Thursday, July 30, 2009

Brutus Visits Curwood Castle




Brutus had another opportunity to leave the library and visit some of the local sites. Recently he went to Curwood Castle in Owosso to learn more about James Oliver Curwood. He found out that the Castle was used as a writing studio and has been named as a literary landmark by the Friends of Libraries U.S.A. Brutus has seen some of Curwood's books in the library and was excited to visit the place where Curwood worked and see the Shiawassee River. (Staff was grateful to learn that Brutus wasn't interested in swimming in the river). And you should have seen his tail wag when found out that several of these books (Kazan and Baree) were about dogs!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Library Board Picnic

Brutus was all ready to go to the Library Board picnic on Wednesday evening; he was drooling over the good food which was going to be there--especially the desserts (apple pie, cookies, chocolate cake, and more). Then he heard that the main course was to to be hot dogs and he decided to stay in Owosso. He was worried that after he messed up Margaret's desk a week ago, that he might become the "hot" dog. No one could convince him that hot dogs were not made from real dogs. Everyone else had a good time.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Mr. H's Corner




This afternoon was also exciting for Brutus. The family of Steve Hanzolvic made a donation to the library in his memory. Mr. H. was a teacher and the money is being used to purchase resources for parents and teachers which will housed in the Children's Department. There was even a cake, but Brutus wasn't allowed to eat it himself--humans got first chance at it. Brutus never had the chance to meet Mr. H, but he thinks that he must have been a great teacher to be honored this way. Did he ever use books about dogs in his classroom?

Brutus Goes to Storyhour





Brutus had a very busy day yesterday. In the morning he helped Cindy tell stories at Emerson School. The boys and girls enjoyed meeting Brutus, and they spoiled him with lots of love and affection. Brutus liked all the attention he received. There is only one more week of summer reading program, and he hopes to meet even more kids next week.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Brutus misses out on ALA


Brutus was a bad dog today. He missed Steve and Margaret for a few days, and just found out that they had gone to a conference in Chicago without him! He messed up Margaret's desk in revenge and started to chew up her program book. Margaret will be spending part of the afternoon cleaning up the mess. Brutus was also unhappy that he missed meeting Oscar the Robot in Emery-Pratt's booth and that he will have to share his space with the new fish seen in the photo. His only consolation is that neither of them brought home any cats. He is being promised that if he behaves himself until next year, he might be able to visit Washington, DC. He thinks that this may be too much to expect from a dog who likes to have fun.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009




Brutus attended the Joel Tacey comedy and juggling show in the pavilion behind the Durand Memorial Branch. He was happy to meet another dog, Major, at the show since he usually doesn't get to see other dogs in the library.






Brutus helped Joel set up for the show but they stopped long enough to have their pictures taken with some kids. Joel was being funny and stuck bunny ears behind Brutus. Brutus didn't mind since they weren't cat ears.





The show was so exciting that Brutus volunteered to help Joel, but he didn't know he was going to be juggled. Brutus thought it was fun but he was dizzy for a while. The crowd of 123 humans, 2 dogs, and one rabbit all enjoyed Joel's performance. The next program wil be a make and take craft program on July 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.


Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Birds of Prey Program



Brutus joined 48 people for a program by the Howell Nature Center on the Birds of Prey this afternoon. He was sad to learn that the falcon, hawk, and owls visiting the Children's Department hunt small rodents and smaller birds, but not nature's greatest nuisance--cats.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Brutus Marches to the Beat of a Different Drummer

Brutus was involved in a visit from Drummunity this afternoon. He joined about 75 kids and their parents for a chance to march to the beat of various items used as drums. (He found it difficult to keep all four feet in time with the beat). Everyone had a great time. Brutus is also looking forward to next week's program being done by the Howell Nature Center on Tuesday, July 7th at 1 p.m. Rumor has it that live birds are involved. Can he run fast enough to catch one?