Newsletter Holiday Edition 2021

                Enzo's Garage 

                   Newsletter 

           Holiday Edition 2021

I hope this finds all of well and enjoying the upcoming holiday season. It certainly has been a roller coaster ride for the last couple of years during the height of the Covid pandemic making the love and support shown in the garage more important than ever.  I am thankful for each and every one of the members of Team Garage and thank you with all of my heart.

Now to move on to the fun stuff!

                Holiday Fun

                  Halloween

First a big thank you to Lucky's mom Julie for designing and hosting our Haunted House Mystery! I hope everyone had a good time with all of her fun puzzles and games!  I also hope you had fun with the Halloween mini games and I am so grateful that Kahlua was rescued from the old TV!  Mom might put up another mini game before Halloween gets here so always check the announcements because that is where they will be pinned! 

                Thanksgiving

This year rather than planning a big event Lucky, Ceasar and I decided to have everyone write a thankful list.  Most of you are familiar with my annual Thankful Lists so this year you get to write your own. I think it is a good project for all of us to list the many blessings that we tend to overlook in our lives. 

                 Christmas

Last year we decorated the Garage Christmas Tree so I thought this year we will decorate the Garage! So be thinking about how to light up the scrap yard filled with old car parts, tires and miscellaneous junk! And most importantly how to light up the main part of the garage (my shop), Miss Jessie's greenhouse and the surrounding woods. You can post photos or drawings of your decorations! 

We might do a mini game where we post what holidays we celebrate and how we celebrate them. Since we come from all over the globe and have many different beliefs.  Learning new things is not just educational but fun too! 

               Pen Pal Group

I don't know about you guys but I am having a blast with this new sub group! It is so much fun to get mail of our very own! To learn about all of you and where you live is a wonderful way to get to know each other on a more personal level than the internet.  

If you have not signed up for the Pen Pal Group you can do so at any time by posting your address in the Pen Pal List thread. It is pinned to the announcements.  

             Note From Enzo

I want to thank all of you for a wonderful year of love, fun, laughter and support.  I am looking forward to bright and fun filled New Year with my friends at the Garage!  May you all have a safe and wonderful holiday season.  I love all of you bunches!

Golden Kisses from the Mountain, Enzo

A Cat, A Dog and a Donut Shop

Ring...Ring...Ring...what is that thought Enzo as he opened his sleepy eyes. Wait! Now I know what that is it's my alarm clock! Without hesitation Enzo jumped out of bed grabbed his chefs hat and ran out the door at the garage! Oh nooooo! I am so late and I am sure that Ceasar has busy baking for hours! Enzo ran as fast as his old legs could go, past the old gas pumps and up the hill.  He suddenly realized he was traveling so fast that centrifugal force had to be initiated in order to negotiate the right hand corner around the chicken coop! Flying like the wind suddenly Enzo realized he was airborne after tripping over some carelessly stacked tires on the back side of the chicken coop! Yikes cried Enzo as he slid right in the back door of the donut shop only to encounter a head on collision with poor Ceasar who just removed a tray of cake donuts out of the oven! Dazed, Enzo looked up to see Ceasar sitting on the floor with donuts scattered everywhere! Oops thought Enzo what a disaster. He could have caused injury to his friend and not to mention ruining the first batch of donuts of the day. He closed his eyes and hung his head in shame. When suddenly he felt something rubbing his ears. When he looked up he saw Ceasar standing there with an offering of a "pre-furred" donut covered in golden fur. Enzo secretly muttering to himself about his excessive shedding this year.  Thank you so much Ceasar and I am so very sorry about the mishap but feeling so thankful that his friend had such a good sense of humor. You are welcome Enzo. We might as well enjoy some donuts said Ceasar as he methodically spit out dog fur! But being a good natured kitty he just smiled at his silly furry friend and picked up the broom to sweep up the mess the big Golden had made! 

Once the two friends got the mess cleaned up they resumed into donut making mode and went about their usual routine with Caesar quietly singing Time to Make the Donuts and Enzo manning the evil pink mixer! 

