Roof! Roof!

No, I don't mean woof woof. I mean roof, like the one on top of our house. Earlier this month Aunt Pat, Chloe and I were in the dining room horsing around, err, doing my exercises and running through our obedience lessons. Aunt Pat looked up and spotted stains from water droplets that had trickled down the wall. This isn't the first time they've had trouble with the woof, err, roof. Over the last few years there have been other leaks and repairs. Plus, Daddy and Aunt Pat noticed that it was sagging over the back part of the garage. So, considering it's age-it's 21 years old, Daddy and Aunt Pat knew it was time to replace it.

Daddy and Aunt Pat got a couple of estimates. Both roofers were very nice to us, but Daddy and Aunt Pat could only pick one. They started Monday, and boy, it's been pretty loud around here.
We try to help where we can. Chloe's been watching at the window barking encouragement.

I've been staying close to Aunt Pat. If she leaves the room for a few minutes I'll bark to make sure she's not having any trouble because of the noise. NO, my barking has nothing to do with me being afraid of the noise...even though it can sound like a bad thunderstorm...which I am afraid of. So what if Aunt Pat had to give me some of the thunderstorm medicine this afternoon?
Loud noises trigger both Aunt Pat's migraines and her vertigo, so I want to make sure she's okay. We're all grateful when it's time for walkies. We've been spending more time in the family room because it's not as noisy there.

We had a break yesterday. They couldn't come because it was so cold. Monday night it was so windy a tarp blew off the roof as well as some of the supplies. Aunt Pat had to tie the tarp to the lilac bush so the tarp wouldn't cover up the exhaust vent of the furnace.

Daddy put the stuff that had blown off into the garage for safekeeping. Although we didn't get as much snow as expected, Chloe and I wanted to be sure the yard was in shape so the roofers could do their job. It might look like we're playing, but we're working. We were making sure
the snow was level so nobody would trip, and that the back yard was picked up.

I think the roofers appreciated our help. They said they'd be finished tomorrow!

He Came!!!!!!!

We must have impressed Santa this year! I know we were good girls. We hear that all the time. But, Santa knows when we're asleep and awake. He knows when we've been doing things that aren't necessarily bad, but stuff we shouldn't be doing anyway. For example, barking for more treats after we've been given some; stopping and picking stuff up on our walks when the humans say "leave it."

But boy, I was surprised! I got my very own carrot! Not as yummy as the real thing, but a lot more fun.

We got a rope pull toy and a couple of bears, a giraffe, a rope monkey and an orange orangutan! Chloe and I didn't know what to play with first!

Chloe got so excited she tried to get one of the toys out of Daddy's hands before he could get it off of the package!

We've been spending the rest of the day...well, resting. We're all pretty tired after the excitement this morning. Of course, we're a little sad since this is the first Christmas without Katie, but we know she's with us in spirit.

We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!!

Not a Creature Was Stirring....

Merry Christmas Eve! We've earned a long winter's nap after the day Chloe and I had. There were a lot of last minute preparations to take care of today. This morning I went back to the Rehab Vet for a session. Since it's been a couple of days since I had my aspirin, they wanted to keep me up to snuff as it were, with the progress I've made. It helped. I've been getting a little stiffer despite keeping up with the exercises. I've really been enjoying the bland diet-the ground turkey mixed with cottage cheese and rice. I haven't thrown up again, thankfully, but I was a little "loose in the caboose last night and this morning. Daddy got some medicine from the Vet this morning to stop the diarrhea and it's working. Chloe, of course had to have some too. She has to do everything I do. The aspirin didn't agree with her either, and she had some loose stool yesterday. But, today she's no longer limping and she's back to normal with her number twos. Believe me, Daddy's very thankful that this all happened in winter. It's a good thing he got a cold from his office Christmas party.

Anyway, tomorrow is the big day...Christmas, and there was a lot left to do. We had to make sure the yard was ready for Santa's arrival. Chloe checked the perimeter to make sure security was intact. There was a car break-in a street over and Chloe wants to be sure nobody can get in to touch Santa's sleigh.


I made sure that the landing area was smooth enough, and that the snow was tasty enough in case the reindeer need a drink. Thankfully Daddy shoveled so if Rudolph or Comet need a nosh, they won't have any trouble getting what's left...er, a nice tasty snack.

