http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road Dogster diary for the dog Maebe en Copyright 2009 by Maebe & Dogster Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:22:48 PST Dogster Pet-o-matic Gennie - http://www.dogster.com 360 http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/636390 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:38:00 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/636390 My friend Kiko has been doing some more reading and she's been kind enough to send me another book ... Kiko has been doing some more reading and she's been kind enough to send me another book review. The book is Nose Down, Eyes Up. Here's Kiko! This book is by Merrill Markoe, who also wrote Walking In Circles Before Lying Down. Like that book, it is about a person who learns to communicate with dogs. It is mainly about family and what comprises a family, and how we might relate to those that are in our family--or want to be. The narrator is Gil, whose girlfriend Sara is an animal communicator. Unfortunately, she always gets it wrong, as Gil discovers when the dogs start talking to HIM. Jimmy is a lab who Gil has raised from a puppy; the other three are rescues. Jimmy thinks that Gil is his actual father, and that fact gives him insight into people and how to live with them. He gives Tony Robbins-style lectures to the neighborhood dogs to share his wisdom with them. But when he learns that his biological family lives with Gil's ex-wife, he insistes that Gil take him to meet them. Their lives will never be the same after that. While this book is quite funny in parts, mom didn't really love it. There is quite a bit of 'bad' language in the book. Mom doesn't hang out with people who talk that way, so reading it is not her favorite thing. Also the main character, Gil, is a guy, and his main preoccupations seem to be drinking and having sex whenever he can. His family is very dysfunctional, and it doesn't seem over the course of the novel that anyone really learns anything about themselves, except for Jimmy. Gil does learn a bit about what having a family is about, but it doesn't seem to change his character for the better, IMHO. It will be interesting to see if anyone else views it differently. We got it from the library, so hopefully it will be available to most of you. Thanks, Kiko! Happy reading, everyone!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/631809 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:56:45 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/631809 Thanks to my special secret anonymous candy corn giver who tells me that today is National Candy Cor ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/630810 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:30:57 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/630810 The Unscratchables by Cornelius Kane, is billed as "a new breed of crime novel." Quite frankly, I h ... The Unscratchables by Cornelius Kane, is billed as "a new breed of crime novel." Quite frankly, I had to check to see if Lyle wrote it. It's much better writing and more clever than anything Lyle's written, but it's so completely Lyle-ish I had to check to be sure. Here's the story: Detective Max "Crusher" McNash of the Slaughter Unit in the Police Dog Force is a hard headed, tough as nails bull terrier. He's called to the scene of a double murder--2 rottweilers are dismembered on the docks in a rough district of the Kennels. When the evidence points to a cat as the perpetrator, the Feline Bureau of Investigation is brought in to partner up with the Slaughter Unit. Crusher has a deep-seated hatred for cats, and Siamese in particular--he was a prisoner of the North Siamese in the war. When the FBI liaison turns out to be a smooth talking, impeccably dressed Siamese, it's almost more than Crusher can handle. But he's a good dog at heart, and obedience trained, so he buries his instincts and partners with Cassius Lap in the investigation. What they uncover is a conspiracy extending to the highest levels of government, canine and feline. In the process, Lap and McNash form a bond of partnership and incorruptibility--together they become the Unscratchables. Lyle for sure gives this one a 4 paw rating. If you like a little cheese with your novels, you're sure to enjoy it. Watch out for some eye-rollers and groaners, but all in all it's a smile from start to finish.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/630416 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:04:01 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/630416 I have a special treat for everyone today: a guest reviewer for the Book Club! Please give a war ... Kiko! She has been kind enough to review a Jon Katz book for us. I'll let her tell you about it. 'Izzy & Lenore: two dogs, an unexpected journey, and me'. His books are always interesting, funny, and insightful. This one is no different. Izzy works with Mr. Katz doing hospice visits, something very different from anything else he has written about. There is also the surprising struggle Mr. Katz reveals that occurred in his life. I'll leave that for you to discover. Kiko also gave us another 4 paw rating for "The Art of Racing in the Rain", encouragement for those of you who haven't picked that one up yet. Thanks, Kiko, and happy reading!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/627094 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:34:28 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/627094 That's the title of my latest Book Club book, a novel by David Rosenfelt. It's a good one! Lawye ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/625429 Sat, 3 Oct 2009 13:03:22 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/625429 It's been a while since I've had a chance to do a book review. Recuperation and vacation (why are t ... website first. Next time: a recommendation from the Dog Eared Book Club, a group right here on Dogster! Play Dead, by David Rosenfelt.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/624004 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 10:35:29 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/624004 My super-cute friend Diesel tagged me! Thanks, Diesel! It's a getting-to-know-you-better sort of ... Diesel tagged me! Thanks, Diesel! It's a getting-to-know-you-better sort of tag. I answer these 10 questions and then I'll find 6 pals to do the same. Here goes: 1. What color is your collar? Mine is a Southwest sort of scheme--rust, dark yellow, brown. It looks great on me! 2. What kind of food do you eat? Eagle Pack Salmon, Anchovy, and Sardine. Yes! It's delicious. It's wheat and corn free for Lyle's allergies and pH balanced for his tendency to form bladder crystals. Spring and I eat it because it tastes good. 3. What are your favorite treats? What don't I love? I go a little crazy for carrots and chicken jerky...but really, I love everything! 4. Do you have a Valentine or significant other? *blushes* Should a girl tell? 5. Do you get table scraps? Yes! 6. What is your favorite toy? Now this is a sensitive topic...all my toys got tossed when I ate one and ended up in surgery. I have had a little closely supervised time with a Cuz since then though. 