Owwww!  Ceasar! Ceasar! Help!! The evil mixer got my ear!!! Ceasar would have been terrified if it wasn't for the fact that this was a regular occurance with his big clumsy friend. Ceasar just thought to himself it's just another day of working with a golden retriever. But in the long run it made the days baking donuts way more interesting! Ceasar strolled over to the table and casually pulled the plug on the mixer and gave Enzo a quick pat on the head of and returned to the task of making donuts. Ceasar giggled to himself as he thought about the next golden blunder for the day. Yup the flour always makes him sneeze. Ceasar started the countdown...10, 9, 8, 7, 6...Ahhhhchoooo! Ceasar! Hang on Enzo I'm coming with the tissues Enzo and bless you buddy! Ceasar smiled at a funny thought that God should have included pockets for tissues when he made goldens! 

In spite of Enzo's clutzy ways Ceasar thought he would never have a different business partner! LoL! 

Oh Enzo not again!  Hmm more pre sprinkled flour thought Ceasar as he peered into the flour bag. But in spite of all the crazy stunts that goofy golden dog pulled Ceasar and Enzo remained the very best of friends!

And will forever make the donuts for all of our friends at Enzo's Garage on Enzo's Mountain! 

Enzo's Garage 9th Anniversary

The Story Behind The Garage

Nearly a decade ago on a now non existent pet social media site called Doggyspace a little garage on the mountain was born.  Enzo joined Doggyspace on his first birthday (11/27/2011) and since he was named for Enzo Ferrari he thought he should create a place where the pets could hang out and play kibble poker. Because of his namesake he decided that a garage would be an appropriate hangout. Little did he know that the little garage on the mountain would survive two moves and evolve into the safe, private and loving place that it is today. He knows that it's the members that made it all possible. He is so proud of each and every one of you and thanks you from the bottom of his golden heart for supporting, posting and participating in activities dreamed up by our admin team! So this post is for you yes you, Team Garage! 

The original garage was opened on 8/17/2012 and with Miss Jessie as his business partner they proudly introduced Doggyspace to Enzo's Garage. It quickly became a favorite place to gather and share in the laughter of Doggyspace gossip. Soon to follow was Enzo and Jessie's F1 Race Team. They had tryouts for drivers as well as for cheerleaders. The first race was run sometime in September of 2012 with Tommy Tunes being the top driver for of course Ferrari. What no one knew is Doggyspace was in its final days and the creators were talking about pulling the plug on our precious playground. 🥺. Fortunately we had a postcard group and holiday/birthday exchange groups so we had each other's addresses but not all of the people knew each other real well. Then came the fateful day when we all sat tearfully in front of our computers and we watched in silence as each profile disappeared into cyberspace. Then the site went away. When all was silent we gathered on FB and cried. It was then that it occurred to Enzo that he possessed the last connection to our beloved Doggyspace in the form of a peaceful little garage on the mountain...❤️

Tanner Brigade

Now that the Doggyspacers were officially homeless, Judge Foley invited us to join her pet media site known as Tanner Brigade. A good portion of us joined and the garage made its first move. It quickly became the favorite hangout again. Pets that we didn't know from Doggyspace came and joined us in a game of kibble poker and to shoot the breeze. It was there that Enzo's Garage started to evolve into a more interactive place. We started having garage sales, holiday parties and even an art show. Enzo had a bulletin board of cars, trucks and farm equipment that was to be worked on and a separate board that you could check to see if your ride was ready. He made a lot of deliveries in his old noisy wrecker. Ask Pocket and River as to how many times they were jarred out of bed by Enzo's delapated wrecker! It was on Tanner Brigade that we collected more new friends and many of them are here with us today. As all things do good things come to an end and many of us didn't have time to participate in more than one social site so we sadly bid farewell to Tanner Brigade and the little garage on the mountain moved to FB where it is today. 

Enzo's Garage Where Smiles Are Made

Although it was sad to make the move from TB Enzo never regretted his decision to move to FB. His garage is now better than ever. Filled with love, compassion and smiles. We love all of you so much...

Petzbe 

For about a year Enzo played on a pet social media site called Petzbe. Again I found myself overwhelmed with posting on two social sites. But I had to choose FB over Petzbe because the garage was here.  But I have no regrets joining Petzbe because many of their members are here in our garage including my awesome administration team whom Enzo befriended on Petzbe. 

