Bonjour Paris! (Part One)

Hello All! I'm here in my favourite city, Paris!! Just look at this beautiful view from my hotel window! We are on the Right Bank overlooking the famous Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens. How pretty!

The lovely staff at the hotel knew I was coming and made sure I received the VIPooch treatment.

This welcome pack was waiting there for me on arrival ... Wonderfully colour coordinated with the room's interior. I feel right at home here and everybody seems to know my name :) "Oh, Mademoiselle Chanel!", they say ;)

Mummy and I are so happy here as I'm welcomed everywhere in boutiques, restaurants and we go everywhere together! But first, time for an outfit change... I packed all my favourite outfits and accessories ...

I'm thinking "Pink". My favourite tweed jacket will keep me stylish and cosy while we're out on the town. Just like Coco Chanel! How do I look? 

I think I'll have a little walk in the beautiful park we can see from my hotel. It's called Tuileries Gardens, Mummy says she has even seen some fashion shows here. 

Let's promenade!!

Now round the corner to our favourite Rue de Faubourg St. Honore. We're popping into the super trendy Boutique "Colette". I met another chihuahua shopping with his mummy! As I walked in everyone was smiling at me and a lady in the boutique came over to say her friends were all saying 

that I must be a famous model! They called me a "mannequin". Mummy and I looked at all the lovely handbags...

I love the little surprises one comes across in Paris. Look at this charming emblem of the beautiful Meurice Hotel! They told me that when the hotel was built, the workers took in a stray greyhound who then was adopted by the staff and became the mascot and the inspiration for the hotel's emblem. What a lovely story!! The super chic hotels in Paris are all very dog friendly, they even open the doors for me :D

We walked around the corner to the stunning Place Vendome. This is where all the famous jewellery shops are :) I feel like a Princess here! Do you know where we are going now?

Here we are at The Ritz! I was named after Coco Chanel who lived here and always said "The Ritz is my home." I feel so at home here too!! We are going to have a look at the new Chanel Beauty Salon! Everything is designed with a Chanel theme, the first of its kind in the world 💗

Everything is so fabulous! The lovely lady guided us through the salon, spa and and swimming pool! She said "You may have handmade cocktails and even lunch served by the poolside." Don't mind if I do! They think of everything here... 

The staff at Chanel were thrilled to hear my name and said that I was in the right place :) The lady said she would make a request to Chanel to make a special perfume for poochies. Perhaps they could name it after me, "Un Petit Chien Chanel" 😊 Mummy says that she could live here too. I have a feeling we'll be coming back.... 

What fun we are having! But it's getting late and we have reservations at the famous Le Grand Colbert restaurant! This was featured in the film "Something's Gotta Give" starring Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. So romantic! 💖 "Reservation for Mademoiselle Chanel, s'il vous plait?"

I'm fitting in very nicely in this exotic and beautiful place...

Ooh, look!! This looks delicious! 

 Just opposite me is the table used in the film!

What a day in Paris! Fantastique!

We'll head back to our hotel, Paris in the evening is so magical...

Good night, Paris! C. xxx 

Christmas Shopping With Chanel !

Hello All! Christmas is so exciting, I love it!! One of the best things about Christmas is the SHOPPING! Now you all know how my Mummy and I love shopping, but this time of year the city is so beautiful and looks magical with all the lights... So we headed out to London's super glam West End. First up, my favourite of all London stores, Liberty on Regent Street! The reason why this is my very favourite store is because Liberty welcomes dogs.

Mummy and I shop here very often because of this, not to mention the lovely staff who know me so well and the beautiful fashion and accessories! Here we found a Prada fragrance set and had it wrapped and even engraved! I love fragrances, I have an aromatherapy session every morning before my grooming. We also got some beautifully packaged chocolate and gifts in the famous Liberty print fabric. Phew! I need to sit down after all that!

Now let me show you to the Christmas department, the most amazing in the world! The trees here are all so chic and glamorous. This one matches my outfit!

And look at these doggy decorations that we found!

So we got a bit carried away at Liberty...

...and look what Mummy bought for moi!

We stopped by at Cartier on Bond Street...

And then on to Knightsbridge...Guess which boutique on Sloane Street we went to next? That's right, my very own shop, Chanel! ;)

As you all know I was named after the famed designer Mademoiselle Coco Chanel, I just love fashion and meeting and greeting everyone when I'm shopping. I must admit, I  DO love it here...