7. When is your birthday? April 1, 2001--but that's just a guess. 8. How many times a day do you eat? Twice. 9. Do you have a favorite color? No, not really. The boss ma'am says I look pretty cute in Spring's pink jacket though. 10. Do you hope all your pals put this in their diary? Of course! Off to tag some friends: Dublin Rose O'Belle (not that I'll be able to understand her answers! ;) ), Gretchen, Gizmo, Biscotte, Morgan, and nina!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/620567 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:00:04 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/620567 I am happy to report that I've traveled the Road to Recovery and arrived at Recovered. It's a nice ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/618611 Wed, 2 Sep 2009 17:47:04 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/618611 First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for all the good thoughts and well wishes! Dogster pals ar ... Sybil and Sadie Boo. Thank you!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/618112 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:30:09 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/618112 I've been abducted. Cut open and thrown in jail. Help! I know Lyle would say that it was alie ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/612120 Fri, 7 Aug 2009 15:15:36 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/612120 Spring and I have started a chorus. We call it the Starving Dog Choir. It works like this. See, w ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/610609 Sat, 1 Aug 2009 16:48:08 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/610609 Actually it's not a new book at all: A Dog's Life by Peter Mayle. This is my library pick for the ... A Dog's Life by Peter Mayle. This is my library pick for the month. If you haven't stopped by your local library lately, check it out! It's a shame we dogs aren't usually allowed inside, but my friend Shasta the Great Dane is. She lets kids read to her and helps them to overcome their fears of reading out loud. Isn't that a great idea? But more about the book. A Dog's Life is the story of Boy, a pup of undistinguished beginnings who eventually finds himself living with a dog loving couple and their aging Labradors in rural France. Boy's take on people, life in France, and life in general is a delight to read. Here's a sample: My own version of fetch the ball, for example, provides me with hours of harmless enjoyment and keeps participating adults away from the bar and out of mischief. I always win, too, which is as it should be. First, I choose an elevated spot. It could be at the top of a flight of stairs, a wall, the raised edge of the swimming pool--anywhere that gives me a height advantage. Stairs are best, because of the added cardiovascular benefits, but I shall come to that in a minute. I take up my position, ball in mouth, and lurk with lowered head, in the manner of the vulture contemplating the imminent death of his breakfast. Sooner or later, this motionless and rather extraordinary pose attracts attention. "What is Boy doing?" they say. Or, "Is he going to be sick?" With the eyes of the assembled spectators upon me, I slowly open my mouth and let the ball bounce free. Down the steps, off the wall, or into the deep end it goes. I remain completely still, the unblinking eye fixed on the ball below me. It is a tense and focused moment. The tension lasts until someone has the common sense to grasp the purpose of the game, which is to retrieve the ball and bring it back to me. If the spectators are particularly dense--and I've known a few, believe me, who didn't seem to know whether it was lunchtime or Tuesday--I might have to give a short bark to indicate the start of play. The ball is fetched, brought back, and presented to me. I give the players a minute or two to settle down and get over the excitement, and then I repeat the process. I mentioned stairs earlier. These have the double attraction of noise and healthy physical exertion, in contrast to the visitors' usual program of elbow bending and free-weight training with knife and fork. The falling ball provides multiple bouncing sounds, and the retriever has to climb up the stairs to give it back to me. As any doctor will tell you, this is very beneficial for the legs and lungs. Happy reading!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/606154 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:17:09 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/606154 The bosses wonder from time to time what it is that constitutes Good Eats to a Biggie (that's me). ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/600613 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:53:56 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/600613 I think the bosses are trying to expand my horizons. I'm kind of a homebody, you see. I'm not much ... Jack and Jill: The miracle dog with a happy tail to tell, by Jill Rappaport. Any cancer story with a happy ending is a good story if you ask me!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/597683 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:58:14 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/597683 And so is Mamie. Well, not really. She'd rather eat ice cream than be ice cream. I can't blame he ... Mamie. Well, not really. She'd rather eat ice cream than be ice cream. I can't blame her for that. She tagged me in a new game! This new tag game is a tasty one. You say what type of ice cream you would be based on your looks (or maybe your personality?) and then ask 5 friends to do the same. Mamie would rather eat ice cream than be ice cream so she picked what flavor she'd like best. I'll stay with the traditional tag rules, I think. I'm dulce de la leche. Caramel brown and super sweet! Let's see what flavor these pups are: The Tater Tots Snapper Mullethead Miller Rex Skye Cassie]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/596326 Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:05:05 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/596326 Sometimes books make us happy. Sometimes they make us sad. Sometimes when we are already sad the r ... Yuji: Paw Prints in the Stars, by Warren Hanson. This sweet little book has short verses in the voice of a pet, plus space for you to add your own mementos and memories. What a wonderful way to memorialize a beloved pet. Next, for the little ones who might be dealing with the death of a pet for the very first time: Dog Heaven, by Cynthia Rylant. This is a children's book, well written with cute illustrations. It offers comforting thoughts of how our departed pets will never be alone, never be hungry, and can check in on their families whenever they like. I hope that none of you need these books any time soon. But if you do I sincerely hope that they offer you solace.