Just For Fun | Page 46

Groundhog Day

So, yesterday was Ground Hog Day and while Punxsutawney Phil predicted a longer winter, Stanton Island Chuck was crabby–even biting the Mayor who didn’t have much animal sense–and his prediction?

Spring is on the way.

This is in direct conflict with the predictions of Punxsutawney Phil and Connecticut Chuck.

Oy!

Over here it is springlike and a snow storm is predicted to hit this weekend. Although we get most of our snow in late February and March, it has been unseasonably warm.

I see buds in the yard and most of the snow is melted–so I am waiting to see which of these critters is right.

If you want to see my Ground Hog Day commentary from yesterday click here.

Staton Island Chuck is just one of the competitors to Punxsutawney Phil and he takes his job seriously.

Below is the video of him in training.

Groundhog Staten Island Chuck vs. the Shadow

You can also read more about the history of this event and about Connecticut Chuck (or Chuckles in this case since Molly is number seven in a long line of such public servants–watch the video) in Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pets & Other Creatures.

Then of course there is the hunter’s version of Ground Hog Day...

Blog Posted February 3, 2009 at 8:42 am

White House Unleashed

Above: Photo from the pet friendly area of White House History.

Wow, the interest in the Obama dog seems to have sparked a whole lot of interest in Presidential Pets.

I enjoyed reading more about and seeing additional pictures of White House Pets.

However the public interest is so high that we can now go to see a play, Unleashed! The Secret Lives of White House Pets at the Kennedy Center until February 22, 2009.

The Washington Post has already written about Unleashed!

From the White House History Site:

Young Alastair’s father has just been elected President, so she and her jittery Chihuahua Tipp are moving into the White House. When their new celebrity status begins to overwhelm them, wise old usher Max takes them on a hilarious journey back in time to meet other first kids and their pets! Pretty soon, they’re rubbing elbows with a couple of Texas hounds, a grandmotherly spaniel, and more White House mutts.

But some unexpected personalities pop up too, including a voracious Cajun alligator, some country-bumpkin goats, a stuffy mocking bird, a well-mannered bovine, and even a garter snake! Gathering advice from them all, Alastair learns the power of friendship, courage, and responsibility in this third installment of the popular co-commissions.

Ages 7 and up. January 30 – February 22, 2009 in the Kennedy Center Family Theater.