This Makes Me Proud

Here Comes Another Rose Parade!

I'm proud to be appearing on the 2013 Natural Balance Rose Parade Float on January 1st. I won't be performing on the float, but I will be there in my capacity as an honorary Marine to help honor and raise awareness to the incredible canine heroes of Military Working Dogs. The Los Angeles Times just featured a photo of one very special military working dog named Lucca. Lucca lost her leg while on morning patrol in Afghanistan, is currently enjoying her retirement in Finland. She will be riding our "Canines with Courage" Rose Parade float.

Here's a photo of me with Lucca on the float while it was still being decorated. I hope you will be able to watch the Rose Parade on TV January 1st. 

Look for the Natural Balance float to see me...Lucca and the floral replica of the new National Monument to Military Working Dogs. The cost of the monument is entirely from private donations, and three organizations: Natural Balance Pet Foods, Petco, and Maddie's Fund. You can also help support the monument by purchasing special packages of Natural Balance Jerky at any Petco store nationwide. 

The proceeds go directly to fund this incredible monument. So be sure to watch the parade on January 1st, you'll get to see a floral replica of the Monument. Then go out to your local Petco and pick up a bag of these Jerky treats to help us raise money to pay for it.

Thanks and a great big WOOF to you!

Tillman

A Woofy Christmas to you

Merry Christmas from Sully, Tillman and Rose. Hope you have a woofy good holiday.

Relaxing at Home Before Christmas

How do I avoid the stress of the Christmas season? I chill out with my four legged family, or course! Living in Southern California makes it easy of course. Here's me taking Rose, Sully and Chevy out for some fun in the sun. It really is a dogs life.

Happy Holidays all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from me, Rose, Sully, Wally, Norman the Scooter Dog along with Dick and Jimmy Van Patten.

I sure am grateful to have great friends and fans like you. I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Woof Woof,

Tillman

Hey First Class on American Airlines Rocks!

I've been super busy lately, completing my boot camp training to become an honorary Marine. Well at long last, I get to attend the ceremony and get my uniform and the incredible honor as a Marine. So yesterday I got to fly FIRST CLASS on American Airlines. My dad Ron picked me up for this photo, but I walked onto the plane all by myself, and even went into the cockpit to see the Captain.

I'll have more to share about the ceremony so check back again. Right now, I just want to thank my new, good friends at American Airlines for taking such awesome care of me!

My Stunt Double Went to Barkworld

For the past few weeks I've been busy completing my boot camp and special training to become an honorary Marine. This hard work has kept me away from blogging! But rest assured, I'm back and about to embark on a fundraising mission to help fund a new National Monument to honor Military Working Dogs. More on that soon. In the meantime I am headed to Texas for my official ceremony to become a Marine. That meant I couldn't attend the awesome Barkworld Expo social media conference. So instead, I sent my body double! Here "I" am at the Howl-O-Ween Pawty having fun. My good buddy Norman the Scooter Dog was there and kicked things off. So stay tuned, I have LOTS of exciting news to share very very soon!

I'm Still At It...

I'm still at it! Trying to raise $1 million for National Service Dog Month. Visit any Petco or Unleashed by Petco store nationwide and donate at the register this week.

I think Guide Dogs are cool, don't you agree? So what are you waiting for, go make a donation this week. Even a buck can make a difference.

Learn more from my friends at Natural Balance Pet Foods, who are sponsoring the fundraiser!

Help Support National Service Dog Month

Marine Military Working Dog

Hey don't forget its National Service Dog Month at Petco. Help me raise awareness so we can raise $1 million to support and honor Service Dogs such as Military Working Dogs and Guide Dogs, among others. Please share this post with your friends, and make a donation at any Petco store or online.

Learn more about National Service Dog Month from my pals at Natural Balance Pet Foods.

Tillman Goes to Congress

Tillman with Congressman Walter Jones

Check this out! I went to Washington D.C. to meet with Congressman Walter Jones to learn more about a new National Monument for Military Working Dogs. These amazing dogs serve in our military helping to save thousands of lives every day. My dad and I listed to Congressman Jones talk about the monument and what it means to honor dogs who have served in the military since Vietnam and every conflict or war since. Military Working Dogs also help protect US citizens by detecting bombs before they are detonated, and countless other tasks too. 

I wanted to lend my support for the Monument, so I barked at Congressman Jones in approval. He understood what I meant, and thanked me for making the trip to Washington. 

