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<title>Saphira's Adventures</title>
<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures</link>
<description>Dogster diary for the dog Saphira, CGC</description>
<language>en</language>
<copyright>Copyright 2013 by Saphira, CGC &amp; Dogster</copyright>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 22:03:11 PDT</pubDate>
<generator>Dogster Pet-o-matic Gennie - http://www.dogster.com</generator>
<ttl>360</ttl>

	<item>
		<title>I Am FIVE Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/818366</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 2 Mar 2013 11:51:53 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/818366</guid>
		<description>Hi there, Everyone!

I am FIVE today, and Grandma Linda is a Birthday Girl, too! We just had a BIG ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi there, Everyone!

I am FIVE today, and Grandma Linda is a Birthday Girl, too! We just had a BIG birthday celebration at my new house!

We had FOOD and CAKE and ICE CREAM and PRESENTS!

I got LOTS of new toys and also a nice tie-out and some sweet potato treats!

Grandma got presents,too, but she didn't get any TOYS.
 
Best of all I had EVERYONE all together with me. You KNOW how important my PACK is to me! I got LOTS and LOTS of attention...just like I like it with head rubs and belly rubs....Ahhhhhh!

I have some new pictures. Go see them!

I will add more soon!


Wheeeeeee! I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE birthdays!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Happy Valentine's Day, Everybody!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/816288</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:50:57 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/816288</guid>
		<description>Saphira here...wishing everyone a VERY HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

We have been very busy here!

Hop ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Saphira here...wishing everyone a VERY HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

We have been very busy here!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!


Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Had a Lovely Spa Day Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/770843</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:31:13 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/770843</guid>
		<description>I went to My Veronica today, and she made me SOOOOOO soft and fluffy! You can see how nice I look in ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I went to My Veronica today, and she made me SOOOOOO soft and fluffy! You can see how nice I look in my first picture.

It takes awhile for a girl to get beautiful, so I was there for quite awhile.

I don't mind. I like getting groomed. I get LOTS of attention, and that's JUST PERFECT for me!

Afterwards we stopped at Grandma and Grandpa's and I played ball and visited with Great-Grandma Bonnie.

It was a very nice day here in Ohio! It was 70 degrees!

I hope everybody had a nice day, too!

Kisses from Fluffy Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Did It AGAIN!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/770407</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:00:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/770407</guid>
		<description>Oh my GOODNESS!

I can hardly believe it!

Dogster Diary Pick for a THIRD time!

I have been S ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh my GOODNESS!

I can hardly believe it!

Dogster Diary Pick for a THIRD time!

I have been SOOOOOOOO happy about that! It makes me want to jump and twirl and spin like crazy!

Thank you,Dogster, for choosing me for a THIRD time!

(Did you all see my lovely new picture that Redford made for me?)

Thank you once again, Sweet Redford!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a VERY Lucky Girl!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/769935</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:34:33 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/769935</guid>
		<description>I am a Diary Pick of the Day for the second time in one week!

That is SOOOOOO exciting that I hav ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I am a Diary Pick of the Day for the second time in one week!

That is SOOOOOO exciting that I have been spinning and twirling around since I heard!

Thank you, Dogster People for picking me again, and thank you, my sweet friend, Redford for making me ANOTHER wonderful picture to help celebrate my special honor!

The picture of me that Redford chose was me acting all smug because I had just taken over the whole BIG BED. I was all stretched out like a QUEEN and had the whole queen-sized bed all to myself! Ahhhhhhhh!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Got a New Special Picture!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/769559</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 9 Mar 2012 16:30:10 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/769559</guid>
		<description>Oh BOY!!!

Yesterday I got to be a Diary Pick of the Day here at Dogster, AND Redford made me a be ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh BOY!!!

Yesterday I got to be a Diary Pick of the Day here at Dogster, AND Redford made me a beautiful new picture, too!

Thank you, Dogster People, for my special honor!

Thank you, Redford, for making me my brand new first picture!

I LOVE PINK!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Want to Thank Dogster!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/768431</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 2 Mar 2012 19:54:32 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/768431</guid>
		<description>Thank you, Dogster, for my pretty Birthday Card and my BONES, and the Birthday Stroll you sent me!
 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thank you, Dogster, for my pretty Birthday Card and my BONES, and the Birthday Stroll you sent me!

There are 942 doggies that were born on MY BIRTHDAY here at Dogster! Can you IMAGINE that???!!!

THAT would be SOME PARTY if we all got together!!!

This has been a GREAT DAY!!!

Kisses from Saphira, Birthday Girl]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am A Birthday Girl!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/768298</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 2 Mar 2012 06:16:40 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/768298</guid>
		<description>Oh BOY!!!

It's here again...MY BIRTHDAY!

I am FOUR YEARS OLD today!

I have gotten lots of b ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh BOY!!!

It's here again...MY BIRTHDAY!

I am FOUR YEARS OLD today!

I have gotten lots of birthday presents from my Dogster buddies already, and it it still early in the morning!

Mommy has the whole day OFF, and I get Mommy all day long!

The weather is GREAT here with lots of SQUIRRELS running around, and the moles are busy under the ground. Lots of great sniffing today!

It's going to be a fine day!

Happy Birthday to my GSD Pal, Luther, up there in Maine! He turns SIX today!

Can't wait to find out about all of the rest of my special day!

Kisses to all my good friends today!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am A Diary Pick of the Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/760481</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:26:38 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/760481</guid>
		<description>Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!

(Spinning all around and being HAPPY-HAPPY!)

Thank you, Dogster People ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!

(Spinning all around and being HAPPY-HAPPY!)

Thank you, Dogster People for picking me as a Diary Pick of the Day today!

Thank you, Redford, for letting me know all about it!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go to Great-Grandma's 100th Birthday Party!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/760217</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:22:49 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/760217</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

Well, I have BIG NEWS!!!

My Great-Grandma Bonnie is 100 years old, and I got to g ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

Well, I have BIG NEWS!!!

My Great-Grandma Bonnie is 100 years old, and I got to go to her special birthday party yesterday!!!

You KNOW how much I love my family and how much I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE parties! Well, THIS one was really special because Great-Grandma Bonnie is ONE HUNDRED YEARS OLD now!!! That's LOTS and LOTS of years more than I am!

At the party there were so many things going on that I just kept checking everything out to make sure that I didn't miss anything. My favorite parts were THE FOOD, THE PRESENT-OPENING-TIME and watching everyone TRY to light 100 candles on all the cupcakes.

Here is an important tip if you ever have LOTS and LOTS of candles to light: Buy THICKER and LARGER candles that will be able to burn long enough while you are lighting all the rest. Grandma Cheryl had to keep ADDING MORE candles to the ones that burned down before all the OTHER candles got lit! (I watched the whole event with Mommy, Daddy, Grandpa Rich, Grandma Cheryl, and Grandma Linda trying to get (and KEEP!) everything lit, and I must say that it was VERY, VERY entertaining!

Daddy was blowing out candles that were burning down too far, and Grandma Cheryl was replacing them with new ones. THEN, Mommy and Grandpa Rich were RE-LIGHTING these NEW candles so they could catch up with all the rest! Everyone was LAUGHING, and it was a little like some strange human CONTEST or something! (We doggies wouldn't bother with CANDLES! We would just EAT THE CUPCAKES, right?)

Oh, and the toasted almonds on the tops of some of the cupcakes became TOASTED-TOASTED almonds! Very funny!

Anyway, everything FINALLY got lit and it was SINGING time and then BLOWING OUT THE CANDLES time. Whew! LOTS of SMOKE on THAT one! Grandma Cheryl opened the front door, and I THOUGHT it was time for all of us to go play in the lovely SNOW, but Grandma was just letting out some of the SMOKE.

Crazy thing, all those candles!

Anyway, after EATING TIME, it was PRESENT TIME. I love this part because I am VERY NOSY and LOVE to see what comes out of all the packages. (I had already PRE-CHECKED the packages and  KNEW there weren't any dog treats or CHICKEN or anything like that, but I still enjoy seeing what humans get as presents.

Great-Grandma Bonnie got LOTS of new clothes, and she got LOTS of books. She got some HUMAN TREATS like candies and cookies and some LIFE cereals. 

Her last present was a very special one that Daddy and Mommy  have been working on for awhile. One of Daddy's students has a Great-Grandma that turned 100 a few years ago. For HER birthday their family made a special memory book for her that had letters and cards from all the people that she knew over the years. Daddy thought that was such a nice idea that he decided to make one for MY Great-Grandma Bonnie. (My Great-Grandma Bonnie is HIS Grandma.)

In the new pictures I added today you can see Daddy sharing the BIG BOOK with Great-Grandma. There are over 100 cards and letters in there! Many of Daddy's students wrote letters to Great-Grandma, too, because a few years Daddy did a video interview with Great-Grandma Bonnie, and Daddy shows it in his psychology classes each year. His students feel like they KNOW Great-Grandma Bonnie!

I also added MY letter to Great-Grandma Bonnie! (My practice writing all my diary entries here on Dogster have helped me to be able to compose a very nice letter using all the skills I learned here!)

It was a VERY busy day, and a VERY fun day! I decided to take a little NAP because I was WORN OUT with all the day's events!

Come check out the pictures of Great-Grandma's special day in my Photo Book!

Happy 100th Birthday, Great-Grandma Bonnie!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Write In Honor of my Good Friend, Gypsy Belle Today...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/747047</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 1 Nov 2011 18:30:09 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/747047</guid>
		<description>My good friend, Gypsy Belle, has left for The Rainbow Bridge. She had time to celebrate her fifth bi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My good friend, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648983>Gypsy Belle</a>, has left for The Rainbow Bridge. She had time to celebrate her fifth birthday on October 1st and was feeling good. Several days ago she wasn't able to walk anymore, and her Mommy took her to the doctor.

The doctor discovered that Gypsy Belle had a very fast-growing cancer in her leg.

Gypsy Belle had already had surgery on her back several years ago to repair an injury she got as she was playing. She came back from her surgery very well with physical therapy and wonderful WATER THERAPY where Gypsy Belle became an AMAZING swimmer.

Gypsy Belle's Mommy and Daddy knew that they did not want Gypsy Belle to suffer through any more surgery. They did not want to amputate her leg.

I love you, Gypsy Belle, and I honor you today and always as a brave German Shepherd Dog!

I wish you many happy swims in Heaven and lots and lots of CHICKEN!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have an IRONMAN for a Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/738305</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:01:59 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/738305</guid>
		<description>Yep!

I do!

Daddy did his first FULL Ironman Triathlon Race yesterday, and he did REALLY GREAT! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yep!

I do!

Daddy did his first FULL Ironman Triathlon Race yesterday, and he did REALLY GREAT!

He now is an IRONMAN!

He had to do a lot of things at his race. He had to:

1)Swim two and a half miles in Lake Erie
2)Bike 112 miles throughout the Sandusky, Ohio area
3)Run a marathon (26.2 miles)

He did one event right after the other, too!

He finished ALL of those things in 12 hours, 28 minutes, and 53 seconds. He was VERY happy with his time!

Daddy took a personal day today, and Mommy had the day off, so I got to have BOTH Ironman Daddy and Mommy all day long!

YIPPEEEEEE!

CONGRATULATIONS, Daddy!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Meet a TEENY TINY Baby!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/736931</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 5 Sep 2011 10:52:25 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/736931</guid>
		<description>Last night I met a teeny tiny human that they call a BABY. His name is Benjamin, and I liked him rig ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Last night I met a teeny tiny human that they call a BABY. His name is Benjamin, and I liked him right away. 

Benjamin looked a little bit like a toy because he is so small, but he is NOT a toy. I knew that right away, and I was very quiet and had a nice laydown by him so that I could check him out and get in some good sniffing. 

We doggies know that there is SOOOOOO much good information that we can get from sniffing. Poor humans are NOT too good at that, so they have to TALK and TALK and TALK to find out THEIR information. Poor things!

I am VERY experienced with babies and children because my first home was with Mama Akia and Papa Miko and My Arthur. My Arthur has these little people called GRANDCHILDREN, and I got to know them right away when I was a tiny (OK...not so tiny!) puppy. I learned how to be very quiet and lay down and not use my teeth on the grandchildren. I learned how to be very patient with them.

I have a lot of experience with BABYSITTING, too. I have told you all before about my good buddy, James, who is three years old. I babysit for him a lot, and Mommy and Daddy come along so that I can teach them how to do it.

I can't WAIT to get to go see Benjamin again!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Day Off, and Mommy and Daddy Do, Too!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/736929</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 5 Sep 2011 10:41:05 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/736929</guid>
		<description>Well TODAY is Labor Day, but everybody gets a DAY OFF! That's  pretty CRAZY, but I'm not complaining ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well TODAY is Labor Day, but everybody gets a DAY OFF! That's  pretty CRAZY, but I'm not complaining because I get the WHOLE DAY off and so does Mommy and Daddy!

We went to Grandma Linda and Grandpa Lynn's house and got all kinds of nice things from their garden. The blackberries were HUGE, and I get to have some in my dinner. Mmmmmm!

Next we travelled to Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Rich's house. There we got some different vegetables and also some smelly things called HERBS. I like the one they call "Rosemary." I will get some in my food tomorrow.

I been getting some very nice crockpot meals lately. Mmmmmmm! I really love to EAT!

Grandma took a new picture of Mommy and Daddy and Me. Don't forget to go see it!

I hope everybody is having a very nice Labor Day today!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Great News About Mommy's Race!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/730691</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 2 Aug 2011 16:16:20 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/730691</guid>
		<description>Mommy did really good at her race! She wore my pink bandana, and that helped her run MUCH faster! Sh ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy did really good at her race! She wore my pink bandana, and that helped her run MUCH faster! She ran 100 miles in 21 hours, 48 minutes, and 30 seconds...FOUR HOURS faster to set a new personal best!

Also, she has now collected over $700 for her ladies in the Congo! That will sponsor TWO WOMEN, and she hopes to get even more money to be able to help even more women.

If you haven't donated and would like to, you can paste this in your browser to get to the Women for Woman page. Then just type in Crystal (Mommy's name).

http://wfwi.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=477732&u =477732-331700916&e=4752940823
 

Daddy and Uncle Jon were Mommy's crew for the race, and I, of course, was her training partner as she practiced each day for her race.

If you would like to see more about Mommy's race, you can go to BurningRiver100.org

Thank you to all who have donated and to everyone who encouraged Mommy and said prayers for her!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Helping Mommy, and You Can, Too!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/729495</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 05:09:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/729495</guid>
		<description>Hi there everyone!

I have been very busy helping Mommy get ready for her next big race, and she h ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi there everyone!

I have been very busy helping Mommy get ready for her next big race, and she has a letter for you to read.

Here it is!

************************

Dear Friends, 

I will be running the Burning River 100-mile run next Saturday, July 30th in order to raise money and awareness for women in war-torn areas of the world. 

I've set up an online fundraising webpage to raise funds for Women for Women International, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. Since its founding in 1993, this organization has served 275,000 women survivors of war around the world, in countries like Afghanistan, Sudan, and the DR Congo. Women for Women International's year-long program provides these women with direct financial assistance, job skills training, rights awareness education, and the emotional support they need to get back on their feet.

 Below is an example of the type of woman I am trying to help live a better life.



