Swissy Island | Home of Greater Swiss Mountain Grand Champion Dog Oscar The Grouch

Rent An Oscar? Giving Greg a Christmas Away From The Shelter

26. December 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Random · Tags: Cayman Islands Humane Society, Rent an Oscar The Grouch, Swissy Withdrawal

I am on a two week Grand Cayman Christmas/New Years trip and I miss Oscar. Despite days filled with lying on the beach, scuba diving, kayaking, and playing tennis, I am thinking of the Swissy. I arranged with the Cayman Islands Humane Society to bring a dog to the Ritz-Carlton for the day in the spirit of Christmas. Yesterday, I took a cab to the Humane Society. As soon as I walked in the door, I saw Greg. While taking him for a walk, I saw how energetic he was. I took another dog for a walk right after, but then noticed how Greg was sad and wanted to be played with. Not letting him down, I took him back to the hotel with me. When I brought him to the beach, he ran for the ocean. Greg was an instant swimmer and had constant energy. He wanted to run back and forth along the beach to say hello to everyone. After a fun filled day, he finally fell asleep under my beach chair. Before I knew it, it was 4 pm, and his ride came to get him. It was very sad sending him back after such a great day together.

Oscar-Claus Comes to Town

25. December 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Oscar The Grouch Dog, Oscar-Claus

Oscar was not able to attend the Eukanuabu dog show, but was sure to make it to the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center during the month of December. A Swissy dressed as Santa Claus in front of the Christmas Tree made all the tourists swarm to get their pictures taken with Oscar Claus!

The Swissy Doesn’t Make It To Florida

24. December 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Random · Tags: AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Oscar The Grouch Dog

Oscar and I are very grateful for Nancy Kechner & Roxanne Sutton for offering their help with trying to attend the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show. Unfortunately, the additional cost of a one-way car rental and new plane tickets would have brought the total cost of the trip to $3000, so the trip was cancelled. I still went to experience the show, but I felt very guilty about leaving Oscar at home with my father. I still cannot believe that his ride broke down, but I am happy that it happened before the trip. There will always be next year!

The Swissy Needs A Ride To Florida

08. December 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Random · Tags: AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Oscar The Grouch Dog

Oscar is entered in the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show in Orlando, Florida. However his
ride to the show is having van trouble and it doesn’t look good. I would do it, but have critical work assignments due. If anyone is able to give Oscar a ride to Florida, please let us know ASAP. You will be compensated in more than milk bones.

A Fun Weekend at the Thanksgiving/National Dog Show

23. November 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Press · Tags: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, John O'Hurley, National Dog Show, Oscar The Grouch Dog, Thanksgiving Day

Oscar had a fun weekend meeting many new friends at the National Dog Show! The swissy was in demand with only a few Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs in attendance. Oscar entertained his new friends with his sit/paw/speak/catch routine along with a few rollovers mixed in. The event served as a defacto Meet The Breed with so many people asking questions about Swissies. Of course the first question was “Is he a short-haired Bernese?” which was followed by “How to they differ from Bernese Mountain Dogs?”. Many people are probably familiar with the dog show as it airs on NBC, Thanksgiving day with John O’Hurley.

Mideast Peace and Oscar?

20. November 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Press, Walking Oscar · Tags: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Oscar The Grouch Dog

Living only a few blocks away from the United Nations, there is always something happening. Today, there were Israelis and Palestinians protesting on opposite sides of the street. Oscar walked on one side of the street where a bunch of Palestinians played with him and said what a handsome dog he was. As he crossed the street, Oscar gave his thoughts to a Channel 5 TV reporter, who is interested in getting a Swissy of his own. Then while walking home, Oscar was petted by Israeli protestors. If both sets of protestors can agree on Oscar, perhaps there is hope for a Mideast peace accord!

Oscar Still Can’t Return Home

04. November 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: elevators, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Hurricane Sandy, Oscar The Grouch Dog

On Friday night, midtown got power back; however the elevators where Oscar lives are still not working. Living 40+ flights up, the Swissy and I are refugees stuck at a hotel. The problem starts tomorrow as I need to go back to work. An elevator repairman just arrived at the building this morning as we walked by, so we are hopeful the problem finally gets fixed today.

Oscar The Grouch Goes To “Disney World”, aka Time Square..