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/586944 Sun, 10 May 2009 10:11:46 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/586944 To all those moms and dogmoms out there, happy Mother's Day! I want to especially send lotsa licks ... Tell Me Where It Hurts by Dr. Nick Trout. Dr. Trout is a veterinary surgeon at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, MA. The book is a day in the life of Dr. Trout, starting and ending with an unfortunate but much loved German Shepherd Dog with bloat. In between, he treats patients, performs surgery, reminisces about the past, and gives us his insight about issues such as euthanasia. It's James Herriot in the big city--a treat for any animal lover with an interest in medicine.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/582639 Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:31:45 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/582639 Since we've lived here the bosses have found 5, yep, that's 5, dogs running loose in the streets. T ... Together Tag. Home Again is another service. There are plenty more. This is to the humans out there reading this with your pets: We're dogs. Or cats. We don't always make good decisions. Sometimes we escape. Sometimes we dash out the door. But none of us can tell the good Samaritan who finds us who we are. (If we are lucky enough to be picked up by a good Samaritan!) Please keep us safe. Thanks for listening. P.S. Peaches here could use a good home! Doesn't she have pretty eyes?]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/577501 Wed, 8 Apr 2009 16:48:45 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/577501 Since I barked at you last I celebrated a birthday. I can't say that I actually had a birthday be ... had a birthday because I don't know for sure when it is. That's the trouble with getting adopted as an adult dog. But that's the only downside I can think of. In fact the bosses can't think of too many downsides to adopting adult dogs either. There are so many good parts to adopting an older dog. Sure, you miss out on some of that cute puppy stuff but you also "miss out" on housetraining, teething, and adolescent insouciance. I for one have never had an accident in the house. How many puppies can say that? And then there's the argument about how we dogs don't live long enough anyway, so if you adopt an older dog it just means you'll get to the heartbreaking part sooner. I say, "Bah!" First of all, none of us really knows how long we have here. So it behooves us to make the most of whatever time we have whether we're young or old. And I always make a point of packing in all the lovin' I can give to make up for those lost puppy years. The birthday problem is easily solved too. We pick a day and we celebrate! What could be better? No downsides here. As long as we're barking about adoption, why don't you check out this book: Saved: Rescued Animals and the Lives they Transform, by Karin Winegar with (very pretty) pictures by Judy Olausen. (Around here we always make sure to give props to the photographers.) It's a collection of stories about rescued animals--dogs, cats, horses, even birds, and the people who rescue them. Of course the people who rescue these animals often find themselves rescued or saved in some way, too. I found the stories about birds among the most interesting. Listen to this: "What people should know before they get an exotic bird, according to Eileen McCarthy, is this: it's like having a three-year-old with a sharp object you can never take away. And this child--who is tireless and has a voice like a siren when provoked--requires room to run fifteen to twenty miles a day. He has special needs. And he lives for thirty-five to eighty years." The story of the two 3-legged Great Pyrenees who live with hospice and foster care patients will touch your heart. The one about the tough as nails prison warden who moved the inmates into tents so rescued animals could live in air-conditioned converted prison cells will inspire you. Check it out!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/573914 Sat, 28 Mar 2009 12:46:41 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/573914 Hi there faithful Book Club members! I've got a twofer special for you today. First, there's a ... Happy Dog, Happy You by Arden Moore. That title is a philosophy we can all live with, don't you think? It's a collection of a variety of tips, tricks and good stuff. It's packed with tidbits on everything from how to host a birthday party for your dog to why gum is bad for us canines. There are even recipes! It's a winner. Next up, my very favorite dog novel to date: Dog On It, by Spencer Quinn. Mr. Quinn gets bonus points for the clever title, not that his book needs them. The story is about Bernie, a private detective, and his dog, Chet, who narrates the tale. Chet is a bright, clever detective in his own right, but he's all dog. It's a funny, entertaining book (a warning for the younger set--a little language, from the humans, of course) and I'm hoping Bernie and Chet have many more adventures. Bernie and Chet are investigating a missing teen. She might be a runaway, or worse. Chet, through a series of coincidences, manages to solve the mystery pretty quickly, but his limited means of communication and short attention span keep the story going while Bernie unfolds the case. It's a detective story like no other I've read; usually clues are parceled out to the reader as the narrator discovers them. In Chet's case, major plot developments happen while he's napping or at the groomer and he still manages to solve the case with his own canine flair. 4 paws up for Chet and Bernie!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/572164 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 12:19:20 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/572164 ...is definitely the books. We have more time to read (the boss ma'am is one of those lucky people ... play it safe. But back to the books. Feeling introspective? Tired of those conventional sciences for peering into your personality? Dogology, by Vicki Croke and Sarah Wilson is the book for you! In it, they look at how a person's relationship with his or her (although I think they're clearly barking to the 'her' audience) dog reflects his or her personality. The main personality types are Feelers, Thinkers, and Do-ers, with subsets in each. They describe each type in realistic scenarios and have little quizzes to help your person figure out which one(s) he or she is. Then they talk about how knowing your type will affect how you interact with other people and dogs. It's fun, lighthearted, and might be pretty accurate, to boot! The boss ma'am is an Observer with some Idealist and Soul Mate thrown in. Read the book and tell me what your people are!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/571619 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:40:31 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/571619 My new friend Marley Bob Miller wants to play tag with me! I'm always up for a game, so here go ... Marley Bob Miller wants to play tag with me! I'm always up for a game, so here goes. I tell you 7 things about myself and then tag 7 of my pals to do the same. Ready? 