina, Tilly's Grandmother was used as the poster-dog for the AKC's 2008 Top 10 most popular breeds. All of the bully hull-a-ba-loo was because the breed had finally gotten back onto the top 10 list. It was quite a wonderful surprise to see this photo, as Tilly is a spitting image of her Grandmother in many ways!

Here is the write up:

"The AKC unveiled the reigning Top 10 most popular dog breeds in America based on its 2007 registration figures on Wednesday, January 16th at American Kennel Club headquarters in New York City.

The newest member of the Top 10 list is the Bulldog—widely recognized as a popular sports team mascot— was fitted with a #10 jersey to mark the occasion.

In addition, dogs and puppies representing the top five most popular breeds in America (the Labrador Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever and Beagle) frolicked amongst a backdrop of Bulldog memorabilia and historic canine art work."

Good afternoon everyone, it is me Tilly to tell you the most wonderful story! It is about my Grandmother, who I love dearly and miss tremendously. Today I got the most exciting surprise ever!!! I did not know that today was going to be special, though in my life every day is a special day filled with adventures and surprises. I woke up slowly, as us bulldogs normally do. I opened one eye, my blue one first, then my brown one. I stretched "so big" and went about my normal routine. Alison and I headed off to school to have a therapy visit, which in and of itself was wonderful. An adventure filled with so much love I could have exploded! Though, it was not until we got home that the excitement started. Once at home, Alison started working, but of course she would take breaks to go online to check out what was happening in the world. Well this day was unlike any day we have ever encountered, because on this very special day—January 17, 2008 I saw something on the screen that made this bully wiggle like I have never wiggled before. On this day my real life, honest-to-goodness Grandmother was donning the front page of the Dog Channel, NBC.com, The Asbury Park Press, and the New York Times. She was with my breeder giving bully smooches and looking beautiful. The AKC had come to her (Regina—my fur-GRANDMOM) and the breeder (Tammy Van Etten) to see if Regina could be the spokes-dog for the new AKC list of the most popular breeds of 2007. The reason they were coming to my beautiful Grandmother is because us Bully's made the top 10 list—the first time since 1935. Well of course Regina and Tammy said yes to the invitation and the AKC designed and custom tailored a special football jersey for Regina to wear! It said American Kennel Club Bulldog with the number ten—she looked fabulous. It was so exciting, because not only did I have my very own special moments with the children at school, but I came home to a picture of my Grandmother up on every website and in every paper!! Today I am especially proud to be an English Bulldog. Be well today and everyday my friends. Big bully smoochies, Tilly.

This day could never be outdone—or could it....you will just have to stay tuned and find out.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2009-10-31T14:02:00.012-04:00

Tilly the Lady Bug...10.31.2007

Tilly the Lion...10.31.2008

Tilly the Monkey...10.31.2009

Editor's Note: Every year Tilly dresses up in costume to go trick-or-treating with the kids around Monmouth Medical Hospital with the children who are sick and staying in-hospital during one of the best days of the year! This is a treat not only for the children who thought they would be missing out on all of that coveted candy, but also for the staff of the hospital who get to see the kids roaming around the hospital dressed in costumes asking for goodies. Although, Tilly does not particularly like to get dressed up in costume, she seems to forget about it once she sees the kids light up! when she gets onto the floor. After the first year of trick-or-treating around the entire hospital I enlisted the hospital's Radio Flyer® to lug the beast around as she is too slow, and usually too hot to keep up with the kids. It is just another fabulous day in the life of Tilly the Wonder-mutt! Enjoy!

YIPPEE...YAHOO!!! It is Halloween, and one of my most favoritest days of the year! Today, is a special day for me because I get to dress up...alright so I don't like putting on stupid clothes as I prefer to be in the nude, but if I wear a costume I get to go to the hospital and go trick-or-treating with all of my favorite non-fur friends around the hospital, so I must endure a bit of humiliation in order to partake in something very special and very fun. My first year I was a lady bug and my friends were a princess, Belle (Beauty and the Beast), and a ghost. The second year I was a lion and my friends were Dorothy (Wizard of Oz) and a witch....we did not even plan this, how perfect! And this year I was a monkey and my friends were Darth Vadar, a mummy, and a princess. Once everyone gets their costumes in order and their bags ready we are off...oh yeah and I have to get into the Radio Flyer®, because I am too slow....humpf...what does everyone expect I have short legs! Now we are off and the adventure begins.