Now I'm helping to raise awareness during National Service Dog Month to get the word out. Incidentally, the National Monument will be built from private donations. Petco and Natural Balance Pet Foods are the main corporate sponsors. Then we need to get about a million dollars from private citizens through donations this month at any Petco and also by purchasing special, limited edition bags of Natural Balance Jerky Bars dog treats, All proceeds will go to fund the monument. You can buy them online or at any Petco store.

I'm training for the Marines

Next week I start basic training to become an honorary Marine. I want to earn my doggie uniform so I can help raise awareness of the incredible human and canine heroes of our nation.

Since this is National Service Dog Month, it's the perfect time for me to enlist. 

Stop by your local Petco store this weekend and make a donation for Service Dogs at the register. Stay tuned here to my blog for updates on my basic training. I know it's going to be a lot of hard work, but I'm ready for the challenge!

Awesome Military Working Dogs

Military Working Dogs are pawsome!

Did you know September is National Service Dog Month? My pals at Petco and Natural Balance Pet Foods are raising money and awareness to honor these incredible canine heroes. Donate at any Petco store through Sept 22.

Military Working Dogs do some pawsome stuff to help keep our nation safe. They even learn how to parachute jump with our soldiers.

Learn more from this link on Facebook or their webpage.

Woof...Please share with your friends and help me raise awareness so we can raise a lot of money this September! 

Want to make a donation to National Service Dog Month right now? Click here

Guide Dogs Are Heroes

Have you ever seen a Guide Dog in action? I get to meet lots of them during my travels. In fact, last season of Who Let the Dogs Out, we featured guide dogs in one episode. I went to the Guide Dogs for the Blind school, in San Rafael, CA where I saw these amazing dogs help people become more independent.

This Yellow Labrador is called 'Vegas', he is a guide dog paid for by last year's fundraiser and named by a Petco store team in Las Vegas.

This September is National Service Dog Month at Petco, sponsored by my pals at Natural Balance Pet Foods. Learn how you can support Guide Dogs here. You can donate online at petco.com or go to any petco store in September and donate at the registers.

Please share with your friends!

Bark in the Park with the Dodgers!

Everybody knows how much of a sports fan I am. That's one of the reasons I love my pals at Natural Balance Pet Foods, they are big sports fans too. They also sponsor Bark in the Park events all season long, where people can register to bring their dog to the ball park to watch the game. Today I'll be at the Dodgers for the final 'Bark in the Park' of the season. Me and my sister Rose took this publicity photo with baseball legend Steve Garvey on the field at Dodger stadium.

Pre-Game 'Pup Rally' starts at 4:10
Pup Parade on the Field starts at 5:15

If you'll be at the game, be sure to say hello!

WooHoo...it's Labor Day Weekend!

Tillman and Friends chillin' in the RV

Ahhh I'm so ready for a nice long holiday weekend. It isn't easy being a world famous bulldog like me. I have pawtagraphs to give, people who want to pet me and the endless photos with people aiming their iPhones and Droids at me for a "quick picture". But truth be told, I LOVE IT! I just stand there, smile for the photos and let one rip when no one is looking. It cracks me up seeing everyone's faces when the realize what happened.

So this Labor Day Weekend? Well right now we're already chillin' out in my RV. We're relaxing before we head down to Dodger Stadium tomorrow for one final 'Bark in the Park' for the season. My pals at the Dodgers and Natural Balance Pet Foods love to invite lots of dogs to the ballpark for fun and mayhem.

What are your plans this holiday weekend with your pet?

Take a Tip from Tillman!

Tillman likes chewing & playing Tug of War

Take a tip from me for your dog: Chewing and playtime helps relieve stress, provides mental stimulation and keeps dogs out of trouble.

Although sometimes I still like to get into trouble and be a bad boy. It's fun once in awhile, agree?

Go Ahead and JUMP!

Tillman jumps for the board!

I get so excited when I see my board it makes me jump for joy. Well that and I was trying to impress the sand crabs... I have been told once or twice that I'm a bit of a ham! Truth be told it was an awesome morning at the beach, not crowded, not too hot and the water felt so great between my toes. Life is good. Don't you want to jump when things all go so well?

Delectable Delights Stews...Something to Bark About

I'm not usually a product spokes-dog but I have something BARK about!

Check out these new Delectable Delights gourmet stews from my pals at Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. Find them at your local independent pet store or any Petco. Your pets will LOVE them.

http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/delectable-delights.aspx

Try them this weekend...take a photo of your dog or cat eating them and post the photo on my Facebook wall. I might surprise some random people who post. :-D

Sincerely,

Tillman

A Wild Time in Las Vegas

They say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. But I'm more than happy to share this photo of me at the Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. Here's a photo of me with Elvis Presley. He didn't say much-- but I didn't mind, he seemed like a dummy anyway. I should have tried giving him some of my Tillman's Treats.