 Meet Lucienne,

 Lucienne, a victim of rape in the DR Congo, is a single mother of three daughters. Lucienne's husband was away when men entered her home in December 2006.

 Lucienne describes the horror that happened next: "When we got to the bush, they pulled me down to rape me in front of my brother...As he hid his face in shame, they struck him with a gun and pulled him away to kill him."

 Lucienne spent three-and-a-half months as a sex slave, becoming pregnant with a child.

 Upon return to her village, Lucienne's husband shunned her from the community. Lucienne needed help, and she came to Women for Women International. Lucienne reflects that, "Joining the program has been a salvation...my life has changed and my children are healthy. I recovered confidence through the [Women for Women International] training."

**************************

 This cause is so important to me and I truly want to help make a difference in the lives of these women, many of whom have lost so much - loved ones, security, opportunity. 

My goal is to sponsor 10 women. It costs approximately $350/year to sponsor one woman. Over the last 2-years with the help of friends and family alike, I have sponsored 6 women in the DR Congo and Sudan. 

Please consider making a secure donation through my fundraising webpage, or consider sponsoring a 'sister' yourself.


 Thank you!
 Crystal Basich


Please paste this link into your browser:

http://wfwi.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=477732&u=477732-331700916&e=4752940823

to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Women for Women International.

***********************************
So, everybody...If you would like to help these women, we would REALLY APPRECIATE you checking out the link above!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get My Daddy ALL DAY LONG Now!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/728395</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:12:56 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/728395</guid>
		<description>My Daddy is finished with his summer teaching, so Daddy and I can be BUDDIES all day long now!

I  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My Daddy is finished with his summer teaching, so Daddy and I can be BUDDIES all day long now!

I am HAPPY-HAPPY about that!

We had a really nice run this morning, and then we went on a few errands. Next we went to Grandma and Grandpa's, and I played ball with Grandma.

Now...I have to get working on MOMMY being done with HER work so we can all be together all day long!

I love my family!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Salute All the War Dogs!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/726391</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:52:13 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/726391</guid>
		<description>There is this nice lady who writes good stories about War Dogs. Her name is Rebecca Frankel, and her ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ There is this nice lady who writes good stories about War Dogs. Her name is Rebecca Frankel, and her column is called "Rebecca's War Dogs of the Week." You should do a search using those words and go read the stories and see the great pictures, too!

There are all kinds of GREAT articles about so many dogs of all breeds working right along with the soldiers and making me VERY, VERY proud that I am a dog!

Now, in LOOKING at all those stories and pictures, I realized that there are some BIG DIFFERENCES between me, Saphira, and the War Dogs:

1)The Middle East is HOT-HOT, so I could NEVER EVER be happy there. The War Dogs not only GO THERE, but they work hard all day long helping the soldiers do many hard and dangerous jobs.

2)I was NOT happy jumping into a BIG POOL (People Pool) and needed to be CARRIED into it! These War Dogs jump out of AIRPLANES or HELICOPTERS into the OCEAN! I am pretty sure that the OCEAN is a bigger pool than the one Mommy wanted me to jump into...yes, pretty sure of that!

3) I like the color PINK. I am PRETTY SURE that the military doesn't plan to change their uniform colors anytime soon, so being in the military just won't be a good fashion choice for me, Saphira.

I SALUTE you, my dear brother and sister canines of the military! Stay safe and know that we are PROUD of you and GRATEFUL for all you do and all you ARE!

Kisses from Saphira, the Civilian]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Was a WOLF (or MAYBE a WEREWOLF!!!)</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/725911</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 06:20:37 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/725911</guid>
		<description>Mommy's Version:

Saphira(me)sneaked out of her crate to sleep on the hard floor. (Expensive plush ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy's Version:

Saphira(me)sneaked out of her crate to sleep on the hard floor. (Expensive plush dog bed vs. hard floor... beats me, says Mommy!) At some point in the night Saphira(me) started HOWLING one BIG howl while lying down and not standing up in her(my) usual stance. I think she(me) must have been having a dream about wolves or werewolves or something. Chris and I both promptly woke up and put on the light to see if everything was OK. Saphira(me) was just fine and gave us the look that said, "Can we just so back to SLEEP now?"


Saphira's Version:

The other night I got HOT-HOT in my bed so I went to sleep over on the cool floor. Ahhhhhh!

I was just falling into a nice deep sleep when suddenly I became a WOLF!!! 

Yes, you heard that right!
A WOLF!

I was with my wolf pack, and we had been out hunting up on this big mountain. I spotted some rabbits, and I just HAD to HOWL to tell all the rest of my pack. I was VERY EXCITED about those rabbits!

Just then, this bright night flashes. At first I thought it was the sun. 

Strange!

Then I heard Mommy's voice.

What was Mommy doing out on that mountain with all of us WOLVES? Daddy was there, too!

OH! Now I get it! I am SAPHIRA, the German Shepherd again! This is Mommy and Daddy and I am back in my bedroom.

That MUST have been a DREAM that I had!

Tonight maybe I'll go back there on that mountain and be a WOLF again and look for those RABBITS!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Was a Burro on the Trails!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/722549</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 19 May 2011 15:47:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/722549</guid>
		<description>It was a LOVELY day to pack up and go for a very nice L-O-N-G walk with Mommy!

Mommy got out my b ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was a LOVELY day to pack up and go for a very nice L-O-N-G walk with Mommy!

Mommy got out my backpack and started filling it with my water and some food and some poop bags and my special travel dish.

I just KNEW that we would be having a very fun time!

We walked for eight miles and enjoyed all the nice smells and sounds and the wonderful weather.

Mommy got HOT-HOT as she was walking, so she took off her jacket and looped it through the loop on the top of my pack. She looked at me and said, "Saphira! You are my very own BURRO! You make a GREAT pack animal!"

Well, Mommy...OF COURSE I am a great PACK ANIMAL! You are part of my PACK! We have been a PACK together with our family for a long time!

Sometimes Mommies can be SOOOOOOO silly!

I had a fun time being Mommy's very own BURRO!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Had Mommy and Daddy for THREE YEARS!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/722545</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 19 May 2011 15:26:56 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/722545</guid>
		<description>Today is my Gotcha Day!

Thank you to all my good friends who have sent such wonderful messages an ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today is my Gotcha Day!

Thank you to all my good friends who have sent such wonderful messages and PRESENTS!!

Mommy and Daddy and I have been a FAMILY for THREE YEARS now! 

Go see my "Baby Saphira" video to celebrate my ORIGINAL Gotcha Day with us!!!

(Doing ZOOMIES all around!!!!)

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Think Getting Thinner Can Get You Into BIG TROUBLE!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/718178</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 9 Apr 2011 20:39:06 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/718178</guid>
		<description>First...the BACKSTORY...

Well, you all know that I was once a VERY HEFTY GIRL! I ONCE weighed 102 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ First...the BACKSTORY...

Well, you all know that I was once a VERY HEFTY GIRL! I ONCE weighed 102.6 pounds!

I have been on a DIET and also doing LOTS more running, and I now weigh 83 pounds.

My vet says that is a good weight for me because German Shepherds can get bad hip problems if they carry too much weight on them.

My Arthur thinks this, too.

I like EATING, so I don't NECESSARILY agree with everyone else. Hmmph!

ANYWAY...

Since I don't have as much weight on me anymore, I am FASTER, and I also FIT PLACES that I haven't fit in a very long time.

This brings me to how getting thinner got me in TROUBLE...BIG trouble today!

We had just arrived at GRANDMA and GRANDPA'S house for the TRIPLE PARTY, and I was SOOOOOOOO excited! I just couldn't WAIT to get out of the car and head out to see everyone!

Now USUALLY I wait until Daddy gets out and then opens my door for me. Then I head out and run up to the door where Grandma is waiting for me.

All of a sudden, out of the corner of my eye I spotted CHARLIE! Charlie is the Beagle who lives next door to Grandma and Grandpa. Charlie and I don't get along very well...mostly because Charlie BARKS and BARKS and also does her VERY ANNOYING howl. It hurts my ears!!!

On THIS day I decided that I didn't want to wait for Daddy to open my door for me. Instead, I slid through between the front seats and exited out of DADDY'S door! (My newly skinnier self fit just GREAT, and my newly skinnier self also ran FASTER right over to Charlie's place!) Things were looking GREAT for me to give Charlie a piece of my German Shepherd mind regarding her ANNOYING barking.

Uh-oh!

Daddy with his BIG LONG FAST legs sprinted over and GRABBED ME and STOPPED me from my mission.

Daddy! You KNOW I had NO INTENTION of doing anything BAD! I just had some things to tell Charlie. (I gave a few big girl barks and a GROWL to let Charlie know that she is ANNOYING.)

Mommy and Daddy did NOT appreciate my escape or my excellent run or any part of my special mission. After Daddy did a "shakedown" on Grandma's front porch (embarrassing!!!), Mommy took me out to our CAR!

I had to stay out there for...I don't know...I think seven years. I was NOT happy. I kept looking and looking at the front door, but Mommy did NOT come back out to get me.

Finally, I saw Mommy come out the front door. She had her VERY UPSET LOOK on her face. She brought me inside the house, but she made me stay right in the entranceway. 

I DID NOT get to say "Hi Everybody!"

I did NOT get to check my special bowls in the kitchen for TREATS that Grandma always puts there for me.

I did NOT get to go check out all the new Easter decorations.

I was NOT happy about this, and I TOLD EVERYONE how unhappy this made me. (I am FABULOUS at whines and moans. USUALLY someone steps in to rescue me. This time nobody did. They ALL saw that Mommy and Daddy were VERY upset with my special stealth mission.)

Finally, I saw that I had better calm down or I would spend the WHOLE party day right there in that entranceway and die of STARVATION without those nice TREATS that I could SMELL were waiting for me in Grandma's kitchen.

SIGH...

Getting thinner can get you into BIG TROUBLE!!!


*****************************************************
P.S.

I finally got those treats!
I got to say hello to everyone.
I checked out all the Easter stuff.

I had a FABULOUS birthday celebration.

(See previous entry for all the DETAILS!!!)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go to a TRIPLE BIRTHDAY Party Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/718172</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 9 Apr 2011 19:40:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/718172</guid>
		<description>Hi Everybody!

Saphira here!

Oh! Things have been VERY, VERY busy around here! Our family FINAL ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everybody!

Saphira here!

Oh! Things have been VERY, VERY busy around here! Our family FINALLY got around to celebrating my THIRD BIRTHDAY which was last month!

Since Mommy and Daddy have birthdays THIS MONTH, all THREE of us celebrated TOGETHER today!

We made it a BIG FUN TIME! Mommy had her pictures from Mexico to show all of us, and we had cake and ice cream, and Mommy and Daddy made yummy Mexican food for everyone to try!

I got a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream! Mmmmmmm!

I got squeeky tennis balls, TREATS, and also a brand new squeeky DUCK! Mommy and Daddy got stuff, too, but it wasn't as interesting as MY stuff.

I played ball and did zoomies to entertain everyone while Grandpa was getting the pictures ready to show everyone. Of course I was right in the middle of everything...just like I like it!

Parties are BIG FUN, and this TRIPLE PARTY was THE BEST!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a &quot;Diary Pick of the Day!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/715103</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:15:02 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/715103</guid>
		<description>Oh BOY!!!

This week sure is shaping up as an AMAZING week!

First, I was chosen as Our Daily Wa ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh BOY!!!

This week sure is shaping up as an AMAZING week!

First, I was chosen as Our Daily Walk's "Fur of the Week!" Today I discovered that I am a "Diary Pick of the Day" here at Dogster Central!

I just LOVE getting all this attention!

Thank you, Dogster People for choosing ME!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a VERY BUSY Time!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/714368</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:12:30 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/714368</guid>
		<description>I have been away from Dogster for a very long time! There has been LOTS going on in our family latel ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have been away from Dogster for a very long time! There has been LOTS going on in our family lately!

First of all, MOMMY'S BACK HOME from Mexico! She ran a BIG RACE and came in FIRST for the women! She is very happy about that! I am just happy that I have Mommy back!

Second, I have had a staph infection, and I had to get my tummy all shaved so the infection would heal better. I feel LOTS better now, but I had to take MEDICINE, and I HATE medicine!

Third, Great-Grandma Bonnie who just celebrated her ninety-ninth birthday in January FELL and broke her hip. She had to have surgery. About ten days after that, she had a STROKE and then another one and also a seizure. She is at Grandma and Grandpa's house, and soon I get to go see her. (I have had to stay away until all my infection went away.)

Fourth, I had my THIRD BIRTHDAY, about a week ago, but I haven't OFFICIALLY celebrated it because of all of the other things I just told you about. Daddy and Mommy are planning my special celebration that will be with Grandma Linda because our birthdays are very close to one another. I will tell you all about it when I know more.

Fifth, I have been VERY busy keeping my Daddy company while Mommy has been in Mexico. (I think Mommy has been gone for about seven years. I am not too good about telling time except when I KNOW my tummy is ready to EAT!!!)

Sending out LOTS OF LOVE!


Kisses to everyone from BUSY GIRL Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover That My Pal, Jesse, is in Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/710370</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 6 Feb 2011 13:15:03 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/710370</guid>
		<description>Oh BOY!!!

Great news!

My Pal, Jesse, the BRILLIANT Jack Russell Terrier, is in Beverly Hills C ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh BOY!!!

Great news!

My Pal, Jesse, the BRILLIANT Jack Russell Terrier, is in Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2!

I also found a super video of Kaine and Jesse, two of my Pals, on their trip to California to film the movie!

Here it is!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVW2tl_Qbqo

ENJOY!!!

Go Jesse!!!

Kaine...Handsome Boy...HUBBA-HUBBA!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Babysit Again!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/710367</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 6 Feb 2011 12:50:31 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/710367</guid>
		<description>Last night Matt and Kelsie, Mommy and Daddy's friends, went out, and I got to babysit my Pal, James  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Last night Matt and Kelsie, Mommy and Daddy's friends, went out, and I got to babysit my Pal, James again!

Mommy and Daddy came along with me to babysit James who is almost three years old now. (I did all the really IMPORTANT stuff, though, like making sure James got plenty of good exercise.)

Last time we played "Basket Head" for most of the time, but THIS TIME we played "TRUCKS!"

This is how you play "TRUCKS":

James chooses one of his trucks and drives it all around the room while you follow him carefully to learn as much as you can about the truck.

Then, James goes over in the corner of the room and says, "I'm TIRED!"

The first time James did this I was worried that something was wrong with James because he seemed different all of a sudden. I went over to him and gave him some very nice Saphira Kisses. That must have been JUST what James wanted because then James said, "MORE KISSES!"

I am ALWAYS ready to give MORE KISSES, so I did my best to do what he asked.

It must have worked because James was back driving another truck around the room.

I kept watching him carefully and following him like before. THIS TIME he stopped in the corner of the room and said, "I'm tired! Give me KISSES!"

OH! I get it now! James and I have made up a NEW GAME!!! It is called "I'm tired! Give me KISSES!"

We played this for a long time. Even I was getting tired, and I was in need of some kisses myself!

Well, then came the BAD TIME of the night. James had to GO TO BED, and I wasn't allowed to go sleep in his room with him! James was pretty upset about that, and so was I! James made a fuss, so he got to come downstairs to say "Goodnight!" to me again.