We go to every floor in the hospital and knock on the doors. Everyone yells,"TRICK-OR-TREAT" and then they give us candy. I am actually not exactly sure what "candy" is as I have never been allowed to eat anything that we collect, but my friends all seem to be very excited by this transaction, so in turn, I get very wiggly and excited too. We go through some areas in the hospital that I have never ever visited before. Down dark corridors that lead into rooms that have blow-up, creepy, castles and ghosts floating through the air. Everyone we meet is so happy to see us. Smiles are broad across everyone's face and cameras are taken out FLASH...FLASH...FLASH! I think this is like walking the red carpet..SNAP...SNAP..SNAP, or at least that is what my non-fur friends are saying! The path seems to take us in circles and I am always so confused. Where are we? Are we still in the hospital? Just when I think we are lost in this maze we open another door that unveils more people I know, and they are giving us more candy. What a wonder it all is! Everyone is happy and full of life, which is a super big deal when you consider how sick all of the children are (except me of course). Just when my friends are starting to tucker out we make one more turn and WHAMO we are back to where we began. Now we get to inspect our booty. All of my friends like this part the best, as they get very giggly and silly when they go through their bags. Sometimes if I am lucky they will let me jump on their beds and I can put my big, ol', bully head inside their bags to see what all of the hull-a-ba-loo is about. It sure does smell good, but I am not allowed to eat any of their sweet treats., because then I would have to go to the doggie hospital for a sore belly. OOOWWWIEEE!

Next, Alison and I to hand out the extra bags of candy that we collected for the children who were not healthy enough to join us on our adventure. This happens to be one of my favorite moments of the day. When we walk into their rooms they are very sad because they missed out on the fun, but then we hand them a satchel filled to the brim with candy galore, and a smile starts to creep back over their faces and their eyes light up. They are so happy because they were not forgotten, and they get to enjoy the spoils of this special day too.

Halloween is a fun day for everyone: animals, children, and adults too. So get those costumes ready and put on your face paint and get out there all ready...what are you waiting for!

What will happen tomorrow to Tilly? Will Tilly ever get to take off that costume? Will she ever be allowed to eat a piece of candy? You never know what tomorrow will bring, so check in again tomorrow and find out! Big, bully hugs.

Bullies and dolphins, and more dolphins! Oh My!

2009-10-30T16:55:00.002-04:00

Editor's Note: This was an adventure from last summer when a large pod of dolphins moved into the Shrewsbury River. Although it was very exciting to witness these amazing creatures swimming in our backyard, it was also nerve-racking because we did not know what their future survival would be. Tilly on the other hand did not care about the future she only cares about the now, and the now was NEW FRIENDS!!!! So I hope you enjoy another fabulous tale of unexpected friendship and learning to love even though we are different.

What a day, what a day! When I woke up this morning...ok, ok, so it was more like very late morning...the sun was shining, the humidity was low, and there was a glorious breeze that was keeping the temperatures bearable. (I am not sure if you know this but Bulldogs get very hot, very fast, and can get seriously ill if they become too hot! So you have to be careful with me because I may look rough, tough, and invincible, but I am very fragile; just like a magnolia flower!) So after I ate my breakie (aka breakfast) and got cleaned up Alison and Andy got me ready to go out on our boat.....YIPPPEEEE THE BOAT!!! I love going out on the boat. There is so much to see, and so many smells to sniff. I get to ride as Co-Captain on our vessel, so my seat is a bit higher up and I can see everything. One of my favorite moments on our boat is when a waverunner uses our wake (waves that push off the back of the boat) to jump off of. It is so exciting to see them fly in the sky! Watching everyone having fun all around me makes me a very happy bulldog!

After the initial excitement of being at sea faded, I started to settle in and relax. The warmth of the sun was rolling over my fur and lulling me into a deep sleep. Just then I heard a "SPLASH!" I sat up immediately and looked to left then to the right. I even turned around and around but I could not find where the sounds were coming from. Maybe it was just a fish, a really big fish...humpf! As I looked, and looked out onto the water the warmth of the sun started to wrap itself around me again and I fell asleep.....zzzzzzzzzz! "SPLASH. SPLASH, SPLASH!" There it was again, but it was louder and more splashing right in front of us. Alison stood up and started shrieking, "Oh my, did you see that? What is it?" "They're dolphins, they're dolphins!" Alison squealed with delight. I jumped up on all fours to see what a dolphin was. Then I saw them. They were gray and had a triangle on their back. They would jump up and out of the water and their tails, well I think they are tails, would wiggle in the air. There were not one or two of these dolphins, but 20 of them all together jumping and frolicking together in the water. Oooooh, what fun they were having. I was trying to get out on the front of the boat but Alison would not have it! Why won't she let me play with my new friends, they looked friendly and they were having such fun in the water. I tried and tried to get to my new friends but to no avail. Then Alison looked me in my face and said that I do not have a tail, or flippers, or a dorsal fin, and I can not swim, so I can not play with these friends, but we can all sit and enjoy the beauty and be a part of their fun from inside the boat. And that is just what we did.