03. November 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Hurricane Sandy, Oscar The Grouch Dog, Times Square

Still evacuated from his home in Murray Hill, Oscar The Grouch is making new friends and is continuing to make Times Square his new home. Hanging out with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Oscar is quickly becoming a Times Square fixture. It has been a long week, displaced by the storm, but getting to spend the week with my Greater Swiss Mountain dog, has brought a smile to my face.

Swissy, Bernese, or Alligator? Happy Halloween!

01. November 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Halloween, Oscar The Grouch Dog, Swissy Bernese Alligator

Oscar The Grouch wishes all of his fans a Happy Halloween! Oscar is using the evacuation from Hurricane Sandy as a good excuse to see the Times Square area. However, wherever the greater swiss mountain dog goes, he seems to meet new fans. The usual question, “is that a bernese” got replaced by “is that an alligator?”

Evacuate Oscar

30. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Hurricane Sandy, Oscar The Grouch Dog, Westin Hotels

Last night around 9pm the power, water, and elevators went out when the neighborhood’s transformer blew up. While waiting the storm out, we were told it could be a week before power is restored. We booked a room at the Westin, as seven blocks can be the difference between power and no power. However without elevators, the task was getting Oscar down over 40+ flights of steps with the only light a flashlight. Somehow we did it and now the swissy is resting from his ordeal.

The $80 Pre-Hurricane Turkey

29. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: Boar's Head Turkey, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Hurricane, Oscar The Grouch Dog, swissy

The hurricane is about to strike and all the grocery stores are either closed or have long lines & empty shelves. A corner store appeared to be out of everything that could be shared by father and swissy, except for an entire 12 pound turkey. The store owner wanted $10 a pound but I bargained him down to $80 for the entire turkey breast. If the storm is as bad as predicted, we have turkey. With most fast food stores (McDonalds, Subway) and restaurants closed for the next two days, if you are in need of a turkey sandwich, look for this swissy.

Warning: East-Side (NYC) Dognapper on the Loose!

27. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Random · Tags: Dog Napper, Oscar The Grouch Dog

The NY Post has an article on a dog-napping that occurred only a few blocks away from where Oscar lives in NYC. The owner (stupidly) tied his dog up outside as he went to Starbucks. Comes out, dog is gone. The dognapper apparently went to a supermarket later that night asking about dog food. Though caught on camera, she still not been located. A quick search of craigslist shows several similar cases. I would be devastated if someone stole Oscar so hopefully this post serves as a dual warning to others. Don’t leave your puppy unattended and there is an east side dognapper on the loose!

Oscar Made The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Honor Roll

25. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Press

Oscar The Grouch has been inducted into the 2012 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Honor Roll. Oscar made the Honor Roll for two different achievements: by being in the top 25 of his breed (Greater Swiss Mountain Dog) and for becoming a Grand Champion last year.

Meet the Breed, Not Oscar?

19. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Random · Tags: AKC Meet The Breed, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Oscar The Grouch Dog

We received a few e-mails asking if Oscar will be attending the Meet The Breed Event in NYC. The answer is no, despite Oscar volunteering over the past two years and living only a few blocks away from the event. In 2011, we volunteered six months ahead of the event date and the person running it never responded to us. As the event date got closer, we inquired, but were informed that people were already selected. We asked why the people who are selected are not rotated each day (since it is a two day event) or each year, to be fair, but we received no reply once again. We also asked if there was any specific criteria to be met by the dogs that were chosen and found out that there is a secret criteria that cannot be disclosed. When we asked about it this year, we received no response again. However, at a dog show, we heard that same person bragging to potential customers about how her dogs are always at Meet The Breed. When you run the event, that may actually happen.

Oscar wants everyone to go to the event and enjoy it. However, before selecting any breeder, do your homework at OFFA (http://www.offa.org). The people who do not let others attend these events, may have things to hide such as the proper health clearances on their dogs prior to breeding.

50,000 Oscar The Grouch Swissy Fans and Growing!

08. August 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Random · Tags: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Oscar The Grouch Dog

The swissy is very grateful for 50,000 + fans over the past few months. New web programmers have been hired and working long hours to build a cutting edge website. Be sure to have your best puppy pictures ready to show off in the next few weeks.

Remember you can easily go to Oscar’s website by going to www.Puppy.TV (yes.tv instead of .com).

