Damian & Katerina = How To [vil-helm] #92

Alyce is discovering the world around her. Her hair is growing long, and she loves it when DADA brushes it. She also enjoys trying new foods, like pizza with cheese and broccoli soup. Did you know, that in South Carolina, 43 Rhesus Macaque monkeys escaped from a research facility. Authorities are working to locate the animals and return them safely. The monkeys are young and do not carry diseases. Christmas is approaching, and the atmosphere is building. Kat is preparing for the holiday by decorating two trees, one traditional and one surprise tree. Dapper, the French bulldog, is excited about the tree skirt, which he thinks is his new blanket. Alyce is also getting into the holiday spirit, although she can be a bit chaotic.

Tiny Tales from Alyce's Weekly Wonders

Hello everyone, it’s me, Alyce! I’ve been busy discovering so many exciting things lately, and I just HAD to share them with you! First, let me tell you about my hair—it's getting so long, I can hardly believe it! I love when DADA brushes it, he gets so creative with it, and it’s so much fun to see it grow! I’m pretty sure I have a little hair model in me, haha! Everything is ""DADA"" at the moement, my dad is my favorite at the moment, he is so fun! Now, food... Oh my, have I been loving it! I’ve been trying so many new things lately. I had pizza with cheese for the first time, and O.M.G, nobody ever told me how DELICIOUS it is! Seriously, I can't believe how yummy it was. Also, my mom makes me the best broccoli soup, and I can’t get enough of it! But wait, there’s more! This week I tasted European sourdough chocolate chip cookies, and they were SO soft and fresh, just perfect! And guess what? I also tried European sourdough bread, and it was just as amazing! My mom found this wonderful European bakery near our house, and she says it reminds her of Europe and everything there is SO good! Now, let’s get back to the most important thing on my mind... my birthday cake! We’re at D-26 and I’m starting to get really curious about what it’s going to be like. I’ve been hearing about birthday cakes, and I can’t wait to try mine! Oh, and one last thing... what’s a Christmas tree? I keep hearing about it, and I think I need to see one for myself. I bet it's something fun and sparkly! That’s all for now, friends! I’m so happy to be discovering more every day, and I can’t wait to share more of my little adventures with you as I get closer to turning one! 💕

Did you know (Nǐ zhīdào ma?)

In recent weeks, the world has been assured of four years of turbulence, courtesy of recent developments in the United States involving former President Trump. But let’s pivot from political drama to a different kind of monkey business—literally.

In Yemassee, South Carolina, 43 rhesus macaque monkeys staged a great escape from the Alpha Genesis research facility. This unexpected jailbreak occurred when a keeper mistakenly left their enclosure open, allowing the young female monkeys to make a dash for freedom into the nearby Lowcountry.

Authorities quickly launched a search operation, urging local residents to keep doors and windows firmly shut and to report any sightings. These monkeys, weighing about 7 pounds (3.2 kg) each, are too young to have undergone testing, meaning they pose no disease risk. The search team is using thermal imaging cameras, traps, and even food to coax the skittish escapees back into captivity.

Interestingly, this isn’t Alpha Genesis’s first brush with runaway primates—back in 2016, 19 monkeys escaped but were recaptured within six hours. This time, however, the search seems to be more complicated.

Since we’re in Canada, it’s safe to say we won’t stumble upon one of these daring escapees. But if you happen to be visiting the area and spot one, don’t try to approach it—they’re likely to be scared off by sudden movements. Instead, contact local authorities by calling 911.

As residents in the Lowcountry anxiously await the resolution of this unusual saga, one can’t help but marvel at how these clever primates are navigating their brief taste of freedom. For more details, check out the full story on the BBC.

Woof Woof! 🐾

Ah, the holidays are approaching. The air is starting to get a little crisper, the leaves are turning, and that familiar sense of chaos is creeping in. But let me tell you, les amis, we’re getting ready for the real Christmas—oh oui, la vraie atmosphère de Noël. It’s not quite here yet, but we’re already bracing ourselves for the madness. Let’s rewind a bit, shall we?

A couple of years ago, Kat lived in downtown Toronto, in what can only be described as a sumptuous palace. Imagine a place so grand, even our tiny Frenchie paws felt like royalty. It was here, in this palatial abode, that we first encountered the magic of Christmas. And by Christmas, we mean... Christmas! The twinkling lights, the shiny ornaments, the smell of pine wafting through the air. Kat was absolutely hooked—and so were we. But mostly Dapper, let’s be real.

Now, what does Christmas mean to a French bulldog, you ask? Well, it means one thing: the tree skirt. Ah, yes, the tree skirt. Dapper, oh Dapper, thinks it’s his new blanket or—hold your breath—pee spot. No, no, no, monsieur Dapper! That’s not how this works! But does he listen? Non! Every year, it's the same drama. A little French bulldog rebellion. Très bien.

Kat’s already started pulling out the Christmas decoration boxes from the shed. And let me tell you, les amis, there are a ton of them. Like, how many trees does one household need?! We have no idea! But there’s a plot here. We know Kat will decorate two trees. Oui, TWO. One is a very traditional yet pencil tree (we're still trying to figure out why it’s called pencil… does it write letters to Santa?). This tree will be displayed at the front door, where people can admire it as they walk by. Très chic, très classique.

But here’s the twist, the surprise (cue dramatic music): there’s another tree—in the loft! Yes, yes, you heard us right. A surprise tree, she keeps saying. We’ve seen it, though, and what in the name of Frenchie barf is going on there?! There are balls, plush, sparkles... it looks like a toy store exploded. Sacré bleu! All we want to do is play with those things. Seriously, Kat, could we please just have one ornament? Just one! But no, she keeps telling us “Non!” like we’re the ones causing the chaos.

In other news, our tiny human, Alyce, is on the move. Can we get a little peace and quiet? Non, we cannot. Alyce is now so mobile, she’s like a little Frenchie ninja! She comes after us like a lightning bolt. No more naps in peace—no rest for the Frenchie, I tell you. She even comes into our bed and acts like everything is fine, like, “What? I didn’t just wake you up? Dapper loves her with all his heart, even if she’s the cause of no naps. But me? Boujee? I need a little space, mes chers. A little personal bubble wouldn’t hurt, no?

Now, let’s talk about something very important: Dapper’s birthday is coming up soon. That’s right, the day we celebrate the greatest French bulldog ever (well, at least in our house). Dapper, get ready for the party of the year. We're talking cake, toys, and probably more chaos than Kat’s future Christmas decorations combined!
So, my fellow Frenchie aficionados, as the holiday excitement builds and the Christmas chaos nears, just remember: life is a little sweeter (and a lot funnier) when you’re a French bulldog. Until next time, keep your paws warm and your tails wagging. Bon appétit, and joyeux Noël—soon enough!