New Year's Eve...

Well. Well. Well.  Here we are.  The last day of 2017. It wasn't a bad year - but at the same time, we are looking forward to a fresh new 2018.

So what happened this year?  Hmmmm....A German Shepherd dog won the Westminster Kennel Club show and an American Cocker Spaniel won Crufts.  The World dog show winners included 4 dogs - #1 was a  Great Dane, #2 was a Fox terrier, #3 a Beagle and #4 the American Cocker Spaniel.   No PON.  No Picard.  Maybe 2018 will be the year.

And speaking of dog shows, the FG made his debut in the beauty pageant ring and on his second weekend out (he only was in two weekends of shows) he got a Group 3 placement.  All I know is that is a good thing and the ribbon was on the Christmas tree.

The FG also met sheep this year - and put Einstein and I to shame, earning his Instinct certificate on the first try.

Einstein and I didn't enter any obedience trials this year.  Probably because we are not obedient.  Just kidding.  Sort of.  My human had a busy year - for a number of reasons, and we just didn’t get out to compete.  Maybe in 2018.

This year I met my resolution from last year to NOT chase bunnies.  Probably because our bunny population seems to be down.  No matter.  I met my resolution.  I can't say the same for my human and her resolution to take off those Halloween candies from 2016.  Actually, I looked back and it's from 2015.  But who's counting?

We had a new dog sitter this year.  And we didn't scare her off.  At least she SAID she would watch us again.  We'll see what happens when my human puts in a serious request for time.  Not that we are letting her go anywhere soon.

This year my human began to seriously contemplate retirement.  HOWEVER - she told us that IF she retires, she will be home with us more (which is  a HUGE plus), BUT we won't necessarily be able to get special treats whenever we want them - as she would be on a "budget" (which is a BIG MINUS in my mind).  I admit it - I'm spoiled and I like special treats and great toys.  So one more year of work will be OK.  Maybe.

This year I managed to post to my blog every single day.  It still surprises me that I do this every day - and that people read it.  This year my human also got to spend time with people that she has met through my blog.  She LOVED that and she hopes to meet up with them again!  And she welcomes the chance to meet others who read about our crazy adventures in the future - if anyone is planning a trip to Nova Scotia in 2018, let us know - Viktor's Adventure Tours is currently taking bookings!

Although 2018 was also a tough year in some ways, overall the good times outweighed the bad.  I think it was a glass half full kind of year.

Tonight as you welcome in 2018, if you manage to stay up that long (most likely my human will be asleep), be grateful for the glass half full.  And think about how you can make it even more full in 2018!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

A bone to pick...

I think that the FG is reading my blog. And he was embarrassed by his bad behavior.  So yesterday when my human took him on an EXTRA long walk on a trail in the woods, he was VERY well behaved.  No bolting on the leash at all.  Well - leashES.  You see my human attached one leash to the top of his harness and the other to the front of his harness.  Power steering.  And it worked.  They had a perfectly long walk which they both enjoyed!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, instead of allowing Einstein to bark incessantly while they were gone, my human gave the two of us knucklebones.  Real honest to goodness raw knucklebones.  Well - cut in half by the butcher.  So when the FG and my human walked out the door, we didn’t pay the least bit of attention. And when they came back in, we didn’t even look up.  We were in a bone trance.  We were suspended and couldn’t move.  My human had to trade yummy treats to get the bones from us.  And then we stumbled outside - we were bone drunk.  Einstein immediately threw himself on the lawn and began to roll - his drunken stupor made him crazy.  As you can see...

So I think we have found the perfect solution to our chewing craving.  Elk antlers, while we loved them, were too hard.  Marrow bones are good, but for very short periods at a time - or we are plagued with "poop" issues.  Knucklebones SEEM to be perfect.  No dietary issues, and not so hard as to break our teeth...Of course we MAY change our minds- but so far they are the bones of choice.  

Now excuse me while I go and stare at the freezer.  Willing them to come out...

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Old friends

Well last night was the annual old-friends-drinking-wine-at-Christmas-time celebration.  My human has this old friend who she has known for 35+ years - since she first moved to Nova Scotia.  And although they no longer live near each other, they stay in touch, and when her friend visits our neck of the woods, they try to get together.  And every Christmas, they make it a point to meet up - usually at our house, and sit for hours, drinking wine, eating junk food and laughing at old stories.  Einstein has heard the stories told over and over again, and rolls his eyes - but they somehow manage to delight in the tales - and enjoy them as if they have never been told before.  Oftentimes, the stories relate to us canines.  And canines that have come before and are no longer with us.  And most of the tales are about canines behaving badly.  Which is QUITE ironic because you see, both of these humans are WELL VERSED and knowledgeable about behavioral training techniques.  I mean they BOTH know about positive reinforcement schedules and rewards and how to shape behavior.  So in THEORY, one would think that both of them would be owned by extremely well-behaved dogs.  Nope.  My human's friend was once owned by an Australian shepherd who demonstrated flight risk behavior his entire life.  He even disappeared once in the middle of the night during a snowstorm when he got off his leash, leaving my human's friend crying in the middle of a snowbank.  Luckily he returned and she managed to fling herself onto him as he reappeared out of nowhere racing by.  Sounds familiar.

And then there is the story of how a certain Bernese Mountain Dog named Guinness, managed to get into the DFZ during one of these Christmas gab-a-thons, when they were not watching, and grabbed an entire cheese log off the coffee table.  And then the story of when her friend accompanied my human on a final visit to the vet with another Bernese.  Tears for happy times and sad...

Last night the party nearly ended before it began, when my human's friend bent over to pet me and the FG wanted to say hello and gave her a head butt in the process.  Thank goodness he didn't knock her out - and thank goodness she is SUCH a good friend, because she just laughed as she staggered into the kitchen.  A trip to the emergency room with a concussion would have put a real damper on the evening.  She definitely deserved a glass of wine after that collision.  More than one glass..