(I don't understand why James had to go to bed if he didn't really WANT to. We could have played a lot more games and had a lot more fun!)

Oh well...

Mommy and Daddy watched some TV, and I decided that I was a bit tired myself.I took a nap. Ahhhhh!

Babysitting is a BIG RESPONSIBILITY, but it is a VERY FUN time. I can't wait to do it AGAIN!!!

I love you, James!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Play With Baxter!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/710222</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 5 Feb 2011 13:07:45 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/710222</guid>
		<description>I was outside on my VERY LONG leash helping Uncle Jon and Grandma shovel the driveway. (It's VERY im ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was outside on my VERY LONG leash helping Uncle Jon and Grandma shovel the driveway. (It's VERY important to SUPERVISE any and all driveway events, you know!)

All of a sudden I heard Baxter, who lives right next door to Grandma. OH BOY!!! I had been waiting to play with him!

Grandma and I went over to see Baxter, and while she talked with Justin, Baxter's Daddy, Baxter and I played together.

First we played "Zig-Zag" where he bounces to the left and I bounce to the right and we keep doing that until we get dizzy.

Then we played "Jump Up and STAMP DOWN HARD" which is one of my personal favorites. Baxter is part Boxer, so he is very good at this jumping up game!

Next Baxter got all CRAZY BOY and started to bark. Now THAT got ANNOYING real fast, so I let'em have it with some BIG GIRL barks of my own. I let a few growls into the mix, and then I walked away from him. Grandma and I moved away from him for awhile, and Justin calmed Baxter down.

When Baxter was calm again I went over to him and we did some nice sniffing...just to get all caught up, you know!

Baxter is a nice boy, and I am VERY happy that we got to play together today. He will be a BIRTHDAY BOY just two days after I am a BIRTHDAY GIRL, so Grandma is going to make BOTH of us our own Birthday Cakes. He will be ONE YEAR OLD in March 4th!

Maybe we can even celebrate our birthdays TOGETHER!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Fun in the Sparkle Snow!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/709498</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:19:13 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/709498</guid>
		<description>Today it was very sunny even though it wasn't HOT outside. 

VERY STRANGE that was! I guess someti ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today it was very sunny even though it wasn't HOT outside. 

VERY STRANGE that was! I guess sometimes the sun takes a break from being HOT and is just...BRIGHT.

Anyway...

The bright sun made some very pretty SPARKLE SNOW today, and I had BIG FUN in it!

First I tunneled through it with my pointy nose. (I am VERY HAPPY to have such a great nose that works so well as a scooper!)

Next I ran around in the snow and jumped and jumped in it! (It was nice and DEEP!!!)

After that I had a nice laydown in the SPARKLE SNOW and just enjoyed LOOKING at it! (VERY pretty, that snow today!) All that running around made me HOT, so I needed to cool down my belly!

I decided that it would be fun to ROLL and ROLL in the SPARKLE SNOW...just to see if it FELT any different from the regular snow. (Always good to check out ALL possibilites, you know!)

Oh BOY!!! That SPARKLE SNOW was just PERFECT to roll around in today!

Next I caught a bunch of SPARKLE SNOW snowballs. I am VERY GOOD at this! I never get tired of jumping up to catch them!

On my way home I found some very nice SPARKLE SNOW TOYS! (These are big chunks of snow that the nice snowplow guy leaves for us doggies to play with and enjoy.) I tossed the SPARKLE SNOW TOYS into the air and caught them myself. Then I chewed them up. Ahhhhhh!

It was a beautiful SPARKLE SNOW DAY!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Went to a Birthday Party Yesterday!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/707548</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 16 Jan 2011 13:48:19 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/707548</guid>
		<description>Yesterday morning we got in our car and took a VERY LONG car ride all the way to Pennsylvania. When  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday morning we got in our car and took a VERY LONG car ride all the way to Pennsylvania. When we got there the whole family was there!

Oh BOY! A BIRTHDAY PARTY!

I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE Birthday Parties!

I went inside and made sure that everyone knew I had arrived. That's VERY important because I am the OFFICIAL ENTERTAINMENT at parties.

Next I had to have a good sniff around to find out any new things that were added since I was there last. I noticed lots of PRESENTS and balloons, and I smelled some really good smells coming from the kitchen, too.

I got to eat my lunch, and then I got to rest while my family had THEIR food. I sniffed out some aluminum foil that was near the stove, and it had some CHEESE and some BUTTER on it. Mmmmmm! Grandma Cheryl said she had some special treats for me for later and took the nice foil pieces away. *SIGH*

When it was ICE CREAM and CAKE TIME, I got a big scoop of ice cream from Grandpa. Mmmmmmm! I licked that right up!

In awhile it was PRESENT TIME!

Great-Grandma Bonnie was celebrating her NINTY-NINTH Birthday today! I added a picture of her on my page. She is wearing some funny Birthday Girl glasses.

I checked out all her presents with my sniffer. SOME of the party bags had FOOD in them! I stayed close to the presents because I wanted to make sure that if Great-Grandma Bonnie was planning on sharing any of her FOOD, I would be sure to BE THERE!

I added a picture on my page of ME beside Great-Grandma Bonnie and the PRESENTS ,too!

There were some Cherry Jelly Beans in one package. I got to have some! Mmmmmmm!

Go see me sitting OH SO NICELY as Daddy helps to open those Cherry Jelly Beans! (When you sit OH SO NICELY you USUALLY impress everyone so much that they just LOVE to share their jelly beans/corn chips/ potato chips/ ice cream/ cake/ etc. with you!)

There was a LOT of present-opening! Humans take a VERY LONG TIME to open things because they use their HANDS. (We doggies KNOW that TEETH open things SOOOOOOOO much easier and MUCH FASTER!)

While Great-Grandma Bonnie was opening some of the presents that weren't FOOD PRESENTS, I decided to go around and get some nice ear rubs and head rubs and some lovely side scratches and belly rubs. Ahhhhhhh! Mommy also gave me a nice massage with her TOES! VERY nice, Mommy!

Next it was time to entertain everyone with my amazing Balloon Volley Show! Daddy pitches me a balloon, and I use my amazing  L-O-N-G and talented NOSE to pitch it back to him. We are VERY good at this!

After this it was Talking Time. I took a short NAP during that. Then it was Cleaning Up Time. Of COURSE I went right to work supervising all of that. It is VERY important that you keep track of EVERYTHING that is going on at a Birthday Party! (You never know when a FOOD OPPORTUNITY will come up!)

Sure enough...When I went out into the kitchen, Grandma Cheryl was washing the dishes, and NEAR those dishes on the counter was the SPECIAL TREAT that she had brought just for ME! There was a bag of POTATO CHIPS on the counter! Grandma washed a few dishes, and then she wiped off her hands and gave me a CHIP! Mmmmm! Then she would do a few MORE dishes and give me ANOTHER chip. As always, I am VERY polite and very patient. I never bark or jump up near the counter. (I get LOTS MORE treats when I am a Calm Girl.)

Next it was Going Home Time. That means lots of going out to the car with stuff and coming back and going back out to the car with MORE stuff and putting on coats for Mommy and Daddy. As a doggie, I am always ready RIGHT AWAY! I always have everything I need right ON ME! I like that!

****************************

I sure did have a nice day in Pennsylvania yesterday!

Happy NINETY-NINTH Birthday, Great Grandma Bonnie!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover a Squirrel PARTY PLACE!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/706917</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 10:50:27 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/706917</guid>
		<description>I was in my park today.

Right near the picnic pavillion for the PEOPLE is a HUGE oak tree. Today  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was in my park today.

Right near the picnic pavillion for the PEOPLE is a HUGE oak tree. Today I discovered that it MUST BE a Party Place for SQUIRRELS!

Under the huge tree I found LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of empty acorn shells and tops, and up in the tree there were FIVE SQUIRRELS munching away and making all kinds of noises.

It MUST have been a PARTY!

Those of you who know me best KNOW how much I love PARTIES! There's always so much going on and lots of noise and music and FOOD. What's not to like???!!!

Anyway, these five squirrels were really having a VERY BIG PARTY up there with lots of noises and food. I think they were playing GAMES, too. The games looked and sounded like "Chase me through the branches of the tree" and "I can laugh at the doggy better that YOU can."

I watched for quite awhile. I had never seen so many squirrels in the same tree before.

Well, before I left to continue my walk, I just HAD to make some of my OWN noise!

Yep! You guessed it! My BIG GIRL BARK just came out, and I told them that I was working on figuring out how to climb trees, so they better WATCH OUT for ME!

I noticed that when I began to bark, the squirrels moved higher up in the tree.

Later on, from across the park I heard them chattering some more and dropping more empty shells to the ground.

Yes, those squirrels sure DO know how to PARTY!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Added Some New Pictures!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/705893</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 2 Jan 2011 12:53:54 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/705893</guid>
		<description>I have been very busy already in this New Year!

I have been learning about the treadmill, I have  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have been very busy already in this New Year!

I have been learning about the treadmill, I have been playing ball A LOT, and I have been visiting Grandma and Grandpa and getting nice TREATS!

I added some new pictures on my page so you could see some of the things that I have been doing lately.

All of our snow went away, but our nice GRASS is back. I wonder if it will soon be time for playing with the hose. I LOVE doing THAT!

I hope that everyone had a very nice New Year Celebration!

Happy New Year! 

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get TWO Days With Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/703593</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:39:01 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/703593</guid>
		<description>Daddy had TWO Snow Days this week, and I got to have Snow Days WITH him!

Ahhhhh!

First, we got ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy had TWO Snow Days this week, and I got to have Snow Days WITH him!

Ahhhhh!

First, we got up and helped Mommy get ready to go to work. (She had a Snow Day LAST week, and I got to have a Snow Day with HER last week. Yea!!!!)

Then, we got Mommy off to work and had a really fun time together all day long!

It was VERY cold and windy, and so we stayed inside most of the day. That was fine with me because I am happy wherever I am as long as I am with my family. Also, BIG WIND is very annoying and catches in my big pointy ears. Ouch!

Anyway...
Daddy and I had a really nice time on our Snow Days together.

I sure LOVE Snow Days!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Got to Go to Band Practice!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/702807</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 10 Dec 2010 20:51:48 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/702807</guid>
		<description>Oh BOY!!!

I got to go to my VERY FIRST band practice tonight! It was at Grandpa and Grandma's hou ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh BOY!!!

I got to go to my VERY FIRST band practice tonight! It was at Grandpa and Grandma's house, and there were new people there to meet! Mommy and Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Jon were all there, too!

I did REALLY good with all the new people EXCEPT Jake,the drummer guy. He had a HAT on and was carrying STICKS and a big round thing. He looked VERY, VERY dangerous, and I just HAD to bark my BIG GIRL bark at him.

Yes, I just HAD to!

After a few minutes I got to know him and I saw that he was OK and not dangerous.

(You can NEVER be too careful, though- especially with someone you don't know coming into your family's house!)

Well, the music got started, and it sounded very nice. I stayed upstairs and looked over the railing at first because Daddy said that they were busy down there and I could see and hear everything from up in the hallway. Mommy put two chairs by the steps to let me know not to go down into the familyroom to bother them while they were practicing.

I wasn't too happy with this arrangement, but I sat with Grandma and watched from upstairs. Then we played ball upstairs and then Mommy and Grandma and I had a nice time sitting on the couch together. I got double rubs, and that was a VERY nice thing!

I was feeling a bit NOSY and REALLY wanted to be in the middle of everything downstairs, so I checked out the chairs. Hmmmm! I put my NOSE and then my HEAD and then my NECK between the chairs, and before I knew it, my WHOLE BODY went through and I was headed down the stairs!

(I have lost some weight lately with my new food and all my exercise, so I fit in a smaller space! Yippeeeee!)

I went downstairs and sniffed everyone. Once I had done that I had a nice laydown right there. I was a VERY good girl and did a fine job of supervising their practice.

I LOVE music, and all of the music and the singing sounded very nice. Ahhhhhhhh!

I sure do love being right in the middle of things! I enjoyed listening to the music very much.

Next came ANOTHER very good part of the evening....FOOD TIME!!! Practice was over, and everyone headed upstairs for cookies and brownies and CORN CHIPS and hummus. (I LOVE corn chips, and hummus is good, too!)

I got lots of corn chips and even some hummus. This band practice was also a PARTY!!! You KNOW how I love parties!

I went around and spent time with everyone, ate food, and also got LOTS and LOTS of head rubs. I heard everyone saying nice things about me. That makes me very happy and contented.

In a bit most everyone was putting on coats and starting to leave. Of course I watched everyone carefully as they went out the door. 

Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Jon and Grandma and Grandpa were staying, though and they were sitting in the livingroom talking. That was MY cue that a nice NAP was just what I needed. Ahhhh! I had a nice laydown right in the middle of the room so I could see everyone. Everyone stayed put, so I could catch a few winks right where I was.

In awhile it was time to head home to bed. 

I sure had a fun time at band practice tonight!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Want You to Know About K-9 Officer Bane</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/702354</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 7 Dec 2010 07:41:34 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/702354</guid>
		<description>I just got a PawMail from my Pal, Bullet, and we BOTH want all of you to hear about K-9 Officer Bane ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I just got a PawMail from my Pal, Bullet, and we BOTH want all of you to hear about K-9 Officer Bane.

Bane is MISSING, and here is his page where you can read all the details:

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1166716>K-9 Officer Bane</a>

Everyone! Please spread the news!

Officer Bane! We are sending prayers out right now for your safe return!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Been Having a GREAT Week!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/701782</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 2 Dec 2010 11:00:23 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/701782</guid>
		<description>It SNOWED this week, and I just LOVE it!

I love to walk in the snow, I love to RUN in the snow, a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It SNOWED this week, and I just LOVE it!

I love to walk in the snow, I love to RUN in the snow, and I love to play ball in the snow! I been doing ALL of those things this week!

Oh yes!

I been watching the squirrels, too. They must like being in the snow because I see them running all over the place and then climbing trees very fast when they see me coming. They have LOTS of fur like me, and they have very furry tails, too. I think they like wintertime as much as I do! They eat A LOT! They always eat in the trees. I don't do that.

Today Baxter was outside when I was on my way for a nice walk. We stopped and played together. Baxter is getting to be a very big boy! You can see a picture of him on my page today!

Justin, Baxter's Daddy, is going to have to get Baxter a winter coat so he can keep warm. He didn't grow a very furry coat himself like I did. He has a very short coat of fur that doesn't help him stay warm at all.

I noticed how many things humans need to put on themselves to keep warm in the snow:
1)coat (not fur...strange!)
2)scarf-thing
3)hand things
4)paw warmers called "boots"
5)head thing

I sure am glad I don't have to put all that stuff on just to go out in the snow!

SNOW!

I'm SOOOOOOO glad you are back!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have an Adventure That REALLY Scared Mommy and Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/699476</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 14 Nov 2010 09:49:13 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/699476</guid>
		<description>It was a beautiful day, and My Kathy and I were headed outside around lunchtime.

All of a sudden  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was a beautiful day, and My Kathy and I were headed outside around lunchtime.

All of a sudden I heard Cammy, and I just HAD to bark my BIG GIRL BARK at her!