Another new adventure has unfolded, more friends were met, and my life as a bulldog just keeps on getting better, and better.

Who will Tilly meet tomorrow. What new adventure awaits her, well you will have to come back tomorrow and find out! Be well friends.

Best Friends

2009-10-29T12:20:00.006-04:00

Tilly and her best friend Coal

Editor's Note: This story reminds is a great tale of friendship, fun, and always being up for the next adventure. Everyday Tilly reminds me of the simpler things in life, i.e. patience, happiness in the small wonders of the world, and love. I hope you enjoy our tale!

Well just when I thought my day was over—not even close! I mean can't a bulldog get some sleep...humpf! At around 3 pm, Alison was working and I was snoozing in my bed when the phone rang. It was Coal's (my bestest friend in the whole wide world) Mom asking if we could go and meet them at the beach. Well usually Mom and I do not go for a long walk on the days that I go the hospital because it is such a far walk all around the hospital, I mean come on...have you seen my little legs, and the fact that the hospital is tremendous. But for some reason today was different. The sun was still shining brightly and the wind was still minimal so Mom said that we could go. I have to admit I was a little cranky going to meet up with Coal—but maybe it was because he was full of energy and very Tigger like, while I was still in sleepy-mode back at my house in my bed. Whatever the case was I snapped right out of it. The tide was low and the ocean was so calm. It truly was magnificent! We went for a 3 mile walk and all of the while Coal and I romped and played, and bit and tumbled together. Mom found sea glass galore—brown, green, white, and even some blue! We rolled around in the sand and played tug-of-war with any object that Coal and I found. It is so wonderful to have such an amazing bond with my friend Coal—we have such fun together. The only thing that could have made this day even better, not that I am complaining by any means, is if there were some more new friends to play with. I mean I feel it is always merrier with more—right. We walked and played for about two hours and let me tell you those two hours were so peaceful. The sound of crashing waves and gulls overhead—amazing. By then it was getting dark and time for all of us to reside back to our homes. This day was really packed filled with adventures. All in all it was a great day.

I wonder who Tilly will meet up with tomorrow? Do not forget to check in to see what happens next in The Adventures of Tilly the Wonder-mutt. Be well my friends, Tilly.

Goobers Galore!

2009-10-28T14:00:00.002-04:00

Editor's Note:This story is from about two years ago when Tilly and I had just started our Therapy work at Monmouth Medical's Children's Hospital. When we first started I was always nervous that we would do something wrong, or that Tilly would not perform on cue, or not obey commands. So when you read this story and it gets to the good part, keep in the back of your head that I was always trying to be perfect. I know, I know unreasonable, unattainable, incomprehensible! Especially when half of the team is an animal! ENJOY!

