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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