Happy New Year!

We hope everyone has a very happy and safe New Years celebration.  Please, if you're going out, don't drink alcohol and drive.  Have a designated driver.  We want you to be alive to read all about us.  We'll be spending our New Years at home, spending time with Daddy and Aunt Pat.  We left New Years Eve greetings on our last walk of 2010.

And I'm celebrating the "lasts" of 2010.  It's been very warm the last couple of days so most of the snow has melted.  It's been nice to go walkies because the humans haven't had to worry as much about me(or them) slipping on the ice and hurting myself.  Plus, today we found three returnable cans on our morning walk.  In the backyard, I found the last stick of 2010, and had a nice chew.

 

Once I was finished with that, I enjoyed digging the last hole in the back yard so I can get at the yummy grass.

 

Chloe has upped her usual surveillance of the back yard.  Lots of new ground to sniff now that the snow has melted.  She's especially keeping an eye out for the squirrels that recently moved into a hole in the attic of our next door  neighbor's house. She'll make sure they don't come over here for a little vacation. 

 

Humans usually make resolutions to make their lives better in the new year.  My resolutions are to keep taking walks, and eat more Charlee Bears!  Chloe's resolution should be not to be late when Aunt Pat serves dinner.

 

But, I think hers revolve around getting as many tummy rubs as possible.

Daddy Saved Christmas!

Chloe and I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!  We hope the blessings of the season will be yours throughout the year.  I did a naughty on the carpet last night.  I couldn't help it.  It's hard to be sure I get enough grass in my diet this time of year.  Since the grass is frozen, I get more dirt, too, which can upset my tummy.  Well, I was so excited last night about Santa coming, as well as having a little too much dirt, meant that I threw up on the living room rug after Daddy had us outside.  I got so upset, I didn't watch where I was walking and made a mess in the dining room.  Daddy stepped in it, too.  I know Santa  is smart enough to know that I didn't do it deliberately, but he was already out delivering presents.  He knows when you're bad or good, but let's face it, there's a limit to how much someone can multi-task.  The elves would be sending those last minute good and bad child and dog messages, and we all know how something can get lost in translation when messages are passed.  Thinking about it now, I overreacted.  I was really scared and sad when Daddy sent me upstairs to go back to bed.  Things look a lot different at 4 am.  I was afraid I ruined Christmas for everybody!

Daddy got the carpet cleaner out, and went to work.  Over the sound of the cleaner, I thought I heard sleigh bells.  I couldn't tell because I was falling asleep.  I assumed Santa was flying over us to the next house.  But, hen we got up, there were a pile of presents under the tree!  Santa didn't skip us!

  Daddy must have explained what happened to Santa and he left us toys! Finally, Chloe has a squirrel she can catch!  Plus, he left two big bags of Charlee Bears!  I must be a good girl!  Daddy saved the day!  We were very excited and took a nice nap before our morning walk.  Chloe and I exchanged holiday greetings to the rest of the neighborhood dogs at our usual spots. 

We helped Daddy and Aunt Pat with their gift selections this year.  We told Aunt Pat that we wanted her to make or buy a throw like a New England Patriots pillow Daddy's got.  They're Daddy's favorite football team.  So, she got the fabric. We told her we would help her make it, especially after the fun we had making the dog throw last year.  Once Daddy went out yesterday, we went to work.  Chloe kept watch at the window while I helped Aunt Pat.  It didn't take too long, but I ended up ruining the surprise.   That was another reason I thought I'd wrecked Christmas.   After Daddy got home, I went back downstairs to make sure Aunt Pat had picked everything up from the family room.  She had, but I should have stayed put.   Daddy followed me downstairs before Aunt Pat could close the door of the sewing room. So, he saw it on the sewing machine.  At least the Orioles pillow we helped her make was a surprise.