Ok, so it started off like this—what a glorious day—the sun is shining and the wind was a mere breath on my fur! What a great day. Time to get up and get ready for the hospital. Alison and I headed in to the hospital for our rounds with the children. Oh, what a sight all of the little kids just waiting for me to arrive—it is like I am famous or even better royalty. My first stop was....well not exactly the Valerie Fund....no I got side-tracked. I popped in to say hi to my friend who works in the offices on the 2nd floor. I saw her door open and I pulled Mommy right in there—oooooh you must be curious what was in there—well let me think—TREATS!! My friend keeps allergy free treats in her office just for my visit—how cool is that!!!! I know, I know how could a dog have allergies? Well, just like some children I get itchy and hives if I eat foods that I am allergic too. Oh, which foods am I allergic too, well anything with wheat, corn, or soy in it! No worries about me though because Alison takes good care of me and makes sure I never eat anything that is bad for, or at least she tries. Anyway, on with the story, I was kinda being a pig about taking all of those delicious treats from my friend and Alison got upset with me and made me leave the office and start my rounds. So that is just what I did. I saw some of my old friends in the Valerie Fund getting check ups and blood work—I hung out with them so they would not be scared—and I think it worked. They were all laughing and giggling and playing video games. The good news was all of my friends were just getting check-ups—no chemotherapy today—YEAH!! We then headed over to the In-Ward, this is where children stay in the hospital overnight, where my first stop is always at the nurses station. Oh yes—you have to say hi to the girls—I come prancing in and I am wiggling and bobbing and shake my tushy for everyone to see. I got rubbin's and pets from everyone—so today I decided that I wanted to give my friends a present too. So I stood in place and held my ground and shook from the tip of my nose to the end of my cinnabon tail—and guess what I shot luggies all over the place.....what is the problem—!!!! Alison was mortified—she always seems to be wiping my face with "THE JOWL TOWEL" but not this time, no this time I got to throw my mung all over the place—it was hysterical. I then made my rounds and man oh man was it hopping. Sickie children everywhere, it was filled to the gills. I went in to each and every room putting my paws up on the bed and saying hi to my new friends. Sometimes one of the kids would even let me get into bed with them—WAHOO!!! Nothing can be finer than to get into bed with these little munchkins! I went into each and every single one of those rooms determined to put a smile on all of their faces and guess what I did. Nothing could be grander than these moments that I share with those kids.....well actually, if they all got better and there were no more cancers or disorders or reasons for me to be there then that would be the greatest day ever. But until that day comes, I will continue to visit my friends and put smiles back onto their faces! And as long as I have stories to tell my friends, then you all will have stories to read. Be well, Tilly.

Will the nurses ever forgive Tilly for getting slobber all over them? Will all of the children get better and leave Tilly alone in the hospital? Stay tuned for the next story and find out!

Tilly: Marine Biologist

2009-10-27T08:28:00.004-04:00

Editor's Note:This story has multiple settings, as we began our day in the hospital we ended it at the beach taking a long walk and reflecting on a busy and emotional day, or at least we thought we were going to be able to have some time to reflect on our day. As with any other day in our lives things never work out to be what we plan, sometimes for the good and sometimes for the not so good. Luckily today was for the great and Tilly and I got to help out another animal on its way back to its natural habitat. I hope you enjoy Tilly's tale with her newest friend.

My Monday started out just like any Monday would. Got up, fell asleep in my favorite chair, ate breakie (or as you kids would say breakfast), then went out to do my morning potty and final grooming before our visit to the hospital. I went to the hospital and, of course, it was sooooo hot—Mom (Alison) and I stopped a hundred times for water breaks, but I was still panting uncontrollably. My visit was a bit more hectic this day than ever before. Besides the pediatric ward being packed to the gills with children it seemed as though every family member was visiting when I came to do my rounds. The rooms were packed with people, furniture, equipment—just to name a few of the obstacles. I was not all too thrilled to fit into the rooms with all of those people so I was a bit on the resistant side and stood in the hall standing my ground. But as with any great pair there is only one leader and you guessed it I am the follower, so I went into those rooms and did the best job this bully could do under those circumstances. Alison (my owner) then made me head up to a whole new unit to meet some other kids who are participating in some experimental procedures to battle Cystic Fibrosis! These two men, I say men because they were definitely in high school, maybe even college, were just delighted to see my bullied, wrinkly face. I even jumped into bed with one of them and he massaged and hugged me for what seemed like forever. I love the hugging and the loving—so he could have held me forever and I would have loved every minute of it. We finally left the new ward and my final visit was to my friend Johnny—who because his blood counts were off, once again, was allowed to postpone his chemo treatments for a few more days. He was thrilled but everyone else was concerned....concerned because he is off of his regime for another week, which throws the entire 4 month course of action out of whack. They told him if he does not have the counts by Wednesday they will be initiating another plan of action. Now I am just a dog, but that does not sound good—not at all.