Old friends are truly something to be cherished.  And while you may not be able to spend time with them often,  when you do, it is as if no time has passed.  I hope each of you has at least one special friend like this - and if for some reason you don't, may you make a new treasured friend in 2018 and share in that unique bond.  Just like you do with us canines!  And nowadays, the internet also allows us to make new friends around the world.  Many we may never meet - but the virtual friendships that we have also provide a unique connection!  So cheers to friends - old, new, near and far! And let's close with a quote that was shared with my human and written by C.S. Lewis:

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.

I wonder if that quote was written with reference to being owned by bad dogs....

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

The hedgehog

Thanks for all the encouraging words about our resident runaway.  Nice to know that the FG’s flight risk status will probably improve within the next 5 years!

So I didn't tell you about our other Christmas gift.  It was all wrapped up - and my human didn't know who should unwrap it.  She gave it to me - and I did nothing with it.  It didn't smell like food - so I didn't care.  The FG just stared at it.  And then our old unwrapping pro did his thing - Einstein happily shredded the paper.  And what was inside?  A stuffed hedgehog.  That makes a weird pig-like noise when you squeeze him.  Well, Einstein figured he unwrapped it, so it was HIS gift.  My human had to trade for a treat so we could each get to play Find the Hedgehog.  Einstein actually got to go first and loved the new rodent-like thing.  And he consistently found him.  I found him - but did NOT want to give him up.  My human specifically chose THIS animal because his appendages are very small - and hard to rip off.  Not that I didn't try.  REALLY hard.  My human ended up going around and around the dining room table with a tasty treat in hand - trying to get the hedgehog from me.  I don't know what overcame me - I just felt this incredible overpowering urge to dissect the thing.  Mind you, I do that with the bunny too....Then it was the FG's turn.  He found the hedgehog right away.  And at first, he just stood and stared at it.  Then he grabbed it and tossed it.  And then flung it again.  And again.  He didn't want to destroy him - he just wanted to hurl the thing.  And then pounce on it.  Suffice to say, that gift was a hit.  But none of us can be left alone with him...   He needs a name...I like Spike. 

We didn't get to go for long walks yesterday as the winds were again VERY strong, and the temperatures very cold, so my delicate human didn't want to venture too far.  Today should be better.  In fact, time to get my human moving.  She is getting just a little too used to this sleeping in thing.  Well, after she takes us out at 5AM...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Why dogs end up in shelters around 18 months...

I read somewhere that the average age for dogs being left at shelters is 18 months.  Close enough to 19 months.  The age of the FG...

Now before you think he is going to a shelter - I assure you he is NOT.  BUT - I understand why people surrender dogs at this age.  I think it's called the teen age stage.  Was I ever THAT bad?  OK - don't answer that - I'm STILL bad - as evidenced by my reckless behavior on Christmas eve.  And let's face it, if given the chance to chase a bunny....I still would do it.  But after my chase-a-thon, I come home.  And there is a PURPOSE in my running.  Not the FG.  He likes to run - just to run.

Yesterday was Boxing Day and of course my human is still off.  And sleeping on the couch.  I think she just likes to look at the Christmas tree.  At 5AM, I was squeaking to go out.  So she threw a coat over her pajamas and fuzzy robe and took me out.  And then she took Einstein out.  And the FG.  And then she fed us, marched back into the DFZ and stayed there until my pill alarm went off at 7AM. As soon as it was bright out, she figured she would take us for REAL walks - so she could then enjoy her breakfast.

The FG went first  And since there was no one up at the golf course, she figured they could have a good walk up there.  It was cold out, but the winds had died down from the day before.  As I understand it, we were lucky that our power was restored so quickly - some people are still without it.  Just as they got up to the club house, the FG unexpectedly bolted.  Now he was on a long leash and wearing his harness , but he surprised my human and she let go.  If his brain cells were pumping out power at that instant, he could have restored lights to many homes.  He KNEW he was free - and he QUICKLY grabbed the end of his leash.  My human watched in horror as he eyed the road (keeping in mind the golf course is at the end of the  dead end road - and there is NO real traffic at this time of year, except for residents - but she didn't want to take ANY chances) - so she raced for the fairway.  And he raced behind, passed her like a rocket and was G.O.N.E.  She didn't even bother to call him - she knew it was pointless.  He ran like an animal who was released into the wild after living in a zoo for 50 years.  And boy can he RUN.   He raced WIDE circles around my human.  And she kept running too - she wanted to keep him in the open fairways - and not off to the sides of the course - which border the woods.  She found a small group of trees between two fairways and hid.  When he came looking, she didn't try to catch him, she just found a stick on the ground and started playing with it.  He showed some interest and walked toward her.  Then like lightning, those brain cells shouted "SHE IS GOING TO GRAB YOUR LEASH,"  so he turned and RACED away - this time WAY away.  At this point my human decided to call in reinforcements.  She figured Jackson's humans might be awake and if Jackson came to the course, the FG would definitely go to him.  And Jackson is good at going to humans.  So she called but there was no answer - so she left a message to call her ASAP.  In the meantime, the FG reappeared - huffing and puffing from his run.  And wet.  Clearly he had been in one of the ponds - which are not yet frozen.  My human again hid behind some trees.  And he didn't come.  Frankly, he didn't care.  So she went to look for him and then spotted a miracle walking across the fairway.  Jackson and his human!  They had actually not heard her panicked message but had decided to come up for a walk too.  What luck! And sure enough, the FG raced over to them and within seconds was back in captivity.