Daddy got Aunt Pat a really big book about her favorite movie, Star Wars.  Daddy came home and described it to me.  When he asked me if I thought she'd like it, of course I barked.  I know how much of a Star Wars fan she is.  Daddy also gave us to her, in a way.  A man he knows is an artist. He works from photos and does work in charcoal-no, not the bricks you grill with, but the kind you draw with.  He took a Christmas photo from a couple of years ago, and gave it to this guy.  It looks great!  Aunt Pat was very touched and she and Daddy are trying to find a place to hang it so it can be seen.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Ever since Daddy and Aunt Pat took us to see Santa, Chloe can't wait until the big guy makes his visit.  I'm sure she wasn't expecting him to come this early.  She knows Christmas is the 25th.  That's less than a week away!  I hope your shopping is finished.  We told Daddy and Aunt Pat what we wanted them to buy from us to give to each other.  We'd love to go shopping, but the only store we're welcome in is the pet store.  I just don't think Daddy or Aunt Pat would like chew toys or noms like Chloe or I would.  I'd love to go to the mall to see what's around.  We'd be happy lay down in the cafe at the bookstore while the humans browsed.  The only dogs that get to do fun stuff like that are guide dogs or service dogs.   It wouldn't be right if Aunt Pat made us a little sash or coat that said "Therapy Dog in Training, or Guide Dog in Training...unless you count retail therapy as therapy, or sniffing out a bargain is a guide dog's duty.  Hmm...Chloe and I stand by when Aunt Pat's in the kitchen, or on the computer, or in the shower, to make sure she doesn't fall.  I wonder how "Balance Dog" would go over if we got stopped by security?  Probably not well.  I guess this means Chloe and I will have to dream about Christmas until it gets here.

The weather's been contributing to the Christmas feel.  Last week it got very cold and very snowy.  It was too bad out to go for our walks.  Chloe was not happy, but she understood.  Daddy was so cool!  He took us for rides in the car on days we couldn't walk.  They weren't short rides around the block, we actually got to go out and see the sights around town.  We've been dashing through the snow in the backyard.  Daddy shoveled a smaller path-I have better footing when there's some snow on the ground.  I don't like walking where there's ice or crunchy snow.  I don't like to slip, and the humans are afraid I'll pull another muscle like I did last year.  To get on firmer ground, I'll drag the humans through a snowbank if that's what it takes to avoid bad footing.  Chloe and I don't like to miss any messages from the neighborhood dogs, so we'll sometimes change direction rather quickly if one of us picks up a scent.  The yellow snow is our "You've Got Mail" confirmation that we've got "pee mail" as Aunt Pat refers to it.  Don't worry, we don't eat the killer yellow snow, since Chloe and I will eat just about anything.  We just sniff it...and then Chloe usually leaves a reply right over the original message.  She's very social, even if the original message is a little higher up on a snow pile than usual.  She has to get the last word in.

He Petted Me!!

Today was the big day!  Daddy and Aunt Pat took Chloe and me out to the local Humane Society for our yearly Christmas photos and a one on one with the man himself!  That's right!  The one and only Santa Claus gave me some nice pats on my head!  He wasn't even on duty yet!  We got there a little early and were waiting in the hallway while the nice folks were getting everything fine tuned.  Aunt Pat noticed Santa coming towards us.  I got up and wagged my tail.  He put his hand out for me to take a sniff, and then, he said I was a good girl and gave me a nice pat on the head.  He also petted Chloe, too.  The photographer even remembered us from last year.  Daddy was a little surprised by that, but I wasn't.  How could anyone forget us?   This is the best photo of the bunch.

Chloe was very excited by the whole experience.  Aunt Pat made us new bandannas especially for the occasion.  Chloe helped...a little.  The gate was up at the top of the stairs, so Chloe whined...err, called advice to her.  Chloe whined a little when we first started out, but once she realized we weren't going to the Vet, she settled down.  She enjoyed the scenery.  The horses, sheep and even the cows were out, which Chloe hasn't ever seen before in person. Of course, she loved seeing the other dogs.  I made sure she stayed focused.  I went in first, and once Aunt Pat put my bandanna on, I headed straight for Santa.  There were some shavings on the floor, which Chloe wanted to play in.  But once she saw me enjoying Santa's company, she came over and we got down to business.  It didn't take long, and when the door opened, I was ready to head back to the car.  Aunt Pat  had to call me back because I didn't have my harness back on.  Oops!  Aunt Pat took us to the car while Daddy waited for the photos.

