Francesca and Sharkey go hunting
My two French Bulldogs, Francesca and Sharkey are always up to mischief. One of their favorite activities is choosing a squirrel and giving it a good chase. The squirrel better be fast because those little dogs can really run. Here are some photos I took the other day using my Canon.
Sharkey tearing across the lawn in chase of……
a lone and frightened squirrel!
Sharkey, wondering what her next move should be
Maybe she’ll just climb the tree, too!
Francesca wants part of the action
A ferocious hunter perusing the situaltion
‘If that squirrel can climb, why can’t I?’
Two persistent Frenchies!
Francesca tries her best to reach the squirrel. 
Two tired dogs, resting up for the next big chase.
Hee hee! We have chimpmunks and squirrels in our yard and our two dogs love to chase them - but they are fat and slow and are never close.
Thanks for the pix - I love your dogs!
Posted by: tiff | July 6th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Martha, your dogs are way tooooooooo funny!!!
Posted by: Michelle | July 6th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Martha, your dogs are way tooooooooooo funny!!!
Posted by: Michelle | July 6th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
I love this. It happens it my backyard all the time. Why can't they catch the rabbits eating my beans? Nature....
Posted by: Barbara | July 6th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Looks like they're having the most awesome time of their lives. Looks at Francesca go! She 'bout made it half that tree. I want to be Francesca in my next life!
Posted by: Norbie K. from Las Vegas, NV | July 6th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Too funny... and cute also. So have they ever caught a squirrel?
Posted by: Angie D from Ohio | July 6th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
That's so funny! I have a newfoundland and she tries to climb over the fence after the squirrels! I often worry she's going to take down the fence during one of her pursuits! So far so good, but she keeps trying! I've really been enjoying your blog, your farm is beautiful!
Posted by: Amy | July 6th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Very interesting, almost like a doggy adventure book. Fabulous photography and camera.
Posted by: michael anthamatten | July 6th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Oh Martha,
Francesca and Sharkey are so funny and make a great team together. They are like my Lhasa Apsa who thinks she is a great big hunting dog. Any chipmunk, bird, or squirrel that happens by, she just goes wild. You should hear the barking that ensues when she sees the bear go by! We have a few of those up here in West Milford, NJ.
I heard on one of your Sirius Satellite "Ask Martha" shows from the Marathon that you played on July 4th, that you were looking at some of Paw Paw's grandsons. I hope that works out and you get to keep one of them.
By the way, the marathon on the 4th was fabulous. In fact, I had it playing for over 2 hours while I cleaned out my car and did some gardening. I guess I had it on a little to long... since my battery died in my mini-van. However, it was well worth it since I don't get to normally hear you when you actually air during the week. I have been known to sneak out to my car for about 10 minutes just to catch your live broadcast.
Be well and enjoy your summer,
Kim
West Milford, NJ
Posted by: Kim | July 6th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Thanks for the pictures,,,they sure love to hunt!!! Wonderful Frenchies!
Posted by: Heidi | July 7th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Hi Martha, These photos are absolutely the cutest yet of Francesca and Sharkey. I can almost hear them barking, grunting and whinning because they can't climb that tree and reach that darn squirrel. I'll bet that squirrel will think twice before coming in your yard again. Your little girls are the most buff dogs I have ever seen, as well as the cutest. I am still laughing at their antics. Thanks so much for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | July 7th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Those pictures are so cute!
Posted by: Melissa | July 7th, 2008 at 12:52 am
. . .ferocious hunters, indeed. I think the squirrel is *safe.* Great pictures, Martha!
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | July 7th, 2008 at 1:34 am
Cute pictures -- but they better hope they never catch a squirrel! I venture to think they would be on the worst end of that deal.
Posted by: Kathleen Smith | July 7th, 2008 at 1:51 am
These pictures are adorable! I wish my dog chased squirrels up trees-- she prefers skunks instead. Yuck!
Posted by: Marie | July 7th, 2008 at 2:45 am
they're so cute!
great exercise for them.
Posted by: mod*mom | July 7th, 2008 at 2:51 am
How adorable are they?! Gotta love a Canon!
)
Posted by: Isle Dance | July 7th, 2008 at 3:40 am
Miss Martha
There are a lot of squirrels where I live and our dogs enjoy barking at them and chasing them too. Most of the time the squirrel just sits and looks at the dogs as if they are insane, It is so amusing and entertaining to watch. Sharkey and Francesca both look as if they want to climb up after the squirrel. They are really cute and I know you get a lot of enjoyment from these two little friends.
