My trip to School

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Ammo

When my mom told me we were going to school, I was super excited. If there is one thing I do know, it’s that kids LOVE to feed dogs! But what I wasn’t expecting was the 4am wake up call!

I had had a super busy Mother’s Day the day before – so it was really hard for me to drag myself out of bed – even for the kids.

But I pulled it together the best that I could, and me and Cricket helped mom pack the horse trailer. See we were headed to the Renaissance Academy to teach the kids all about Misty of Chincoteague (you know from the famous kid’s book). When we got there mom had to give a talk to all the kids about Misty, but I made sure she also mentioned Alex, Misty’s Dachshund sidekick.

Photo from Life Magazine

Seriously how cool is it that Misty also had a super cool dachshund sidekick too! Did you know he did tricks too? He could jump through a hoop, climb a ladder, and he even liked to dress up in doll clothes. We totally would have been best friends. I’ll have to write a post later with more about my brother from another mother, Alex!

Later Minnow and I performed our famous skit, Super Pony vs. Super Dog. The kids laughed like crazy when I got to wear my stunt helmet – one kid even wanted to know if I could do a back flip. I think I’ll definitely have to learn……just for you kid…..because you think I’m cool enough to do a back flip.

I was even filmed for a new video my Uncle Taylor is going to make. I’m sure I’ll be the star.

After each performance Minnow and I got to walk around so the kids could pet us. Well ok, Minnow walked, and I got carried. I won’t lie, I took the opportunity to take a nap.

Yeah, I was pretty popular – lots of kids even wanted my autograph!

By the end of our visit I was pooped!

Even Super dogs need to take naps sometime!

If you want to learn more about my school visit you can check out these links:

Painting Pony Blog – School Visit Recap

Renaissance Academy Library Blog – Lots of photos

The Phoenix Paper – Video & Article coming soon!

Capeless Super Dog

Posted on May 3, 2011 by Ammo

It’s that time of year again. Time to break out my super helmet & super cape and start practicing all of my super skills! Because this super dog is going to school!

Really.

Apparently next week me and my pal Minnow the Painting Pony are taking a trip to an elementary school! I have to know something about the famous Misty of Chincoteague – you know – from the children’s book. Something tells me I better get the cliff notes, that or maybe Minnow will let me copy off of him if there’s a test.

Regardless on being a little behind on my reading assignments, I have been practicing really hard.

Oh, what’s happening over there?

Spider & Cricket are off on a hunting expedition without me?

Sorry, my super hero duties will have to wait until later! I’ve got some hunting to do!

P.S. Super Heroes are a lot more SUPER when SOMEONE remembers to bring their SUPER CAPE to practice. Honestly. I would have made my hoop jump had I had my special cape!

Judge

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Ammo

Don’t worry I didn’t have a court date (hehe they haven’t caught me yet). No, instead I was a judge this past weekend at a very prestigious horse show. Ok fine, I don’t know about prestigious, but it was definitely a lot of fun!

Very nice, I like the control.

One tail up for a job well done!

Gotta limber up before the next rider comes.

Just fantastic!

Ok, now that I’ve picked my winner where’s the milk bones I was promised? Did you really think I’d work for free?

Leaving on a Jet Plane…

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Ammo

My mom is getting ready to go on a trip……without me! (Someone hold me) And what makes it even worse is that Boomerang gets to go and I don’t!

I have hatched a scheme to hideout in her suitcase, so we’ll see how that goes.

See, Boomerang and mom have been accepted to compete in the Extreme Cowboy Race at the Horse World Expo in Harrisburg, PA February 24 – 27th. I don’t really understand it because mom doesn’t even own a cowboy hat! Which reminds me, maybe if I get a cowboy hat and boots mom will let me come along.

Mom says she wishes very much I could come along, but apparently the Expo doesn’t allow dogs. Stupid if you ask me. What’s a cowboy without his best dog? Seriously.

So until my mom abandons me, I’ve been helping her get Boomerang ready for the big event.

Not trying to brag, but I pretty much taught Boomerang how to be an awesome cowboy cowhorse bronco or whatever he’s supposed to be. After toting him around all over the county for the past Month and a half, I think he’s finally ready.

Just check out this video of Boomerang Practicing last weekend:

So I guess I’ll just have to hang with dad next week while mom’s gone. Boomerang better bring me back a trophy or something after all the hard work I put into training him…..or I’m gonna be peeved!

Also, mom, I expect presents upon your return. Thank you.

Read all about Boomerang’s preparation for the Extreme Cowboy Race on the Trick Ponies’ Blog

Virginia Excursion Part 2

Posted on November 4, 2010 by Ammo

Hopefully you read part 1 of my adventure.

What I haven’t told you about yet, was all the new friends I met!!

My new friends were exhausting, so it’s a good thing I had a cushy bed to go back to at the hotel.

On my last morning in Virginia I got to take a ride with my pal Minnow. Minnow gives the best rides!

And just when I thought my adventure might be coming to an end….I got to see this…

Amazing Grace, the trick mule (and winner of the 2008 talent contest). Don’t tell Minnow, but I have to admit, her basketball dunk WAS pretty cool. Although I bet Minnow could do it too if he really wanted.

Mules don’t eat Dachshund’s right?

Gracie was pretty cool I guess, but I still love my pony Minnow the best!

Well after a pretty awesome adventure in Virginia, I was pretty happy to be headed back to Pennsylvania. And just in time too….because look what arrived on Halloween night!