1. I hate vacations. More about that later. But the last 2 I've taken have been warm and wet and cold and wet. If we have to go somewhere, why can't we go somewhere warm and dry? Hey! It's warm and dry here! Let's just stay home! 2. I don't actually read the books from the book reviews. Reading makes me very sleepy. But the boss ma'am reads them and when she gets to a good part she'll read it out loud for all of us. I love that. 3. I have a bunch of new dog books to review for you! Yay! 4. I tend to be nervous. I soothe myself by sucking on my back foot. Maybe I'll have the boss ma'am make a movie of it for you. I can fit the whole thing in my mouth, up to the ankle. My old vet called it my Nuk. 5. I will eat anything. Olives? You bet! (Although I admit they're better with pizza cheese on them.) Pickles? Mmm...pickles! Orange rind? Down the hatch! 6. I passed Basic Obedience. Go me! I never did make peace with Gunner, though. Cheeky bugger that he is. 7. I'm so happy to be home from vacation!! Off to tag some of my newest pals: Butch Gordy Belle Jan Birdy Chipper and my most loyal book club member: Yuji]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/560566 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 09:46:01 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/560566 I'm thinking about all the tasty treats that come with this holiday. I hope we all get some! The ... thinking about all the tasty treats that come with this holiday. I hope we all get some! The boss ma'am and I have recently read another book. It's called "Nose Down, Eyes Up" by Merrill Markoe. It has a funny premise: a man discovers he can not only hear his dogs talking, he can talk to them. It's made potentially even more clever by the fact that his girlfriend is a so-called animal communicator. Too bad the book doesn't live up to its potential. There are some very funny bits with Jimmy, the main character's Top Dog, as he shares his wisdom with the rest of his pack and some neighbor dogs. Turns out Jimmy considers himself their alpha because he believes himself to be a human/dog hybrid. When Jimmy discovers he's adopted (another one of the funny bits), it sets in motion one of the major plot lines--Jimmy finds his "real" family. Too bad Jimmy and his owner are jerks. (Sorry, that's not very nice of me to say, but it's true. Wouldn't have been more realistic if it was just the owner who is a jerk?) And this is definitely not a book for the younger set despite the cute title and the adorable picture on the cover. Pick this one up at the library if you still want to read it. It does have a happy ending, so I'll give it one paw of four. Confidential to the Book Club Members--we need some good stuff to read! Any suggestions?]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/557958 Sat, 7 Feb 2009 11:25:59 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/557958 Guess what? I'm a student! I started Basic Obedience a few weeks ago. I have been home schooling ... these guys. They're at the Benton Franklin Humane Society and they need a home. Kind of makes my Hard Knocks pale in comparison I suppose.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/545848 Sun, 4 Jan 2009 09:21:58 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/545848 I messed up with my letter to Santa Paws. I should have asked Santa for no winter. And an indoor p ... should have asked Santa for no winter. And an indoor potty. Silly me. Because here's the thing: I am not a snow dog. Let me repeat that, slowly, so the bosses will understand: I. Am. Not. A. Snow. Dog. Lucky for me the boss man got a very useful present from my grandma and grandpa. It's for his studio but since he's on a break from classes until the end of the month, he said I could use it. So now I have my own indoor sun. I'm not leaving the house until May.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/540363 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:30:48 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/540363 Good news! Sara was adopted. And lots of her friends, too. Our shelter has been very busy this ... Dear Santa Paws: I have been a very good girl this year. I don't mean to seem immodest but I do believe I have been the best dog in the house this year and I hope you find it in your heart and toy sack to reward me for that. I hope you know how much I love a plush toy that squeaks. A squeaky toy or three might be a good way to reward me for the good dog I have been. But I don't want it to all be about me. If there are toys in your toy sack for all the shelter animals that would be good too. Or maybe some extra kibble or treats. Or a cash donation? Those shelters are always strapped for cash you know. And I'm sure I don't need to tell you that everyone there has been very good and working very hard. Thank you very much, Santa. Merry Christmas! Maebe]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/530150 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:04:43 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/530150 Hi. My name is Sara. Miss Maebe said I could use her space to say a few words. So hi. This is ... This is me. I live at the Benton-Franklin Humane Society. I used to have a sister there. This is us. My sister got adopted and now I'm all alone. Well, not alone exactly. There are other dogs, I know, because I can hear them. I can't really see them because I'm in a concrete enclosure. I can see the shelter workers when they come by to say hello or clean my space. They're really very nice to me. But there is nowhere to play and no one to play with. My shelter doesn't even have any outdoor dog runs. It's not their fault. There's just too many of us and not enough space or money to go around. I guess it's like that at a lot of shelters. I'm lucky, though, because my shelter will offer me my little concrete enclosure for as long as I need it. Lots of dogs don't even get that chance. But I don't really want to grow up here. I know there is a big wide world out there and I would so much love to see it. Maybe with you? Imagine yourself in this picture! That could be you, right there. I promise I will love you forever! Maebe here! Isn't she sweet? She's a Jack Russell/Boston Terrier mix and she needs a home! Pretty please?]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/529450 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:11:21 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/529450 I have made it my mission to find a dog book that Baxter's mom hasn't read yet. Not an easy task! ... Baxter's mom hasn't read yet. Not an easy task! Let's try The Dogs Who Found Me by Ken Foster. It's a collection of vignettes about dogs the author has found, re-found, rescued, fostered, re-homed, and kept. In between he offers some wisdom on things like reading dog body language and how to prepare for natural disasters. It's a touching collection of true stories but not for the faint of heart---Mr. Foster has strong feelings about those who abandon dogs and is not afraid to share them: "I get cornered all the time by people who are considering getting a dog and want to know what to expect. 