Keep all the wonderful posts coming. I will be lookiong forward to the next one.
Posted by: Patricia | July 7th, 2008 at 3:42 am
Oh! Francesca and Sharkey are sooo cute! Francesca is adorable trying to climb to the tree! I really enjoy watching your pics, Martha! Specially when your animal friend or gardens are involved. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Raisa from Finland | July 7th, 2008 at 4:20 am
What adorable Frenchies those are! Your lawn also looks beautiful. I can't wait until you make a new blog!
Posted by: Benjamin | July 7th, 2008 at 4:21 am
Martha, my 2 golden cocker spaniels would do EXACTLY the same thing! Excepting that we don't have squirrels in Melbourne, Australia, both Beau and Bella always chase either the possums that come out at dusk or the birds in the park. They both try to scale trees the way dear Francesca does to no avail. Nothing seems to quell their enthusiasm! Very sweet.
Posted by: Ingrid Moyle | July 7th, 2008 at 4:55 am
Great photographs! In a world gone MAD, you blog bring peace and tranquility. Thank You!
Posted by: Roderick | July 7th, 2008 at 6:58 am
Will you ever get another chow chow?
Posted by: suemare | July 7th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Sharkey and Francesca are so cute.
I have a Maltese, Raleigh, who
loves to chase squirrels also, but
he can't make it as far up the tree as Francesca. He will raise
one back leg up the tree thinking
he can climb it. Dogs are such
fun.
Posted by: Vivian Price | July 7th, 2008 at 8:44 am
hi
nice dogs
i have a question.
where can i find these cups to bake cakes and other things??
because i love to bake but i am from belgium and i don't find it
greets
(i like youre show)
Posted by: vanessa | July 7th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Martha, you're dogs just crack me up!!!
Thanks.....again!
Posted by: Sally | July 7th, 2008 at 9:08 am
It's amazing the joy that pets give to our lives, and the many smiles they add to our days. Your dogs must be a source of constant amusement as they have so much personality and a zest for life. I have two cats and just looking at them sleeping will bring a smile to my face. But, I think if I was that squirrel I would not be too happy! Thanks for the pics.
Posted by: Robin | July 7th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Hi Martha - Don't you just love Frenchies! I was always a Lab lover, I currently have 3 one of each color and I have a 2 year old Frenchie named Zoe. She is 15 pounds of terror. We attended your Bulldog show when she was only 6 months old. I wish I had a larger house I'd have a few more - I love them! My Zoe is always on the hunt, she follows the labs and they are constantly chasing squirrels, chipmonks or whatever else happens to be in the yard. She has no fear and puts the big dogs in their place, its a riot. Thanks for sharing - your dogs are great.
Ann
Posted by: Ann | July 7th, 2008 at 9:12 am
I agree with Ingrid, your blog brings peace and tranquility. I look forward to it every morning. Thank you for the positive moments you bring to our lives.
Posted by: Mary | July 7th, 2008 at 9:34 am
I love Francesca and Sharkie! What characters!! Thanks for sharing the fun with us.
Posted by: Kim Wylie | July 7th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Oh so cute! Yes you can see they are such good hunters.
Posted by: Ladymissgailo | July 7th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Hi Martha!
I just love the photos of your animals! These two are such a delight! Keep those photos coming!
Norine
Posted by: Norine | July 7th, 2008 at 9:47 am
TO ALL UK CITIZENS: A Martha fan has set up a petition to Gordon Brown to try to get Martha into the UK. Please go to the link: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Marthastewart/
Posted by: Pru | July 7th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Your blog is the nicest thing to start the day with! I smiled the minute I saw today's entry 'Francesca and Sharkey go Hunting'. I could only imagine what they were up to! They are so cute and I just know they bring you lots of joy! Trish
Posted by: Trish | July 7th, 2008 at 10:24 am
I think my next dog may have to be a frenchie! So darn cute.
Brenda
http://www.scrapbookdiaries.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Brenda Wilson | July 7th, 2008 at 10:32 am
My parents' dog, Molly, is obsessed with squirrels. They have a little squirrel family in their front yard and every morning Molly sits at the window with her nose to the glass and waits...her ears perked up, her eyes wide. When one of them appears, she wimpers and whines and sometimes lets out an excited yelp.
I love dogs!