Meet The Brains Of The Garage 😂

My awesome team of smart creative Administrators all came from Petzbe and are Lucky, Caesar and Enzo! 

Laura Lunn

It would not be a proper tribute to the garage if there was not a mention of Laura who was one of the first members of the garage during the Doggyspace days with her doggies Pokey, Maggie and Toby. Laura was the kindest, most caring and loving person you could ever know. In spite of all of her serious health issues she rescued pets until God told her it was time for her to rest because he had a new job for her taking care of the animals at the bridge. All of us love and miss Laura but take comfort in knowing she is watching over our late beloved pets. 😇. 

The Garage Members That Did Not Belong To Pet Media

I am always amazed at how well everyone blended in the garage including our members who were not affiliated with any pet media sites. Those people include a dog blogger/photographer, my best friend on the mountain Kelly, my cousin Val and Lucky's cousin! And maybe others that escaped me! A lot of wonderful new friendships have been made from the garage. ❤️

Retrieve Your Faith - The Story Behind The Chapel

Back on Doggyspace there was an adorable little tuxedo Pomeranian named Pastor Fonzie who ran a non denominational church for all of us. Well towards the end of Doggyspace Fonzie and his mom were struggling with health issues so his mom approached Enzo about taking over the church for them. Enzo kept his promise and took over the care of the church for them. We did not move the church to Tanner Brigade but one of the dogs did and it changed from a little chapel in the Midwest to a huge marble and gold cathedral on Tanner Brigade. When Enzo moved the garage to FB he remembered his promise to Pastor Fonzie and moved the chapel to the mountain. But it went through another transformation to fit the area and became the little A frame Lutheran church on the mountain. Enzo tries hard to have outdoor prayers for those that are not comfortable with being inside a church. 

Happy 9th Garage Anniversary

So on the 17th of this month Enzo's Garage will be celebrating 9 years of fun, love, tears, compassion and friendship! We sincerely thank all of you for being a part of our humble little garage on the mountain. ❤️

Lots of love and hugs, 

Kathy and Enzo 

Ask Uncle Enzo - January 2019

Dear Uncle Enzo,
Can you tell me why our doctors have such a fascination with squeezing our "hineys"?
My honey was just peachy then that most humiliating of circumstances happened to me yesterday and in front of a bunch of complete strangers!  One treat is not enough for me losing my dignity in front of humans I don't know very well!
Signed A Humiliated Miss Music

Dear Miss Music,
I am certain that you are not the first dog to ask this same question as we have all been placed in that same incredibly embarrassing situation.  You walk politely into the vets office and wheres the first place they put that thermometer?!!  Then they speak very softly to your human as though you don't understand what they are saying...has your dog been doing a lot of "scooting"?  Scooting?!!  You have to be kidding of course I scoot!  The carpet is so soft and it does such a wonderful job of collecting the aroma of your special honey!  I never could understand why humans got so upset about the whole process unless of course it is the brown stripe that it leaves on the rug! I think maybe if us doggies can figure out how to keep the stripe off the carpet we might escape the expulsion of our honey!  My best advice is to take one of the dirty clothes out of the laundry basket and sit on it while you scoot.  Then return the soiled laundry back into the basket.  Gosh it was there to be washed anyway and the rug will be clean!  Then demand two cookies for being such a good doggy!  
Sincerely Uncle Enzo 
The Guru on the Mountain

Dear Uncle Enzo,
It's me Chloe.  I was wondering,  why do humans talk baby talk to us dogs.  I know I used to be called "Baby Chloe" but now that I am 4.years old and slightly more mature,  my Mom still talks to me like a baby.  Can you help me understand?  Thanks and love you lots.
Signed "Not a Baby" Chloe

Dear Chloe,
At four years old I tend to agree you are not a baby anymore. You are big enough and old enough to mind your manners, come when you are called, play nicely with the kitties Frank and CiCi and walk politely on a leash. Have patience with your Mommy because humans especially female humans want everything to be their baby.  I think they are wired that way to be Mommys.  They have been known to squeeze you, hug you, kiss you and yes talk baby talk to you.  It doesn't mean they think you "are" a baby but that you will always be their baby.  My suggestion to you is do lots of cuddling with her, close your eyes and enjoy the rhythmic sounds of baby language.  And most of all know that she loves you!  Yes I would enjoy this one for as long as I could!  
Sincerely Uncle Enzo
The Guru on the Mountain