Then, we went inside to help Aunt Pat finish the throw she was working on. You know, the one with the dogs on it. Well, Aunt Pat discovered that she'd cut the red fleece for the back crookedly. I'm not too surprised, though. She's always had problems drawing a straight line, even with a ruler. I'm sure it had nothing to do with my laying on the red fleece when she was cutting it. I stabilized it for her...just like Chloe and I did when she needed to find a way to patch the uneven part.

Patching the area didn't work, so Aunt Pat just made the throw a little shorter than she had intended.

You can see why Daddy and Aunt Pat liked the fabric. I think there's a strong resemblance.

Chloe thinks she's much cuter than the dog on the throw. We all think she's right, of course, but a dog-sized Santa hat would be a great finishing touch. Aunt Pat has a lot of the red fleece fabric left over, so we'll see what happens. I know she almost bought Chloe a set of antlers at the pet store, but she didn't think they were the right size.

The Thanks I Get...

I was only trying to help Aunt Pat make a fleece Christmas throw. Christmas is only a few days away and I know Aunt Pat wants to get this done. Instead of being thanked, Chloe and I get taken to the Vet and I get sent to bed with just some rice and turkey. Despite what the humans said, my episode of vomiting this morning had nothing to do with it. Granted, I threw up in the Vet's office too, right in front of the Vet, but it was just one piece of grass and a little phlegm. He says I have gastritis, which is a pretty common problem and may be from grass eating or from the aspirin I'm taking for my arthritis. So, I have to cut out the aspirin for a few days, increase my Pepcid, and eat a bland diet.

Chloe came along because she's been limping a little this weekend, favoring her left foreleg. Daddy says it's because Chloe thinks she can fly! She likes to jump off the table in the living room once she's done barking at something or somebody outside. Sounds like she's imitating our friend and neighbor Tony, who did that earlier this summer. It seems to only bother her after she's been napping for a while, or when she's been running around the yard. She may have strained or pulled something when she jumped off the table...or the sofa...or the bed. I think she loves the feeling of the wind on her face. So, for the next few days, she'll be getting aspirin.


Hopefully, Aunt Pat will have the throw done tomorrow so Chloe and I can try it out. It has dogs on the other side. Many of them have Santa hats on, and a couple of them look like Chloe and I. The lab is a yellow lab, not chocolate like me, but that's okay. I realize how difficult it is to reproduce cuteness like ours on fabric. Fabric just doesn't capture the "it" factor we have. We're better with photos. The Vet's office has snowflakes hanging on their walls with photos of their patients in the middle of each snowflake. It was nice to see Chloe, Katie and my photos up with the other dogs and cats. We're some of the cutest on the wall, and I'm not being conceited. Heck, while we were waiting to see the Vet, this woman who was there with her daughter and one of their cats commented on how cute we were.

We're All Getting Ready For the Holidays

Daddy and Aunt Pat aren't the only ones around here getting ready for Christmas and New Years. Chloe and I have things to do, too. For example, we helped Aunt Pat bake and clean up the floor. It was a little frustrating for us to hear "These are people cookies, not dog cookies" from Aunt Pat. We only wanted to get a closer look. But, I admit, a little sample for quality control purposes would've been nice, too. Cookie is one of my favorite words. I saw a recipe for dog treats sitting on her printer, so I wonder if she'll bake for us? It's a well known fact that calories don't count around the holidays.

Today, Daddy and Aunt Pat dropped us off at the Groomer. Chloe was very excited to see everybody and couldn't wait to start talking once she got taken to the back where the magic happens. I had to sniff everything, and said hello to the shop dog, a very nice gentleman. Chloe really needed a trim, as you can see by her before photo.

This is Chloe afterwards.

I'm sure she lost a pound or two just from the hair that was clipped. She was so happy with her new look she ran back and forth at the back and side of the yard to show off. Too bad the G's weren't outside, and neither was the neighbor's male boxer, Zeke.

My before and after shots aren't as dramatic. I got a snazzy bandanna with Santa Clauses on it.

I'm so glad. This bandanna shows how much I believe in Santa, so I know he'll leave me...er, us, some nice toys under the tree. I've been a good girl this year. Okay, so I rolled around in the snow once we got home, but I didn't do it because I didn't like my haircut.
It snowed last night, and even though Daddy shoveled, I had to make my snow angels. Plus, my snow angels cleared a little more snow out of the way so Santa's reindeer will have a clear spot to land. I know, Santa usually lands on the roof, but not at our house. The roof isn't in the best shape and I don't know if it will be replaced before Christmas. I wouldn't want Santa getting hurt if slipped or fell on some bad shingles. We have a gas fireplace so he can't slide down the chimney. He'll have to come through the door. The back door has a direct line to the tree, so he'll be in and out quickly. With our super-sensitive hearing, he'll have to move fast so Chloe won't jump all over him and get his nice suit dirty.