Happy Thanksgiving

 

We'd like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Chloe and I have a lot to be thankful for-good food, even though I'm still on a diet; great Vet care; good health,  and most of all, a very loving home.  Of course, I love my Charlee Bears and we both love our tummy rubs and walkies.  

Today, food is the main event, which is one reason Chloe and I really like Thanksgiving.  Chloe and I helped Aunt Pat get everything ready for dinner both yesterday and today.  We watched her cut up the potatoes, and we taste-tested the carrots for freshness.  Chloe took clean up duty this afternoon.  She made sure the leftovers were put away properly and then, licked, er wiped the floor clean.  After dinner we made sure the humans had a nice walk so they wouldn't gain any weight.  Hey, if I have to be on a diet and exercise program, so does everyone else!    

Speaking of Vets, Daddy faked me out the other day.  I had my appointment at the Rehab Vet earlier this week for my re-check.  It went very well.  The doctor gave me a very thorough examination and was very happy with my progress.  I love the nice car ride out there, and I was excited when we didn't go straight home.  I was not at all pleased when we pulled up to our regular Vet.  Usually the humans warn me if we have an appointment.  Thankfully, Daddy told me I could stay in the car.  He just went in to get some medicine we take to keep our tummies balanced.  Don't get me wrong, I love our regular Vet and everyone who works there.  But, the Rehab Vet is the fun Vet.  I get pampered, rubbed down, they coo and tell me what a pretty girl, and what a good girl  I am when I'm in the whirlpool...and then there's the treats.  They introduced me to Charlee Bears.  Plus the car ride is pretty long.  Our regular Vet keeps me...healthy.  His office is close to home, so when I'm just starting to enjoy the ride, it's over.  You know what they say, getting there is half the fun!  And, they do stuff to me...like give me shots, or take blood to make sure everything works like it should; clean my teeth and remove my warts.  This is stuff that needs to be done to make sure I'm healthy, but it's not particularly fun. Maybe the next time I'm there I could suggest they put in a whirlpool.  They are remodeling, so maybe they could make room for a hot tub.  I know!  I'll ask Santa to get the Vet one when we see him tomorrow! 

Workin' Like...Well, You Know...

 a dog!  We've been very busy since Halloween.  The Rehab Vet gave us new exercises to do and told Daddy that we should be increasing my walking distance.  That's fine with me.  I never liked it when Aunt Pat would take me home after walking both Chloe and I, and then she'd go back out with Chloe for a longer walk.  Aunt Pat said she could hear me barking, err, complaining down the street.  Or, Aunt Pat and I would turn around when Daddy and Chloe would keep going.  I'd stop, and turn around every so often to see if they were coming back the same way we came.  Now, I know Chloe enjoyed spending some alone time with Aunt Pat or  Daddy, but I still missed them.  Now that I'm walking longer, Daddy and Chloe will only go a short distance ahead of us, or Aunt Pat and I will head back when I'm ready. 

 We've gotten a little shaggy lately, so today, Chloe and I got to spend the day at the Groomer!  We needed it, especially Chloe.  I know I feel so much better.  Sure, Aunt Pat brushes me, but there's nothing like a nice relaxing bath.  I even got a nice hug from the Groomer!     

Daddy and Aunt Pat want us to stay as clean as possible.  Next Friday we go see...HIM...again, for our yearly photos.  Chloe and I will be making our lists and checking them twice.  But, we'll have to watch our Thanksgiving feasting.  The camera tends to add pounds so they say, and we want to look our best. 

Aroooooooo!!

Happy Howl-o-ween!   Chloe and I  were very excited yesterday.  I know, dogs don't normally go trick or treating.  But,  we thought that since we just had our teeth cleaned, Aunt Pat or Daddy might take us out.  The people at the Rehab Vet said how nice and clean my teeth looked, so naturally I thought the rest of the neighborhood would want to see...and give us treats.  Guess not.  We'll be spending the evening upstairs with Aunt Pat while Daddy hands out the candy to the kids. 

