1 Sharkey! Come quick! Look what I swiped - er, uh, what I found!

2 It's the packet for the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! G.K. has been gearing up for this for months!

3 You're not going to believe what's in here!

4 Two press tickets! One for you and one for me!

5 We need to sneak in and surprise G.K.! How great would it be for us to be there, cheering him on! He'd be sure to win with our support!

6 This yellow area shows us where the photographers get to be. Right up front! How do we get in there, Sharkey?

7 Franny, I'm one step ahead of you! I found the special press passes in the kitchen!

8 They're for Martha's TV show. Her crew will be there filming G.K. at the event! See Franny, one is a photo pass, so we can get into that photographers' ring and take great shots of our brother!

9 There, we'll walk right in! Just pretend we're with the media! Wait, Franny, we ARE the media! We do have our own blog...why wouldn't the Daily Wag be at the Westminster Dog Show?

10 Don't worry, Sharkey. Just let me do all the talking! I'll get us right in!

11 Right, and I'll take Martha's Canon S95 camera and take all the photos!

12 Francesca, we need a plan. Let me look through the judging program to find when G.K. will be showing.

13 Let's see, the schedule says that the Chow Chows are in Ring One on Monday at 10:15am...so that's where we'll find G.K.

14 Sharkey, how are we going to get to Madison Square Garden in New York City for the show? Oh wait, I know! Let's call Uncle Carlos! He'll be sure to take us!

15 Sigh, Uncle Carlos isn't answering his cell phone. And besides, it's already Monday and it's after 10:15! I wonder if G.K. won?

1 I've been doing a lot to prepare for Westminster next week, like staying in shape in Karen's exercise yard.

2 There are lots of toys for me to play with here, as well! Toys keep dogs minds stimulated, keeping us sharp and smart!

3 There are also other Chow Chows for me to socialize with at Karen's house, which also prepares me to be around all the other dogs at the show, both big and small!

4 It's hard to believe that the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show begins on Monday! We've just received all of our official documents for the show.

5 This is my offiicial identification card.

6 As a precaution, Karen took me to the Blue Ridge Veterinary Office to get microchipped. I was a little nervous because I wasn't sure what that meant, but Vet Tech Melani Bowman and Dr. Carol Filchner made me feel at ease!

7 Another vet tech, Lisa Wenner, filled out my paperwork and explained that a microchip would be implanted under my skin between my shoulder blades. If I ever get lost, a vet can scan the microchip and find out who I am!

8 It's a very common practice these days and more reliable than tags. I don't usually wear a collar around the house because of my thick fur and a microchip clearly states that Martha is my owner!

9 First, they scanned my body to make sure I didn't already have a microchip. Like I'd forget about having a microchip!

10 The microchip is smaller than a grain of rice and fits inside a syringe. I thought it was going to hurt - who likes getting shots? The vet techs were so nice and quick, I didn't even feel it!

11 The vets showed me a photo of Martha holding a Jack Russell terrier who is owned by Dr. Edward Shelly from the veterinary clinic! What a small world! By the way, all kinds of pets can get microchips. It's a really good idea!

1 Sharkey, what are they guys doing in the vegetable garden? It usually doesn't see much action this time of year! Let's investigate!

2 Normally, in the depths of winter, the ground is so frozen you couldn't possibly dig like that. Plus, it's usually covered with snow!

3 That's right, Franny! This has been an exceptionally mild winter, allowing for the guys to get a head start on garden preparations for the spring!

4 At the start of every growing season, the garden gets turned over, meaning the first ten to twelve inches of soil is dug up and flipped.

5 But, before that happens, any weeds are cultivated out and discarded in the compost pile. There, those weeds get 'cooked' by the heat of the decaying organic matter, killing their seeds.

6 Once that job is done, the digging begins, a process that aerates the soil. You could even spread a layer of compost first to incorporate more nutrients into the soil. You can smell that this soil is very nutrient-rich!

7 Phurba, you're doing a splendid job! Franny, aerating sounds like a good idea, but it seems like so much work. Why is this done for the garden? Isn't it just...dirt?

8 Think about it, Sharkey! This isn't just dirt, it's what plants live in! Aeration helps replenish nutrients and provides a loose soil for vegetable roots to grow deep and strong.

9 Right! It's all coming back to me now, Francesca. It also helps with good water drainage. Is this the next section to turn?

10 Yikes!!! No way, Sharkey. This is Martha's prized asparagus and rhubarb plot. This section never gets turned!

11 Sharkey, all this talk about vegetables and nutrients has made me hungry! Let's go find a snack!

1 All right, GK! Sharkey and I are going to make sure you look your best for the next show, which is Westminster, of course! Let's see what tools and products we can use.

2 GK, you don't need a full shampoo because you've had a bath recently. It's important not to bathe dogs too frequently as it can wash away too many of our natural oils. Those oils keep our skin healthy and our coats shiny!

3 We Frenchies don't have problems with tangles as we have easy to manage short hair, but the thickness and length of Chow Chow fur can cause mats! Let's use this natural botanical conditioning spray to make it easier to brush him!