Oscar The Grouch Meets Mighty Mouse

08. August 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Random · Tags: Dixon the Dachshund, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Mighty Mouse, Oscar The Grouch Dog, Water4Dogs

As Oscar waited for his swim appointment, he got to meet Mighty Mouse aka Dixon the Dachshund. Dixon has had disc issues, so he’s being rehabbed by Water4Dogs to walk again. Such an adorable dog, he greeted Oscar then wheeled away. If anyone is looking for a dog, Dixon once rehabbed, will be available for adoption.

The Swissy Rises

20. July 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: Batman Rises, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Oscar The Grouch Dog, Petco

I received an invite to a private early screening of the Dark Knight Rises (great film and Robin shows up at the end). Even though the dog walker came for three walks, I still felt guilty leaving Oscar home alone since I was at work all day. After the movie, I rushed home to find Oscar rising from a deep sleep. With Oscar well rested, we walked by the movie theater to see a line wrapped around the block for the midnight showing of Batman. As we walked past the line, Oscar made many new fans. The line also passed outside of Petco, which was closed, and Oscar kept trying to get in hoping for some treats.

After a week at the beach, Oscar goes Best of Breed in Long Island

14. July 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Random · Tags: Best of Breed, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Long Island Dog Shows, Oscar The Grouch Dog

After a week off at the beach (stay tuned for swissy shore pictures), Oscar goes Best of Breed at the Riverhead Dog Show. If you live in the area, Oscar will be showing in the working group at about 3:30pm today. Go to the Suffolk County Farm, and help cheer the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog on!

Happy July 4th!

04. July 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: Dewey Beach, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, July 4th, Oscar The Grouch Dog

Oscar would like to wish all his friends and fans a happy July 4th! For the holiday, Oscar went to Dewey Beach. Dewey is one of the few beaches on the east coast which allows dogs in the summer, but only at certain times. So the Swissy took the scenic route, walking by the bars and meeting new fans, waiting for the beach to open to him. Then Oscar wasted little time and headed to the beach to meet new friends to celebrate the 4th.

Oscar Wins Another Best of Breed

01. July 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Random · Tags: Best of Breed, Dog Shows, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Oscar The Grouch Dog

Oscar won best of breed again at today’s dog show. When I am not able to make the shows, I find out the results in different ways. Yesterday I found out by text message from the handler, today by e-mail from the dog show organizer. Also, thank you to Judges Douglas Hollaway Jr. and Col. Jerry H. Weiss USMC (Ret.) for the wins.

Oscar goes Best of Breed at the Southern Maryland Dog Show

30. June 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Random · Tags: Best of Breed, Dog Show, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Oscar The Grouch Dog

Just got a text from Ashley that Oscar won Best of Breed over the other Swissies at the Southern Maryland Kennel Club Dog Show. Over two million people lost power in DC, but somehow the dog show goes on.

Oscar The Grouch & Ashley Head to Virginia

30. June 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Random · Tags: Dog Shows, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Oscar The Grouch Dog, swissy

The swissy is headed to Richmond, Virginia to take part in the Maryland Dog Shows. Confused? The shows used to be held outside in Maryland, but they got moved to an air conditioned indoor location this year. Last year as a puppy at those shows, Oscar took best of breed over the 2011 #2 & #3 greater swiss mountain dogs in the country with his handler Ashley. Oscar and David are hoping for a similar result this year.

Camp Swissy?

26. June 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: Camp Swissy, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Oscar The Grouch Dog

A fun weekend of water skiing and banana boating was scheduled for me, but at the last minute, Oscar’s plan to participate in the dog show fell through. Unfortunately, the hotel that I was staying at does not allow dogs. Almost cancelling my plans on my birthday weekend, I thought of a great idea. What if I changed my weekend plans to one day instead of two days, send the swissy for consecutive sessions at his gym, and they watched him overnight? Perfect! I dropped Oscar off at Water4Dogs, the Equinox/New York Sports Clubs for dogs. He took his swimming lessons and stayed in a room that they made up for him. I figured he would be so tired from his workout that he would fall asleep as he usually does afterwards. The next morning he went for another swim session, and then I picked him up. Children go to camp over the summer, so why not a swissy?

