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Featured above is Christmas Pretzel for his first three Christmas celebrations - he gets one year older from left to right. I think his ears are the same size as they were in the year 2020.
Now in his fourth Christmas I am able to present these photos taken at Chewy Studios, where he is a model some of the time.
Many of these photos were taken when it was still 100 degrees outside. Chewy is a company that thinks ahead so I count them as Christmas photos anyhow. Also they have A/C in the studio, so he was fine.
Please enjoy.
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This beautiful sweater is a winner for any occasion. I imagine Pretzel would wear it to a company Christmas party where he doesn't want to be the center of attention, but would like to look presentable. He can still have a little fun, but not too much fun.
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Pretzel is channeling his inner-seal in this photo. It is too cold for his giant ears to face the elements. He is either about to sing a Christmas carol, or would like a treat. Probably both.
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In this photo it may seem like Pretzel is indoors and it's daylight outside. This is not the case.
Lumberjack Pretzel sees the moon and says hello in the only way he knows how(l).
Get it? I was impressed.
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Again his ears are hidden, which is necessary in the harsh winter conditions of North Texas.
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This sweater can double for Valentines Day, as the design features tiny hearts.
However, Pretzel's love knows no bounds - every day is Valentines Day for Pretzel. May this be a lesson for us all.
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Pretzel has had a long day of eating ham and cookies - he must rest now.
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This is the Christmas card we got from Chewy thanking Pretzel for his service. By far his best photo. Look at that face and tell me you don't want to give him an ear scratch.
It is also my favorite because this seems to be a rare moment when he is not begging for food. I bet he got a treat anyhow, he's a good boy.
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Pretzel has had his milk and cookies and is ready for bed in these adorable pajamas. Look at that ear hair! His lip is stuck on his teeths!
He has clearly maximized his ability to celebrate the holiday. Time for a well-deserved nap.
May we all celebrate like the Pretzel Pickle Pistol Pete dog.
My Documented Predictions Update
I went 5-9 last week. My back will not be patted for this.
I am now 88 - 65 (58% winning percentage) with documented predictions. This puts me below 60% for the first time this season. Gonna have to have a big comeback, I maybe even call the Dallas game... let's see how that works out.
Sunday Morning
Indianapolis Colts (8-6) at Atlanta Falcons (6-8)
If Arthur Smith has a job in 2024 I will be impressed by Arthur Blank's ability to look the other way. Ignoring complete failure - I guess that's how you make a lot of money. Just ask Elon.
Falcons win 27 - 24
Seattle Seahawks (7-7) at Tennessee Titans (5-9)
When the Cowboys lose in the Divisional Round Jerry will immediately send a contract to Derrick Henry. He should have made the trade this year.
Seahawks win 23 - 19
Detroit Lions (10-4) at Minnesota Vikings (7-7)
I'm betting on this game being a shoot-out. I've been wrong a lot lately, and I've come to peace with that, but this game has all the offensive weapons and none of the defense.
Vikings win 38 - 35
Washington Commanders (4-10) at New York Jets (5-9)
With the poor in-person attendance we have seen around the league the last few weeks, I wonder what stunt the Jets could pull to get folks to show up to this game? Putting Aaron Rodger's health at risk is apparently off the table, which makes me sad.
Jets win 27 - 26
Green Bay Packers (6-8) at Carolina Panthers (2-12)
The NFL schedulers had to have known how awful this game would be back in February.
Packers win 17 - 9
Cleveland Browns (9-5) at Houston Texans (8-6)
I have a lot riding on this game, mostly regret because I decided to bench Flacco in the fantasy playoffs for Mullens. I bet Flacco throws 5 TD's.
Browns win 42 - 17
Sunday Afternoon
Dallas Cowboys (10-4) at Miami Dolphins (10-4)
Did I mention my mom pointed out we should make "Here we go" T-shirts in Week 2? She is very smart. We could have made more money than anyone who gambled on the Cowboys against winning teams this season.
Cowboys win 38 - 36
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
Baker has earned this one.
Buccaneers win 35 - 13
Arizona Cardinals (3-11) at Chicago Bears (5-9)
Why aren't the professional sports teams in Arizona based in the nice parts of Arizona? Like Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon? Are you telling me you wouldn't travel to see a football game played in the GRAND CANYON? That would be the only place I'd go to see a NFL football game in-person.
Bears win 28 - 17
Sunday Night
New England Patriots (3-11) at Denver Broncos (7-7)
This game is only available on NFL Network, so you might actually have to talk to your family on Christmas Eve after everyone has had too many "libations."
I encourage everyone to bring up any wannabe dictators and have it out with your drunk uncle. You won't change any minds, but the memories will last... a couple hours ... if you do it right.
I hope Russ makes it to midnight mass.
Patriots win 24 - 21
CHRISTMAS GAMES!
Las Vegas Raiders (6-8) at Kansas City Chiefs (9-5)
Two rivalry games on CHRISTMAS DAY? How are we supposed to celebrate the birthday of Jesus? I hope the halftime show is a Catholic Mass led by Bono.
Chiefs win 27 - 20
New York Giants (5-9) at Philadelphia Iggles (10-4)
Speaking of Catholics, Jon Bovi is one. And an Iggles fan.
Giants win 24 - 21
Baltimore Ravens (11-3) at San Francisco 49ers (11-3)
We have had a few "Game of the Year(s)" so far. This one actually matches the hype. Don't eat too much ham, you're gonna want to see this.
Ravens win 48 - 42
Taylor Swift NFL Prediction Update
I'm 6 - 1 when global warming isn't in the picture. My lack of geography knowledge played into my first loss last week. I also figured that Taylor would have better things to do the week before Christmas. I doubted the strength of their relationship, and for that I am sorry.
If you haven't kept up with my predictions (made 2 months ago) I also predicted she would not be at this Christmas game. I clearly have no perspective about the proper pace of romantic relationships. If she is there on Christmas day I hope their families get to meet and enjoy the game.
Their children will go on to run what is left of our great country.
Rock and roll,
-Stein
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