Any Elvis fans out there? What's your favorite Elvis song?

Weekends Are Made for Smiling

Despite being a "cool guy" bulldog, I like to smile and be happy. Weekends make me happy for sure....I'm always smiling. What makes your pet smile? Can you tell when they are smiling? Check out this picture of me and my dad...now THIS makes me smile.

We all need a pat on the back....

We all need a good pat on the back now and then. I know I do! Especially belly rubs. Lucky for me, I'm famous so lots of people want to pet me. But even when I'm home with my brothers and sister, we get lots of attention from dad.

Does your pet "ask" for your attention? How?

Rose is a Gold Medal Winner to Me

My sister Rose is more than just a pretty face.

She's smart, talented and a good athlete. After watching the Olympics now she's even trying volleyball.

I think she'd be a Gold Medal Winner, don't you think?

Keeping Cool in LA

Tillman keeps cool in his bone-shaped pool

It has been a hot summer. H-O-T! Lucky for me I have an awesome swimming pool at home. My dad takes great care of me, don't you think? I'm a lucky dawg, don't ya think?

Sept 1st: Bark in the Park at LA Dodgers!

If you want to meet me, I'll be at the LA Dodgers on Saturday September 1st for another Bark in the Park event! The game is presented by my pals at Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. Fans that purchase a special event ticket in the Coca-Cola All-You-Can-Eat Right Field Pavilion are invited to bring their dogs to the park and help cheer on their home team as the Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks at 6:10 p.m. For more info, visit the Dodgers website.

Please note this important disclaimer from the Dodgers:
All dog owners must bring proof of current vaccinations including rabies and all canine infectious diseases. (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis (optional), Parainfluenza, Parvo virus, & Corona virus (optional); Kennel Cough (Bordatella); and Rabies). MUST PROVIDE A VALID RABIES CERTIFICATE WITH A CURRENT EXPIRATION DATE FOR EACH DOG. All dogs must wear an identification tag to the game and be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All dogs must be on a leash at all times. If you are purchasing tickets for others, they will also need to sign a waiver upon check in. Please make sure each person in your group fills out a waiver prior to arrival at the ballpark to ensure smooth check-in. Dogs must be 6 months or older in order to attend and must have their own ticket. ALL DOGS MUST BE WELL-BEHAVED. DOGS SHOWING ANY SIGNS OF AGGRESSION WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE.
IF YOU PURCHASE TICKETS FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR DOG BUT DO NOT PROVIDE THE PROPER DOCUMENTATION FOR YOUR DOG, YOU WILL BE DENIED ADMISSION TO BARK IN THE PARK.

Filming in Los Angeles

I was filming this week in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium. I had to remind the Hollywood movie people that I DON'T need help from the 'Hair, Makeup or Wardrobe' department.

Despite that, I am a Hollywood Hunk and Sports star too...

Agree?

I Love Paw-Ball

Tillman loves playing football, especially the tackling part

Hey I found another sport I enjoy: FOOTBALL. Maybe I should call it PAW-BALL. Bwwaahaaahaaa!

What sports do you enjoy most?

Can You Dig It?

Ahhh Sundays. They were made for digging around at the beach. I love play time. My dad keeps me busy when we go for walks on the beach, burying stuff, playing fetch, digging for crabs, whatever. I just like to have fun.

Summertime Sundays are the best.

My Pal Wally

Wally loves to chew sticks!

Over the past few days I've received so many great comments about my pal Wally that I'm sharing another photo of him today.

Tuesdays are better with a Bulldog, don't you agree?

Bulldogs and Baseball Are the Best

Wally loves baseball

Here's my pal Wally playing baseball. He loves playing ball...especially when there is a human ready to play fetch. Even though he is grown up now, Wally is still a kid to me, he still has lots of puppy energy.

Being the top dog on our canine sports team, I tend to show Wally how things work and how to play. Whether its riding a skateboard, running on the beach or playing ball we bulldogs like to stick together and watch out for one another.

I love all sports, but Bulldogs and Baseball are a great American combination, don't you think?

My Lil Sis Rose

Lots of people ask me about my lil sister Rose. She's multi-talented and loves her pink tutus. We get along really well and share almost everything at home. I'm protective of her to strangers because she's so special.