'If I get an older dog,' they ask, 'will I have to train him?' Yes, I tell them, even though there are plenty of older dogs who have certainly grown out of their rambunctious puppyhood. Part of it, I said, is about establishing a relationship, so that even if they know the commands, they will need to know what they mean coming from you, the new owner. 'You can't just install them in the apartment like a piece of furniture,' I say, and these people usually say something along the lines of 'Oh, never mind.' These are not dog people, and that is fine, as long as they don't have dogs. The dog person, hearing how difficult and challenging it may be to take a rescued dog from a shelter, signs up for the responsibility immediately, ready to cancel vacations and sacrifice the new couch. Like parents who abandon their children at day care or leave the newborn child on the steps of a hospital or a church, many people who decide to get rid of a dog take him somewhere they think they'll find someone better able to take care of him: a vet's office, a park, a dog run. Then they leave him behind, pretending, I guess, that they've done everything they can." But the bottom line is that Mr. Foster loves dogs and though his words are strong, the book is full of heart felt sentiment and touches of humor. And he rescues dogs, so he's a-okay in my book.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/523621 Tue, 4 Nov 2008 18:43:44 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/523621 My friend Cassie tagged me in this round of Tag. I get to tell you all 7 things about myself an ... Cassie tagged me in this round of Tag. I get to tell you all 7 things about myself and then I get to choose 7 pals who will tell you 7 things about themselves. I'll send them a rosette so they know they are It. When they each tag their 7 friends they can send them a pmail or a rosette to let them know the game is on! It's a fun way to learn more about your pals. So here goes! 1. I'm the snuggly one. That's why the boss ma'am calls me B.G. It stands for Best Girl (don't tell Spring!). 2. I started the trend of all us dogs sleeping on the bed. I cried my little heart out in the crate at night and earned my spot spooning the boss ma'am! 3. I might have to go to Basic Training soon. The bosses think I might do well to have some obedience training. Uh oh! 4. I will eat anything. Absolutely anything. 5. All the toys are mine. I can't stand it when Lyle or Spring has one. I collect them all and put them on my bed for safekeeping. 6. I will come running from anywhere if I hear the squeak of a toy. 7. Spring is still my best buddy even if she did try to eat me. So now I'll tag some friends and I hope you all have fun! Kody Dallas Meatball Tajah Ben Boomer Sooner Copper]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/519145 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:30:25 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/519145 The boss ma'am is off work this week and she is blaming ME for not getting as many things done as sh ... Lost and Found by Jacqueline Sheehan. This book comes as a recommendation from good friend Kiko, who gives it two paws up. I have to agree. The story is about a lady named Rocky who unexpectedly loses her husband to a heart attack. This happens in chapter 1, so I'm not spoiling anything for you. Rocky is a psychologist but she is unable to cope with her grief and tries to escape her pain by reinventing herself in a new town. Some quirky island locals and an injured black Lab help her to find herself again. It's a sweet story with...get this!...a happy ending. My favorite kind of book. Here are Rocky's thoughts after finding the injured dog: "It was bad enough that the dog was injured and was now recovering from surgery, but something else was really wrong with him, something that Rocky had seen in his eyes on the day she found him. He had lost someone and it was horrible for the dog. Rocky knew that food, a warm bed, lots of water, and encouraging words would not be enough. He longed for someone." And of course, Rocky does too. As she searches for the dog's lost someone, she finds joy and healing for herself.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/517301 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:23:52 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/517301 October is Adopt a Shelter Dog month. I have a great idea about how to celebrate! Check out thes ... Adopt a Shelter Dog month. I have a great idea about how to celebrate! Check out these guys from our local shelter. Or visit your local shelter to meet your new best friend. Full up on dogs and cats? Don't feel bad, we are too. But don't worry! Even if you can't adopt a shelter dog, there are lots of ways you can help your local shelter. Volunteer! Educate! Spay and neuter your pets! On behalf of mutts everywhere, I thank you.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/511215 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:47:48 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/511215 Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time, there was a man who took photography classes. He was a ... Copper, Sybil, and Sally! We are so happy you are here. Everyone please give them a super warm Dogster welcome for me. I have another story for you: Merle's Door: Lessons from a freethinking dog, by Ted Kerasote. This book comes to us as a recommendation from Baxter. Thanks, Baxter! Merle is a mixed breed pup who finds Mr. Kerasote on a camping trip. They quickly develop a connection which becomes a strong bond over the years. Mr. Kerasote explores with Merle, and in trying to understand Merle's world better, finds that he is able to experience his own more fully. It is a story of their life together and their adventures, with a sprinkling of doggie facts and research. Mr. Kerasote adds his own opinions about dog training and the lives of city dogs, some of which may be a little heavy handed for some readers. The fact is, Merle is a special dog in special circumstances: the "door" in question is an actual doggie door and a metaphorical door that allows Merle to wander freely through life. Obviously not all of us can wander through town leashless and at our leisure! But as Baxter reminded me, "...if a book like this can influence dog owners to spend more time engaging their dogs in stimulating activities then we think it is great! We know many dogs that stay in their crates all day, and their exercise is limited to their own backyards or the same daily walk around the same block....we want all dogs to be able to get out and enjoy the great big world - whether they are roaming the great expanses of Wyoming or trotting along uncharted territories with their owners at the other end of the leash - to us it is about providing new experiences for your dog and enjoying the time spent together doing these things!" Well said, Baxter! Mr. Kerasote ponders about what makes Merle (and all dogs) happy. He looks to research about wolves and wolf packs, and studies his own dog very carefully to determine what fulfills him most. One of his reflections: "What do dogs want, then? The company of dogs, or the company of people? For many dogs who have the freedom to be themselves, both. Dogs with choices exercise their individual tastes, picking dogs or people, depending on which group meets their needs at a particular moment. Such behavior destroys the illusion that a dog's love is unconditional, but so what? Our love--at least a significant part of it--is conditional, just like theirs. We prefer to be with those who respect our selfhood, who do interesting things, and who smell right." And of course the obligatory Kleenex warning--the last few chapters of the book are truly a love story. Ted is devoted to Merle and the reader cannot help to grieve with him at the loss of this remarkable companion.