Now my human was reluctant to tell this story - because she KNOWS people will shake their heads and say "that dog needs to learn a recall!"  And, trust me - she knows that and  they are working on it.  Daily.  But she isn't even attempting to use the whistle outside yet - it would be pointless.  She won't blow that thing outside until she is 99% certain he is going to return.  For those wondering - we DO have a fenced run outside our house.  Which is fine - but clearly not enough space for the FG to REALLY run.  We also have LOTS of property - but fencing all of it would be very costly.   We could fence the back lawn area - which would give good running room...perhaps we could put out a call for volunteers in the spring to help with the construction part!  In the meantime, my human figures no more long leashes.  Something about the physics of a long line versus a short line points to the fact that she has more control on a short line.  She also needs to find a good fenced area in the meantime where he could run.  She is not wild about dog parks.  Too much potential for problems - not to mention that we had a bad problem with leptospirosis at a couple of parks this fall - and although the bug has probably been killed off by the cold, my human doesn't want to take any chances.

We know the FG is young and silly, but she wants him to be SAFE.  She was exhausted by the time she got home, but knew Einstein and I wanted to go out too.  She grabbed our leashes - but actually let us be free and we went down to the lake on our trail.  We practiced recalls, and gave the appearance of being well behaved.  We knew she had good treats in her pockets. Who KNEW Einstein and I could be so good.

If anyone in our area reads this and has a suggestion on where to allow the FG to go and run off some steam - safely, let us know.  In the meantime, he will be on a SHORT leash and will continue to work on that recall.  Just how long does this teen age stage last?

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Boxing Day. And Christmas drama.

December 26.  So it's Boxing Day.  I think it's named for the fights that break out at stores as people rush to get bargains the day after Christmas.  Or they want to return the gift of those pants that don't fit so well because someone has been eating too many Christmas cookies for weeks.  Not to mention the Halloween candy from 2016.

Well as I understand it, most places have sales today - but not here in Nova Scotia.  Nothing much is open.  So we have Boxing Day the day AFTER Boxing Day.  But we still call it Boxing Day sales.  Seriously.  Anyway, we don't need ANYTHING - so my human will not be venturing out to stand in lines or box with fellow shoppers.  Once upon a time in her MUCH younger years, she would have gone out for bargains.  Not now - she's too old to do it.  And too broke being owned by us three canines!!!

So Christmas and Christmas Eve were good - although NOT without drama.  First off,  it's really a miracle Santa left anything for me at all. You see...I was a bit naughty.  Remember how last year I was smuggled into my human's mother's dog-free apartment on Christmas eve? So I would be able to get my medication on time during dinner.  Well we attempted the same clandestine operation this year.  And remember how last year I behaved and settled down and got to stay for the whole evening?  Yeah.  Not so much this year...I was...in a word...bad.  I wouldn't settle down.  I kept trying to get into gifts.  I kept trying to sample human food.  Er - steal human food.  When I was sequestered in a bathroom, where I could STILL see all the proceedings, I kept squeaking.  Honestly, I found the apartment too hot.  And I was bored.  So after about 1.5 hours of begging me to settle down, my human packed me in the car and brought me home.  And I RACED in to tell Einstein and the FG where I had been.  And my human went back to the party.  When we had left the party to come home, I thought we were coming to get the others - who knew she would go back without us!

Anyway, I guess Santa didn't hear about my behavior in time to withhold the goods.  So the next morning, I STILL got presents.  This year, my human didn't attempt to allow us to open them in the DFZ.  Last year, Einstein and I got into a squabble and it was a MIRACLE no ornaments on the tree were busted.  So this year it was a tear-a-thon outside the DFZ.

So what did the jolly guy bring us?  Well he brought us special treats.  Which we were not allowed to unwrap because we would have eaten them all. 

Then, we got wood.  No kidding.  Big hunks of heavy wood.  Check them out:
http://petvalu.com/product/51279/gorilla-chew-ware
I'm not going to say much - but really -  we live surrounded by trees and my human goes out (or should I say "Santa") goes out, and buys us heavy hunks of wood.  And I mean HEAVY.  If we drop one of those things on her toes, there will be much moaning and groaning.  Initially we all just looked at them after we tore off the paper.  Here she is trying to keep us from chewing things like table legs and chair rails.  And she gets us wood.  Good thing we love her.  And we DID start to chew them a bit - but since she got the size designed for a lion, it's hard to even hold onto the things.  Oh well - they will probably get more use than those educational toys she bought one year.

We also did get some Nylabones.  Those we can actually pick up.

We also got one other gift we have to share.  Tell you about that  one tomorrow.  And NO clothes.

So despite my less than admirable behavior, Christmas eve ended up fine.  And then we had Christmas day.  And more drama.  But this time, for a change, the drama had nothing to do with us canines.  You see, my human was up bright and early because we were hosting dinner for her mother and sister.  She put the turkey in the oven in the morning, got all the veggies ready to go (which we got to sample), set the table, and was all excited for the big day.  We were playing with/chewing our new bones and all was right with the world.  Except one thing.  The weather.  In the morning we had freezing rain, and by afternoon it began to pour rain.  Now that would not have been too bad - but as the afternoon wore on, the winds picked up.  They were blowing like a hurricane.  And although the rain stopped, the winds could practically carry you away.  Good thing we were on leashes when we went out for our walks.

Just before my human's mother and sister were to arrive, my human took me out to pee.  And as we were walking back in the house, she noticed that the Christmas window lights were not on.  And her heart sank.  Power outage.  With the turkey still cooking.  And the veggies no where near being ready.  What to do?  What to do?  A call to the power company indicated it would be several HOURS before restoration.  Right about then, the family arrived.  My human and her sister tried desperately to light a fire in the charcoal BBQ grill.  No luck - it kept blowing out.  Our neighbors (who have a gas stove) kindly invited them to their place for dinner- but it would have been a bit hard for my human's mother to manage and maneuver in the dark.  So they packed everything up.  The turkey, the veggies, the stuffing, the rolls, the dessert - and went back to my human's mother's place - because she thankfully still had power in the city.  We canines got our dinner in the dark before they left and I got my medication.  

