D

Dallas Real Estate Going To The Dogs?

Only at Victory — kidding! But check out this Doggie House Porn:  a canine version of the W hotel, built by the same firm that built the W, HKS. It is 6′ tall, 7′ long and 3′ wide. It boasts a sun deck, covered porch, and indoor retreat. And these digs would only set Fido back $1500. Of course, this being a buyer’s market and all, that’s asking — nose right in there with an offer.

The pooch condo was created for an event called Four Legged Fashion, sort of a DIFFA for dogs, last May 15. One-of-a-kind pooch abodes were auctioned off to benefit small local rescue groups, which as we all know need moola now more than ever. But for some strange reason, no buyers ponied up to buy this one, so it is still available.

Wonder if the first-time homebuyer tax credit applies to canines?

D Sale Of The Week: Bentley Tibbs Texas Modern

This is what we all need post tax day: timeless, clean, uncluttered design as if all those files, papers and receipts have been swept away. 8707 Canyon is proof that home builders can erect more than a faux French chateaux and turrets that gobble up the lot. This home, designed by Dallas architect Bentley Tibbs, is a “Texas modern” new construction under 5000 square feet (4971) with four bedrooms, four and a half baths, formals and covered patio. Guests are greeted by a four foot waterfall directly across from the zinc-clad front door (zinc must be the material du jour: note that 6645 Northaven, Lionel Morrison’s Ricks Circle chef d’oeuvre, also has a huge zinc front door. Bullet proof?) Also soaring glass 12-foot window walls, transom windows, and artful use of warm, natural materials including oak, stone, and more zinc on the fireplace. The home sits on a sloping half acre in coveted Bluffview, where topography and trees rule. Neighborhood tidbit: Bluffview neighbors are said to be very picky about anyone who comes in and chops down trees — like you might lose a limb — so if you move here, don’t pack your tree saw. (Right on, neighbors!)

$2,049,000

Becky Frey for Briggs Freeman

972.380.7787

Bo, The New First Dog, Takes Texas Roots To D.C.

This angel is about to jettison the Portuguese Water Dog into fame and fortune, but in Dallas we know the PWD is the power broker’s preferred pup.

Portuguese Water Dogs: The New First Dog Has Dallas Area Roots

I have to say, we told you so back in February. Dave Perry-Miller gave me the low-down on the Portuguese Water Dog, since he has one, and we knew that pup would be perfect for the First Family. Now comes word that this is the official First Dog and the First Daughters have a precious new Portuguese Water puppy named Bo,  bred by Art and Martha Stern, long-time PWD breeders who live near Dallas and call their kennel Amigo Portuguese Water Dogs. The pup is six months old.  I can’t help but wonder if Dave PM had advance knowledge on this deal: apparently Bo is a gift to the First Family from Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy, who owns Bo’s litter-mate and is fond of the PWD. I know Dave is rather fond of New England, and spends time in Nantucket when he’s not selling Dallas mega mansions. Could there be a connection? (That’s Edith Wharton, right, and Henry James, Dave’s PWD — white dog on the left.)

House Porn: Feeling Blue?

Not in this kitchen at 5815 Bent Trail.  Corian — not radioactive.

Should The New First Dog Need A Brother Or Sister

And I highly recommend the other breed Sasha and Malia have expressed an interest in getting — a Golden Doodle. Doods are wonderful, somewhat “hypoallergenic”, fiercely loyal, protective, smart, and full of energy. Warning to the White House kitchen: Doods are also adept counter-surfers.

The New First Dog?

I reached Dave Perry-Miller today to give the Obamas some tips on the Portuguese Water Dog they are reported to be getting for first daughters Sasha and Malia.

The Portuguese is a “working class dog,” says Dave, very appropriate for this presidency and the nation’s current pulse. Portuguese fishermen used them to retrieve fishing nets out of the water from their boats. Laborers, yet, but with much class and panache: Dave’s Henry James is more like “a naughty person with fur”, he says. The breed eats their kibble and also that of any other canine — “his favorite is really whatever is in sister Edith Wharton’s bowl.” Frisky, like our stock market — at age 12 Henry James is still jumping. As for special treats, the choice of a PWD for the White House ought to have an enormous influence on health care: Henry James’ favorite snacks are fish and apples — give that to every American once a day and you’ll slice the cost of health care right in half.

The First Dog Is A Portuguese Water Dog

So I just heard, and dialed up Dave Perry-Miller for Obama family advice: stay tuned.

Octu-Mom’s Mom’s House May Be In Foreclosure

Since Octu-mom does not have a house of her own to shelter her litter brood, she lives with her mom who is behind on her house payments by more than $23,000… this is just sick. Please, someone, psych examination for these people and the physician. Then, I guess, bail out?

Moving Day For The Bushes

Channel 5 and Channel 8 have crews staked out on Meaders Lane all day long to catch a glimpse of the former president settling into his new home, sweet home. Also heard there may be flying restrictions in force over the house.

Moving Day For The Bushes: Hope The Paint Is Dry

This was the scene in front of the Bush home yesterday — pre-security block off — with all the maintenance crews getting the house ready for them.

Moving Day For The Bushes: Fed Ex On The Go

Moving Day For The Bushes: What About My Fed Ex?

Moving Day For The Bushes: Manning The Entrance

Man-ing all right. Contenders for the next season of The Bachelor? (Can you imagine a DPD officer handing off a rose to a group of tearful, tense ladies?) The DPD declined to tell me if they would be staked out 24/7 at the entrance to Daria Drive off Meaders Lane until the gate is erected, for security reasons, of course. When asked if I could drive into the cul de sac(s), they said not unless I had business there.Also: the one officer I chatted up said all the neighbors were happy with the extra police protection — not one complaint.

Moving Day For The Bushes: Still No Gate

Moving Day For The Bushes: Only If Authorized

Moving Day For The Bushes: Can We Get In?

Could Real Estate Agent Transport Dog To D.C.

Terri Dalton/Remax By the Lakes, says a friend passed away, leaving a wife and three children as well as this family-friendly, 6 year old pup. Terri, a Wylie realtor, will personally deliver the pup to a good home, even if that means Washington, D.C. Right, Terri? Actually, this dog would be perfect for the Obamas: her name is Ladybird!

Wonderful Presidential Dogs

Henry James and Edith Wharton will photograph handsomely against the white background of their new digs. Send me a photo of the dog you think President and Mrs. Obama should fetch for their children.

Dear President Obama: We Highly Recommend A Portuguese Water Dog

All this talk over what breed the Obama’s should buy for that dog they promised the girls. I hear that Dave Perry-Miller has sent a special delivery letter to President and Mrs. Obama, urging them to buy a Portuguese Water Dog for their young daughters. Dave is the proud master of Henry James, a handsome (but, says Dave, naughty) Portuguese Water Dog. We need some naughty in the White House. (Henry James is the white dog in the photo, doesn’t look naughty to me.) Of course, being a totally impartial parent, he also recommends the Bouvier des Flandres, the black pup named Edith Wharton.