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/510179 Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:20:21 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/510179 A little while ago the bosses happened to see a bit of a show called "John and Kate Plus 8" or somet ... Yuji. It's Before You Were Mine, by Maribeth Boelts. It's an award winner, too! It won the Henry Bergh Children's Book Award Winner: Fiction Companion Animals Award 2007. And I can see why. It's a wonderfully sweet story about a boy whose family adopts a shelter dog. The boy wonders about what life was like before the dog came to his new home. Was the dog treated well? How did he end up in the shelter? But in the end he realizes that none of that really matters now that they have found each other. If you're thinking about adopting a shelter dog for your family, this would be a great book to read to your kids. If you've recently lost a beloved canine companion, grab a tissue first! In the afterward, Ms Boelts has this to say: "Home for a shelter dog means a place where there is training, companionship, and most important...love--the kind of love that focuses not on what may have happened in a dog's life before, but on the hopeful potential of his future." I like this lady!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/504797 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:31:18 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/504797 So many book lovers! It's wonderful, really. Yuji and Baxter have made book recommendations for me ... Yuji and Baxter have made book recommendations for me. I will send the boss ma'am to the book store pronto. In the meantime, I want to bark a bit about a book that has made a big splash: Marley and Me by John Grogan. I have to confess, I was not particularly impressed with "the world's worst dog." Sure, it's a cute story. Sweet, sad, kind of funny, all the usual dog story stuff. But between you and me, I hope Mr. Grogan never gets a terrier. World's worst dog indeed! (Sorry, Spring.) If you want a good read about a really naughty dog, try What the Dog Did by Emily Yoffe. It's a scream. Here's what she learns while researching dogs before adopting one: "In its entry on beagles, The International Encyclopedia of Dogs states: 'It is essential that the breed is trained to come when called, as this can avert disaster should a potential 'hunting' situation arise.' Excellent advice, and as useful as a child-rearing book declaring: 'It is crucial to instruct your offspring to become as rich as Bill Gates, as this can avert disaster should a potential financial obligation arise.'" Once rescue beagle Sasha arrives, the author finds herself unprepared for the level of supervision required: "In a Henry VIII-style banquet, Sasha had consumed one fifth of her weight in cat food. The food must have contained some special brain nutrients, since I then noticed that Sasha had managed to disable the brilliant string rubber band hook and eye contraption I had rigged to keep the basement door open only wide enough for the cats to fit through. This had successfully kept the basement--and its litter boxes--cats-only territory. As I descended to the basement I was struck by how quiet it was. I got to the bottom of the staircase to see the cats, utterly still, eyes fixed, staring down the corridor where we keep the litter boxes. Goldie and Biscuit looked as if they were watching a snuff movie. They were repelled, in shock, yet unable to turn away." Wonder how Mr. Grogan would do with a beagle.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/502311 Fri, 5 Sep 2008 21:17:17 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/502311 I certainly can. I am so honored to be right there on the front page of Dogster central! And then ... Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed. by Patrick McDonnell. It is a collection of Shelter Stories from the Mutts comic strip and pictures of real-life rescue animals, including Dogster's own Charlotte! This is a book you can share with the puppies in your pack. As Mr. McDonnell says, "Adopt some love today."]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/500370 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 10:48:22 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/500370 Welcome, Book Club Members! I have a good one for you today. It's The Art of Racing in the Rain by ... The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. I have to thank my good friend Angus the Warrior for this book. It is told by Enzo, a wise old dog on the eve of his passing. He takes stock of his life and the lessons he has learned. He hopes to be reincarnated as a human in spite of all their flaws and foibles, so he has spent his life as a keen observer of humankind. He is also a keen observer of car racing, since his owner is a race car driver. Even readers who don't know much about racing will appreciate the analogy: "I know this much about racing in the rain. I know it is about balance. It is about anticipation and patience. I know all of the driving skills that are necessary for one to be successful in the rain. But racing in the rain is also about the mind! It is about owning one's own body. About believing that one's car is merely an extension of one's body. About believing that the track is an extension of the car, and the rain is an extension of the track, and the sky is an extension of the rain. It is about believing that you are not you; you are everything. And everything is you." Happy reading!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/492920 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:02:00 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/492920 One minute Spring and I are having a fun morning tussle. The next, I'm in the Infirmary. What happ ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/486287 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:00:15 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/486287 You know the rest, right? Luckily we don't have to choose. There are plenty of books about dogs. ... Amazing Gracie and gives it 3 bones of 4. I think it would have been a 4 bone review except for the sad ending, a common problem with true life dog tales. I was lucky enough to visit one of their stores just yesterday. Lyle and Spring and I give it 12 bones! From the moment I walked in and smelled the treats baking right there in the store, I was hooked. I wanted to try everything! Here's another book for those who like some pictures with their words: Flawed Dogs by Berkeley Breathed (of Bloom County fame). In my favorite part of the book, shelter founder Heidy Strudelberg, former chief judge of the Westminster Dog show, encounters a 3 legged street dog and awards him Best in Show. Her comment? "Not for the cut of their coat, but for the content of their character shall we love them!" On behalf of all mutts everywhere, Hooray Heidy!