The power was actually restored before the ice cream in the freezer melted.  I checked.  And they had their turkey dinner after all.  So it will always be a Christmas dinner to remember!

And isn't that what Christmas is really about - making memories?

Anyway, if you head out bargain shopping today, don't forget to take your boxing gloves.  And if you are NOT going shopping, enjoy your time at home.  Eating leftovers. 

Oh - and one other thing...my secret wish on my list to Santa?  Got it.  But I can't tell you right now what it was.  Maybe some day...

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Merry Christmas

MERRY Christmas!!!!  OK - I don't have time to write - because despite our less-than-perfect behavior this year, Santa STILL left gifts for us!  We were all sound asleep, so none of us even heard him arrive.  So much for watch dogs.  But presents were left under the tree for us - and they have our names on them - so I don't think it was a mistake.   We have to go open them and I also need to help my human get the turkey in the oven.  Actually, I'm not REALLY helping - just praying that the whole thing is dropped on the floor or left unattended for a few minutes...

Anyway - gotta go.  Have a fabulous day - and I hope you are able to spend it with those you love.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Dear Santa. The ask.

Dear Santa.

In following a cue from my human, I am sending this request at the last minute.  I didn't see a deadline on your website, so I am assuming you are taking requests until later this afternoon.

Before I get to my "ask" I thought I should share with you a list of names of dogs who I know should be on your "Nice" list.  I am not putting the names of me or my "brothers" on the list - I am sure you already KNOW we have been nice.  Most of the time.  OK.  Some of the time.  OK.  Once in a while.  OK.  But we should get SOME credit for TRYING.

Here is a list of dogs that have generally been good this year..I’m sure there are others - and my apologies to any I am forgetting!!! My list includes:

Alfie, Ally, Ammo, Angel, Ares, Arwen, Baxter, Bayka, Beau, Bella, Bisia, Bloom, Bosley, Brandy, Bree, Brick, Brigette, Buzz, Chievie, Chimo, Conner, Creidim, Dharmah, Dipper, Diva, Dixie, Dorey, Dudley,Dusza, Ed, Edy, Fanny, Fareyn , Flash, Flicka, Flirt, Flo, Frania, Fudgee, Fynn, Gatsby,  Gipsy, Goro, Greyson, Guru, Gus, Hally, Hattie, Hector, Heidi, Henry, Holly, Hudson, Icelyn, Jack, Jackson, Jagger, James, Jasmine, Jerome, Jessy,Jip, JJ Jones, Justice, Kate, Katja, Katt, Kazi, Kiszka, Lafayette, Lee, Letty, Levon, Liam, Lisia, Lizie, Logan,Loki, Lukasz, Mac, Maddie, Maggie, Maxime, Meadow, Meg, Merlot, Mia, Milo , Miranda, Miri, Moo, Moril, Murray, Nara, Nelson, Nik, Oly,Panda, Patch, Patof, Panda, Noah, Paulinka, Piper, Rigger, Romeo, Romi, Rosalie, Rosie, Ruby, Sally , Scarlett, Shadow, Sherlock, Sinead, Solo, Sophie, Stacio, Stella, Takoda, Taz, Teddy, Teigan, Thor, Tia, Tilly,?Tip, Usha, Vera, Wally, Watson, Wiggles, Winston, Wookie, Yuengling, Zan and Ziggy

I trust that you will be giving ALL of them some special treats.  It's hard work taking care of humans - and all of these canines have done an exceptional job.  

Now for my ask.... And you know... I looked at my ask from last year...AND the year before ...and I hate to be boring - but I think they bear repeating....and I will ask for the very same thing...and one other thing...but that’s a secret - although Santa I know YOU know what it is...

I am again asking for something for every person (and dog) who is reading this blog.  I ask that they share the joy and happiness that Christmas is all about.  A smile, a handshake, a phone call, a hug – realizing that Christmas ISN’T about the presents – but about those moments that you share with others.  Human OR canine.  OK. Cats too.  And ferrets.  And rabbits.  But not snakes. OK. Snakes too.  But just for today. Even porcupines.  But just don't hug them.

Santa I ask for HEALTH, peace and happiness within the hearts of those reading this – even if just for a moment.   And that feeling of pure joy – that we dogs know ALL about.  That’s what I wish for. 

So be careful in your ride tonight.  Buckle up.  Put on a helmet. Stay safe.  Oh.  And we'll try not to eat the cookies we leave out for you - like we did last year...

Wishing a very Merry Christmas to all!!!

Sleeping on the couch.

My human has been sleeping on the couch the past week. In the DFZ.  And no doubt when I tell this story, some of you will think she has lost her mind. And that is probably true, living with us...

So we know she tried to let the FG sleep free in the bedroom with us.  And it was anything but restful.  And then she let HIM stay free in the bedroom, without me and Einstein.  And he DID sleep - but we were upset.  So the ultimate goal is to have all of us SLEEPING together.  With HIM out of the crate.  So my human had this "bright" idea. She would let the FG free at night - with me and Einstein.  And SHE would sleep in the DFZ.   Really.  Anyway, she locks herself in the DFZ - where we can all see her, but we can't get in.  So SHE gets to sleep.  And Einstein and I are getting used to sleeping with the FG out of his crate.  The first couple of nights - he was crazy.  He had never been free at night - so he tormented me and Einstein to no end.  And at 2 AM he decided to play bowl hockey with one of the metal food bowls.  Then he started crying.  I think that was the night my human took him out to pee and then put him in his crate.