Don’t worry, I have lots of photos and videos to share of my new friend at the farm! 🙂

Virginia Excursion Part 1

Posted on November 3, 2010 by Ammo

So, after hearing about my big win at the Equine Extravaganza, there are still a lot of details I left out of my big trip – like what I did when I wasn’t performing for the masses!

After driving for 6 plus hours on Friday (it was apparently only supposed to take 4) we arrived in the dark at the Meadow Event Park in Virginia. I had to wait patiently while my pal Minnow got his stall bedded and he was tucked in for the night. Then I got to check into the hotel where I was staying! yipee!

You mean I get to sleep on the bed??

Of course one of the first things I had to do was check out my new digs, especially the bath tub. You all know how I love a hot bath!

After a good nights sleep I was up early and headed to the Event Park.

There was a lot of scrambling around on Saturday morning, readying props, getting dressed in costumes, and before I knew it I was running into the arena with my pal Minnow. (watch the video here).

Then after a lot of meet & greet with my fans and fellow competitors I took a much needed nap in the car while mom went to check out the rest of the expo (where apparently dogs weren’t allowed).

When are they going to make saddles for dogs?

Then mom came back and I got to go for a walk with my friend Minnow.

Me and Minnow have a very special friendship

Some of my very lucky fans even got to witness the “rarely seen” pony rubs dachshund’s belly – where Minnow helps a guy out and rubs my belly for me. Trust me, I don’t show this to everyone! (although my mom did catch it on film once.)

Later I took a little detour to check out the “facilities” at the park. I guess they meet my standards.

Then it was back to the hotel for the night.

But don’t worry, my adventure didn’t stop there! Check back tomorrow to learn about the rest of my trip!

Super Dog vs. Super Pony – who won?

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Ammo

As my facebook fans know, I’m back from my amazing trip to the Equine Extravaganza to compete in the talent contest with my pony pal, Chincoteague Minnow.

And guess what!!?? I came back as the winner! Well ok, Minnow & I are the winners!

Mom was kinda nervous for the performance, but Minnow & I knew exactly what we were doing. Just check it out for yourself:

We were up against some stiff competition….

But I think it was my adorableness that won the judges over. I also threw in a few extra moves of my own to really wow them too…..Like digging a REALLY REALLY big hole. I mean did you hear all the laughs I got? I have to admit I’m kinda bitter that the crowd clapped the loudest for Minnow & he won the super hero trophy…..I guess I can give him that one though, since it WAS a HORSE EXPO.

Not only did I win glory in the contest, but I also won the opportunity to have a private training session with Movie Star Animal Trainer, Doug Sloan. I can see myself now in a kibble commercial, or maybe the next marvel super hero movie! I mean after all the 2008 talent contest winner, Amazing Grace, became a movie star after she won! So hey, it could happen to me right?

But, even if I don’t become a super star, my mom said she’ll always be proud of me, and I don’t need a fancy movie role to be special.

And you know, my mom’s right. Because I perform to make people smile and laugh, and because it’s fun! (not to mention the chicken and cheese mom gives me is to die for!)

So maybe someday you will see me on the big screen, but if not, I’ll be just as happy to continue to make my fans smile.

P.S. I have lots more photos to share from my adventuresome weekend….so check back tomorrow….you can also head over to the Trick Ponies Blog to see more videos from my travels.

On the Road Again

Posted on October 29, 2010 by Ammo

While you’re reading this, I’m on my way to Doswell, Virginia for the weekend with my pal Minnow! Minnow and I are competing in a talent competition at the Equine Extravaganza.

I’m a little bit nervous, but I’ve been practicing a lot, so I’m super excited to show everyone what I can do!

A few years back a mule named Gracie won the talent contest. Gracie went on to star in a movie and even made a few TV appearances after winning the contest. Pretty cool, huh?

Now I don’t know about being a TV star, but I do know I can’t wait to make everyone laugh! Laughter is the best part about being a performing Dachshund. Well and the treats, lets not forget the treats.

I really like to look out into the audience and see lots of smiling faces! That’s why sometimes I like to add-lib in my performances. Les you forget when I stole the show away from my friend Minnow the Pony this summer during a performance in Virginia – where I decided to dig a GIANT hole in the arena while Minnow was doing his tricks!

Sneaky I know, but when the crowd burst out laughing…..it was totally worth it. Minnow forgave me later, we always kiss and make up.

So since I totally enjoy making everyone smile – I thought I’d share a little video of Me and Minnow practicing for our big show. It’s not the finished product – which I will be sure to tell you all about when I get back – but I think it should hold you till I get back!

P.S. You better be laughing!

Adventures of a Performing Doxie

Posted on September 7, 2010 by Ammo

Most of you know I have a day job as shop greeter at my mom’s small-town custom framing store. But after hours I turn into “Ammo the stuntdog”! I perform super amazing tricks with my Painting Pony friends – sometimes traveling with them too. Most of the time Chincoteague Minnow is my traveling buddy, because he’s the most famous of the trick ponies. Minnow thinks I’m his sidekick as he wows the crowds with his ability to paint and do tricks. But I KNOW that I carry the show with my death-defying leaps through my hoop, and my ability to play dead (and come back alive). And we all know who looks cuter in a stunt helmet!

This past weekend Minnow and I took a trip to the Ludwigs Corner Horse Show to entertain the crowds. This performance was EXTRA dare devilish because we were met with 22MPH winds due to Hurricane Earl. But I bravely put on my stunt helmet and continued on with the performance, I wasn’t gonna let a little wind keep me from making all the children laugh!