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/480128 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:02:17 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/480128 One of the best things about having a new house is that not everything is organized. Take, for inst ... local shelter to offer his photography services and find animals for his thesis project. I think it would be great if his project helps some Washington animals find homes. So if you're in or around the Tri-Cities, why not go visit Brownie and give him some love? Or better yet, a home!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/475724 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:55:17 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/475724 It's 102 here in the High Desert. It's High because of the latitude, not the altitude, in case you ... Winnie. Here's what I have to do: List 4 places I have lived: 1. Lexington, Kentucky 2. Richland, Washington 3. Woodford Humane Society, Versailles, Kentucky 4. A home in Kentucky with people silly enough to give me up! List 4 jobs I have: 1. Exterminator. All the flying bugs are mine to catch and destroy. Lyle gets the crawly ones. 2. Toy police. The toys are mine. All of them. Try to play with them and face the consequences! 3. Snuggle hound and bed warmer. I am the one the boss ma'am depends on to keep her warm, and I take my job seriously! 4. Official greeter. Lyle and Spring ain't got nothin' on my wag. List 4 places I have been: 1. South Carolina 2. North Carolina (with Kiko and Josie!) 3. Nebraska (with Star, Winnie, and Tim!) 4. Kansas List 4 places I would rather be: 1. The sunspot on the bedroom floor 2. The sunspot on the office couch 3. The sunspot on the daybed 4. The sunspot on the porch Now it's my turn to tag. I'll tag these lucky pups: 1. Kiko 2. The Brew City Pitties 3. Jill 4. Bella Beans]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/471105 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 16:25:25 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/471105 We all love it here in Washington. I'm sure that Lyle and Spring have already told you all about it ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/465824 Sat, 31 May 2008 20:55:20 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/465824 Hello! This is my first bark from Washington state. I have to say, I am thrilled to be here. Wash ... Star, Winnie and Tim and their mom and dad in Nebraska. They were so nice. I could have stayed with them forever. The funny part is that it wasn't until Tim's mom mentioned how much he and I look and act alike that the bosses noticed it too. We look a lot alike. And we act a lot alike! He is a little blonder than me and his ears are shorter, so is his tail. But I am pretty sure we have some common branch in our family tree. The bosses have taken to calling me Red Tim because we look so much alike. Why he can't be Blond Maebe, I'm not sure. Either way, I'm proud to have him in the family!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/461510 Mon, 19 May 2008 12:08:24 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/461510 In just 2 days we pull up stakes and head west to our new home in Washington. Spring keeps goin ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/455242 Thu, 1 May 2008 16:15:35 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/455242 Hi everyone! Goodness, it's been a while since I've barked. I guess it's just that I have been so ... Boombox. He'd love to have a foster family or a forever family, and he's not the only one. Start celebrating Adopt a Shelter Cat Month a little early this year!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/447685 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:39:48 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/447685 I had a lot of time over the last week to try to get into Lyle's head. To be perfectly honest with ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/443087 Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:29:25 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/443087 We've had to head out of the house a lot lately so that strangers can come in. The whole process is ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/441505 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:43:14 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/441505 It seems it wasn't a home invasion after all. The men that swarmed the house may actually have come ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/439946 Sat, 22 Mar 2008 07:15:55 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/439946 I don't want to alarm anyone, but we are under attack. A gang of men descended on our house this mo ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/437965 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:44:21 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/437965 I enjoyed writing that last poem so much I thought I'd write another. This one is a little more ava ... Longing. Endless vistas of plush soft fur Where I long to rest my head. Too bad Lyle is such a crankypants.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/435297 Sun, 9 Mar 2008 15:53:29 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/435297 In honor of our recent snowstorm I was inspired to write a poem. I hope you like it. Ahem. Th ... The Meltdown The snow and slush Has turned to mush. My feet get wet I don't like it. Thank you very much.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/429253 Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:45:11 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/429253 So it seems that we will all be moving to Washington State at the end of May. The bosses assure me ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/426460 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:48:19 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/426460 I had hoped that this would be my forever home. I hoped it with all my heart. I like it here. The ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/417147 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:33:17 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/417147 I escaped from my crate again today. I haven't done that in a while. Luckily I haven't needed to. ... *shudders* over 5 hours. Can you believe it? I know, I know, it was a miracle we all survived. I managed to escape so that I could try to go for help. Unfortunately, the bosses seem to not trust me any more. They closed the bedroom door. I haven't figured out how to turn that knob yet. I will, one of these days. So I was free, but unable to go for help and I had nothing to do. So I decided to look for things to entertain myself. That's when I found out the bosses REALLY don't trust me any more. They closed the bathroom door too! I was deeply offended. The bathroom is all about the tissues. A few weeks ago the bosses both had colds and I discovered the joyful delights of a trash basket full of used tissues. Fun! Tasty! When they got over their colds I found that Q-Tips were almost as much fun, and almost as tasty. And now the door is closed. Sigh. So I did the only other thing I could think to do. I took a nap on the Big Bed. I think Spring and Lyle might have been a little jealous, but what else could I have done?]