How about this one, Mummy?

Ooo, a Christmas present for me?! This will look perfect on my collar :)

And then we headed to Prada where who should I meet but another little chihuahua shopping with his Mummy!

 He was wearing a beautiful Christmas jumper from my favourite boutique in Milan! Its a small world as they say ;)

What a day! I wish it could be Christmas every day... Kisses, Chanel xx

My Super Day at Pup Aid 2013!!

Today I went to my favourite dog event of the year, Pup Aid 2013 in London's Primrose Hill!! Primrose Hill is my very own park (I come here every day!) and is without a doubt the most fashionable! I had been looking foward to this event for a long time. My entourage and I arrived to find my park filled with amazing shopping stalls, a show arena and lots of fun looking activities. Pup Aid is Europe's biggest anti-puppy farming event and it's wonderful to see so may doggie lovers coming together!  We headed straight to register for the Dog Show, this was my second Pup Aid since last year when I won "The Coolest Dog in London" !! I had a title to defend!

I loved the sound of all the categories- everything from "Golden Oldies" to "My Dogs Got Talent". My people signed me up and I was ready to go! 

 A nice man came up to me as I was walking along and said , " You were my favourite photo from the event last year! I recognised you straight away!" What a lovely comment ;) I walked towards the dog show ring and the show's wonderful organiser Marc the Vet came to greet me and said I was sure to win! Did I mention how I love showing? It's like modelling on the catwalk, and I just love having my photo taken- as you all know I'm such a poser ;)

Another reason I love shows is because this is how I learnt to make new friends and socialise! Read about it here: Pageant Queen! 

Before it was my turn in the ring, I sniffed around the activities like Have a go Agility which normally I love as I'm so athletic- ( hurdles, tunnels and more!), but I just had my hair done in the salon so I decided to give it a miss this time and do some shopping instead. If there was an award for "Best Shopper" my Mummy and I would both win I'm sure ;) So many of my friends were here, I spotted my friends from Sniffys who make delicious low cal treats. Very good as I've got to keep my model figure! Here I am modelling for them...

And then for my first wardrobe change to dress for my category, "Dog Most Like A Celeb". (Sooo me!) I am often mistaken for Chloe from "Beverley Hills Chihuahua". You know the heroine of the story with her beautiful diamond necklace? One lady asked me if she had seen me in "Legally Blonde", but ahem, excuse me Bruiser Woods is a boy :( Maybe one day I will star in my own Hollywoof film...

I entered the show arena with many other contestants, all very dapper and dressed up. We paraded around the ring proudly so everyone could see and the judges came to have a closer look and chat. I was judged by none other than Ms. Gail Porter. She interviewed us and had a good look at my ensemble. (which included a matching handbag and pearl belt- tres Beverley Hills) And then... My name was called out and I won an award!! Woop!
 Before my next show class I took a little break.
Here I am chilling in the Very Important Pooch area...

I bumped into Barry "The Dog Jogger", an amazing personal trainer for pooches and he introduced me to my new friend, Mr. David Gandy!
Two Supermodels in one photo! Look at our professional poses...

As I walked around I had my photo taken by so many people, I love making people smile :)
Next up, I entered the show ring for "My Dog's Got Talent". Mummy and I train every day, she says a well trained dog is a happy dog :) I love training as I love learning, and  TRAINING = TREATS!
I watched the other contestants who were all so well trained.
I walked into the centre of the ring and prepared for my performance...
I did my best tricks!
I DANCED!! *

And for my finale-
I JUMPED THROUGH A HOOP!! *

I did it!!!
I won an award and I felt like an ambassador for happy dogs :)
The winners had a special photo taken and we posed proudly with out beautiful rosettes!
Phew! I sat down after all the excitement but then a nice lady asked if she could take her photo with me, and suddenly I was surrounded by paparazzi!
Here I am in The Daily Mail!  Chanel Gets Papped!
Now it was time for my final category, "THE MOST STYLISH POOCH IN LONDON"
I had my fourth wardrobe change of the day and wore my favourite outfit! It's pink tweed, with a furry collar and even has my own name tag on it! I accessorised with my Chewnel handbag and a pearl necklace. The judges perfectly understood my passion for style! I held my best pose... and the judges plucked me from the ring- I was a WINNER!! What a triumph ❤❤❤

I had a fabulous time with wonderful people. OH, HAPPY DAY!
Thank you to everyone who made it so special...