I'm All For Following Doctor's Orders But....

this is ridiculous! When Daddy had me at the Rehab Vet last week, he asked them if there was anything we needed to do to protect Chloe and my feet when we go for walkies now that the snow is sticking around. Well, they said we should wear boots. I didn't think too much of it at the time , since they gave Daddy a sheet of paper with information about boots and a drawing to use to measure our feet. Well, when Aunt Pat checked the price, that brand was rather expensive. I thought we were in the clear. After all, Chloe and I have all-weather coats, and our regular Vet said that we didn't need to wear coats or sweaters when we're outside in the cold, since we'd make enough heat naturally. Plus, I was bred to swim in the cold Atlantic, rivers, and/or lakes to fetch ducks or whatever waterfowl that needs to be retrieved.

I shouldn't have gotten complacent. A couple of days later, Daddy and

Aunt Pat went out, and came home with these!
Mine are blue and of course, Chloe's are pink.
Chloe was very excited, and all I wanted to do was chew mine...and Chloe's. I'll admit, they did look cute, but it was a little difficult to walk in them. Daddy and Aunt Pat are going to try them on us again and they hope we'll get used to them. The Rehab Vet said today that it might take some time, but we'll see. Chloe was pooped after all the excitement.

We had a good appointment today at the Rehab Vet. They're so happy with my progress I don't have to go back as frequently. Instead of going once a week, we can go every ten days to two weeks! Chloe went with us because Daddy was afraid she'd get into all the cookies Aunt Pat's been baking.

Chloe's been trying to find a way up onto the dining room table. Lately, when we go to bed, Chloe's been the last one upstairs. Aunt Pat will go back to the head of the stairs and will lean over to see where Chloe is. More often than not, Chloe is standing on her hind legs and trying to see over the top of the table. She's been sniffing around the edge of the table, but still hasn't found a way to pull a chair out to get up on the table. It's a good thing, since there are chocolate cookies and brownies among the goodies. We all know chocolate is toxic to dogs...except for my chocolate color, which is absolutely beautiful, just like me!

The First Snow Dog Of the Year!!

Technically, it's the second, but the first time I made one the snow melted so fast we didn't have time to get a picture of it. Today, we were ready.

We had to be ready, because we couldn't stay outside too long because of the wind and the cold.
Even Chloe bolted for the house when the wind kicked up. She never likes to come in right away after doing her business. Sometimes she gets distracted by looking around the yard, and sniffing around the yard, she only does her thing when the humans have called her to come in for the second or third time. Not today. I think she missed our walkies today, but once the snow squall hit this afternoon she was just as happy to watch it curled up in the comfort of one of the living room chairs.

I didn't get off so easily, though. Yesterday the Rehab Vet gave us some exercises to do on days like today when we can't go for walks. I gained back a couple of pounds, but they said my weight would fluctuate. I'm sure it was just water clinging to my coat from the snow dog. Oh, heck, everyone gains weight at the holidays, and I'm no exception. I'm glad they were so nice about it. My stomach was off a little yesterday, too, I probably ate something I shouldn't have...again. But, today I'm fine. I'll just have to be careful what I eat...and maybe listen to the humans when they tell me that I'm eating too much grass or to "leave it" when we're out on our walks.

Tummy Troubles

Well, I don't have a cast iron stomach like I thought I did. I'm not sure if it was the yummy crunchy thing I found under the leaf in the neighbor's yard, or if there was something in the water at the Humane Society when we went for our Christmas photo, but very early Monday, I had some loose stool on the rug where the dining room meets the stairs....in three places. I didn't mean to make a mess. Aunt Pat had steam cleaned the rugs Sunday morning and they looked and smelled so clean. I flopped down on the rug and watched Aunt Pat work while Chloe stayed out of the way. I felt so bad about it, but the humans weren't mad. But, I laid nearby while first Daddy cleaned the spots with the usual cleaner, and then when Aunt Pat got the rug cleaner out and steamed the area again.