Dog Bath – Swissy Style

21. June 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: Dog Bath, Oscar The Grouch Dog

Like most New Yorkers, Oscar prefers a shower instead of a bath. Ever since he was given a bath at home as a 10 week old puppy, Oscar The Grouch has lived up to his name, refusing to step into the bathtub. It is not an easy task to fit a 120 lb Greater Swiss Mountain puppy into a bathtub, especially when he will not even step foot into the bathroom. Oscar expertly uses all his weight pulling and wiggling skills to not get near the area.
Oddly enough, Oscar is okay with the hose, and will even try to catch the water in his mouth. As long as the weather is nice, the bathing situation works out. Watch below as Oscar gets shampooed and hosed outside of my friend’s house in Staten Island so that he could look his best for the dog show.

Father’s Day

19. June 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Oscar The Grouch Dog

Oscar The Grouch is very grateful for this Father’s Day. Over the past few months, Oscar’s grandfather (David’s father) has been having heart issues. On Wednesday he had heart surgery, and the swissy is very happy that everything went well. There were many days during his puppyhood when Oscar stayed with his grandfather in Brooklyn, and they both would of been devasted if the surgery did not go well. Oscar looks forward to his grandfather’s release from the hospital once some post-surgery issues clear up.

Did you see Oscar in the AKC Weekly Winners Gallery?

07. June 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Press · Tags: AKC Weekly Winners Gallery, greater swiss mountain, Oscar The Grouch Dog

Oscar The Grouch appears in this week’s AKC Weekly Winners Gallery showing off his Best of Breed win in his hometown of Long Island, NY. The AKC emails the Weekly Winners to over 100,000 dog show fanciers globally.

Oscar The Grouch, Sheep Herder?

06. June 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: Australian Shepherd, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Oscar The Grouch Dog, Sheep Herding

Some dogs would be content to just relax at the beach for the weekend. Not Oscar. On the drive home from the beach, Oscar & David stopped in for some sheep herding fun. Over the Christmas break, Oscar received several Sheep Herding lessons. Remembering his training, Oscar put the sheep in their place. Afterward he celebrated with two female Australian Shepherds who were cheering him on.

Sheep Herding is not just for swissies. Many dogs can enjoy doing it. The trainer we used is Chris Davies in the Delaware area.

Swissy Shore: Day 2

05. June 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Kody the Golden Retriever, Oscar The Grouch Dog, Swissy Shore

During Oscar’s second day at Dewey beach, the swissy went for a nice run on the beach with his new friend Kody the Golden Retriever. On his way back to the beach house, Oscar dropped by the Starboard, a bar/restaurant that is known for their Sunday brunch, and picked up a Starboard dog collar as a souvenir.

Swissy Shore: Day 1

05. June 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: Dewey Beach, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Oscar The Grouch Dog, Swissy Shore

Most New Yorkers head to the beach during Memorial Day weekend, as it signifies the beginning of summer. Oscar is no exception,
and joined David this weekend at Dewey Beach, which is on the Delaware Shore and about a three hour drive from NYC. Once he got in town, Oscar wasted little time and headed to the beach to watch a beautiful wedding and roll around in the sand. Then the Swissy took the scenic route back, walking by the bars and meeting new fans. Oscar is becoming so popular that people from NYC who were on vacation in Dewey Beach, shouted “that’s Oscar” to their friends.

If you are planning a dog friendly vacation, David and Oscar highly recommend going to Dewey Beach. This is one of the
few beach towns that allows dogs on the beach. Dewey Beach is like the Hamptons, but for the Virginia/DC/Maryland/Delaware area. If you decide to vacation there, be sure to say hello to the swissy!

Oscar Goes to the Gym

23. May 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Walking Oscar · Tags: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Gym, Oscar The Grouch Dog, Swimming

Being a typical New Yorker, Oscar wanted to go the gym to get in shape for his upcoming summer dog shows. David, who used to be a personal trainer, knows that swimming is one of the best exercises. Oscar and David went to Water4Dogs, which is a water sports training center for dogs. Oscar’s trainer, John Larson did an amazing job teaching Oscar how to swim. He kept on reassuring Oscar that he could do it and within a few minutes, the swissy was swimming up a storm. Taking only a few breaks, Oscar got the workout of his life, building up muscle and burning calories on the first of his soon to be weekly swimming lessons.

If you live in NYC, I highly recommend Water4Dogs. They have a social swim, so you may see Oscar The Grouch, greater swiss mountain dog there.

For a video of Oscar doing the swissy swim:

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