*Photos by Julia Claxton 

Join Chanel and sign the Pup Aid petition here! : http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/49528

Pageant Queen!!

Today I went to a dog show in Essex. It was held near the village of Margaretting at a Riding Club. Mummy and I love showing in dog shows in summer, it's nice to be outdoors anyway but the weather really makes it an event! Not when it's too hot, though... On very hot days at a dog show we rest in the shade a lot and I drink plenty of water to keep me cool. Some of the other contestants have "cooling coats" which you soak in water and it keeps them cool. What a good idea! 

I'll tell you a secret... I used to be a bit scared of other dogs. I was chased around by a baddie on my first long walk in Hampstead and well, that REALLY put me off to start with. Luckily Mummy wasn't scared off and continued to take me out at my own pace rewarding me with treats when I was approached by other dogs, and slowly but surely I gained confidence! That's where the dog shows come in- Mummy loves to see other dogs as well and had always been going to dog shows (even before I arrived!) and took me to my first dog show. She said she was a bit nervous whether I would be ok with so many other dogs, but as soon as I got there I transformed into a social butterfly and was mingling like a pro! It's really helped me with socialising and I've chatted with everyone from the tiny like moi to giant Great Danes! They look like horses next to me! I guess I'm just a natural pageant queen ;) 

This was me at my first dog show last year! I won an award at my first show and I was so proud... Look at my proud grin!

This was at PupAid in my favourite haunt, Primrose Hill! I go there every day as some of you may know... I won "The Coolest Dog In London" !! Tee hee ;) PupAid is organized by my friend, Marc the Vet and is an event to help stop and raise awareness of puppy farming. I often go to the events Marc the vet is supporting to help with the cause. I bumped into him the other day in Primrose Hill as well! He recognized me as I was sashaying along the high street...

Getting back to today's show, we arrived in Margaretting after a very pleasant drive through some beautiful countryside. Although I didn't see any scenery. 

This is me on the way there...

We arrived a bit late and there weren't many classes left but we registered as Mummy says it's important to participate. We entered for "Best Coat" (the fur kind). 

There were so many dogs of different breeds with the glossiest, most fabulous coats I had ever seen. 

I sat and posed the best I could and gave my best smile to the judges. The judges had us walk around the show ring so they could see us from all angles. 

The judges were talking amongst themselves and discussing their chosen ones. Finally the decisions were made and the judge made her presentation speech. "Such a difficult decision given all the beautiful coats, and obviously the dogs with the shiniest coats tend to enter this class" she said. "We also took into consideration the way the different colours of coat reflect the light differently..."

(What could that mean? Most of the dogs were dark and shiny?!!) The judges stepped forward and one winner was chosen, then another. And then... The judge walked over to MOI!!! I won an award!!

Everything was in slow motion!! She even commented on my rather shiny crystal harness. (It's from Hunter, you know) Mummy and I were ecstatic and she was so happy she enjoyed a cream tea hand made by the ladies running the show. A win win situation for all!!

Ta Dahhhh!!!

C. xx

Big Weekend!

On Saturday I set out to one of my social meet ups. I've been so busy with dog shows this summer that I haven't been to one in a while. Doggie walking groups are really good for socialising. I used to be a little bit scared of bigger dogs but l learnt how to socialise through our meet ups. Once we start walking, we all seem to form a "pack" and get along very well. 

There were about seven or eight of us, and we met and walked around Hampstead Heath. There had been plenty of excitement before I joined in, one of my friends had jumped into the pond and had to be rescued covered in green gloop! He was also stung by a wasp :( We brought biscuits to share with everyone and that got everyone smiling :) Mummy always says that snacks are for sharing.  

After the walk we headed down to the Garden Gate pub, next to Hampstead Heath station. I had never been there before, in Hampstead I go to the Spaniards Inn where one of my dog shows "Pup Idol" was held. I much prefer cafes to pubs but The Spaniards Inn has a lovely outdoor area which is ideal for alfresco lunches. It's also very doggie friendly and even has a dog wash service! The Garden Gate was lovely, too.  A large outdoor area which was very busy and I could smell the barbecue! I wasn't tempted as I knew that Mummy had packed my lunch. Some other mummys ordered their lunches and they came back with a pretty flower which was their order number. How clever! 