(Cammy, you may remember, is my next door neighbor minature poodle-type doggie, and she and I...well let's say we just don't get along very well. My Kathy is also Cammy's Mommy, and I don't quite LIKE that very much. Kathy is MY Kathy.)

ANYWAY...

I began to get VERY excited and bark at Cammy when all of a sudden I noticed that My Kathy had let go of my leash as she was trying to calm Cammy down and get us past the doorway where Cammy was.

Hmmmm!

Now THAT was interesting! 

Well, I decided to go on an adventure all by myself and had a very fun RUN...toward the main road.

(Those cars have ALWAYS interested me, and I thought just MAYBE I MIGHT give them a little run for their money! I think I could catch one...really!)

Well, all of a sudden I heard this VERY LOUD SCREAM that said, "SAPHIRA!!!! COME HERE!!!"

Uh-oh!

It was My Kathy, and I HAVE to listen to her.
Yes, I DO!

I turned around from my adventure and went back to My Kathy. I think MAYBE she didn't think it was a good time for a new adventure...at least the adventure that I had set out to have.

I could tell that My Kathy had a VERY BIG Worry-Face on her.

Uh-oh.
I THINK I am in TROUBLE!

My Kathy took my leash and seemed VERY glad to have me back beside her again.

**************************************

I think maybe the best adventures are when your humans are RIGHT THERE beside you.

I'm sorry, My Kathy, for giving you a Big Worry-Face.

My adventure SEEMED like a good idea at the time!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I FINALLY Add My Halloween Pictures!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/699474</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 14 Nov 2010 09:29:15 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/699474</guid>
		<description>Well, I KNOW Halloween has been over for awhile now, but as Captain of the Black Pearl I have been V ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well, I KNOW Halloween has been over for awhile now, but as Captain of the Black Pearl I have been VERY, VERY busy!

I just got back into port and finally added my new pictures to my page!

How do you like them?]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Surprise Grandma With My Ability to FOCUS!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/696051</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:15:35 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/696051</guid>
		<description>Yesterday Grandma and I went walking in our park. I sure do LOVE my park because it is right cross t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday Grandma and I went walking in our park. I sure do LOVE my park because it is right cross the street from my house! It is also right by my lake!

Well, it was another GREAT DAY for SQUIRRELS, and I sure did surprise Grandma Cheryl with my ability to FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS on this one squirrel that was WAAAAAAAY across the park from where we were.

I had spotted three squirrels in this one tree, and I watched them for quite awhile. None of them were coming down, though, so my attention went to this ONE SQUIRREL right out in the open in the big field. He wasn't anywhere near a tree, and that was VERY INTERESTING to me.

When I stopped, Grandma KNEW that something had my attention. She looked where I was looking and spotted the little brown speck in the distance. Grandma knew to be quiet and not say anything because I was busy concentrating.

Slowly I began walking toward the squirrel that was VERY FAR away from us. Grandma came, too! (I always have to have my leash on in this park, so we were CONNECTED to one another.)

It was a long distance. I think it was the longest distance I ever walked toward a squirrel without the squirrel running away.

I was getting very excited, but I remembered to not bark or even breathe very heavy. Grandma was doing her best to be quiet, too.

We got closer and closer to the squirrel. I couldn't believe that that squirrel was letting me get closer and closer without running away from me!

The squirrel was facing us, and he was eating something. He was watching us. He saw us get closer and closer yet he STILL kept eating and didn't move away at all.

I paused, and Grandma noticed that I had my right paw raised up in the air. (I have seen other doggies do this, and I think that it looks quite nice.)

We were about the length of three of me away from the squirrel when all of a sudden he must have calculated that if he didn't run RIGHT THEN, I would be on top of him.

Suddenly...

With his food still in his mouth, he ran toward the pine tree that was the closest tree to us. He ran around the back of the tree so we couldn't watch him climb. By the time Grandma and I got to the pine tree, he was up the tree and sitting on one of the branches looking at us.

Oh, BOY!

That was a VERY exciting adventure!

I am getting VERY GOOD at stalking squirrels!

If I didn't have to be on my leash, I think I could have gotten to see him even MORE up close and personal.

Maybe sometime...]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I DEFINITELY Am NOT a &quot;Purse Dog!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/695010</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:54:58 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/695010</guid>
		<description>I entered photos of myself in all the catagories EXCEPT &quot;Purse Dog&quot; in the 6th Annual Coolest Dog an ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I entered photos of myself in all the catagories EXCEPT "Purse Dog" in the 6th Annual Coolest Dog and Cat Contest. I had all kinds of pictures of me doing all kinds of things, but I didn't have even ONE of me anywhere NEAR a purse!

I don't OWN a purse.
I have never been IN a purse.
I definitely am NOT a "Purse Dog!"

At 102.6 pounds, Mommy would probably need a large SUITCASE with WHEELS or maybe the dolly that Grandpa uses for his heavy bass amp.

Honestly, the only use for a PURSE that I can think of would be as a CHEW TOY.

So...That being said, GO VOTE for all the doggies and kitties in the contest, and HURRY UP and ENTER your own pictures into the contest so I can vote for YOU!

I have already spotted a lot of my Pals in there!

There are some excellent photos in the contest this year!

Good Luck to EVERYONE!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Very Fun Time at Uncle Jon's Birthday Party!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/694898</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 10 Oct 2010 15:00:32 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/694898</guid>
		<description>Today Uncle Jon turned 22 years old, and I got to go to his party!

There was a Funfetti Cake and  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Uncle Jon turned 22 years old, and I got to go to his party!

There was a Funfetti Cake and ice cream and also a special Donut-and-Twinkie Cake that had a 10-10-10 for the date --made from donuts and Twinkies! There's a picture of it on my page.

I got Dogsters Ice Cream! Mmmmmmm! I sure do LOVE that stuff!

Guess who came today to Uncle Jon's party????

Yep! You guessed it...Grandma Linda! It was the first time that I saw her since her surgery, and I was a VERY calm girl and was very polite and careful around her because I just KNEW that I should be. My family was very proud of me.

Uncle Jon got lots of presents, and I was right there watching everything. I am VERY nosy and ALWAYS must watch and see what is going on! I like to have everyone in the same room, and then I lay down right in the middle. Ahhhhh!

I took a nice picture with Mommy and both of my Grandmas. We were outside, and it was a very pretty day. Go see our picture on my page!

Soon it was time for Daddy and Grandpa to head to band practice, and Grandma Linda was getting tired and needed to go rest. It was just her second time out since she got home from the hospital. Grandma and I shared the backseat, and Mommy drove Grandma home.

I LOVE family days!
I LOVE parties!
I LOVE when the weather is cool and nice like today!

Ahhhhhh!
It was a VERY happy day!

Grandma Linda! I was SOOOOO glad to see you again! I missed you!

Happy Birthday, Uncle Jon!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Wonderful News!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/694319</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 6 Oct 2010 18:12:10 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/694319</guid>
		<description>Grandma Linda is HOME!!!!

She was walking all around today in the hospital, and her heart was fee ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma Linda is HOME!!!!

She was walking all around today in the hospital, and her heart was feeling good. She didn't need her IV or any oxygen, and she got all of her wires out, too!

Mommy brought her home tonight!

Thank you everyone for all the lovely prayers as Grandma was having her surgery and afterward as she was healing from her surgery!

Grandma Linda is HOME!!!!

I can't wait to see Grandma Linda!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have an Update!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/694236</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 6 Oct 2010 07:32:09 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/694236</guid>
		<description>Grandma Linda is doing well!

She is still in the hospital, but she is getting stronger every day. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma Linda is doing well!

She is still in the hospital, but she is getting stronger every day. She is getting TERRIFIC care!

Thank you to all who have prayed for Grandma Linda! She has felt the love and support!

She is working on her exercises and eating more now. Her doctors check her progress and make adjustments with her medication and her exercises, too. Grandma's heart sometimes beats too fast, so they are trying to fix that with medication.

Grandma doesn't have any pain.

She has had lots of visitors, phone calls and prayers. She has gotten cards and presents, too!

I can't go visit her because they won't allow doggies in the hospital. I am a VERY GOOD nurse, and when she comes home then I can begin doing all of MY helping!

Thank you to all for your lovely messages of support and LOVE!

A special thanks to all for the wonderful PRAYERS!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have GREAT News!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/693634</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 1 Oct 2010 17:43:52 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/693634</guid>
		<description>Grandma Linda's heart surgery went VERY WELL, and she is resting comfortably in the ICU tonight!

 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma Linda's heart surgery went VERY WELL, and she is resting comfortably in the ICU tonight!

Thank you!
Thank you!
Everyone for all the thoughts and prayers!

God hears each and every prayer!

We are oh so grateful that all went well for Grandma Linda.

We appreciate everyone here at Dogster SO MUCH!

Kisses from Saphira and Family]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Need Prayers For Grandma Linda!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/693458</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:35:04 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/693458</guid>
		<description>We just found out that Grandma Linda needs heart surgery TOMORROW!

At 8:15 tomorrow morning Grand ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We just found out that Grandma Linda needs heart surgery TOMORROW!

At 8:15 tomorrow morning Grandma Linda will have a triple bypass!

This was VERY unexpected news, and Grandma was shocked to hear that her heart had THREE blocked arteries.

Please pray for Grandma Linda and for the surgeon who will do her surgery.

Grandma is very nervous, so please pray that she will be calmer and more relaxed. She is in the hospital tonight.

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Surprised By The Bust-Out Boys!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/693232</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:26:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/693232</guid>
		<description>Well, I was having a very nice walk yesterday with Grandma, and we were walking down one of the stre ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well, I was having a very nice walk yesterday with Grandma, and we were walking down one of the streets in our development before heading off to the park. The rain had stopped, and the sun had come out. It was a VERY nice day.

All of a sudden, out of the corner of my eye I saw a front door open and TWO DOGGIES came rushing out!

No leashes.
No Mommy or Daddy WITH the doggies.

The two doggies were headed right at me.

Now, for those of you who know me well, you KNOW that I do NOT like ANYONE or ANYTHING rushing at me. It IMMEDIATELY put me in GUARD and PROTECT MODE! I did my BIG GIRL BARK which pretty much stopped those two doggies in their tracks.

(My BIG GIRL BARK DOES tend to DO that!)

Anyway, the Doggie Mommy came out and said, "Oh! I am SOOOOOOO sorry! Usually nobody is out here."

She escorted her doggies inside the house, and I watched to make sure they were gone and the door was closed.

Grandma and I turned and decided that the PARK was a better option after THAT!

I calmed down and enjoyed the rest of my walk, and Grandma and I watched some squirrels (just five of them THIS time) and had a good time at the park.

I wonder how The Bust-Out Boys are doing...]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Weigh More Than My Great-Grandma Bonnie!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/692878</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 26 Sep 2010 02:33:33 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/692878</guid>
		<description>Yep!

It's OFFICIAL!!!

At my vet's office there is this walk-on scale. When I went there the ot ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yep!

It's OFFICIAL!!!

At my vet's office there is this walk-on scale. When I went there the other day for my check-up and walked onto the scale and sat there oh so politely, Mrs. Nice Lady said, "Whoa! Look at her weight!"

Mommy was a bit worried when the lady said that because I have been eating LESS and I also got a nice haircut and I have been taking medicine for my rash. Mommy thought that MAYBE I had LOST too much weight since my last visit.

Well, NOT TO WORRY, Mommy!

I now weigh 102.6 pounds!!!

That means that I now weigh more than:
1) My Mama Akia
2) My Papa Miko
3) My HUMAN Great-Grandma Bonnie

I have gotten TALLER and just bigger all over, but I am definitely NOT fat!

I think it is all the running I do with Mommy and Daddy. I DO have LOTS of muscle on me!

I am a BIG Girl...Yes, I AM!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Day at a Birthday Party!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/692853</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 20:20:10 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/692853</guid>
		<description>Today Great-Grandma Pauline is EIGHTY-TWO years old, and we went to her party!

We had a long car  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Great-Grandma Pauline is EIGHTY-TWO years old, and we went to her party!

We had a long car ride to get there, and at first I wasn't sure just where we were going. The car stopped, and there was Grandpa out in the yard. Then Grandma came out into the yard. Soon we went inside and I remembered where we were.

Great-Grandma Bonnie and Great-Grandma Pauline and Uncle Jon were in the house, and I was VERY excited to see everyone all in the same place!

I LOVE my family!

Well, after I went to see everyone and gave them nice kisses, I HAD to go check around all the rooms to see what had changed since I was there last. (That is VERY important to do!)

Then I HAD to go check out the backyard. (I LOVE visiting backyards!) Daddy went with me. Very nice out there!

I decided that I better get inside because I didn't want to miss anything interesting. 

Sure enough, some COOKING was going on, and I smelled CHICKEN! Cooking is very interesting to me...ESPECIALLY when there is CHICKEN involved! I had to go check that out!

Before I knew it, it was time to eat! I got to have MY FOOD while everyone had theirs, and then I went around to see how everyone was doing. Mommy told me to lay down, so I chose to go UNDER THE TABLE. (We doggies know UNDER THE TABLE is always a good place to be because humans often drop goodies when they eat!)

Everyone must have been very hungry because they ate FAST! Soon it was CAKE and ICE CREAM time! On my page I put a picture of me checking out the cake and ice cream!

After that it was time for presents. I LOVE that time because there are always interesting things to see coming out of the packages. I am ALWAYS a very good girl during package openings! I watch caefully, and I never grab anything when I shouldn't. I am VERY nosy though, so I usually stay very close to the Birthday Girl or Boy when they are opening their presents.

One of Great-Grandma's presents was a big bunch of JELLY BEANS! Mommy filled Great-Grandma Pauline's jelly bean jar, and I got to have a jelly bean after I did some tricks. Mmmmmm! I LOVE jelly beans!

Then it was Talking Time. During talking time I usually lay down right in the middle of everyone and take a nice NAP. Talking Time goes on for quite awhile, and I can usually get in a very nice nap during that time. Talking Time is not too interesting to me.

After my nap when Talking Time was over, it was time to head home. Time for another big car ride! I LOVE car rides!

Happy Birthday, Great-Grandma Pauline!
See you again very soon!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Squirrel Fun Fest!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/692177</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 07:25:51 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/692177</guid>
		<description>Oh my GOODNESS!

At my park yesterday I saw NINE SQUIRRELS!

Well, I can't actually COUNT all by ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh my GOODNESS!

At my park yesterday I saw NINE SQUIRRELS!

Well, I can't actually COUNT all by myself, but Grandma can, and she kept count of all the squirrels that we saw!

NINE!!!

There were NINE squirrels!

I worked on my STEALTH SAPHIRA techniques with those squirrels, walking VERY slowly toward them with absolutely NO BARKING.

Yes, you read that right...NO BARKING!

I got VERY close to a few of them before I started breathing hard and scaring them off and up the trees. Note to self: I MUST learn to work on STEALTH BREATHING next!

There are A LOT of trees called OAK TREES in my park, and the squirrels love the acorns that grow on those trees as much as I love CHICKEN! 

Grandma and I had a fun time watching the squirrels eating and running up trees and grabbing acorns to carry to their nests.