But since then, it IS getting better.  We sleep wherever we want - in the kitchen or dining room - and everyone is content.  AND my human gets to sleep.  Now you may wonder why she didn't just sleep in the bedroom - and sequester all of us together outside the bedroom.  The answer: she was worried that IF I had a seizure, she would not hear me.  And so when she sleeps in the DFZ, she can easily hear us - so that seemed like a good idea.  If you're wondering - my seizures seem to be down to 1-2  a month - and they seem to occur within a 48 hour period.   So it's  BETTER - but we are still working to get them down to one or LESS per month.

Anyway - back to the subject of sleeping.  We have a goal that before my human goes back to work, she will again be sleeping in her bed, and all of us will be free in the bedroom.  And you know - I THINK it may work.

Oh - and the FG is starting to respond pretty consistently to the whistle when playing with the new tug toy.  So it appears he IS trainable.  He and I are ALMOST buddies now.  And I must confess that although it has taken more than a year, I am really starting to like him.  It is not unusual to find the two of us curled up next to each other.  I won't yet go so far as to PLAY with him, but I have no problems with him being in my personal space.  At ALL.

Well I had better finish my letter to Santa.  I am counting on the fact that he reads email requests.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up. 

Vacation. Day 1.

So her first day of vacation, and what does she decide to do?  Give us baths.  Great.   I went first.  I'm actually not too bad with all this grooming stuff.  But who knew she needed to brush me first.  And for some reason, I must be growing  a winter coat - because she brushed off enough hair to practically fill a garbage bag.  OK, maybe not that much - but still quite a bit. When she was done brushing I ASSUMED we were DONE.  Imagine my shock when she whisked me into the tub.  The best part for me was when I started to fuss when I was 3/4 dry and she didn't pay attention to wear she was pointing the jet engine dryer nozzle - and she aimed it at the garbage can with all my hair in it.  Suddenly it was snowing PON hair all over the garage.  I thought it was pretty amusing - but my human - not so much.

Then it was time to do the drama king.  Einstein - who moans and groans throughout the process. Unless he is getting a treat.  So what I learned by watching, is that HE got more treats for MIS-behaving than I did for being good.  Not that I didn't get an entire pocket full of treats - but I swear I counted and he got more than me.  Then after the fluff-a-thon, she decides to take photos.  Einstein and I stared at her.

 She also attempted to get ONE more holiday shot with Elroy too.  Let's just say that these union employees voted to strike.  She got a grumpy looking photo or two - as you can see- and then we decided to really protest - and the FG and I began to shred the garland prop.  At that very instant, her phone died so she couldn't get photographic evidence of the carnage.

Let’s see what adventures we can have today.  Making sure my human doesn’t get bored on her vacation....

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

Solstice

Today is an extraordinarily wonderful day.  Why?  Because it's December 21st - and the Winter Solstice!  Which MEANS - from here on in, the days will be starting to get LONGER. YAHOO.  I mean this walking in the dark in the morning AND at night is a bit much. And yesterday morning, we didn't even get a morning walk at ALL.  We were restricted to a leash walk around the back of the house - because overnight there had been a temperature drop - after raining all day - and the driveway was like a skating rink.  And the part on the hill was like a luge run.  There was NO way my human was going to attempt a walk with us.  She drove up to the road to get the paper.  She probably could have walked up with Einstein as he CAN walk nicely under control - but taking me or the FG  would have been a death wish.  The FG was quite annoyed, but went bounding around the back of the house (on leash) and quickly did his business  And then he did this thing that drives my human bonkers in the morning.  In the dark.  He just stands and stares off into the woods.  Like for a LONG time.  It's like he is hearing SOMETHING and he doesn't move a muscle.   My human waited for him.  And waited.  And then she started to get kind of freaked out wondering what he was listening to, so she told him to come along.  He did - but he kept turning back to look toward the lake.  Spoooooooky.   He told me he does it just to get her going.  I told him he better watch out - you know who is watching.

And my bet was right - the FG was the first one to have a bath.   He doesn't REALLY mind too much. and he really seems to enjoy the blow drying part.   And he looked exactly the same when the whole ordeal was over.  OK.  Maybe a BIT fluffier.  And he did smell nice.  But of course as SOON as he was finished he wanted to go out to pee.  I mean everybody needs to pee after being at the spa.  And of course, he wanted to pee in a muddy pile of wet leaves.  So much for Mr. Fluff.

Well my human is officially ON VACATION.  So I expect longer walks and LOTS of fetch from here on in.  Have to take advantage of that extra minute of daylight!

Have a good one! Peace and paws up!

The Night Before Christmas. Early.

OK. So I generally do not repeat my blog postings.  But I did this post last year - and I think it bears repeating.   Probably because it took my human and I SO long to write it.  The poem, also known as The Night Before Christmas was written by Clement Moore.   I took Clement's version - and modified it.  And I updated it for this year.  This goes out to all those canines and their humans who read my blog - and my apologies in advance for the many names I am missing!!!!!  My human poured over Facebook pages trying to find names and I KNOW there are others who read my blog who I undoubtedly missed-  please know that I appreciate each and every one of you.  In some cases, some of the dogs may no longer be with us - but they are still in our hearts - so they remain in the poem.  I also appreciate those humans who aren't currently owned by dogs - who read my blog!  If you ever feel the need for a dog fix, I am available for rental.

I hope you will enjoy it - even though it is the second time around!

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

3 canines were waiting for something other than a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,  

One had been chewed - so the toes were quite bare.  

Two dogs were nestled all snug in their human’s bed,

While visions of dog treats danced in their heads;  

And their human in her jammies, and Elroy in his crate,  

Were feeling rather stuffed from all the cookies they ate.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,  

We raced to the door to see what was the matter.

Then away to the window we flew like a flash,  

Barking and growling, a chair fell over with a crash.