I don't know why, we can't go out.  Every time Aunt Pat gets us harnessed up for our walks, she calls us the "Furry Horde of Doom", and says it's time to strike terror in the hearts of the neighbors.  This is the perfect night for striking terror in the heart of our neighbors, isn't it?  Okay, we're not mean, and we don't really strike terror in anybody when we see them on our walks, but it would be nice to sniff out some extra noms and maybe a few head or tummy rubs.   It's not like the only thing we do is get treats, we give them too.  Chloe and I find treats for Daddy and Aunt Pat on our walks...along with the occasional treat for us if the humans don't see it before we get it in our mouth.  Granted, the treats we find for the humans aren't the same as we like.   We'll drag, err, lead Aunt Pat over to a returnable bottle somebody left by the road or on a  lawn,  she considers it a treat.  We've never play a trick though.  The humans would inevitably pick it up. 

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Dental Care is Important...

but not everybody likes to go to the Dentist.  Monday, Daddy leashed up Chloe and me, and told us we were going for a car ride.  You know I love car rides.  Put me in the back seat and I'm a happy girl.  Well, I got excited about a nice long drive.    I know Daddy had to go to work, but one nice thing about living here, is that you don't have to drive too far to sniff, err, see some nice scenery.  You can imagine my disappointment when we stopped at our regular Vet's office.  It's only about five minutes away from home.   Some car ride.  Don't get me wrong, I love our regular Vet and everyone who works there.  I just wish it were a little farther away. Daddy and Aunt Pat are very happy that they're close, especially after Monday.

Anyway, Chloe and I had  appointments to have our teeth cleaned.  Chloe had a little tantrum when they took me back first.  I think she wanted to go first so she could get it over with.  Everything went well, our teeth are nice and clean.  Aunt Pat says our breath is much fresher.  But, our dental appointments aren't like Daddy's or Aunt Pat's.  We have to be given anesthesia.  Let's face it, I'm not sure how much I'd like the idea of having my teeth scraped without having a biskee chaser.  Plus, Chloe talks so much, they'd never get any work done.  So, we were at the Vet's office all day.  Chloe woke up fairly quickly, and boy, she was chatting with anyone and everyone she could.  She's very empathetic, so I think she was trying to give the other patients some solace and consolation...sort of like a friendly visitor you'd see in a hospital. 

 

It took me longer to wake up.  I was pretty...happy, when Aunt Pat picked us up.  She said I looked like a freshman on their first weekend away at college.  Hmm.  How would she know that?  Oh, she had a roommate her first semester freshman year who spent more time on a bar stool than in class.  Okay, so I was doing the drunken sailor walk where I'd walk a couple of steps then flop on the floor with my legs askew.  It was like my front legs and my back legs were working independently of each other.  I almost ran into the wall.  Our neighbor and Vet Tech extraordinaire, D, had to get a towel to support my back end so I could get outside.  A nice man who was there for something offered to help us out, which was nice of him.  Anyway, Aunt Pat and D poured me into the back seat and we drove home.  Once we got home, I got out of the car okay, and after wandering around the back yard for a few minutes, I got in the house without needing much assistance.  After a little nap, then a lite supper, and then another nap, I was steadier when Daddy got home from work.  I even made it up the stairs without too much trouble. 

Chloe was a little "happy" and sad as well.  She was a little wobbly when she got up on the table to look out upon the neighborhood.  I think I scared her, too.  She'd sniff me, and whine, but she was pretty whiny last night anyway.  She wanted to eat; she wanted to walk; she wanted to go through the neighborhood showing off her pearly whites and fresh breath!  The Vet's office had instructed Aunt Pat to wait to feed us until 8pm or so.  Plus, Aunt Pat figured we  shouldn't go for walkies, either, which was fine by me.  Aunt Pat got so tired of Chloe's whining, she fed us before the instructions said we should eat.  But, we'd kept down some water and a few treats, so she didn't think we'd have any trouble with our food.  We didn't.  We were both back to normal Tuesday morning.  I was a bit stiffer, but moving around more, and taking a couple of nice walks helped.  On our afternoon walk yesterday, I almost got a ride on a school bus!  The bus driver waved at us, but Aunt Pat said she was letting us cross the street.  I think she wanted us to come for a ride.