If you stay VERY STILL, the squirrels will stay on the grass and eat their acorns right there. You can S-L-O-W-L-Y creep up on them. Sometimes they will look right AT YOU!

I think that they are VERY BRAVE staying put with ME around!

Of course they are also VERY FAST and can make it up the tree even faster if they need to. They MUST know that I am on my leash, and the human HOLDING the leash is NOT going to let me actually CHASE THEM.

Squirrels must be pretty smart to figure that out, don't you think???

I checked EVERY TREE for squirrels as we walked all around the park.

NINE squirrels is a RECORD DAY for me.

It sure was a Squirrel Fun Fest!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Time!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/692018</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:18:04 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/692018</guid>
		<description>Hi Everybody!

I had a fun weekend!

Grandma Linda was here with me for a sleepover, and we had  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everybody!

I had a fun weekend!

Grandma Linda was here with me for a sleepover, and we had a fun time being together!

The weather was nice and cool, and we had some really nice walks in the park. Ahhhhh!

I like spending time with Grandma, and I was a really good girl, too. I did a VERY good job of protecting Grandma and our house while Mommy and Daddy were away!

Daddy went to watch his friends' race in Geneva, and then on the next day he did the Akron Triathlon with his friend, Matt. He and Matt finished within seconds of one another. They were happy with their times. Daddy stayed at his friend Andrew's house so he could be closer to where the race was. 

Mommy crewed for her friend Lori's very first 100 mile race this weekend, so Mommy didn't GET to sleep like Daddy and I and Grandma Linda did. When you crew for someone you have to be there for them and have all their things ready for them when they come through the checkpoints. Mommy is REALLY proud of Lori!

Yesterday Mommy and Daddy were back home with ME, and that was a very happy thing! They were tired, so we had a nice NAP, and we all watched a movie together.

Ahhhhhhhh!

I LOVE my family!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have an Update on Phoenix!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/691690</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 05:36:20 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/691690</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

Here's an update from Coastal German Shepherd Rescue, the place where Phoenix is bei ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

Here's an update from Coastal German Shepherd Rescue, the place where Phoenix is being taken care of since his recent rescue:

Update 9/18/10 
Phoenix is continuing to get lots of love and affection from our volunteers and vet team. He has been cleaned up, treated by our vet and is now feeling much better! Thanks to all the support we have received we will be able make sure that Phoenix will make a full recovery. We have found out that Phoenix is understandably defensive when meeting new animals. Because of his discomfort, we are looking for a home for him with no other animals. We feel that being any only dog is the best way for Phoenix to be assured that he will never be attacked again. On another note, the LA District Attorney is considering offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who committed this abuse. 

We will be posting updates on Phoenix as we get them. For more information or if you are interested in helping Phoenix, please contact Tiffany via email at tiffanycgsr@sbcglobal.net.

Sooooo happy to hear that the sweet boy is feeling better!

I will keep you up to date as I find out more!

www.coastalgsr.org/ is the website address for the Coastal German Shepherd Rescue if you would like to visit.There are other sweet doggies there who need loving homes, too!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear of Another Rescue!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/691563</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:45:41 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/691563</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

In Maria's Dog Blog today there is a story about Phoenix, a  German Shepherd, who ha ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

In Maria's Dog Blog today there is a story about Phoenix, a  German Shepherd, who has just been rescued.

I am VERY happy about this because Phoenix has had a VERY, VERY, VERY bad life until now, and he is SUCH a sweet boy!

Please go read all about Phoenix!

http://dogblog.dogster.com/2010/09/17/sweet-earless-bait-dog-needs-a-loving-home/


I sure do hope that he gets a forever home very soon!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have GREAT NEWS!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/691487</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:42:05 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/691487</guid>
		<description>The lab in NC is being shut down for good!

Here!

Go read all about it!


http://www.peta.or ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ The lab in NC is being shut down for good!

Here!

Go read all about it!


http://www.peta.org/features/professional-laboratory-and-research-services.aspx?c=weekly_enews

Thank you to all who helped make this happen!

Love,
Saphira

(Jumping up and down and twirling with happiness!!!)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear Some VERY Upsetting Things!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/690279</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 9 Sep 2010 05:52:41 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/690279</guid>
		<description>This is SO, SO sad!

Please help!


An undercover investigation of product testing company Prof ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ This is SO, SO sad!

Please help!


An undercover investigation of product testing company Professional Laboratory and Research Services, Inc. (PLRS), found rampant neglect and abuse of dogs, cats, and rabbits. Animals were routinely kicked, dragged, viciously cursed at, and violently handled. In one experiment, a test chemical was applied to the necks of 57 cats. As a result, several cats had seizures and were unable to open their eyes, and others bled from the mouth and nose.

Please click the link below to urge the pharmaceutical companies conducting business with PLRS to permanently sever their ties with this miserable laboratory. To take action on this issue, click on the link below:

http://www2.peta.org/site/Advocacy?s_oo=1YE876Ac1h7lh4mELS9n1w..&amp;id=3187

If the text above does not appear as a link or it wraps across multiple lines, then copy and paste it into the address area of your browser.

*************************************
Abuse is NEVER, EVER OK!
This is just TERRIBLE!

Sad...

Please be a voice of help today!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a Diary Pick of the Day Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/689676</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 5 Sep 2010 09:12:22 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/689676</guid>
		<description>Hey there, Dogster People!

Thanks for choosing me as a Diary Pick of the Day today!

My good pa ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hey there, Dogster People!

Thanks for choosing me as a Diary Pick of the Day today!

My good pal, Wesley is a Diary Pick today, too! Congratulations, Wesley!

Well, today is turning out to be one spectacular day!

1)I'm a Diary Pick of the Day!
2)My Pal, Wesley, is a Diary Pick of the Day!
3)My whole family is coming over to my house today!
4)It is a nice COOL day outside!

It is going to be a very HAPPY-HAPPY day!

Happy Labor Day to everyone out there!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear GREAT NEWS About Courage, the German Shepherd!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/689533</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 3 Sep 2010 22:37:32 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/689533</guid>
		<description>Hello Everyone!

My Pal, Doo, has told me that &quot;The Love of Dog Blog&quot; here at Dogster has more inf ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hello Everyone!

My Pal, Doo, has told me that "The Love of Dog Blog" here at Dogster has more information about Courage, the German Shepherd, and a link from there had even MORE news!

Here it is!!!

http://ocpets.ocregister.com/2010/08/30/courage-update-dog-stars-in-calendar/64747

Courage is a CALENDAR BOY!

Also...The court date for his former owner and ABUSER is set for September 14!

Thanks, Doo, for keeping us all up-to-date about our sweet boy!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Two-and-a-Half Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/689320</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 2 Sep 2010 13:59:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/689320</guid>
		<description>Yes!

Today is my Official HALF BIRTHDAY!!

I am TWO-and-a HALF today!

I got balloons and a s ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yes!

Today is my Official HALF BIRTHDAY!!

I am TWO-and-a HALF today!

I got balloons and a sign from Grandma, and Grandma and I had a fun time together at the park.

We went on a nice Shade Walk.

I got to see a big hawk flying in the air.

I got to bark at Cammy (my neighbor doggie who ANNOYS me!)

I got to bark at the little doggies on the corner who ALSO annoy me with all their yipping!

I got to watch some people on Jet Skis on my lake.

I found a really nice rock.

I checked all the trees for squirrels.

I dug three holes.

I sniffed LOTS of interesting things!

I checked out Mommy and Daddy's tomato plants.

Grandma sang "Happy Half Birthday" to me!

My Half Birthday is turning out really good!



Daddy is home, and soon Mommy will be home.

Grandma left some extra balloons so we can play when Mommy gets home.

I sure do love Half Birthdays!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Meet Autumn!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/688678</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 29 Aug 2010 14:42:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/688678</guid>
		<description>Meet Autumn, a sweet, sweet girl who really has hit the jackpot with a BRAND NEW FOREVER HOME!

Au ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Meet <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1152124>Autumn</a>, a sweet, sweet girl who really has hit the jackpot with a BRAND NEW FOREVER HOME!

Autumn has had a tough life so far.You can read all about that in her Bio, but things are looking up and up and up for the sweet girl now that she has a new home, two new fur sisters, a fur brother, an Angel Brother and two Angel Sisters, too!

She is brand new at Dogster, so go say, "Woof!" to the new girl in town!

Welcome to Dogster, Autumn, and welcome to your NEW FOREVER HOME!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a Diary Pick Today, and so is My Pal, Joey!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/688340</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:48:30 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/688340</guid>
		<description>Thank you, Dogster People!

I get REALLY excited when my diary gets chosen as &quot;Diary Pick of the D ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thank you, Dogster People!

I get REALLY excited when my diary gets chosen as "Diary Pick of the Day!"

This is am extra exciting day today because my Pal, Joey is a diary pick, too!

Congratulations, Joey!

We are FAMOUS today!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Found a Nice Picture Page for Courage, the Rescued German Shepherd!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/688336</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:31:09 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/688336</guid>
		<description>Hi Everybody!

They seem to have moved things around on the webpage for the German Shepherd Rescue ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everybody!

They seem to have moved things around on the webpage for the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County where Courage, the German Shepherd, was taken to recover from the neglect he had suffered.

Try this link:

http://gsroc.org/urgent_help_detail.asp?ID=327

Let me know if it works for you!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am VERY proud of My Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/688201</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:24:22 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/688201</guid>
		<description>My Daddy likes to ride his bike, and he likes to run, so he combines BOTH and adds in some swimming, ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My Daddy likes to ride his bike, and he likes to run, so he combines BOTH and adds in some swimming,too. You do all those parts as fast as you can, and they call it a "Triathlon". Daddy really likes doing them!

Daddy's latest race was this past Sunday. It was called the Great Buckeye Challenge, and it was a 1/2 Ironman Triathlon right here in Ohio.

For THIS race, Daddy had to swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, and run a half marathon (13.1 miles). It was Daddy's longest triathlon yet, and he did really good!

He completed all that in 6 hours, 33 minutes, and 19 seconds!

If you go look on my page at the second picture, you will see Daddy crossing the FINISH LINE!

I didn't go to this race because Mommy needed to crew for Daddy and be real focused so she could help him transition from the swim to the bike to the run. It is a very important job to crew for someone!

Daddy crews for Mommy's races, and Mommy crews for Daddy. They make a good TEAM!

Daddy! I am VERY proud of you for doing so well in your race!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have an Update on Courage, the German Shepherd!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/687065</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:57:20 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/687065</guid>
		<description>My Pal, Doo, was wondering if there was any new news about Courage, the German Shepherd I told you a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My Pal, Doo, was wondering if there was any new news about Courage, the German Shepherd I told you about who lived for WEEKS on dirt and rocks because his "person" (and I say that word with much GROWLING!) did not take care of him AT ALL!

Here's the site so you can check out Courage NOW and find out about all the great things that the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County is doing for SOOOO many doggies!

Courage is the last doggie in row seven on the page that will come up when you go to this site:

http://gsroc.org/adoptd.asp

Hint:

Things have REALLY been looking up for Courage!

Yippeeeeee!

Spinning and Twirling around and around in HAPPINESS for Courage!!!

(Thanks, Doo, for the reminder to update everyone about our boy!!!)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have GREAT NEWS About Jonny Walker!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/687003</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 08:21:35 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/687003</guid>
		<description>You guys all remember me talking about Jonny Walker, right? He is the little doggie who was just min ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ You guys all remember me talking about Jonny Walker, right? He is the little doggie who was just minding his own business, enjoying a nice lay down on the porch when some BAD KIDS lured him off the porch and one of the kids BEAT HIM with an aluminum baseball bat.

Yes, I KNOW! Terrible stuff that was!

Well, since then he has gotten his surgery to repair his jaw, and he has been discharged from the animal hospital.

The three familes who have been caring for Jonny Walker, who was a stray dog, decided that it was WAAAAAAY too dangerous for Jonny to be in their neighborhood with the bad kids still around. They were afraid that the kids would return to "finish the job" on Jonny!

They contacted the Louisiana Veterinary Center to see if anyone there would be willing to adopt Jonny.

The REALLY, REALLY nice lady named Trish who was assigned to Jonny Walker's case from the beginning contacted the family who had mentioned that they would LOVE to adopt Jonny Walker if the familes he was living with couldn't care for him.

The family said YES!!!!
They would LOVE to have Jonny Walker as their very own doggie!

Sooooooooooo....

The story of Jonny Walker has a HAPPY-HAPPY ending!

Jonny gets away from the place where the kids hurt him AND he gets a BRAND NEW FOREVER HOME!!!

I KNOW!!!! 
I'm jumping up and down with happiness, too!

YIPPEEEEEEEE! Way to go, Jonny!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Make a VERY GOOD Babysitter!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/686515</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 15 Aug 2010 06:36:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/686515</guid>
		<description>I babysat for the first time Friday night! Yes, I DID!

Mommy and Daddy's friends, Matt and Kelsie ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I babysat for the first time Friday night! Yes, I DID!

Mommy and Daddy's friends, Matt and Kelsie, went out to dinner for their anniversary, and we watched little 2-year old James.  James has always been afraid of dogs-- especially really big ones, so Matt and Kelsie thought it would be a good idea to bring over the "Big Ham" herself (That would be ME!) to help James not be afraid of big dogs anymore.

Well, it was almost love at first sight (or first smell)!  We  BOTH ran off-leash into the back yard together and played. We played tennis ball (MY personal favorite!),swing, jungle gym, kick ball, t-ball, golf and "Basket Head" (Game instructions to follow).

I learned VERY quickly to steer clear of plastic bats and golf clubs since James accidently hit me once when he was playing t-ball.

It was a really good lesson for both of us because I learned to STAY AWAY from James when he was swinging things, and James learned that he could HURT me with those swingy-things!

James started crying because he thought he had REALLY hurt me, but I was fine. (This was a great lesson to teach James about caring for doggie friends).

Mommy and Daddy and James thought the best part of GAME TIME was "Basket Head" in which the humans took turns putting a small plastic basket (for carrying toys) on their heads and said in funny voices, "I'm a basket head"!

Interesting!

Well, James thought this was SOOOOOOOO funny that he wanted ME to play, too! I was pretty exhausted by then. Two-year-old humans have A LOT of energy! I decided to cooperate anyway.

James started putting the basket on my head and saying, "Saphira's a basket head!"

OK, James. Whatever. 

I just laid there like it was no big deal. We KNOW as doggies that we often have to humor our humans in their STRANGE game choices!

It was a very fun evening, and we all had a great time together!

****************************************************

Yesterday morning...

We met all of them at the beach yesterday morning while Matt and Daddy did a swim workout. Matt and Kelsie told us that James actually CRIED when he woke up in the morning when he found out that Mommy, Daddy and I had gone home. (He was mostly concerned with where I was, and I was the first thing he asked for when he woke up!)

Mommy thinks that I am going to be a great big sister someday! She says that I have a great empathy for children and a super disposition around them.

Well, I have ALWAYS loved kids! Yes, I have! They are about my height, and they are LOTS of fun to play with, too!

I hope I get to babysit again real soon!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Want to Share Something Beautiful...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/686281</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:39:45 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/686281</guid>
		<description>Hello Everyone!

I found this on my Pal Doo's Diary today and thought that it was oh, so beautiful ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hello Everyone!