We all left the hospital together and Alison and I went home where I slept on the front deck in the glorious sun and Alison of course got work accomplished. Now this is the point of where my story really begins, everyone. Alison called for me and said lets go for a walk on the beach. The wind is barely blowing at 2-5 knots and the tide is almost at dead low and it was around 3 pm—perfect walking weather. We started our walk like any other day at the beach, full of vigor. I sniffed high and I sniffed low, I ran and ran and then came running right back to Alison. It was glorious and pure perfection. We were coming up to the last jetty before Sandy Hook National Park (a park that was a government barrack and military base, years ago) and Alison kept saying to me, "What's that? Tilly go get that drift wood. Go get it!" Well as we walked up to the "driftwood" all of a sudden a head popped up from that said "driftwood!" So Alison immediately went from "Go get it!" to "Tilly, leash up!!!" The driftwood was not driftwood at all, it is was a seal! Can you believe that—a real harbor seal. She was on the smaller side, leading us to believe that she was young. Alison thought she had a huge bite wound on her side. It was not exactly a bite wound, well it could have been but it was not exactly what we thought—the flipper had been injured underneath—the part we could not get a look at. Alison and I sat about 4-5 feet away and sat down. Alison was talking to the seal, I did not know she spoke seal...hmmm, and I was wiggling and crying because I wanted to see the seal—but Alison was adamant about me sitting still and quiet—I did what I was told. We sat very close to the seal and it never felt threatened—it would lay back and every once in a while it would lift its head and wink at us. Alison saw that she was hurt and she called the local police, they said they were dispatching a car and he would be coming shortly. We sat with the seal, and then Alison said we should walk up to the road so we could flag down the cop. When we turned to walk up the beach—that seal started to follow us. Alison turned around and told the seal, "You wait here, we are getting help. Stay!" And you know what, that seal listened to her—she stopped! We knew at this point the little fellow was injured on the bad side because she would not use that injured flipper at all! We flagged down the officer and walked back up on the beach to show him the seal. The officer kept telling us to stay back, she will bite you. Alison just giggled and said she knew. I mean for crying out loud we know she is a wild animal, but she was showing NO sign what so ever of being threatened or disrupted. The officer called the Animal Control department and also the Marine Mammal rescue unit to come and evaluate the seal. With this information we decided to walk back to the car, and that is just what we did. Once we got to the car Alison decided to make sure that the Animal Control Officer showed up, so we drove back down to the jetty where the seal was sunbathing. The Animal Control Officer was present and Alison went up to her and told her the whole story about her flipper and showed her the photos she had taken of the seal and its injured "wing!" The Officer told us that because Alison proved the seal was injured and in need of attention the Marine Mammal Rescue Unit would be sure to come and rescue this youngster! With that information Alison gave her information to the officer and said, "if they needed anything else to give her a call." We pulled away with a moment of clarity and serenity, we all need help sometimes—you just have to hope that the right person or dog comes along to not only recognize the need, but can help in a none threatening manner.

What an adventure indeed! We will be contacting the animal control officer to find out if everything was properly taken care of—so we will keep you posted.

Could this be the last adventure that Tilly finds herself in.......maybe, maybe not, you have to keep reading to find out. Be well my friends and tons of bully butt wiggles for you!

A Very Special Day!

2009-10-26T08:35:00.002-04:00

Editor's Note:This next tale is from a few years back, but it still warms my heart reading it again! This story is about a young boy who falls in love with Tilly because she is different just like him!

Well everyone it is me Tilly the Wonder-mutt, here to tell you another fun and fantastic tale about my journeys as a working Therapy Dog. Today I went to school to visit my very special friends, but this was a day unlike the past because the school added a new class into my regime. So instead of just visiting two classrooms I get to visit three—yippee. I started off as I normally do with my butt wiggling and my head bobbing as I pranced down the hallway to my first room. All of my friends were sitting on the carpet waiting patiently for me to arrive. They gave me a lot of nice, soft, open-handed pets this session. No pinching, squeezing, twisting, or poking—this visit was already starting off on the right paw. I went to my second classroom and I got to visit with more of my friends—this is where the magic started to happen. There is one small boy who is normally very frightened of me and is slow at warming up to all my bull-ish charms, but today he was extremely interested in interacting with me—it was great. This young boy has to use a special machine to tell me when he wants to pet me, and guess what he kept pressing the button to tell me that he wanted my attention, and when I would get over to him he would pet me, with some assistance of course, then he would smile from ear to ear. How precious is that little cutie—very I tell you, very precious indeed. I guess my bully nature can win over even those who resist—YIPPEE bully love to the rescue!!!!! But alas the time drew near and I had to say good-bye to my little friends because today I had to visit another classroom—so no dilly-dallying I had to be toot-sweet! I finally got to my final classroom where I was greeted with open arms and smiles so big they could light up a whole city! We went over to the carpet and I got to interact with some very special new friends. Guess what—they taught me some sign language—how cool is that! I mean come on how great of a gig is this that I can get loving and hugging, attention galore, and now I am learning sign language—this should not be legal, it is just too amazing. So my new little friends were having so much fun interacting with me that the time just flew by, and before I knew it, it was time for me to say good-bye. Well this is when it happened, the moment we are all hoping for—when you know you did a great job and you realize that you have gotten through to some of these kids. The young boy who was teaching me sign language crawled into the corner. My Mom (Alison) asked him what was wrong, and he signed that he was sad, Alison asked him why was he so sad, and he signed to us that he was sad because the doggie had to leave—and then he started to cry. Well let me tell you that this little cutie—made my Mom start crying. She said that we were supposed to make the kids happy not sad—she was giggling too when she was teary—so it was not too serious, for all of my worried readers! Well Alison asked the little boy to come over and give me a kiss and a hug and then she took my paw and made the I LOVE YOU sign to the little boy—well let me tell you that that did it—the little boy started laughing and smiling and was brimming with glee. We told him that we would be back next week so that he could play with me then. He was so happy when we left—thank goodness, but I knew I did a good job and I knew I had earned a nap. And that is just what I did—zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Will Tilly ever wake up from her nap? Will she learn anymore sign language? Well tune in to see what happens to me next?