Why Does It Have to Rain...

when you really don't want it to?  Take last Thursday.  It poured.  I don't mind getting wet too much, heck, I am a water dog.  But, Chloe hates it when it rains.  If we get caught in a shower on our walk, she runs around the house like a maniac.  She rubs herself on the rug, and on the furniture to dry off.  Daddy and Aunt Pat have to chase her around the room to towel her off.  I don't know why she does that.  Having our humans towel us off with a warm towel is like getting a massage.  I love it!  Besides, the humans usually almost always give us a treat afterwards.  Especially if I bark, err, ask for one.  It's not like Daddy and Aunt Pat make us stay outside for a while when it rains, they don't.  If we're not on our walk, we're only out for as long as we need to do our potties.  If it's raining too hard, we don't even go for our walk.

 

 But, last Thursday, we had an appointment at our Groomer.  We love going there, and we like to show off how nice we look in the back yard after our appointment.  Aunt Pat thinks the real reason we're anxious to go outside is because we need to potty, but that's only part of the reason.  We know Mrs. G.(our neighbor who lives directly behind us) loves to see how we look once we've been to the beauty parlor (as she calls it)  She's right, we do look beautiful.  Once we got home, it was raining so hard we couldn't stay outside long enough for anyone to see us.  We were really bummed.  Chloe was so unhappy, she ran around the house to dry herself off, and then hid under the dining room table.  She did the same thing later in the afternoon, and both of her bows came off.  At least I still have my Halloween bandanna on.

 Fortunately, the rain let up so we were able to go for our evening walk.  Too bad we didn't get to see any of the neighbors to tell us how good we looked.   Oh, well, we shouldn't be vain.  Our Groomer was kind enough to schedule an appointment for us for the week before Thanksgiving.  Hopefully, we'll have better weather next time.

Over The Hill?

Daddy had a milestone birthday on Thursday.  He turned 50, which is basically 7 in dog years.  His co-workers  put these balloons on his desk and gave him a bag full of "old age" related novelty items-like a beer stein sippy cup, a pill holder, a "Caution, Senior Moment in Progress" sign...you get the idea.  7 is still a puppy.  I'm older than that and I'm not over the hill.  We're not even close.

I think Chloe forgot that Aunt Pat was taking care of getting Daddy's gift.  When we went outside, she went about her usual perimeter patrol/sniff around the yard with a little more gusto than usual
 

.  Then, I saw her furiously digging a hole in the garden. I had to see what she was doing. Chloe wouldn't tell me if she had hidden something, or was looking for something to give Daddy, but she stopped the odd behavior once I reminded her.

 

Maybe Chloe needs that senior moment sign?  Chloe took him for a nice walk before he went to work.  And, we both helped Aunt Pat bake cupcakes.  Anyway, Daddy really liked his presents, and spending time with his friends during his party.

Next week is a busy week for us.  I have an appointment at the Rehab Vet, and both Chloe and I are going to the Groomer!  That makes at least  four car rides in two days!  Maybe tomorrow we can get Aunt Pat to take us for a Sunday drive to make it an even five!

Joyride!!

Chloe and I got to go for a joyride the other day!  No, we didn't drive.  Chloe can't reach the pedals and although I could if I sat properly, it's hard to grip the steering wheel without thumbs.  But, I figured out to get Aunt Pat to take us out.  It was easier than I thought.

Aunt Pat went outside into the garage.   I just followed her out of the kitchen door without her realizing it.  She was a little startled when she saw me walking beside her.  I think she was worried that I'd take off down the street or something. Chloe might, but I wouldn't.  I don't like being away from Aunt Pat for too long.  I just stood by the back door of the car and would not move when she called me.  I kept looking at the car, then at Aunt Pat, and back at the car again.  Finally, she opened the door and let me in the back.  I think the not moving part was key.  By this time, Daddy came around to see what was going on.  He got Chloe, and I let her ride shotgun.  I prefer the back seat anyway.  I love to stretch out and feel the ride.  It's very soothing.  That's one reason I like going to the Rehab Vet so much, we have a nice long car ride to get there and back. 

 

Chloe was very excited as well.  She was very surprised that we were going for a ride and enjoyed every minute of it.  She was very good, once she figured out I had dibs on the back seat.  Aunt Pat didn't take us too far.  We just went around a couple of blocks and back.  Next time, I'm sure we'll go a little farther.  I hear the bank give out treats to people who take their dogs though the drive up teller.