The moon was shining on a pile of snow

Because it was dark out, the yellow parts didn’t show,  

When, what to our wondering eyes should appear,

But a sleigh pulled by dogs, instead of reindeer,  

With a jolly old driver and those dogs, so lively and quick,  

We knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.  

As rapid as greyhounds – those happy dogs came,  

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

“Now, Meg, now Wookie! now Hally and Chimo!  

On Romi! on Zan! on Murray and Stacio!

Hurry Bisia, hurry Miri, hurry Sophie and Fudgee!

Quickly Taz, quickly Jackson, quickly Sherlock and Oly!

Wait Moo, wait Flicka, wait Rigger and Milo!

Stay Wiggles, stay Nara, stay Edy and Solo!

Down Hattie, down Gidget, down Doman, and Fred!

Sit Nanny, sit Conner, sit Watson and Ed!

Come Sophie, come Thor, come Gatsby, and Beau!

Roll over Gipsy, roll over Dorey, roll over Kiszka and Flo!

Jump Maddie, jump Liam, jump Ares, and Tip!

Speak Romeo, speak Dudley, speak Logan and Jip!

Go left Arwen, go left Dixie, go left Nelson and Jack!

Whoa Lafayette, whoa Miranda, whoa Shadow and Mac!

Go right Merlot, go right James, go right Chievie and Mia!

Stop Takoda, stop Sherlock, stop Jessy and Tia!

Easy Dusza, easy Vera,  easy Brandy and Diva!

Fetch Meadow, fetch Henry, fetch Jasmine and Lusia!

Free Creidim, free Buzz, free Letty and Bree,

Seek Moril,  seek Piper, seek Luzie, and Lee.

Now over the broad jump! Over the wall!  

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”  

So up to the house-top the happy dogs flew,  

With the sleigh full of Toys, and yummy biscuits too.  

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The barking and squeaking and each little woof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,  

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.  

He was dressed all in fake fur, from his head to his foot,  

And his clothes were all covered in dog hair and soot;

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,

He looked a bit frightening and Frodo wanted to attack.  

But his eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!  

He looked very friendly, he wasn’t so scary!  

He looked at all 3 of us with a smile and held out a treat,

We happily took it – we’re always ready to eat!

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,  

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

We were all sitting patiently, watching in awe,

Our tails wagged in unison as we each gave a paw.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,  

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;  

He jumped in his sleigh, after his dogs had a pee;

No one ran away – it was something to see.

And off into the sky the amazing dogs flew

Their driver trusted those canines – they knew what to do.

And I heard him exclaim as they drove out of sight,

“Merry Christmas - behave Viktor - and to all a good-night.”

Again - my apologies for dogs I have missed. You'll be in next year!

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

Recall. And Christmas countdown.

OK this recall thing is really getting to be a bit much.  If you think you are tired of hearing about it, imagine how tired Einstein and I are when she keeps testing US every chance she gets.  Like yesterday morning.  She took us on our trail to the lake and let us run ahead.  Then she would call us.  She did it several times.  It got to the point that we didn't even want to go far ahead because we KNEW she would call us.  On this test I must confess, I WAS a bit slow...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6fYNNw0Xi0

As usual, Einstein did it perfectly.  Show off.

The Christmas preparations are in full swing and the countdown is ON.  My human and her sister baked cookies - most of which have already been eaten.  I kid you  not.  Gone.  And let's just say it wasn't us DOGS eating them.  I can hear the moaning and groaning already after the holidays.  My human is stills sporting extra lbs. from Halloween candy - from 2016.

She bought a turkey big enough to feed a small army - probably because all the normal sized turkeys were already sold.  I'm pretty sure the thing weighs more than me.  The house is fully decorated.  There is one major thing yet to be done.  The annual Christmas bath.  For us dogs.  Not my human.  I'm sure she has had several since last Christmas.  Mind you -so have we.  What it is with this "being clean for the holidays."  You put up with our raggedy stinky selves all year - what's with need to impress Santa.  I mean "he sees us when we're sleeping, he's knows when we're dirty."  Isn't that how the song goes?  We're taking bets as to who goes first.   I'm betting the FG.  He's the easiest and fastest.  He stands like a statue while he is being dried off - with the wind blowing his hair like he is in some kind of shampoo commercial.  And when he is done - he looks exactly the same.  Waste of time if you ask me.  Mind you, I vote we start with him, on the off chance that my human gets busy and she doesn't have time to do us PONs.  Fat chance.  She would stay up until 3 AM.  It's been done before...

Well she is off to work today and tomorrow and then rumor has it, she may be DONE until after New Years!  Don't I love the holidays.  Actually, it makes the bath worth it! Almost...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Boot camp. Day 1.

And so it begins.  My human is determined to get a more reliable recall with the FG.  Actually ANY kind of recall at this point.  So she went out in search of two things and arrived home yesterday with her new training tools.  A shock collar and cattle prod.  JUST KIDDING!!!!  JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!  No - she arrived home with a whistle and a fabulous new tug toy. You see, someone suggested training him to recall to a whistle - and since he doesn't respond to his name, "come" or "here" she figured that a whistle would be a new fresh option.  Now I'm SURE we have a whistle somewhere in this house, but of course, she couldn't find it so it was off to the whistle store to get a new one.

Now when she read about training to a whistle, it was suggested that the whistle be paired with food - like when giving him a meal.  They suggested putting his food dish down, holding his collar, blowing the whistle and then letting go.  So the dog learns to associate the whistle with something he likes.  Then when he hears the whistle, he will learn to come.  Seems reasonable.  Except one can never tell with the FG if he even wants his food bowl.  Unlike us PONs who essentially jump into our bowls ANY time, the FG is 50-50.  Some days he eats his whole bowl.  Some days he walks around looking at it sizing it up.  Some days he just lies down and starts chewing a bone.  Food is NOT a high drive item for him.  BUT - he does like to tug.  And chase.  So my human figured a great new tug toy would serve as the motivator.