From her pink tutus to to pink skateboard she is all girl. But she is also quite an athlete on the surf and snow too. My human pals love to see her popping balloons too, which is still one of her favorite games to play. I'm really proud of Rose, and the young "lady" she has grown up to be.

I think Rose is one of a kind. Don't you agree?

Good to the last Lick!

Tillman enjoys Delectable Delights stews from Natural Balance

Yesterday my dad gave me these new 'Delectable Delights' stews to try. My pals at Natural Balance Pet Foods have made the most delicious stews a dog could ask for.

I'm not much of a product pitch dog, but what can I say...it was so good I couldn't even wait for dad to put it in a bowl.  I only wish my face weren't so flat. There was one morsel my tongue couldn't reach.

If you see me out and about, tell me which one is your favorite flavor.

Oh by the way, the best part is my feline friends can also try the Delectable Delights cat stews also. So bark or meow at your mom and dad to get you some to try! They are good to the last lick.

My Collectable Trading Cards

I just love being a famous celebrity dog. It is such a blast to meet fans, ride my skateboard and make kids smile too. I'm especially proud of my Collectable Trading Cards too. Lots of people write to me asking how to get one. Usually I have them at special events and give them away FREE. But over the next few days I'll be giving some away to fans online... so stay tuned to my Pinterest boards, Twitter posts and Facebook took. Oh yeah, and right here on my blog for more info on how to get one of my cards for FREE!

Bulldogs Gone Wild

It's 'Bulldogs Gone Wild' Friday.

I plan to run around like a maniac and have a blast with my fur-pals. Do you and your pets have anything fun planned for the weekend?

Photo Captions Welcome!

This photo was taken of me yesterday while I was enjoying a delicious bowl of cold water. There I was slurping away when all of a sudden I hear the snap of the paparazzi (what else is new) capturing my every move). Sheesh what does a superstar bulldog like me need to do to get a break?

My caption for this photo was: "Sure I'll share some my my nice cold water...You don't mind a little dog drool in it, do you?"

Anyone have a better caption for this picture of me? I might just have a surprise for a random submission from here and on my Facebook page~

Being Wacky is Fun

Tillman with his dad Ron and two pals

Last weekend I skated at an event called 'MINI Takes The States' in Los Angeles and had a lot of fun showing off for the fans. Later on I was clowning around with my dad Ron and two pals. What do you think of my fake mustache? Do you still recognize me? Bwahhahaha

At the Mini Takes The States Event

Check this out! Last Saturday I was invited to skateboard at the 2012 MINI Takes the States event in Los Angeles, which was the last stop on the MINI tour. I got a chance to show off my rad skateboarding skills to all the fans in attendance. It was a fun way to meet car enthusiasts and wag tails.

Sometimes I get to do the coolest stuff. I had a blast skating that day. I loved all the snacks that came my way...not to mention that awesome "new car smell" that was wafting up in the air that day. Bwwwwahhhaaaaahaaa.

Ah, I crack myself up.

TDIF...Ready for the Weekend!

TDIF. (Thank Dog its Friday). I'm so ready for the weekend I can taste it. Must be the heat, it makes the week seem so much longer don't you think? I had a lot of fun with my new Cool Cats Gallery on Pinterest yesterday...got a bunch of cool pictures to pin on that board of my crazy cat fans! Tomorrow is Caturday so I'll be back again with more Cool Cats stuff. But right now,  I'm thinking about asking dad to borrow the RV. I could use a relaxing weekend to kick back and chill.

How about you? Any weekend plans with your pets?

Get Your Kitty on Tillman's Cool Cats Gallery on Pinterest

You know that I hang out with a bunch of very cool dogs. Norman the Scooter Dog, Sully, Rose and Wally...not to mention my surf dog buddies too. But did you know I dig cats? I have more than a few feline friends, and they've been meowing at me that is was high time I gave them some attention. So here goes.

I started a Cool Cats Gallery board on my Pinterest account. If you want your cat to be considered to be added to my Cool Cats Photo Gallery on Pinterest, then post your kitty's photo on my Facebook wall. Or, you could also just Tweet a photo of your cat to me @TillmanSkates on Twitter. Each day I'll pick a few cats lucky enough to make it to my Cool Cats Gallery. This isn't a contest or anything, and the choices of which photos I pin to the board are all mine...depending on where my paw lands. But if I think your cat looks like a Cool Cat, then your kitty's photo just might make it! So what are you waiting for? Jump out of the litter box, and post a pawtagraph to my Facebook wall!

What? You're not following me on Pinterest yet? What are you waiting for! Join in the fun!