Dear Uncle Enzo,
Where did you get those grooving sunglasses?  I want some! Do you have any fashion advice for a young pup like me?
Signed A Fashionable Pup Hachi

Dear Hachi, 
You are a very young handsome pup just beginning to explore your world.  Shades are a cool accessory but at your age and going on so many outside adventures with your Mommy, Shyla and R, I would recommend a good pair of Dogles. They will protect your eyes from the thin air at our high elevations and you will look like a cool pup too!  Us mountain dogs should look into stylish but practical outfits including a warm set of Muttluks or Polar Paws accessorized with a matching parka or a fleece jacket. I like a good hood on my parka because it keeps my ears warm! If you do have a formal event that you must attend a nice ascot will accent your natural good looks and you don't have to worry about obtaining "tails" because you already have one!  But always remember that you are a handsome fellow and do not always need the aid of human clothing to be popular!  
Sincerely Uncle Enzo
The Guru of the Mountain 
  

Ask Uncle Enzo Is Back!!!

I decided that my blog (or the term I like better because it sounds more interesting is "glob") has been  neglected far to long so I decided to get back to tapping away at the keyboard again.  So I had a nice visit with the Honorable Judge Foley Monster a/k/a Ask Aunt Foley to see if she was interested in continuing her advice column.  She assured me that she was much to busy with her duties at the Rainbow Bridge to continue giving her excellent advice to the doggies and kitties in the mortal world.   We are very grateful for her updates on the happenings at the Bridge.  I know that myself, Miss Maya and Miss Molly are greatful for her bravery in speaking to the Great Bear on our behalf during the summer of "visiting bears"!  I also had a nice talk with Pocket Dog who assured me that she has been much to busy covering important events like gardening with her Mommy and scraping River Song's chewing gum off of Judge Foley's desk!  So Pocket said she did not have time to take over her sisters advice column.  So the reins have been passed back to me and Uncle Enzo is back and barking!  I don't give advice to our two legged friends because they can ask Google!  But I will answer questions from my four legged friends to the best of my golden ability.
*For those that are members of my garage you may post your questions there or you may leave them on mom's Facebook page.  They will be answered via Blogger which I will cross post to FB.  I am excited to be writing again!!
Golden Kisses,
Uncle Enzo

She Turned My Life Upside Down...But I Love It

"Ohhhh I thought love was only true in Fairy Tales and for someone else but not for me.  Oh love was out to get me that's the way it seemed and disappointment haunted all my dreams.  Then I saw her face now I'm a believer I couldn't leave her if I tried"...

The Story of Jessie Belle and Enzo Biscotti

I remember the date like it was yesterday it was a snowy day on November 30, 2011 I had just celebrated my 1st birthday when I joined a new online "social club" called Doggyspace.  There were so many pretty girls there it made my Golden head spin.  Being the handsome eligible bachelor that I was I started looking real close at all these lovely ladies.  Then suddenly this beautiful Border Collie mix with a sweet southern accent poked her head around the corner and smiled at me! Well that smile made me feel all light like I was floating about in space!  I couldn't sleep because all I could think about was this sweet southern Belle by the name of Jessie Belle.  She was on my mind during the day and all night.  I could not get her out of my head or my heart.  I had to think about what to do this was an incredibly big decision to ask a lovely young lady to be your "forever" girl.  So I waited and waited and waited and hoped that she would want me as her "forever" guy.  I turned 2 years old on November 27, 2012 and on November 29th I politely asked "Miss" Jessie if she would be my girl.  I was so nervous I carried my collar around and shook my toys while I awaited an answer.  I received that answer the next day on November 30th.  I sat at the computer and stared at her message that she had sent me.  I read it very slowly...It said Yes Enzo I would love to be your Forever Girl!  I jumped up and ran around the room...she said Yes, she said Yes!!!  That day was the happiest day of my life! 