So she got home and sequestered Einstein and I because there was no way she could train the FG if we were hanging around.  She took him downstairs to the rec room to work with him on his own.  She showed him the new toy and began to tug with him.  He was having a GRAND time.  And when she tells him to release - he does.  So then she held the toy in front of him, blew the whistle and waited for him to lunge forward and grab it.  At first he just sat and stared at it.  She waited and he eventually grabbed it.  And after a few tries, he was starting to get faster.  BINGO. This was just what she wanted.  So they tugged and played for just a few minutes.  One thing my human knows is that the FG has the attention span of a gnat.  So you have to work within that span and if you go PAST it - that's when you lose him.  So they ended on a good note and stopped - and he WAS still interested in the toy.  Which is perfect.  While he was training, Einstein and I were barking and moaning.  So then we got a turn.  Of course, the very first time my human made Einstein wait and then she blew the whistle, he immediately grabbed the toy.  Now keep in mind that Einstein had not SEEN how the game is played.  He figured it out automatically.  That's why we call him Einstein.  My human did a bit of obedience work with him and although he hasn't done any REAL training in months - he knows just what to do.  They really should get back into competition next year...

Then is was my turn.  I tend to be over the top at the best of times, so my human figured a whistle was not REALLY all that necessary.  And tugging with me is also NOT a great idea - as I don't like to let go.  So retrieving and trading for a treat is much more "my thing." So I got to retrieve the new tug toy.  Which I usually brought back.  If there was a treat...

We'll see how this whole whistle thing goes.  In THEORY it should work with a LOT of practice.  A LOT of practice.  Like maybe by the time the FG is 10, he might have it down.

Plus my human should put a whistle on her list for Santa.  Heaven knows she will lose the thing within 48 hours.  I forgot to mention that she went and bought this fancy whistle - and it really didn't work all that well -it was a pretty weak sounding thing.  I mean it was a whistle sound, but not a strong whistle sound.  She obviously didn't read the instructions.  And then, thankfully, she found this helpful video. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-WnVriVP7s
Seriously.  Who do you know who can't use a whistle correctly?  Yup.  My human.  That's what 6 years in university will do for you.  She was using it wrong.  Good thing we love her. 

Anyway, we should probably buy a few dozen whistles- one for every coat pocket, and one for every room in the house... I wonder where you can buy whistles in bulk? 

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Boot Camp for the FG...

Oh my.  It’s into Boot Camp for the FG. Serious Boot Camp...

Yesterday morning we actually let my human sleep in until 6:15!  Could be because we know she has an  “in” with Santa – so we wanted to get on her good side. Einstein and I went for our walks first and it was getting bright enough that we could go for a walk on the trail.  We had a great time and cut through the golf course on the way home.  It was cold out and snowing lightly – and there was a dusting of snow on the ground.  Then it was the FG’s turn to go out on what I call some would call a suicide mission.  You know how legend has it that a full moon will bring out werewolves ?  Well cold weather and a Picard brings out a Tasmanian Devil.  Although he was wearing his usually controllable trusty Freedom harness, all HE wanted was freedom.  He kept spinning around and attempting to chew through his leash.  I mean he was biting down on that leash so hard so he could be free.  At one point, he and my human were on the golf course and he suddenly bolted to the end of his leash – and she let go in order to stay standing.  He immediately grabbed hold of the handle on the leash– and he was gone.  He ran like a gazelle being chased by a cheetah.  Mind you – a slow cheetah.  He actually stopped  to sniff something as my human approached and she jumped on the leash.  Busted. He immediately went into bucking bronco Tasmanian Devil routine.  She calmly waited for him to end his temper tantrum before they moved on.  It was a slow walk home.

After breakfast, my human decided to take each one of us, one at a time, down along our looped trail to the lake.  I got to go first, otherwise I would have been  screaming my lungs out. I knew she had very tasty treats in her pockets – so I never strayed once.  I ran along, got treats, posed for some photos, got treats – and had a lovely walk.  When we got back to the house we even played fetch for a while before my time was up.  Then it was the FG’s turn.  Now keep in mind that he has not been off leash in ages. Add to that the cold weather.  My human put on his long line, and opened the front door, thinking he would go after the fetch toys that were sitting outside.  Nope.  Like a rocket leaving a launch pad – he was gone.  He bolted for the trail.  With my human in hot pursuit.  She knew she couldn’t lose him because his long line was leaving a distinct trail behind him in the snow.  He was headed for the lake.  When she got there, she expected to find him wading in the water or at very least drinking it.  Nope – no sign of him.  She looked up the other part of the trail and saw his leash marks in the snow.  Up the trail she ran.  As she approached the house, she heard him in the bushes – and caught a glimpse of him – heading for the trail.  Again.  She took off after him and saw him for an instant as he dashed back down toward the lake.  And again, he was not there when she got there.  So she followed the second set of leash marks back up to the house.  She went around the house – and now saw that he was headed to the neighbor’s place.  She ran there and saw him.  He was standing in their driveway, near their house, barking,  at nothing.  She cautiously approached.  And of course, as soon as she got within 5 feet of the end of the last long line, he bolted.  He figured he was already in hot water – so why not make the most of his escape?  He headed to the next neighbor’s place.  My human again got within 5 feet and he was off.  This time he headed up their driveway, went a shot distance on the road and headed down the driveway of another neighbor.  And then my human heard more barking.  This neighbor is VERY nice, but generally stays clear of us dogs – my human thinks he may be nervous around dogs.  She looked down the driveway and there was the FG, doing a play bow and trying to get the nervous neighbor to play.  She shouted to him that if he could grab the end of the leash, it would be a great help.  The neighbor stood there frozen.  Who could blame him.  Here was the wolf-like crazy creature barking at him and his crazed owner running down the driveway.  I would be frozen too.  Anyway, my human got close and practically fell on the leash.  Busted! She apologized to the neighbor, who apparently just seemed relieved that the wild beast was caught.  She then proceeded to drag the FG home without saying a word.  She didn’t want to appear angry as he would then never want to come back when he has a running streak so she held in her fury.  She got him home, and collapsed on the sofa.
My human realizes, though that while this story IS somewhat amusing, she really cannot trust the FG off leash.  At all.  So they need some serious work on his recall. This story ended fine – but it really could have ended differently – and she realizes she would have no one else to blame.  So it’s recall Boot Camp for the FG.  It won’t be easy – but if she makes it fun, she is hopeful that they CAN make his recall at least somewhat better!!!  Come to think of it- we probably ALL could use some Boot Camp training.