(Im) Patiently Waiting...

Tillman waits for his Skimboard

What was that Carly Simon song? "A-N-T-I-C-I-P-A-T-I-O-N, it's making me wait. It's keeping me waiting...." Well that's exactly how I felt here in this photo. 

Here's me and dad at the beach while he's holding my skim board up high. Meanwhile I'm raring to go, barking my head off ready for the launch! C'Mon Dad!!!!!

It is a total game we play where he does this and gets me all charged up. I love it. What about you and your pets? Do your pets ever get impatient waiting for something?

Hanging Out With Furry Pals

My buddy Carl, a Rottweiler furry pal.

Here's me and my buddy 'Carl', a Rottweiler from Santa Barbara. We love playing in the surf, especially on hot summer days like we've had lately. Even though I'm a tough Bulldog, I have lots of other friends who are other breeds of dogs. Heck I even have a few cat friends. Speaking of cats, I started a board on my Pinterest account called Cool Cats and will be adding photos of cat pals I've virtually met in the Blogosphere. More on that another day.

Do your pets have other fur-pals they play with in person? I'd be interested to hear from you, leave a comment with your story.

Keeping Dogs Cool in the Summer

Whew its been hot! Here are Rose (with Steve), Sully (with Eric) and Norman the Scooter Dog (with Karen) all taking a break in the shade.

Remember that when it is hot, always give your dogs a rest if you are out walking. Carry a collapsible water bowl to provide access to plenty of fresh water during walks.

What do your dogs to to cool down? Run through the sprinkler? Drink from the hose? Chill in the shade? Share your story here with a comment below.

My Pal Wally

Time sure does fly by. I remember when this pup was born. Say hello to my pal Wally. You might remember him as the lil pup on the first season of my TV show, Who Let the Dogs Out. He is growing up fast. His mom Lexi Beermann has been training him to ride a skateboard. I might have to race him one of these days.

Happy 4th of July

Today is Independence Day here in the USA. At my home, we celebrate the 4th of July at the beach, where I try to sneak a bite of a hot dog if no one is looking! Dad is extra careful at night to keep us safe, away from the noise of fireworks that can scare us easily. I'm pretty tough and can handle it, but Sully and Rose get spooked by the loud noise of fireworks. So whatever you do tonight, be sure to look after your pets and keep them safe. More pets get lost on the 4th of July in the USA than any other day, because the loud noises cause some dogs to run in fear. Be sure they are wearing id tags, and keep them locked up at night inside the house, not in the yard! Oh and one other thing, resist the temptation to bring your dog to see the fireworks display. We'd rather be home where its nice and quiet. Other than that have a Happy 4th!

Heat Reminder for Your Pets

Much of the USA is experiencing very hot weather at the moment, so I thought this would be a good time to share a heat reminder for your pets!

Whether day or night, it's hotter than you think in the car. Even at just 70 F (21C) degrees, it can be fatal to leave a pet inside a car for just a few minutes. Never leave your pet inside a car--even with the windows open the glass windows magnify the heat levels. Pets can't cool down and can die very quickly. If you cannot bring them inside with you when you leave the car, it might be best to leave them at home where it is cool. Also, be sure to have plenty of fresh water for your pets when you travel. Pick up a travel bowl at any pet specialty store, they collapse and are easy to use when walking hiking or traveling.

Don't risk your pet's life, be safe and protect them at all times!

Golfing at Pebble Beach

Bulldogs golfing? I figured, we spend  full day skim boarding at Spanish Bay in Carmel, why not spend some time on the green. We made our way to one of the pristine golf courses in the area and even found a golf cart. I hopped up and was at the wheel, while Rose worked the pedals. Sully kept arguing about which way to go. All I wanted was to find the water hazards to cool off and splash around. Rose was fascinated by the golf balls, but dad kept her away from them so she wouldn't swallow them. (He's good like that).

A day of golf wasn't too bad. We said hi to lots of people, stopped for fan photos and even got a few belly rubs along the fairway. Hey this sport is pretty good.

Chillin' Out at The Beach

I mentioned yesterday that I was up in Pebble Beach with my dad, Rose, Sully and the rest of the family. We had an awesome day, too. Today we're at the Spanish Bay. Earlier this morning it was a little foggy but it finally burned off and we were ready to go! Dad took this photo of me before hit the surf. I had just been barking up a storm, begging for my skim board, but he wanted to get this picture me for the blog before I got all wet n wild in the sea! Pebble Beach is such a great place to hang. I love digging in the beach sand and getting my paws all muddy. Try it sometime!