Now came the tough part I am a mountain guy and she is a beach gal.  We are worlds apart and I didn't speak "southern"!  I was literally in a tizzy.  What do I do now!  I have a girl and I am to scared to talk to her!  I consulted with some of my "guy" friends on Doggyspace who told me Enzo if you can't talk to her then you will have to show her how you feel about her.  Hmm...I thought and pondered about how to show a girl how much you care about her.  Then it hit me!  I put on my best dressy tie to make a trip to the jewelry store and spent my cookie money on a pink promise collar with a big sparkly stone in it to send to Miss Jessie. 

Then I worried for days about what she would think about the promise collar...

Well in a few days I received a message from Miss Jessie saying how much she loved the collar and then I knew I had a companion for life.  She is my very best friend, my confidant, my girl.  Together we created and opened Enzo's Garage and Race Shop.  Later we planted a garden for her to plant her flowers.  I also built a picnic area with a BBQ so she could create her wonderful culinary creations to serve to the clients at the garage.  We have exchanged gifts and cards throughout the years and are the best of friends.  My nickname for her is Sweet Pea so every year she sends me "Spring" in the form of Sweet Pea seeds since Spring comes so late on the mountain. This is the kind of girl Miss Jessie is, kind, funny and loving.

So on November 30th this year we will be celebrating 6 wonderful years of friendship.  For those of you that are wondering there are no plans for a marriage between us.  We live miles apart and this way we are free to talk to other "guys" and/or "gals".  But we will always be a couple because Miss Jessie stole my heart and forgot to give it back.  And truthfully I don't want it back as it belongs to her. 

"You are in my heart, your in my soul, you'll be my breath should I grow old...your in my soul"

The Mountain Dogs Tackle A 14 Teener

It was a beautiful bluebird sort of day when Shyla, R, Molly, Maya and Enzo set out to climb the highest peak in the state.  They checked their packs making sure that they had all of the essentials for their trip up the mountain.  Enzo glanced over at the youngest member of their climbing party, Miss Molly who was completely inside of her pack with her head out and eating what appeared to be kibble!  Miss Molly I hope that you don't get hungry on our adventure because I think you just ate your rations for the trip.  Molly's eyes were huge as she licked her lips and her pack nearly fell over with the force of her butt wiggle!  But Enzo I was hungry now, right now I just want to run, play and explore the mountain.  Well alright I think I have some extra kibble just in case you need it.  Miss Shyla the most experienced of the expedition said to Enzo I think we had better get on the trail so we reach the summit before morning.  Yes Shyla I believe you are correct about the time.  Enzo shivered at the thought of hiking in under the cover of darkness and what may be lurking behind every rock.  He unzipped the small pocket of his pack and made sure that he packed his Binky just in case they ran into an unfriendly bruin.  He decided that you should never venture into the outdoors without a Binky or two besides maybe one of your friends might need a Binky too and he was polite enough to share.  He looked at his group of high altitude mountain friends and smiled to himself.  There was lovely Miss Molly who was frantically throwing things back into her pack while still being distracted by a bumble bee that was flying around the sub alpine flowers.  Miss Shyla was neat, tidy, organized and her chocolate colored coat gleamed elegantly in the mid morning sun.  She was soft spoken and smart.  Enzo had grown to trust her judgement as well as admire her intelligence.  He adored Shyla's brother R who right now was busy chasing butterflies with Molly.  He thought those two made a cute couple as he almost broke out laughing when he realized he was playing the part of a canine matchmaker!  A black lab and an Aussie now that is a pair!  Then he looked over at the matriarch of the expedition who was laying quietly on the ground beside Enzo.  Miss Maya thank you for coming with us on this adventure for we need your experience on the trail.  Enzo thought to himself, whew, I am sure glad that we have Miss Maya and Miss Shyla to lead the way because he knew that he had a terrible sense of direction and even got hopelessly lost in a corn field one time.  He was embarrassed to think that he needed to call on the Angels from the Bridge to help him find his way out!  He was still thankful that Judge Foley was not out partying that fateful day and was able to take his distress call!  