I didn't feel too badly. Monday, the Vet's office said to cut back on my food and that I should probably take it easy. No wonder I had to beg, err, bark so much for treats. I ate with my usual vigor, but Tuesday I had a couple more looser stools in the back yard. So, Daddy called the Vet and we went over. He had to get a sample to take with us. The Vet said that I had a couple of different bacteria up there, and he gave us an antibiotic and another pill to stop the diarrhea. I've been shaking my head a little more often, so Daddy had the Vet check my ears. They didn't look too bad, but the Vet gave us some ointment the humans have to put in twice a day.
Daddy and Aunt Pat were a little worried that I might have to miss my appointment at the Rehab Vet yesterday. But, I hadn't had anymore problems...in fact I hadn't left any stool anywhere so the Vet said I could go. Daddy and Aunt Pat had taken me out quite a bit before we left...I think they were a little worried that I'd get there and have an accident during my treatment. But, all went well. I surprised everyone when I spent the normal amount of time on the treadmill. I was tired, but no problems. Everyone there loved our Christmas photo.

I'm very happy to report that my insides are feeling much better, and this morning, things were back to normal. Unfortunately Daddy and Aunt Pat are being more vigilant about what we get our noses into while we're out for walkies. Chloe and I love to shove the leaves aside or just root underneath them to see what's there. Party poopers!

A Little Work, A Little Play!

Yesterday was Black Friday, when traditionally the retailers have lots of sales and lots of shoppers so that the stores start breaking even and making a profit. Daddy and Aunt Pat didn't get up before dawn to go to the mall. Aunt Pat was tempted to go to the mall later in the day, but she didn't. Instead, the humans were busy cleaning the house. Chloe and I helped Aunt Pat assemble a book case in her bedroom. We made sure she was on the right page of the instructions and all the parts were present.


It wasn't all work, though. We did our share of relaxing, too.

Today, Aunt Pat and Daddy surprised us with a long car ride! We went to Lollypop Farm, which is the local Humane Society. The last time I was there, we came home with Chloe. But, we didn't get another dog. Chloe and I had our photo taken with Santa! This is the best of the photos. Boy, I'm really glad I stuck to my diet and lost the weight. We met some very nice people and some nice dogs, too. Once our name was called, we went back to a large room and saw the man himself! He was just as nice as last year, and the photographer even remembered us from last year. Chloe sniffed all around the room before she went over to Santa. She even started to climb onto his lap! I sniffed around a bit, but mostly checked out the sleigh and the presents under the tree. I mean, with Santa there and all, a girl has hope that there may be something for her under that tree, too! But, he's waiting until Christmas to bring everything straight to our house. Aunt Pat took us for our morning walkies once we got home. I tried to convince her to take us out in her car, but she wouldn't bite. Chloe and I used our cutest faces, but she didn't budge. Oh well, maybe next time.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We'd like to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving! Yesterday was a very big day. Chloe went to the Rehab Vet yesterday and she was very good. She can get rather hyper when she meets new people, but she was very interested in everything that went on and very polite. I think she got a little nervous when the water filled up the treadmill tank. Either that, or she wanted to go for a swim. Anyway, she came over and stared at the tank, making sure I was okay. She had to come over and sniff me, then, and after I got out of the whirlpool. I think she was pretty awed when they lifted me up in the harness to put me in the tub. Let's face it, it's not every day when you see a dog fly.

The great news is that I'm down to my goal weight!! I weighed 79.9 pounds and everyone was very happy. Now, the hard part...keeping the weight off. I don't know if I'll still be on the same portions that I was, the humans will have to ask next week. They also said that I was moving my hind legs better while in the tank.

We've been relaxing today. But, we've been helping Aunt Pat cook all week long. Chloe and I have been standing, well, laying in strategic places in the kitchen. I've camped out in front of the stove and Chloe's been laying by the kitchen door. We want to be sure that we're ready to clean up in case Aunt Pat dropped anything. And yes, Daddy gave us a sample of the turkey I was looking at in the first photo.

Chloe is smarter than she lets on. Chloe was walking in and out of the kitchen, waiting for a slice of, well, something. So, Aunt Pat grabbed her camera and said something like "Why don't you go into the dining room so I can get a picture of you and Heidi together." Well, to my surprise, Chloe went into the dining room and sat next to me. Yes, Aunt Pat gave the little suck up some turkey.