4 While you go to a professional groomer, and you also have Karen Tracy taking care of you for shows, it's a good idea to keep brushes on hand at home for in between maintenance.

5 Ah, see, GK? No tangles means no tears! Grooming should be a good experience that brings owners closer to their pets.

6 Thanks, Sharkey! You brush my back and I'll brush yours! Doesn't that feel great?

7 I'm going to run this comb gently through to pick up some of your undercoat. Regular brushing also reduces the amount of shedding, keeping hair off clothes, furniture, and floors!

8 GK, you're starting to look really good! But let's not just worry about the outside. We have to take care of the inside, too!

9 That's right Sharkey. We use this ear cleaner to clear waxy buildups and stop infections before they start! Pups with floppy ears are especially prone to infections, so they should definitely clean their ears frequently!

10 Gee, girls! You always take such good care of me! It's so nice of you to help me look and feel my best!

1 Rather than rooming in a hotel, Gerry Roberts has graciously invited us to stay with her in her comfortable home.

2 Gerry is an excellent hostess. She definitely knows a thing or two about chow chows, as she co-owns my father, Maddox, with Karen Tracy.

3 Jan and Dad, let's pose for a nice photo by the fireplace!

4 Hotels are nice, but they don't offer great fenced in yards, like this one, where I am free to run around. Hey, what's that over there?

5 It's a black squirrel perched on Gerry's cast iron squirrel garden ornament! Wouldn't Francesca and Sharkey absolutely go nuts to see this?

6 Bath time at Gerry's is is a breeze in her huge tub. I must look my absolute best for the show!

7 Oh, Jan, I am so sorry that I didn't win Best of Breed this time. However, I did win Select, a special ribbon that earns me points towards a Grand Championship title.

8 Still, l am very disappointed with myself and I feel I've let you down. I'll have to work on upping my game before Westminster!

9 Dad, where are you? I need to talk to you about the show!

10 GK, my boy, everyone goes through a rough patch from time to time. Yes, you are a natural show dog, but that doesn't guarantee you the win! You may find it hard to believe, but even I have experienced losses!

11 Oh Robin, you and Tiva have been so supportive throughout this trip. Dad is right! I can't let this minor setback get me down.

12 Now it's time to hit the road and return home to the Frenchies. Thank you, Gerry! You've been a lovely hostess! I'm sure we'll meet again soon!

1 Who is that coming up the walk? Is that whom I think it is? Yes, it is!

2 It's my pal, Karen Tracy, who's here to pick me up for another dog show! Oh, I missed you too, Karen!

3 And Jan Kolnik, my handler! Oh Jan, I've been practicing! You're going to be so proud of what I can do!

4 Okay, Jan! I'm ready to go! What else do we need to get ready? Frenchies, can you help me?

5 GK, we're sure proud of your winnings, but I do get a little misty eyed when you pack up for your dog shows! We just love cuddling up next to you, especially on these cold winter days!

6 Oh girls, I always miss you when I'm off traveling, but it's something I've got to do! I come from a long line of show dogs. It's in my blood!

7 Sharkey! This is no time to get emotional! It's not like he's leaving forever! GK, we'll hold down the farm while you're gone. There, you're all packed. I put some extra special treats in this bag for you!

8 Okay Jan, I'm all set to go! Let's head out to the car!

9 Look, Sharkey! GK gets to ride with other dogs! See, you have no reason to worry about him! It looks like fun!

10 Hi! I'm Robin and this is Tiva! We're Cavalier King Charles Spaniels! GK, we sure had fun at the last show! I'm so glad we're traveling together again!

11 It's very nice to meet you two. I'm Sharkey! Can you promise to take good care of our dear brother?

12 I'm Francesca! I'm so glad you two are going with GK. Tell Sharkey not to be such a worrywart!

13 Goodbye, Frenchies! I'll write to you from the road! Okay, Jan and Karen! We're all set to go. Maryland or bust!

14 Gee, now that he's gone, I really do miss the big ole fluff ball!

1 Sharkey! Did we have another awful storm when I wasn't looking? Why are there so many branches on the ground?

2 Francesca, a storm would leave tree branches in such neat piles!

3 These branches are from December's Christmas trees! Instead of putting them in the trash, Martha has them cut and placed on top of garden beds as a type of winter insulation. Nothing is wasted around here!

4 Plus, Ryan and Wilmer have been spreading mulch on top of all the garden beds. A thick layer of this fluffy organic compost will protect all of those confused spring bulbs that have been sprouting.

5 In natural forests, fallen autumn leaves create a protective layer on the forest floor for all the wild plants. But, we make our own organic composted mulch, which works great here at the farm.

6 Composting is a fascinating subject! I can smell each and every thing that went into this batch! Francesca, let's go take a look at the gigantic compost piles!

7 Sharkey, we certainly have enough composted mulch to keep us in business for quite some time! I feel like I'm mountain climbing!