I found this on my Pal Doo's Diary today and thought that it was oh, so beautiful. I am including it in MY diary so others can enjoy it, too.

Max! You sure are LOVED!
I KNOW you are having a GRAND TIME in Heaven today!

*************************************************

Maxâ€™s Good Death

Our old dog Max has been flirting with death for several weeks. His eyes grew cloudy and his body became skinny, his hips moved precariously and he had trouble getting up by himself. But always he was happy with a wag of his tail and friendly look from those gentle brown eyes.

About five days ago it appeared Maxâ€™s end was finally near. So we made him comfortable on his big pillow bed, brought his meals to him, and sat with him, stroking his head, talking of all the good times we had together.

I made him a particularly delicious dinner one night as I suspected it might be his last. To my surprise he was up and about the following morning as if he hadnâ€™t a care. Good old Max had bounced back with gusto â€” tail wagging wildly, eagerly moving around the back yard for an early morning piddle, and even climbing the back deck stairs to bark at the kitchen door for breakfast. My family and I were amazed â€” we had been grieving, slowly letting Max go, and here he was, back for a second round!

What followed were two very good days for Max: walking in the front yard, eating meals of kibble, rice and glistening chunks of salmon, and wagging his tail whenever he saw us.

But like all good things, this too came to an end. It shifted two nights ago when Max stopped eating. He took a sniff when I set down his bowl and simply turned away. This was something Max had never done before. He drank water that night and rested well, though the next morning he didnâ€™t want to get up.

â€œMax is getting ready to go,â€ I told my husband and daughter. â€œAgain?â€ they asked. We smiled â€” sadly and yet a bit relieved, too. We knew Max was finally ready to leave his old, creaky body behind. We knew the natural course of death was flowing through him.

Max showed up in our lives 11 years ago. He appeared on our back porch with another black lab during a winter wind storm. The two were runaways from (as we learned later) an abusive situation. At the time we lived with two dogs who were not so happy about sharing their home with two more. A day later the other black dog left and Max stayed on, wagging his way into our family as the big, goofy, good-hearted soul we came to love.

With a keen desire for food and fun, Max lived his life big. He loved to bark and run, chase balls and eat and drool. He was also a dog who possessed a deep well of acceptance â€” a genuinely kind dog who accepted even the sad things that happened to him as a puppy, and who continued to love. More than anything, Max was happy and proud to have a family â€” to belong. As he once told me, â€œI want to tell other people to love dogs and treat us well because we are so happy to help you and be with you. Ask us to do whatever you want and we will try, because we â€” black Labs especially â€” love to make you happy. That is what we love to do â€¦ to make you happy with us and then we are happy with us, too. We love you!â€ Such was Maxâ€™s simple yet profound philosophy of life.

When it was clear that Max was getting ready to leave his body, I accompanied him on a few short walks around our front yard. He moved slowly and stopped often to smell the grass, the mushrooms, the flowers, the rocks, the trees. But yesterday he didnâ€™t want to walk. Instead, he purposefully moved through the back yard and lay down by the raspberry patch. It was a favorite place of ours: me picking raspberries from the higher branches and Max munching the small bright red berries that hung close to the ground. He lay down calmly, easily, sinking into the earth, his nose close to all those good earthy smells.

In the course of the day Max moved a few times, as if searching for his perfect spot. Finally, he positioned his body on a small incline, looking out over the mountains beyond our yard. During the afternoon I alternately sat and lay in the sunny grass next to him. We spoke of all the fun times we had together and I told him how lucky we felt to have him in our family. He reminded me of dreams he once shared â€” of following a trail through a marsh in which he was waylaid by shimmering flowers, teasing leprechauns, and other magical dream diversions; of running through a field that became a forest filled with incredible smells and shapes; and, in yet another, the thrill of running very fast and taking a giant leap off a hill, sailing up high into the clouds, race-flying through a misty, cloudy world. As we became quiet and calm, I felt him reliving his dreams â€” lapping up water as if moving through the marsh, twitching his legs and stretching his head as if to prepare for the big leap off the hill.

In the early evening, I left Max to prepare dinner for friends. I came out every so often to check on him, to sit beside him and gaze at the view from his perspective. Each time I noticed that more and more of Max was drifting away. He often seemed to be looking into another world â€” a different dimension than the one I was occupying. At one point I lay down next to Max and felt our energies join. I was suddenly aware of the soft and yielding quality of the grass and dirt â€” of how welcoming the earth had become beneath our bodies. I realized then that Max was sinking himself into the earth, and how comforting this was for his release.

Shortly after dinner that night it began to rain. My daughter and our dinner guests and I raced outside to move Max. But Max didnâ€™t want to be moved. His body was anchored, as if it had become stone. Thus, we decided to cover Max. We grabbed tent poles to create a funky, four-sided pyramid, and lay a huge brown and green tarp overhead, securing the sides for any wind that might blow through, but leaving the front open to the vista.

Late that evening, guests gone, dinner and dishes put away, I crawled inside the tent to sit beside Max. It was cozy and warm, the rain a soft pitter-pat upon the sides of the tarp. I fluffed Maxâ€™s pillow beneath his head, and covered him with a bright orange and yellow sleeping bag I had once used as a child. By now Max was almost entirely in the spirit world, his eyes distant, his body still, his breathing deep and low and slow. It was peaceful laying beside him, my hand resting upon his neck, gaze drifting into the cloudy, blue-gray sky looming wide over mountains and trees and homes.

In the morning Max was gone, only the shell of his furry body left behind. My husband dug a grave and lined it with bright purple stalks of fireweed. I added a small branch from the raspberry patch and my daughter blew kisses. Together we gently lowered our kind-hearted friend into the welcoming earth. We said our goodbyes, our faces leaking tears and smiles, both missing him and wishing him well on his new adventure.

Standing by his grave this morning, I looked out over the mountain view. It was cloudy as the day before, but a ray of sunshine beamed through the haze, carving a bright, golden green path down the mountainside. And there was Max â€” running fast, his body swift and supple, taking a giant leap to sail high up into the clouds, race-flying with joyful abandon. As always, wagging his tail.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am BACK from my Vacation!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/685560</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 8 Aug 2010 13:38:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/685560</guid>
		<description>Yes, I am BACK!!!

I had a VERY, VERY, VERY fun time there in the Great Smoking Mountains, and I a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yes, I am BACK!!!

I had a VERY, VERY, VERY fun time there in the Great Smoking Mountains, and I added a BUNCH of pictures on my page for you to see!

There were lots and lots of pretty COOL trails there, and a very nice COOL river, too! We went climbing and hiking, and I went for a swim, too! 

You can see the place where we stayed if you go to:

www.riverdancenc.com

I got to go in all the stores in town, and I got to go to the restaurant, too! It was my very first time to be at a HUMAN restaurant!

It was a long drive in the car, so I mostly slept. I shared the back seat with Mommy, and sometimes she used me as her PILLOW!

I LOVE being with my family! It was VERY EXCITING to be with them all the time and to do so many fun things together. I like vacations a lot!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Mommy and Daddy Back With Me!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/684555</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 1 Aug 2010 17:25:05 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/684555</guid>
		<description>Oh BOY!!!

I have Mommy and Daddy back!

Mommy ran her BIG RACE over the last two days, and Dadd ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh BOY!!!

I have Mommy and Daddy back!

Mommy ran her BIG RACE over the last two days, and Daddy and Uncle Jon were her CREW. Mommy ran and ran and ran and ran and ran and ran and... (Yeah! You get the idea!)It takes a lot of time to run 100 miles!

She came in 21st for the women and had a time of 28 HOURS and 26 MINUTES and 41 SECONDS.

She is VERY, VERY proud that she finished the race because it was a tough one. I am VERY, VERY proud of Mommy, too!

Tonight Mommy is EATING and EATING! She used up about 12,000 calories at her race, so she can eat whatever she wants today! She is resting her two tired legs. She doesn't have FOUR LEGS like WE do! (It must be oh so hard just running on TWO LEGS!)

Guess what???

Tomorrow morning Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Jon and ME, SAPHIRA are going on VACATION! We are all driving to North Carolina and having a nice relaxing week at a cabin there! I am OH SO EXCITED! I will tell you all about it when I get back!

Well, gotta go rest now! I had a VERY busy couple of days playing hose and catching balls at the Dog Park with Grandma and Grandpa! BIG FUN!

We get up early tomorrow for our trip!

We'll be back in about a week!

Kisses from Saphira, the Vacation Girl]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Helping Mommy...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/684240</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:50:22 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/684240</guid>
		<description>Mommy's sister, Inga, had a very big battle to fight. She had been fighting it for a long time. This ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy's sister, Inga, had a very big battle to fight. She had been fighting it for a long time. This battle was cancer.

The big battle ended this week, and Inga left for Heaven. She is now without pain, and her body is all good again. There is no cancer ANYWHERE in her new body! Grandma Linda thinks that Inga was met by HER Grandma when she got to Heaven, and she and Inga are probably having a wonderful time together.

I have been a very good girl this week, and I have been helping Mommy feel better. (I am VERY good at helping Mommy feel better!)I stay RIGHT THERE with Mommy, and I look into her eyes. I listen as she tells me what a sweet girl I am. I lick her face when she gets drips. I am a VERY GOOD licker!

Tomorrow Mommy runs her very big race in Cleveland. She will be running all day and night because she is running 100 miles. Daddy and Uncle Jon will be her crew, and I will be at Grandma Cheryl's and Grandpa Rich's house because I am not allowed to run with her pack in THIS race. I always have a fun time at Grandma and Grandpa's!

Mommy has been packing her food for the race, and I get to eat all the potato chips Mommy drops! (I hope she drops MORE!!!)

Please pray that Mommy does well on her race tomorrow!

Thank you to everyone who has sent rosettes and special gifts and wonderful prayers for our family at this time.

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have More News! Three Arrested!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/683145</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:06:25 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/683145</guid>
		<description>Here's the press release/3 arrested!!!! 15, 16, 13 yrs old and a 7 yr old 

---------------------- ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Here's the press release/3 arrested!!!! 15, 16, 13 yrs old and a 7 yr old 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deputies say youngsters beat a dog with a bat
Posted: Jul 23, 2010 1:42 PM CDT 
Updated: Jul 23, 2010 1:47 PM CDT 

Deputies say youngsters beat a dog with a BAT

SPRINGFIELD, LA (WAFB) - Authorities arrested three teenagers for their suspected involvement in badly beating a dog in Springfield Saturday night. They believe a 7-year-old boy was also involved, but he is too young to be charged.

According to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office, a 15-year-old boy, 16-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl face animal cruelty charges. after an adult dog was found severely beaten and bloody on Pardue Road around 11 p.m.

Witnesses who called emergency officials identified the teens to investigators.

Deputies suspect the 15-year-old boy actually hit the dog with the bat. They said he hit the animal in the head.

The dog is recovering at a veterinary clinic and is expected to pull through.

The teen was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and placed in the Florida Parish Detention Center.

The other teens are accused of luring the dog off the porch. They were each charged with principal to aggravated cruelty to animals. They were released to the custody of their parents pending court proceedings.

Detectives called the parents of the small boy to let them know what happened and recommended counseling for him.

By law, he could not be criminally charged.

According to the sheriff's office, a person convicted for aggravated cruelty to animals can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and/or issued a $25,000 fine.

Copyright 2010 WAFB. All rights reserved.

********************************************************

It is a happy day of JUSTICE for Jonny Walker!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have GREAT NEWS About Jonny Walker!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/683083</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:45:17 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/683083</guid>
		<description>It was a VERY busy day and night at the Lousiana Veterinary Referral Center yesterday!

Here's the ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was a VERY busy day and night at the Lousiana Veterinary Referral Center yesterday!

Here's the latest on Jonny Walker!

Jonny is "doing great" after his surgery! He is still on IV fluids and antibiotics and continues to get injectable pain medication. His vital signs are NORMAL!

Jonny ate one-and-a-half cans of pureed dog food and has been drinking his water in his cage. He has also been wagging his tail, so they think he is feeling MUCH better!

Dr. Kergosien inserted plates in each jaw for support. They are very pleased with his progress! Jonny may be able to leave the hospital by Monday.

$3600 in donations have been received for Jonny Walker as of midnight last night!

************************

If you would like to donate money toward Jonny Walker's care, here is the address and phone number:

Louisiana Veterinary Referral Center
2611 Florida Street
Mandeville, Louisiana
70448

(985) 626-4862

Ask for Trish when you call.

Their website is www.lavrc.com


It is a VERY happy day when a doggie feels BETTER! Thank you, all you sweet people for taking such good care of Jonny Walker!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have More News About Jonny Walker...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/683036</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:47:38 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/683036</guid>
		<description>Update:

Although Johnny Walker did very well during surgery, he still has an uphill battle. He ha ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Update:

Although Johnny Walker did very well during surgery, he still has an uphill battle. He has intestinal parasites as well as heartworm disease. Once we get him through his jaw surgery he will require treatment of the heartworm disease. We will treat the intestinal parasites, too, but the heartworm treatment is not without the potential for severe complications. He is obviously a tough boy. We will take things one step at a time, and so far, so good! 

Please pray for Jonny tonight...

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear of a Doggie Who Needs Our Help!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/682948</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:33:00 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/682948</guid>
		<description>Sunny Lee posted this on her diary, and I thought that it would be a good idea to post it on MY diar ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sunny Lee posted this on her diary, and I thought that it would be a good idea to post it on MY diary, too!

This is the story of Jonny Walker, and you really need to read it!

Jonny is in surgery RIGHT NOW!

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=162340


Here's a YouTube video of Jonny Walker before surgery!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXbj451Uz8Q 


Love, 
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Got Tagged By Biscotte!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/682694</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:00:43 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/682694</guid>
		<description>All ready for BIG FUN!!!!

I've been tagged by my good friend Biscotte so here we go...

1. Do y ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ All ready for BIG FUN!!!!

I've been tagged by my good friend Biscotte so here we go...

1. Do you ever wake your parents up in the night?
I am the PROTECTOR, so I am ALWAYS on guard and ready to notify Mommy and Daddy (who have not-so-good ears as ME)!

2. Do you ever tear up things?
I am NOT to be trusted with anything stuffed. It just has no chance with these teeth!

3. What is your favorite treat?
I always am ready for CHICKEN, but cheese or tortilla chips are nice, too!

4. Can you fetch something when asked to do so?
Tennis balls are my favorite! I will play for as long as your arm holds out!

5. Have you ever lived any place other than where you live now?
Mama Akia's tummy, my Arthur's house, Mommy and Daddy's house, and Grandma and Grandpa's house for vacation!
***********************************************************

OK! Here's what you need to do: copy this, delete my answers, and put your answers in their place and post it on your diary. Then tag 5 friends and invite them to play too!

I'm going to tag:

1)Caileigh- My newest Pup Pal!
2)Frank- A real cutie-patootie German Shepherd Pal of mine!
3)Rambo- A little cutie with a big heart!
4)Sandy- My Pal who is missing her brother, Rascal, who went to Heaven recently
5)Wesley- My Pal who takes the neatest trips with his Daddy!