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | July 7th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Oh your dogs are darling! Do you take all these pictures? They're fantastic!
jenscloset.etsy.com
Posted by: Jen Beaton | July 7th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Martha,
What absolutely adorable photos of your 4 legged kids. You always post such nice photos on your blog, I really enjoy seeing them. I wonder if I used the same camera as you, if my pics would turn out as nice?
Posted by: Nancy | July 7th, 2008 at 11:54 am
As charming as the dogs may be, the "lone and frightened squirrel" most likely thought otherwise
Posted by: Annette St. Claire | July 7th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
What great fun. We have a small bichon and she has fun with our yard squirrels. We have 4 or 5 of them that take their peanuts from a special feeder. Once in a while Hannah might chase one. However, th squirrels know she's not a danger at all. Most of the time, Hannah sits to watch them and they watch her, take their peanuts, munch on them, or take them to their next "burial" cache . . . it's a hoot! Thanks for sharing times with Sharkey and Francesca; their "blogs" are my favorites.
Posted by: Debbie | July 7th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
So funny! Looking @ the pictures, I thought Sharkey was the frisky one you have to keep your eye on. But after seeing Francesca the tree climber, I have to wonder:)
Posted by: Sherry | July 7th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Now It dawned on me that the name Sharkey well this is a dog not a shark --- but was the dog named after Kevin Sharkey ? and well Francesca is simply lovely and is not in need of an explanation
Posted by: Hardboiledegg | July 7th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
It is always a treat to see animals such as your dogs enjoying things. What could be greater in a dog's day than chase a squirrel? The tree is the perfect size for them.
Great shots, thanks.
Posted by: Margie | July 7th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Martha,
When I read the title of your blog today I couldn't wait to read it for your dogs always make me laugh.
You should write a children's book staring Francesca and Sharkey with your photo's and your comments. They read perfectly with the expressions on their sweet faces.
Posted by: Linda Gordon | July 7th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
OMG ... This was "dog-gone hilarious!!" Just when we think "Francesca" and "Sharkey" are in their docile "dog days of summer" mode (by the looks of Francesca on your "Skylands II" Hinckley boat and blog this past Memorial Day weekend), they amazingly transform into frenzied (and protective) "Fran-CHASE-ca" and "SPARK-ey!" (Hmmm ... I wonder if there is a recipe on your web site which includes "backyard squirrel?!?")
Thanks so much once again for sharing, Martha!! Although I sadly don't own a dog, I think it's perhaps time for me to make another return visit to http://www.fetchdog.com and http://www.threedogbakery.com so to get my doggie fix (as well as to watch CBS's "The Great American Dog" this coming Thursday at 8 PM EST ... you're welcome, CBS)! Have a great summer ... and "WOOF" to your two wonderful (and devoted) little sentries! 7;^)
Best,
Bill
Northeast Harbor, Maine
Posted by: Bill (Mount Desert Island, Maine) | July 7th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Oh how funny. the one photo actually looks like Francesca is crawling up the tree. the tree is small! The squirrels in my yard are ALWAYS teasing my dog.
Posted by: theresa | July 7th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Hi Martha!Your dogs are very lovely and funny.I have a dog too who name´s sparky and like i think you do, i have a lot of fun with him.I don´t know if you already visit Portugal, but if you don´t i can assure you that you are wasting a wonderful place to relax and enjoy.Best Wishes
Posted by: Ana Iria from Portugal | July 7th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Chasing squirrels? I thought they would be better at hunting for truffles;)
Posted by: Tony Clark | July 7th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Oh how funny..love those little doggies bums(:) Patty
Posted by: patty | July 7th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Just remembered I saw your show today and it was about helpful hints for pets...
pepto,vaseline,
epsom salts..etc..
great show,helpful pet tips
thanks..Patty(:)
Posted by: patty | July 7th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Your dogs are really cute. I think my dogs may do something like that.
Posted by: Luke | July 7th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Hi Martha, It's been awhile. My computer had to be replaced and I'm just now able to comment. Sharkey and Francesca are in there utmost heavenly dream. However, I can top you. My brother has a 14 year old cat that I help him with medicine that he has to take for low thyroid. This cat has been declawed and has hardly any teeth. Well, the other morning while he was out in the yard, a hen and rooster strolled through. Well, Frosty, the cat, hunched and hissed as his hair was straight up in the air as to run these villains out of his yard. But the hen and rooster were not in the least intimidated and they jumped at Frosty and he flew away. Well so much for age. At least he gave it his best. Nan
Posted by: Nan Ashby | July 7th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
This my favorite blog to date. I LOVE DOGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jane M | July 7th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Martha, those pictures made my day! My dog loved to chase squirrels in our old neighborhood where there were many trees. But in the spring when the squirrels were out and they would dig in my tulip garden, I would yell at the window and my pug would run to the window and chase them away!