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/413845 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:20:38 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/413845 Not me, Maebe, of course. Some of my buddies from the shelter sure do need a helping paw, though. ... Kichu. He's an older gent, a Boston Terrier who just had surgery on his left eye. He's scared. He's skinny. He needs a home so badly! Then there's sweet little Binky. Isn't he just the cutest thing you've ever seen? He's nervous at the shelter, but then, he's so little and the world is so big! What he really needs is a nice, cozy, warm home to call his own--forever.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/409808 Sat, 5 Jan 2008 15:42:41 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/409808 Lately the boss ma'am has taken to calling me Maebe-cakes. Or Baebe-cakes. Which got me to thinkin ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/405306 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 14:20:41 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/405306 It's possible I may have committed a fashion fauxpaw. The trouble is, it's cold. Darned cold. Not ... I'm doing a little better. Here's my dilemma, though: I'm wearing plaid, prints, and stripes. Is it a fashion fauxpaw? Or am I making a fashion statement? Does it make me look fat? I think we should probably avoid the issue altogether and move someplace that has more civilized weather. I'm thinking Ecuador. Till then, look for me in the sunny spot on the floor. Happy Holidays, everyone!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/401541 Sat, 15 Dec 2007 08:09:18 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/401541 I learn new things every day. I'm still learning the peculiar language we use in this house. The bo ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/400806 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 05:34:22 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/400806 I'm a little nervous meeting new people. I've met lots of people in my years (how many years is tha ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/392032 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:48:12 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/392032 I was tagged by Tajah for a Thanksgiving game. Here are the rules: Because it’s Thanksgiving t ... Tajah for a Thanksgiving game. Here are the rules: Because it’s Thanksgiving time, there is a change to the rules. Each player needs to tell seven special things they are thankful for. Tagged dogs must post the rules in their diary and their 7 things. Then choose 7 pups to tag and list their names. Let them know by pawmail or rosette that they have been tagged and to read your diary for the instructions on how to play. I'm thankful for so many things! Where do I start?? 1. I am thankful to have my forever home. I am so grateful for the good care I got at the shelter, but it is not the same as a home. I love that the bosses are always happy to see me. I love having Spring and Lyle (and their toys!) to play with. 2. I am thankful for the love of friends. Everyone here on Dogster has welcomed me with such warmth and love that I feel like I've made friends for life. 3. I am thankful for warm sweaters! I hate being cold. 4. I am thankful for the bosses' new Tempur-pedic mattress. It's the best sleep I've ever had. 5. I am thankful for all toys that squeak, rattle, or have fluff or string. I love them all. 6. I am thankful that I can get away with stealing all the toys that squeak, rattle, have fluff or string from Spring and Lyle. Tee hee! 7. I am thankful for the thoughtful things my bosses do. They put blankets on the couch for me to curl up on. They position my dog beds in the sunny spots. I love that! I'm hoping that these dogs will play Thanksgiving tag with me: Bella Bean Fern Cedar Samuel Jacob Bullet Cassie Jay-Jay Happy Thanksgiving to all!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/390610 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:45:36 PST Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/390610 The bosses have been gone a little more than usual lately. Don't get me started about what that mea ... Sneakers. Or Daisy. Wouldn't it be nice if we all had a happy home to be thankful for this Thanksgiving?]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/383667 Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:15:25 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/383667 That's how I like the ocean, thank you kindly. Everyone probably already knows from Lyle and Sp ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/377150 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:00:48 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/377150 About the crate. It's not so much that I hate the crate, exactly, as that I hate being all alone. ... StuffOnMyMutt! Spring and I are famous!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/372089 Thu, 4 Oct 2007 16:01:35 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/372089 I've been studying the relationships in this pack. The humans seem to get along pretty well. The c ... http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/368832 Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:28:05 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/368832 It's a Crowded Kennel some days. I promise, it isn't just me in there. Sometimes it's demons. Tod ... Zuzu. She's a sweet, loving Visla mix who has had a tough start in life. She's timid and shy and needs a family who can help her to develop into the confident beauty she was born to be. Let's hope the right family finds her soon.]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/361508 Thu, 6 Sep 2007 14:18:36 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/361508 I'm official! I was adopted on Tuesday. I'm still adjusting to life here. The local dogs have ... Roger, a fun loving young beagle mix. He's eager to please and full of love. He'd love to be your dog! You can find him here. I know how lucky I was to get a second chance for a wonderful home. I hope Roger is as lucky as I am!]]> http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/359388 Sat, 1 Sep 2007 08:54:50 PDT Maebe ~ writing at dogster.com http://www.dogster.com/dogs/617434/diary/From_the_dark_end_of_the_street_to_the_bright_side_of_the_road/359388 I have started this journal in order to faithfully record the strange events of the last month or so ...