But as the mummys were chit chatting, you'll never guess what happened! One of my friends tucked their nose into my handbag and STOLE MY LUNCH!! Oh, the horror!! I barked to get Mummy's attention but she thought I was playing with my friends! She finally noticed when she saw the empty bag on the floor next to my very guilty looking friend. She told me I could have an extra special lunch when I got home. Such drama! Next time I'll put my lunch in a better hiding place… 

C xx

At the Garden Gate, Hampstead. 

(Pre lunch stealing incident )

My Birthday!!

It was my birthday today!! I am two years old now and what an exciting year it's been so far!!! Last week I won my first trophy for First Prize in Talent! Just in time to celebrate my birthday, I was so proud and happy! See how proud I am?

For my birthday I got a lovely Hello Kitty card …

And a big birthday goody bag full of presents ! 

I love the chihuahua wrapping paper! Mummy said she bought it at Harrods, in our favourite pet department 💖 When we go there we go to a special door and my personal shop assistant comes down to escort me up. When we are finished shopping my assistant guides me to the lift. Everyone looks at me like I'm a princess! 👸

I opened all my presents, which included some of my favourite treats! Mummy said I could try them all as it was my special day. 

We decided to spend my birthday in one of my favourite places, the beautiful Richmond Riverside. I had a lovely snooze in the car on the way there, I love car rides! I also had a good sniff of the air while staring out the window. I love looking at the people going by and appreciating the scenery. 

Once we arrived in Richmond we went to my favourite tea room where you are surrounded by flowers of every type and colour. I sat down by a white hydrangea bush underneath a glamorous parasol decorated with mother of pearl hearts and beads. The lavender was so fragrant as well, and I studied the bees who looked so busy! I just love having afternoon tea…

After tea we took a walk along the river towards Richmond Bridge. I love this bridge, it reminds me of the bridges along the Seine in Paris. The weather was lovely, when it's too hot I just sit in the shade with my tongue out :) 

Some people were enjoying the rowing boats in the river. I've been on a boat here as well, it took us down to Teddington Lock and back. One thing I missed on my birthday was playing in Petersham Meadows. From this year pooches are not allowed in during the grazing season for the cows. I just love running and prancing around in the meadow… 

After our riverside stroll we sat down in the lovely cafe by the bridge. The cafe is surrounded by huge trees which give a lovely shady resting place ideal for people watching. When I see other dogs I woof to get their attention. I just can't help myself ! ;)

  I had such a lovely time! Thank you to my friends for all the bday messages!!🎂👸🎂👸🎂👸 C xx🐾

New Training Class!

Today I attended a new training class at Hampstead Heath. I met the ladies who run it the other day at the Kenwoof Dog Show. Now, I know what you're thinking- "Why would a well behaved princess like Mademoiselle Chanel need to go training class?" Well, mummy says it's very important to keep training even for perfect pooches. Consistency is key she says, I just like the treats! Hooray for treat-based training!!

The classes are held on a lovely grassy field, well trimmed too! I love a manicured lawn. Mummy doesn't really 'do' overgrown grass either so she was happy too. At first it looked like it would be just be moi (like a private tutorial), in the summer lots of families go on holiday apparently (harumph I keep asking mummy to book my vacay to the Cote D'Azur) but one by one more pooches appeared as if from nowhere. All sizes and shapes, I'm pretty pleased with myself how I held my own being the smallest one there. 

It's wonderful to see those mummys and daddys working it out there, hope they can keep up with us!

Not much time to socialise though, because we're all focused on our training. And treats. Mummy had to go and top up my treats bag mid class because I finished them all. 

Here's my treats bag. Personalised, of course. 

After training we were quite exhausted and mummy said we should have a nice sit in a cafe. Sitting in cafes is one of our favourite pastimes! We chose the lovely Le Pain Quotidien in Hampstead. While we sipped our ice soya lattes, a long coat chihuahua just like me came round the corner! The same champagne colour as me! We said hello and I invited him to our training group next time. 

Mademoiselle Chanel 🐾