8 These piles are a combination of ground up grass clippings, wood, and animal manure from the horses and donkeys. Manure is especially good as fertilizer because it adds much needed nutrients, like nitrogen to the soil.

9 Ryan, you and Wilmer are doing an excellent job top dressing all of the gardens! Everything looks great!

10 But I'm glad you're not too busy to stop and give me a nice scratch!

11 A thick blanket of composted mulch makes the perennial beds look nice and neat and it's comforting to know that it really is a blanket to protect and nourish the plants beneath it.

1 GK, do you have our shopping list? Francesca and I are ready to roll!

2 I just love going to the Tractor Supply Company. This is a one-stop shopping destination for farm pups like us!

3 We've come here to pick up some farm supplies for the chickens. The temperatures keep dropping and we need to be prepared!

4 GK, Francesca, this place has everything! Look at all of these animal books! Maybe we should get that Donkey Companion to help us understand the donks?

5 Come on, girls. We need to focus on the task at hand. Excuse me, sir? Can you point us in the right direction for chicken coop supplies? We're looking for some special lightbulbs...

6 1, 2, 3, 4....That should do it, right, girls? What are these infrared heat lamps for, anyway?

7 We put heat lamps in the chicken coops to make sure the chickens and roosters keep warm in the winter. They don't have your warm double coat, G.K.

8 We are also picking up some more heated bases for the chickens. You set the poultry waterers on top of the bases so the water won't freeze. We need to make sure our feathered friends stay well-hydrated!

9 Girls, I think we're going to need another cart!

10 You're right, GK! Sharkey and I will take this cart to the checkout line. Meet you there!

11 My, waiting in this line is making me a bit peckish. How about you, Sharkey?

12 Ask and ye shall receive, girls! This is my kind of check-out line! The kind with treats!

13 That was tasty and very nice of the clerk! Everyone here is so helpful! Say, while we are here, I saw one more thing outside I think we should pick up...

14 What do you think, GK and Francesca? Let's ask Uncle Carlos if we can all get matching go-karts! These would be so much more fun to ride on around the farm than the Kawasaki!

15 No? Well, a girl can dream, can't she?

1 Sharkey! Where are you? You told me to meet you in the vegetable garden to get some things for dinner, but why? It doesn't seem like there's much left to harvest at this time of year.

2 Over here, Franny! I've found some things, like this row of celeriac. Ryan has trimmed off the frost damaged stems and now the roots are ready to dig out.

3 Celeriac is a type of celery that grows a large and bulbous root, like a turnip! It's a great source of Vitamin C and Potassium, and is often used in soups and purées.

4 Sharkey, I'm surprised to see this much lettuce still growing in the garden! You'd think the frost would have zapped it by now. It's probably too bitter for eating, but Ryan picks some every day for the chickens.

5 This type is called Winter Density, because obviously, it holds up well against frost. It's a bibb-romaine that's great in salads. Aren't the heads beautiful?

6 These are artichokes, but they're not producing any longer. Chef Pierre really knows how to prepare artichokes. I've watched him many times in the kitchen.

7 This is where all of the carrots and and parsnips were growing.

8 But, they're all gone! What happened?

9 Come to think of it, Franny, I remember seeing a row of orange buckets outside the flower room. Let's go see what's in them.

10 Franny! The buckets are filled with root vegetables!

11 You're right! Here are more celeriac bulbs. Maybe after they're washed, we could make a celeriac purée.

12 And maybe we can roast these parsnips. Roasting will really bring out their sweetness.

13 Parsnips are the pale, sweeter cousin of carrots! Hey, maybe we can put all of these root vegetables together and make a nice soup!

14 Great idea, Franny! A hot soup for the cold days ahead! Help me get these veggies inside for washing!

1 G.K.! Watch the door and tell me if Francesca is coming up the stairs! I told her to run outside after one of those pesky squirrels.

2 I needed some time to work on her birthday surprise. I'm making meatball cupcakes for our celebration! Our Franny turns 7 today!

3 Don't worry, Sharkey! I'll be your sentry. Wow, I can't believe Francesca is 7 years old!

4 Hmmm - I'll use some white rice as jimmies. Well, G.K., Franny is 7 in human years. Some would say she's 49 in 'dog years', but that count is not actually accurate!

5 It's because dogs reach maturity much faster than humans! By age 2, for example, no longer a puppy, I was considered an adult dog! Humans are still babies at 2. Hey G.K., how does my cupcake look?

6 It looks delish, Sharkey! Boy, Francesca is going to be so surprised! How very exciting!

7 I think I hear Franny coming! Quick, G.K., let's light these candles!

8 How pretty! And delicious looking! I don't really eat red meat - I'm more of a pescetarian lately, but I just might have to steal a bite!

9 Wow, is this for little old moi? I was afraid you two had forgotten my birthday again!

10 Sharkey, this cupcake is simply beautiful and I feel so honored! Now to blow out the candles and make a wish...

11 It's sure hard coming up with a wish when you already have everything a dog could want, and you two are at the top of that list! Thank you so much!