Welcome!

2009-10-25T17:08:00.002-04:00

Editor's Note: Well this has been a long time coming and eventually we got here! My name is Alison and I am the proud owner of an English Bulldog named, Van Etten's Waltzing Matilda, but everyone calls her Tilly. She has been bringing joy to everyone who crosses her path since the moment I took her home, but luckily I do not keep her love all to myself. You see, Tilly has a very important job, which is to bring a smile to children's faces who may not feel well or have special needs that only she can meet! She is a mere three years old (and some) and has been working for 2.5 years at Monmouth Medical Center Children's Hospital, The Valerie Center at Monmouth Medical Children's Hospital, and The School for Children.

Here is a story, from Tilly's perspective from when I first realized she could become a certified Therapy Dog. Let me know what you think!

Hello All—My name is Matilda, but all of my friends call me Tilly, and I LOVE CHILDREN—can you tell. My Mom knew before she got me that if I had the right temperament, discipline, and will she was going to train me for this position—and guess what I did. Something happened on one of my very first trips to the beach, it was the first sign that there was something special about me that my mom could not ignore. The story goes like this—We had finished our romp and walk on the beach and we were heading back to the car when all of a sudden i stopped and would not budge. Mom kept telling me to "HEEL-UP" and "LET'S GO"—but I was not having it. I was standing my ground. Mom could not figure out what I was doing, she looked to the North, then to the South but there was no one around—not a dog, or a cat, not even a bird. She was total bewildered.......then out of nowhere a small child came bounding over the sand dunes, then another. They were running and giggling and have a grand time. Well I just could not contain myself—I was pulling and pulling and trying to get my Mom to bring me over the see those children. So finally my Mom approached the children and their parents and asked if they wanted to pet me. But the children were afraid and stood back. Their Mother had told my Mom that when they were very, very young there was an incident with a dog that spooked the entire family, and ever since that day they stayed far away from dogs. Well I heard them talking and I knew that I wanted those children to be my friend so I sat very politely right next to their Mom's feet and waited patiently. Finally the Mother started to pet me and was shocked to hear that I was only a few months old—she thought I was so nice and gentle for such a young dog. Then the children started to come to me—but I got excited and stood up and started to do my famous "Bully butt wiggle and head-bob." Well this scared them and they retreated—so I sat back down and when they came near me again I stood up and turned around. My Mom was shocked—I actually turned my back to the kids so they would not be intimidated by me. Once I had sat back down and I had my back to them they came right up to me and started to pet me. I was in heaven—I love little-hand massages—it is the best. Well my Mom just could not believe what she was seeing—she was thinking, "Did Tilly just turn around so that those kids would not be afraid of her—nah, no way. It had to be a coincidence." Well guess what it was no coincidence—from that day forward if I meet anyone and they recoil or retreat I turn around and sit with my back facing them so that they are more comfortable coming up to pet me! I am not sure if I love the kids more or all of the attention they give me—well whatever the case I love them and I love my job. After I went through numerous training classes my Mother and I went to get tested for the AKC Canine Good Citizen and the Therapy Dogs International test. I got certified at a mere 1 year old—which is the absolute youngest a dog can be to be certified—and I have been working three days a week since April of 2007! This has been not only a rewarding but also enriching experience for me and my Mom—we have made so many buddies throughout the months—it is something that is hard to put into words but, it is truly AMAZING!!! Thanks for listening to my story—big bully Love—Tilly.