Have fun everyone!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Added THREE new Videos Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/682541</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:12:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/682541</guid>
		<description>I just read that The Dogster People have brought back our COMPLETE video books for everyone to see! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I just read that The Dogster People have brought back our COMPLETE video books for everyone to see!

We can go right to anyone's Video Book and choose whatever video we want to see!

Thank you, Dogster People, for listening to us about our Video Books!

Today I am celebrating this by adding THREE NEW VIDEOS to my page!

I would like to challenge ALL my Pals to add some videos of your own today! I can't wait to SEE them!!!

Yea, Dogster!
Yea, Dogster VIDEO BOOKS!!!

OK...Now go get busy on your VIDEOS everybody!

(...and don't forget to check out my new videos, too!)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Was Tagged By Buster!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/682441</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:02:49 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/682441</guid>
		<description>OK Everyone!

Here is a new game that I got from Buster. Thanks, Buster!

There are some good qu ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ OK Everyone!

Here is a new game that I got from Buster. Thanks, Buster!

There are some good questions that you answer and then choose five friends to tag so they can have fun, too! It's nice to send them a rosette when you tag them!

Here we go!


1. Do you ever wake your parents up in the night?

I usually sleep really soundly, but if there is a noise or something unusual, I ALWAYS alert Mommy and Daddy. (That's one of my most important jobs, you know!)


2. Do you ever tear up things?

I USED to eat walls and baseboards and window sills and chair legs and chair seats and Mommy's green flip-flops, but I haven't done any of those things in a long time.


3. What is your favorite treat?

Paws down, that would HAVE to be CHICKEN!!!!



4. Can you fetch something when asked to do so?

I have been catching and running after my tennis balls since I have been a baby. Daddy and I play every single day! I am VERY good at it, and I can play for a very long time because I LOVE doing it!


5. Have you ever lived any place other than where you live now?

I first lived in my Mama Akia's belly with my brothers and sisters. I don't remember that place too well, but I remember my second place, and that was living with My Arthur and Mama Akia and Pap Miko and my brothers and sisters. We were born in My Arthur's livingroom! Next, I came to my forever home with Mommy and Daddy. That is my special home, and we are a family together.


I am choosing the following Pals to tag today:
1)Jada
2)Red
3)Three
4)Josey
5)27

Have fun!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Just Received Some Very Sad News</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/682270</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 18 Jul 2010 08:24:49 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/682270</guid>
		<description>I have a special friend here on Dogster. She is very small and very beautiful. She is a Chihuahua fr ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have a special friend here on Dogster. She is very small and very beautiful. She is a Chihuahua from Florida.

Her name is <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/870782> Hanna</a>...Hanna Banana.

I have placed Hanna on my page so you can see her beautiful self.

For a very long time now we have been friends, and we have been battling Hanna's Seizure Monster together. (I have been barking my BIG GIRL BARK at it!) Hanna has had a very difficult time with all her seizures, but recently things had been going better for her, and that had made us VERY HAPPY.

Last night, the Seizure Monster attacked again, and sadly Hanna was close to the swimming pool when that happened. Hanna went into the pool and did not survive.

The good news, though, is that now, in Heaven, the Seizure Monster will NEVER get to Hanna ever again. Hanna is whole and seizure-free! Her small and beautiful self is PERFECT and happy and running and jumping and feeling healthy and wonderful.

Hanna's Mommy is NOT feeling happy and wonderful today, however. She is feeling sad and guilty that she did not watch Hanna more carefully. Hanna's Mommy needs all of our support.

Hanna's Mommy! You have been the MOST WONDERFUL MOMMY to Hanna! All the doctor visits and the careful ways you have helped her through all her seizures just prove what a great Mommy you are! All the nights of staying up and watching her to make sure she was safe show what love and dedication you have to Hanna!

This was an ACCIDENT. 
Sometimes things happen.
Some things are out of our control.

Please know that we all are praying that you will be OK and will feel at peace at this difficult time.

With MUCH love,
Saphira and Family]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Been on Dogster for TWO YEARS!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/681990</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:58:33 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/681990</guid>
		<description>Today is a very special day for me!

I have been a Dogster Girl now for TWO YEARS! Today is my TWO ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today is a very special day for me!

I have been a Dogster Girl now for TWO YEARS! Today is my TWO YEAR anniversary here at Dosgter!

In that time I have made OH SO MANY wonderful friends and learned so much about so many things!

On this very special day I want to thank all my Pals for coming to my page and sending PawMail and commenting on all my pictures and slideshows and videos.

Dogster is a very special place!

Have a very HAPPY-HAPPY day today, everyone!
I wish you LOTS and LOTS of CHICKEN!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Mommy and Daddy Back With Me Again!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/681343</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 06:32:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/681343</guid>
		<description>Hey there, Everyone!

Mommy and Daddy are back from China, and we are a FAMILY again!

I sure di ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hey there, Everyone!

Mommy and Daddy are back from China, and we are a FAMILY again!

I sure did miss them when they were gone! When they came in the door I thought I must be DREAMING!!!

They had a FABULOUS time there and saw so many interesting things. There's a picture of them on my page on this thing called The Great Wall of China. Go look!

I was pretty busy myself while they were gone. We went to all the parks around our house and I had a playdate with Baxter, the puppy. We had a POOL PARTY, too! On two days it was very, VERY hot, so we played in the shady backyard in my POOL!

Check out my pictures!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Will Be on VACATION!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/679572</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 30 Jun 2010 06:45:43 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/679572</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy are leaving for CHINA very early tomorrow morning and will be gone for a WEEK!

I  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy are leaving for CHINA very early tomorrow morning and will be gone for a WEEK!

I will be on vacation, too!

My Grandmas and I are going to be having BIG FUN here at my house, and we will be going on some TRIPS, too!

I will tell you all about all of our adventures!

Have a very fun time yourselves, and talk to you very soon!

Love,
Saphira
Vacation Girl]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Play at the Dog Park!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/679155</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:57:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/679155</guid>
		<description>Today Daddy had a very early race, so Grandma came to get me early and we went to the Dog Park!

I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Daddy had a very early race, so Grandma came to get me early and we went to the Dog Park!

I was very excited to go chase tennis balls and run after them OFF-LEASH!

We played for awhile, but then it got very HOT-HOT-HOT!

I stayed in the shade under the tree for awhile and drank some water. Ahhhhhh!

Grandma said, "Time to go home and get nice and COOL!" I came right away because I was very HOT out there!

We went to her house, and she and I both drank a lot of water to get cool. We both were sitting on the cool kitchen floor when Mommy and Daddy came.

Daddy did really good at his triathlon today and came in SECOND in his division! He shaved off five minutes from his overall time, also.

Grandma and I went outside to sit in the cool shade in her backyard after I said hello to Mommy and Daddy and got hugs and ear rubs. 

Soon it was time to leave and go have LUNCH!

I added some new pictures of me on my page, so go see them! I got groomed a few days ago and have LOTS less fur now. I feel cooler than I did before, but I STILL have LOTS of fur!

I hope everybody stays cool today!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Say, &quot;Happy Daddy's Day, Daddy!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/678018</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 20 Jun 2010 08:14:10 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/678018</guid>
		<description>Today is Daddy's Day!

I want to wish my Daddy a very happy day today!

To my Daddy:

I LOVE t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today is Daddy's Day!

I want to wish my Daddy a very happy day today!

To my Daddy:

I LOVE the way you play ball with me EVERY DAY, and I LOVE the way we cuddle and all the belly rubs you give me.

Thank you for carrying me to the car when I couldn't get there myself that other day when I got so sick. You are a very strong Daddy to pick me up!

Thank you for cooking all my CHICKEN!

I LOVE coming to all the track meets and the races!

You are a very good Daddy, and I LOVE YOU!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am SO Proud of My Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/677110</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 05:08:01 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/677110</guid>
		<description>Daddy did even better on his race yesterday than he did on the one before! I am so proud of my Daddy ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy did even better on his race yesterday than he did on the one before! I am so proud of my Daddy!

The course was much more hilly for the bike portion of the race, and Daddy's new bike did GREAT (with Daddy helping it, of course!!!)

Daddy has been really practicing his swimming. He knows how to swim, of course, but it is a RACE, so you have to swim VERY FAST! Daddy said that since he has been practicing and practicing on getting faster and faster for the swimming part of the race, he is now swimming up with the big group of swimmers. It is VERY crowded there! When he was SLOWER, he had much more room to move around in the water because there weren't so many people so close to him.

Daddy is ALL about improving, and he was so happy to have improved on his time while competing on a more difficult course!

I am VERY proud of you, Daddy!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Was Tagged By Zoe!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/676352</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 9 Jun 2010 08:13:42 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/676352</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

I was tagged for The Summer Game by Zoe!

Here are the RULES:

**Here is what yo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

I was tagged for The Summer Game by Zoe!

Here are the RULES:

**Here is what you have to do now. Copy & paste this entry into your diary. Please include these instructions, also! Delete my answers and enter your own. Be sure to mention or thank the furiend who Tagged you ! Send a paw-mail or zealie off to the furiend/s you would like to Tag. That's it! You may want to read your furiends Diary entries afterwards and thank them for playing. Have fun!**

Here we go!!!

1. WHERE DO YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT? I sleep in my HUGE crate that is beside Mommy and Daddy's bed. If I am a sick girl I get to sleep in the BIG BED so I can get extra lovins.

2. DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME(S) THAT YOUR PAWRENTS CALL YOU? I don't have a REAL nickname, but I have heard Daddy call me "Big Butt" and Mommy call me "Faker."(See the second part of my answer to question #5 for more details on this.)

3. NOW THAT IT'S SUMMER, WILL YOU BE GETTING MORE COLD TREATS LIKE FROSTY PAWS, ICE CUBES OR ICE CREAM, ETC.? Well, I sure HOPE SO!!! It is getting pretty HOT-HOT around here!

4. NOW THAT SUMMER IS HERE, DO YOU HAVE A SWIMMING POOL YOU USE WHEN ITS HOT? YES! YES! YES! I now have my very own baby pool!

5. WHAT'S ONE THING YOU DO THAT DRIVES YOUR PAWRENTS CRAZY? Probably the thing that drives Mommy and Daddy the craziest is when I look them in the eye and tell them that I REALLY, REALLY have to go potty...and then when I get OUT there they see that I just wanted to be OUT THERE!!!!

I am tagging:
* Star
* Bella
* Barkley
* Takoda
* Coffee

Have fun!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have EXCELLENT News!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/676126</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 7 Jun 2010 18:40:36 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/676126</guid>
		<description>Yes, I do!!!

My liver enzymes are back to NORMAL!!!

I am a healthy Saphira once again!

My f ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yes, I do!!!

My liver enzymes are back to NORMAL!!!

I am a healthy Saphira once again!

My family is SOOOOOOO relieved and VERY, VERY happy that my bloodtest came out GOOD!

Thank you to each and every one of you who have been thinking about me and saying nice prayers for me! We really appreciate everything that you have done to make us all feel better!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Was Tagged For a New GAME!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/675813</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 6 Jun 2010 04:39:02 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/675813</guid>
		<description>Hi Everybody!

Just got TAGGED for a new game! This is what my good Pal,Doo, just sent me:

(Oh, ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everybody!

Just got TAGGED for a new game! This is what my good Pal,Doo, just sent me:

(Oh, and I read HER answers and then put in MY OWN to send along to my tagging pals!)


I thought I'd start a new game of tag for summer. There's very few rules and it'll be fun to play. All you have to do is answer the questions, and then tag your other pals. (You can either send them a pawmail or give them a summer rosette.) The only new rule is...if a pup pal has been tagged by ANY OTHER PUP they CANNOT be tagged again. (No repeat tagging) So, let's start and have some summer fun. TAG YOU'RE IT!!

HERE WE GO!!!

1. WHERE DO YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT? I sleep in my HUGE crate that is beside Mommy and Daddy's bed. If I am a sick girl I get to sleep in the BIG BED so I can get extra lovins.

2. DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME(S) THAT YOUR PAWRENTS CALL YOU? I don't have a REAL nickname, but I have heard Daddy call me "Big Butt" and Mommy call me "Faker."(See the second part of my answer to question #5 for more details on this.)

3. NOW THAT IT'S SUMMER, WILL YOU BE GETTING MORE COLD TREATS LIKE FROSTY PAWS, ICE CUBES OR ICE CREAM, ETC.? Well, I sure HOPE SO!!! It is getting pretty HOT-HOT around here!

4. NOW THAT SUMMER IS HERE, DO YOU HAVE A SWIMMING POOL YOU USE WHEN ITS HOT? YES! YES! YES! I now have my very own baby pool!

5. WHAT'S ONE THING YOU DO THAT DRIVES YOUR PAWRENTS CRAZY? Probably the thing that drives Mommy and Daddy the craziest is when I look them in the eye and tell them that I REALLY, REALLY have to go potty...and then when I get OUT there they see that I just wanted to be OUT THERE!!!!


Now, I'm going to tag some friends:
1. Bob
2. Sargie
3. Ulli
4. Tink
5. Hudson


That's it, 5 easy questions. You can tag as many pals as you'd like. TAG YOU'RE IT!!!

P.S. You can tag some of your Catster friends if you'd like to, too.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Very Excited!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/675628</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 5 Jun 2010 02:16:05 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/675628</guid>
		<description>I just checked and am SO EXCITED to discover that I am a Diary Pick of the Day!

New Dogster Peopl ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I just checked and am SO EXCITED to discover that I am a Diary Pick of the Day!

New Dogster People...Thank you so much for choosing me!

Oh, and guess what? My good friend, Ulli, is Dogster DIARY OF THE DAY today!!! Ulli is in Heaven now and has been for almost a month. You should go meet her and read her diary!

Wishing you all a very fun day!!

Ulli! I KNOW you will be running and jumping and having the very best of times today! I miss you, sweet girl and I love you bunches!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Was Wondering...Have You Signed My Guestbook?</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/674667</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 31 May 2010 12:22:40 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/674667</guid>
		<description>I have a Guestbook on my page, and I was thinking that MAYBE some of you doggies haven't signed it! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have a Guestbook on my page, and I was thinking that MAYBE some of you doggies haven't signed it!

Go check, and if you haven't signed my Guestbook, could you sign it NOW?

Yes, I just LOVE to have all my friends RIGHT WITH ME on my page!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Found a Good Video About Dog CPR!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/674636</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 31 May 2010 09:08:51 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/674636</guid>
		<description>Hi there, Everyone!

This is from My Mommy:
 
In light of Friday's event with Saphira, I decided ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi there, Everyone!

This is from My Mommy:
 
In light of Friday's event with Saphira, I decided that it would be a good idea to learn dog CPR.  I found an excellent video and have attached the link below.

I thought it would be a good idea to share with the Dogster community.

Although, Saphira did not require CPR - the idea passed through my mind immediately when I saw her in an hypoxic state.  I remember thinking to myself, I should know how to give CPR to a dog and check her vitals for goodness sake.

Knowledge is power.

Love,
Crystal
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AFrUiRIeVo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Thank You All SOOOO Much!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/674562</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 30 May 2010 20:20:41 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/674562</guid>
		<description>Thank you SO much for all your prayers and wishes for my good health! I gave everyone a big scare a  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thank you SO much for all your prayers and wishes for my good health! I gave everyone a big scare a couple days ago, and they are very happy that I am feeling much better now.