Posted by: Kim | July 7th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I have cats. They can't catch a cold. No wild left in my two. If there was a mouse they'd invite it to dinner. That's what happens when cats hit 15. . .
Posted by: Amy | July 7th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Francesca and Sharkey are absolutely hysterical! You could easily write a book, "Adventures With Francesca and Sharkey" complete with your marvelous photos and it would be a huge seller.
By far, the pet entries on your blog are my favorite.
Posted by: Sonya | July 7th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I love all your posts but the ones about your pets are my real favs!!
Posted by: Annie | July 8th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Oh those little girls are wonderful and entertaining-great pics. I have a cairn and a sheltie. The cairn hunts everything and believes herself to be invincible and the sheltie herds the cairn, and my four cats. Animals are just the best and Frenchies are just precious. Loving all your pics from Europe, thank you.
Posted by: Pam | July 8th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Martha,
Can't stop laughing at those doggie antics! Our Yorkies don't chase squirrels...we don't have many since we are mostly open yard but the occasional rabbit does make them run. Funny how some dogs don't look up? You can say "get the squirrel" and they run in the opposite direction and never look up a tree! LOL I couldn't stop laughing at the tenacity of both those, especially Francesca wanting to climb that tree! LOL
Thanks for sharing! Love the dog blogs! Though never replaced (Paw Paw), hope you get a new chow soon! Nice to hear you might have the same bloodlines! Good luck!
Posted by: Paula M. :) | July 8th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I think the caption on the 10th photo should read:
"Oh dear! If only my legs were a little longer I 'd be able to get up there. I 'll have to ask mommy to stop feeding this tree so much!"
Posted by: theresa | July 8th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Lost my Muff in January after 14 years to hear trouble but surely just adore watching Francesca and Sharkey. They're sweet!! xo's to pups for me.
Posted by: Noreen | July 8th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I have a Jack Russell and a Great Dane. It is funny watching the squirrel run just a little up the tree and turn around to tease the Jack Russell then the Great Dane jumps on the side of the tree and squirrel runs as fast as he can!
Posted by: Debbie | July 8th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Oh my dog Daisy loves to chase squirrels too! And she also tries to climb up the tree. She has sharp eyes and a sharp nose, she can spot them from a good distance and sniff their scent, and off she goes!
Posted by: Rowena | July 10th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Hi, Martha,
Thanks for the update on the saga of Francesca and Sharkey. They are so cute. I just love to see them and their antics. They tried their best to capture that squirrel! They remind me of my two dogs and the mischief they were up to when they were younger---and faster. They, too, have always been ready for a chase to try to capture those teasing squirrels in the yard. Once at my sister's house, they were unfortunately successful in their hunt. My MinPin caught up to the squirrel and jumped on him, and then my Miniature Schnauzer joined the fray---with all three seeming to roll in a ball. Luckily, my sister was near, but had to use a broom to separate the three. My two little girls were all cut up and had to make a quick trip to the vet. Their wounds have healed, but they still love to watch for those teasing squirrels.
Thanks for the beautiful photos of Francesca and Sharkey.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | July 10th, 2008 at 6:24 am
Love your two Frenchies!!! My two (Yorkie and Brussels Griffon) love the squirrel chase, too. Our squirrels are bold--they go up the tree, then come back down, just out of my girls' reach, and taunt them!
This is my first time on your websight--love it! I've also started listening to your station on Sirius Radio.
Gayle
Posted by: Gayle Orlando | July 10th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
hey.
Posted by: chris watt | July 11th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Dear Martha..
2nd post today.......lured into Francisca & Sharkey's Great Squirrel Hunt. Simply delightful.
THANK YOU!
love, Martha
Posted by: Martha Collins Shabani | July 14th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I have a dog named Sharkey also. She is also a female, but a Jack Russell not a French Bulldog! I named her Sharkey because as a puppy she liked to bit everything. She was the shortest in the litter and would come from below and bite bite bite!
Posted by: Susan | September 15th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
We have two Frenchies and a beautiful Chow...BUT
the frenchies are not fond of the chow "Laila"
she gets angry as they try to rule ..they nip at her ankles What can I do??? Diane
Posted by: Diane Randall | November 1st, 2008 at 9:02 am