I’m thinking the FG is going to really need to do some serious begging in his letter to Santa.  You know, it’s kind of nice to pass the bad dog title on to someone else these days.  Good thing he’s cute…

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!


Sent from my iPad

Dear Santa. Part 2.

Dear Santa.

So I have covered my list of accomplishments for the past year, but to be fair, I feel I must employ full disclosure and discuss a few indiscretions as well.  Bottom line, I know that you "see me while I'm sleeping and you know when I'm awake" so to pretend that these things never happened would be silly - since you know them already.  But I will review them anyway.

1.  I STILL obsessivley sit by the garage door - in the hopes that it will magically open, providing me with access to the food bins. I know the bins are out of reach - but I can still keep jumping at them on the odd chance that I could make the bins topple to the floor.  I also have bolted through the door when instructed not to - again in the chance that I could get some free grub.  Let's face it.  I'm a PON.  And I'm always hungry. Perhaps I should just have my very own 40 lb bag of food to eat whenever I want.  Then again, that might not be the best solution as I would no doubt go through the whole thing in 5 minutes and still want more.  I guess I just need to control my cravings.  Maybe next year...

2.  While my counter surfing WAS better, my pillowcase eating habit was actually worse.  My human does not own an intact pair of pillowcases.  All have been chewed.  Every.  Single.  One.  I cannot be left alone in the bedroom - in the morning while she goes to get dressed.  I find pillowcases delectable.  Or just plain fun to shred.  Sorry about that...  I think she might have pillowcases on HER wish list.  

3.  I peed on the barbeque.  More than once.  Not while it was being used, of course, but basically ANY time I went out on the deck.  And I don't mean to be a tattletale - but the FG and Einstein did too.  So I was just following their lead.   Althoug I occasionally DID go first... 

4.  I tried to kill the bunny.  Not the real one.  The stuffed one. The one that we play Find the Bunny with.  I am awesome at finding him....but then I don't like to give him up - and left to my own devices would either decapitate him or make him an amputee.  Sorry about that...

5.  I don't share food from my food bowl.  Not that the others are ever trying to steal food - as they are usually busy chomping down their own food.  But IF I ever had any left, I wouldn't share.  My human can certainly take food from me - but not the other boys.  I want to say I'll do better next year - but as we have already discussed - food to a PON is like a flower to a bee.  We belong together...

So Santa, I hope you won't hold these infractions against me.  As I demonstrated in Part 1 of this letter, I have also done some good things.  Surely you will see that they outweigh the small issues listed here.

But we do need to talk about the "ask...."

To be continued...

Have a good one.  Peace andpaws up!

Find it.

So the night before last, my human decided we needed to play a game.  Probably because we wouldn't leave her alone, and she wasn't going to get anything done anyway - so why not play a game?  We haven't played this in awhile.  It's another search game - but without the bunny.  Here's the game:  my human makes one of us sit facing a wall, while she goes and hides treats around the room/rooms.  The other two dogs are sequesterd in the hallway and are able to watch the proceedings until it is our turn.  While we are not SUPPOSED to watch where she hides the treats, let's face it - all of us turn our heads to see where she is putting them.  But we must stay sitting until she gives us the release to go and find the treats.  And like everything in this house - there are distinct styles demonstrated in playing the game...

PON style.  Run as QUICKLY as possible to seek out the treats.  Use your nose a bit, but go SO quickly and in such a tizzy that you sometimes run right over the treats.   Go in circles.  Race around the room.  Race around again - hopefully finding treats on the send swoop.  Keep going until you are huffing and puffing - and often at LEAST one treat is not found because you have been so crazed.  Here is the accompanying internal monologue :  "Where is it?  Where is it?  I MUST find it.  I MUST find it?  Did I look here?  What about here?  Wait is that one there?  I MUST find it.   Oh I hope my time is not running out.  Wait there is no timer.  But I must go faster.  And faster.  Wait I just stepped on one.  Wait what do you mean I'm done?  What do you mean it's someone else's turn?"

Picard style.   Now we have S-L-O-W motion.... And here is THIS monologue:  "Hmmmm.  Now what is it I am supposed to do?  Oh yeah.  Find the treats.  Well...let's walk over here.  Well golly, I found one.  And by jove, another one.  Hey, look at that nativity set.  I never noticed that.  Cool.  Hmmm.. Oh yeah.  The game.  Oops - I see one.  Maybe if I use my nose.  Yup.  Another one.  Well look at those ornaments.  Aren't they nice?  Pretty colors.  Why are those PONs screaming?  Oh yeah - I'm supposed to be playing the game.  Watch this.  Here is one.  And another one.  And one more.  And just LOOK at my reflection in the glass door.  I sure am handsome.  Oh and there's a treat.  And one more.  All found.  Now.  What are we doing next?"

Never a dull moment.  Ever.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!