Miss Shyla stood up, stretched and barked ok troops it is time to hit the trail so put on your packs and we will head up the mountain.  They headed out almost in perfect cadence, nose to tail along the winding sub alpine trail lined with flowers and small pine trees.  Enzo sniffed the air and could smell the light scent of a small mountain stream, twisting and turning into the valley below.  The air was filled with delightful smells of deer, elk and squirrels.  WAIT...SQUIRREL!!!!!!  He felt a dog paw slap his butt and R who was right behind said stay on track Enzo no squirrel chasing today!  Oh phooey thought Enzo that takes all the fun out of it!

They walked and climbed for a really long time winding around rocks and through lovely fields of alpine flowers.  Shyla stopped and sniffed the air and turned to Miss Maya do you smell that?  Yes said Miss Maya and don't let Enzo get a whiff of it or he will need his Binky.  Miss Shyla laughed at the thought of her big Golden friend with a Binky shaped like human lips stuck in his mouth for the duration of the trip because he smelled a bear!  Maya and Shyla smiled at each other with the same thought that Enzo was big enough to pass himself off as a little bear cub!  But suddenly there was the big bruin grazing in the meadow beside them rolling over rocks to hunt for grubs and other tasty little insects. Enzo looked over and shivered.  He quickly hid behind Maya and keep his eyes glued on the bear.  Remembering his commands from obedience school he softly whispered in the direction of the bear, sit, stay, on by and a new one "go away bear"!!!  At that Shyla could no longer contain herself from laughter at her silly friend and unzipped his pack and stuck a Binky in his mouth.  Maya took the string and attached it to Enzo's collar so he couldn't lose it along the way.  The way she figured it the worst thing ever was to have a big dog on a mountain climbing expedition that is terrified of bears and loses his Binky!  

The sun was slowly beginning to recede below the horizon and the air turned crisp and the four friends were beginning to feel hungry and thirsty.  Miss Maya turned and told the happy wanderers that this was going to be where they camped for the night.  They had plenty of shelter among the boulders and and a small stream was nearby for water.  Enzo and R helped the ladies pitch their tents and lay out their sleeping bags.  Then Shyla went through all their provisions and set out bowls of kibble for everyone.  Miss Molly looked very worried that maybe she should not have eaten her kibble before the trip but was pleasantly surprised at the generosity of her friends as they carefully divided their kibble with her.  They ate in silence and then took a group trip to the creek for a long drink of water that somehow broke out into a game of tag!  They ran and played until they had no choice other than to crawl into their sleeping bags and fall into a deep sleep for the night.  The morning light lit up the sides of their tents in a deep rose color that sparkled on the mountain stream.  Enzo came out of the tent and looked at the beautiful sight that unfolded in front of him and had awoken the birds who sang a serenade in C for the lone hikers.  Enzo looked down into the valley and then to the summit of the mountain and whispered to himself...An angel robed in spotless white, bent down and kissed the sleeping night, the night awoke to blush the sprite was gone, men saw the blush and called it dawn...  It was indeed a beautiful sight but it made him wish that Miss Jessie was there to enjoy the view with him.  But he knew that she was safe on the island with her parents and brother Roscoe a long ways away from the bears...shiver.  

After splitting up the last of the kibble and sharing cookies the brave mountaineers started up the last trek of their journey involving steep traverses across boulder fields and loose shale.  The summit was not that far away but it seemed like hours before they reached the top.  They walked and walked until their paws hurt but the fearless four kept on trekking.  Suddenly they reached the end of the trail and everyone was left breathless including in a literal sense!  As they gazed north, south, east and west.  Wow what a sight they all said at once!  And in the words of CW McCall "My isn't pretty up here"!  The four friends stood in awe for many minutes soaking up every bit of the solitude that the mountain had to offer.  Then R turned to the group and said wait right here I have something to leave that will show the humans that us doggies were standing right here on top of the world and we did it without any fancy technology or human stuff but just plain doggy sense.  He reached into his pack and pulled out a very small flag so they did not leave such a large impact on the environment.  He carefully dug a small hole and placed the flag with a paw print and the four names of his friends on the top of the mountain.  He smiled and said now they will know that we were here.  The friends stood paw in paw and gazed at R's flag knowing that someday someone would write about their amazing accomplishment about the dogs that tackled and won the 14 teener.

Golden Kisses, 
Enzo