All of my POTPs and HEARTS and Candles are SO appreciated!

I am still sleepy and just like to snuggle. The sleepy part is because of my medication; the snuggling part, well, that is just ME!!! I LOVE to snuggle...especially on the BIG BED!

Thank you, too, for my hamburgers and hotdogs and ice cream and watermelon that I got today! Have you seen how tasty my page looks???!!!

Thanks to:

*Buster
*Hudson
*Troy
*Angel Soleil
*Skittles
*Duke
*Ruby Dust
*Little J.
*Princess Aurora
*Patch
*Odette
*Frank
*Joey
*Ulli
*Casey

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Wake Up With a Puffy Face!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/674385</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 29 May 2010 19:43:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/674385</guid>
		<description>My nose felt funny.
My face felt funny.
My eyes felt funny.
My head felt funny.
Even my ears fel ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My nose felt funny.
My face felt funny.
My eyes felt funny.
My head felt funny.
Even my ears felt funny.

I usually lay on the bottom of the BIG BED to sleep when Mommy and Daddy are in there, too. All of a sudden I didn't want to lay there at the bottom of the bed. I wanted to SNUGGLE.

I walked up to the top of the bed and leaned my nose in to snuggle with Mommy.

Mommy turned on the light and said, "Saphira! Your NOSE!!!" (I think when she petted me she felt what I was feeling on my face and nose and ears.)

Daddy got up and looked at me, too, and he said the same thing.

All of a sudden I was back at my doctor's and I was getting stuff called Ben-A-Drill!

More talking and stuff...

Back home...

I went out to potty, got a drink, and went back to the BIG BED.

I was getting V-E-R-Y sleepy.I think that Ben-A-Drill is Sleepy Juice!

We just had a napping kind of day all day. I don't remember too much of it except all the lovely snuggling.

**************************************************

I feel a lot better now, but Mommy wants to get some more tests done to see if getting this bite taken care of or whatever was causing all the Puff Daddy on my face, will lower those liver enzymes.

I'll let you know how THAT goes!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Had a Trip to the Doggie ER Last Night  (Part Two:  The Drama Continues)</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/674380</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 29 May 2010 19:25:28 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/674380</guid>
		<description>So, we are in the car. I am not caring what is outside of the car. I am not caring what interesting  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ So, we are in the car. I am not caring what is outside of the car. I am not caring what interesting things there are to look at from the windows.

I AM sensing a LOT of Mommy and Daddy worry in the front seat, though.

We stop.
Daddy opens the door to the backseat.
I stay put.

Daddy says,"Saphira! Time to get out!"

No Daddy.
I am staying RIGHT HERE!

Daddy L-I-F-T-S the very wet and very heavy me out of the car.
He sets me down.

OH!!! I know where I am!
I am at that REALLY NICE PLACE that has all the nice people who make me FEEL BETTER!

Suddenly I get LOTS of energy!
I head right into the 24 Hour Animal Clinic on my own!
I walk right in and say, "Hey-ay! Hi Everyone! SO happy to see you all again!"

(Well, now to be honest I really didn't SAY THOSE WORDS, but my swishy tail and my eagerness MEANT THAT!!!)

Mommy looked at Daddy, and Daddy looked at Mommy, and it reminded me of when I am just trying to decide whether I should bark or not bark at something. You know that undecided and puzzled feeling.

Anyway, Mommy and Daddy needed to explain how this German Shepherd who needed to be CARRIED to the car just a few MINUTES AGO suddenly was walking around the clinic like Madonna on the Red Carpet!

Flash Forward past all the BLAH-BLAH-BLAH-BLAH stuff...

They check me all over.
I get my temperature taken.
They check my heart.
I get some of my blood taken out.
I get a steroid shot.
They watch me and play some kind of game in another room called "BLOOD PANEL".

Turns out that I have higher than normal LIVER ENZYMES which MIGHT have been brought on by some insect bite.

Everything else checks out fine except I have a slight fever. They put some alcohol on my paws which I promply LICK OFF. YUCKY-YUCKY!

They give Mommy all kinds of things to take to my own regular doctor tomorrow, and then it is time to leave.

I am getting really sleepy because it is HOURS past my bedtime. Home! Time for a nice sleep ON THE BIG BED!!!

Ahhhhhhhhh!

Night-Night!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Had a Trip to the Doggie ER Last Night!  (Part One: The Drama Begins)</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/674369</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 29 May 2010 18:53:29 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/674369</guid>
		<description>Yes, you read that right! Mommy and Daddy and I spent several HOURS at the 24 Hour Animal Clinic las ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yes, you read that right! Mommy and Daddy and I spent several HOURS at the 24 Hour Animal Clinic last night.

Those of you who read about my Animal Clinic Adventure last summer might remember what a GREAT PLACE that was and how I made so many good friends there and how excited I was to feel better because of all the great care and love I got there.

Well, I'll tell you about GOING THERE in just a bit.

Before I do that you have to know what happened FIRST to cause Mommy and Daddy to want to TAKE me there! 

OK...Here goes:

We were at Grandma and Grandpa's for Grandma Cheryl's Birthday. There was cake and ice cream, and I even got a nice scoop of ice cream myself! After the eating and the talking (them, not me!), it was time for ENTERTAINMENT!

Those of you who know me know that I, Saphira, am a GREAT entertainer! I do tricks, catch tennis balls in my mouth from far and high distances, do my commands, bounce balloons off my nose, and make quality music with my squeeky toys.

Well at THIS celebration, I caught balls, played with the hose AND played in my BRAND NEW BABY POOL! 

Now, I was TRYING to be a really good entertainer. My family DEPENDS on me, you know! I caught some balls, but I wasn't doing QUALITY jumping. I just didn't FEEL like it. Then the baby pool was filled with water and all ready for me. I usually have a fun time in my pool, but on THIS day I really didn't even feel like going in it.

Daddy put me in when I didn't seem to want to get in it myself. He thought that once I got IN there I would have my usual fun. Rather than splashing out all the water in just a couple minutes and having a great time, I just lay there in the water cooling off my belly.

OK...Maybe I just was just taking time to appreciate the cool water.

Uncle Jon came over and put some water on my head and made me into a MOHAWK HEAD. I just sat there. Then Grandma Cheryl began squirting the hose.

Now, USUALLY I can't RESIST a squirting hose. On THIS EVENING I just was looking at the hose and doing a few token bites of the water as it came out of the hose.

Grandma was WORRIED.

All of a sudden I just sat down on the grass.
Then I decided to LAY DOWN on the grass.
Then I just rolled over on my side on the grass.

Then EVERYBODY got worried!

Water + Squirting Hose + Saphira NEVER = lay down on my side on the grass!

Grandma said, "We need to get her to the doctor!"
Mommy said, "We're going! We're going NOW!"

I just wanted to lay there. 
I would NOT get up.

My very strong Daddy lifted me, SOAKING WET VERY FURRY SAPHIRA, and carried me to the car. Grandpa gave me his best Take-A-Nap-On-The-Couch blanket. I sat up for a little bit, but then I just had a nice lay down on the back seat.

I LOVE to look out the windows as we drive in the car. On THIS day I just wasn't interested. This really worried Mommy.

(Stay tuned for Part TWO -The Drama Continues!)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a FEAST on My Page!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/674360</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 29 May 2010 18:01:50 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/674360</guid>
		<description>Oh Boy, Oh Boy, OH BOY!!!

Have you looked at the Gift Box on my page???!!!

There are so many d ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh Boy, Oh Boy, OH BOY!!!

Have you looked at the Gift Box on my page???!!!

There are so many delicious-looking HAMBURGERS and HOTDOGS and ICE CREAM CONES and WATERMELON SLICES on there!!!

I want to send a BIG SHOUT OUT to all my Pals who sent me such GREAT TREATS!

Thank you:

*Biscotte
*Lily
*Josy Wales
*Dino
*Angel Buddy
*Missy
*Tyler
*Beanster
*Luke
*Toto
*Chaz
*Doo
*Bella
*Whitley
*Austin
*Milo
*Hershey
*Mads
*Acen
*Walli
*Sam
*Rocky
*Lady
*Rocket
*27
*Zoe
*Daisy
*Ella
*TinkerBell Forever
*Snickers
*Miss Crystal
*Holly
*Abigail
*Kenzie
*Nos
*Turbo
*Xena
*Zaidie
*Manny
*Barkley
*Leah
*Lilly
*Ruby
*Duke
*The Kitties
*Sargie
*Sunny Lee
*Moon
*Bean
*Stryker
*Bob
*Jia
*Dylan
*Tiberius
*Angel Roman
*Teddy 


Thank you ALL for thinking of me!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Found My Community Homepage, and You Can, Too!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/673801</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 26 May 2010 17:33:42 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/673801</guid>
		<description>Been working and working and finally FOUND the Dog of the Week and The Dog of the Day and Diary of t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Been working and working and finally FOUND the Dog of the Week and The Dog of the Day and Diary of the Day!!!

The "Community Homepage" is right after the word "Community" on that ORANGE PLACE on the right side of the page!

Click on "Community Homepage", and you will find A LOT of stuff that you have been looking for ALL DAY!!!

Whew!!!

As a German Shepherd, I LOVE routine.
Change is very HARD!
I just want to bark and bark at change! Yes, I do!

I think I am finally getting this NEW DOGSTER!!!
I also think I need some CHICKEN!
Hard work is a GREAT reason for getting CHICKEN!!!

Whew!
I feel like I just ran ten miles!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Need to Find Out What All My PUP PALS Are Doing!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/673773</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 26 May 2010 15:21:06 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/673773</guid>
		<description>Help!

I am VERY nosy and just MUST find out what all my Pup Pals are doing!

I can find my Corr ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Help!

I am VERY nosy and just MUST find out what all my Pup Pals are doing!

I can find my Corral, but where or where are all my PUP PALS???!!!

Anyone know where I can find them?

Saphira...
Concerned and Confused

*************************************************************
Oh!!! My dear Pup Pals!!!

I just FOUND YOU!!!
You were in that orange "Community" Box where everything in the whole world now seems to be!!!

Hmmmmm! I wonder if my lost TENNIS BALLS are in there, too????!!!

Yea!!!!

(My HERDING self just MUST keep everyone together, you know!!!)

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Just HAD to Bark!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/673749</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 26 May 2010 13:03:17 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/673749</guid>
		<description>Grandma came to give me my lunch which was EXCELLENT, by the way! Daddy put in BAKED POTATOES, and G ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma came to give me my lunch which was EXCELLENT, by the way! Daddy put in BAKED POTATOES, and Grandma noticed that I ate them FIRST!

I didn't have chicken on this day, but I had my salmon kibble, carrots, applesauce AND those yummy potatoes. Mmmmmmm!

OK...Now that I talked about the most important part...FOOD!...I want to tell you about the NEED for me to BARK and BARK and BARK!

I went over to the sliding glass door and looked out. (It is VERY important to check what is going on outside, as you already know.)

WHAT ON EARTH is THAT????
What is it doing out there BESIDE MY YARD????

(Big white table-thing. VERY DANGEROUS-LOOKING. In need of investigation!)

Well, Grandma KNEW that I needed to go over to it and sniff it and check it for dangerousness. I took a quick drink, and then we left for our INVESTIGATION.

We were out there in about a minute.

WHERE DID IT GO???
The table-thing RAN AWAY!!!
It was nowhere to be seen!

Now I DEFINITELY will have to be ON THE LOOKOUT!

Be careful!
It MAY have run off to YOUR PLACE!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Some Questions...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/673619</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 25 May 2010 16:59:22 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/673619</guid>
		<description>How come I have to keep logging in EVEN THOUGH I have checked the &quot;Remember Me&quot; box????

How do I  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ How come I have to keep logging in EVEN THOUGH I have checked the "Remember Me" box????

How do I get to MY PAGE??? (I went to My Account and then scrolled down to near where my widget picture was and found a link. Is that the only way???)

Why doesn't MY PAGE automatically appear like the good old days???

HELP!!!
My page is MISBEHAVIN' today!

I may have to put it on my DANGEROUS LIST!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Grass All Over My Page!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/673617</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 25 May 2010 16:49:14 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/673617</guid>
		<description>Oh my GOODNESS!

I go away for just a little while and GRASS grows all over my page!

That Dogst ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh my GOODNESS!

I go away for just a little while and GRASS grows all over my page!

That Dogster grass grows VERY, VERY fast!

My Daddy sure could have used some of that Dogster Grass on our front yard! Our new grass took a lot of time to grow!

Did you all get some nice grass today, too?]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Ask For Prayers for Mommy's Sister</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/673337</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 24 May 2010 06:52:34 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/673337</guid>
		<description>Mommy just heard that her sister had a very bad seizure last night. Mommy's sister is fighting brain ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy just heard that her sister had a very bad seizure last night. Mommy's sister is fighting brain cancer and has had two surgeries and many rounds of chemo over the last five years.

Prayers are so, so powerful!

Will you please pray for Inga today?]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am VERY PROUD of My Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/672393</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 18 May 2010 04:28:06 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/672393</guid>
		<description>Daddy completed his second triathlon a couple days ago, and he did GREAT!

Daddy shaved off five m ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy completed his second triathlon a couple days ago, and he did GREAT!

Daddy shaved off five minutes from his first triathlon time, AND he came in SIXTH in his age group and THIRTY-FIFTH overall!

Daddy was VERY happy with his race (500 yard swim/14.5 mile biking/5K run) and set a new PR while doing it!

The biking part was two and a half miles longer than his first race, and his new bike made that part go very smoothly! Daddy LOVES the bike part of the race!

Daddy! I am SO proud of you!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Will Celebrate My SECOND Gotcha Day Next Wednesday!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/671358</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 12 May 2010 06:18:14 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/671358</guid>
		<description>Yes!!!

It is TRUE!

Mommy and Daddy and I have been together as a family for almost TWO YEARS a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yes!!!

It is TRUE!

Mommy and Daddy and I have been together as a family for almost TWO YEARS already!

On May 19, 2008 Mommy and Daddy came to My Arthur's house to get me, and I left with them to be their very own doggie!

Oh, that was SUCH a busy, busy day! I got a new family, a new home, new toys and bowls, and I also went to Daddy and Uncle Jon's track meet.

I must have met over a hundred people that day!

Since then I have grown A LOT! Check out my Baby Saphira slideshow if you want to see what I looked like back then! I have also put my Baby Saphira video on my page so you can see me when I got picked up by Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Jon that day!

The biggest doggie in that video is my Papa Miko, and the doggie who keeps following me wherever I go is my Mama Akia. The nice man in the video is My Arthur. I was born in his living room!

I have been such a busy girl since that day!

I love my Mommy and Daddy and the rest of my family, too.

I am a Happy Girl!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Just Added an Update VIDEO of Courage, the German Shepherd to My Page!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/671349</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 12 May 2010 04:33:06 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/671349</guid>
		<description>Just found an update of Courage on the Dogster Dog Blog and added it to my page.

It is the one af ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Just found an update of Courage on the Dogster Dog Blog and added it to my page.

It is the one after my last slideshow.

Go see it!

I am still spinning and twirling with JOY after watching it!

What a handsome boy!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Protect My Family; My Family Protects Me!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/671204</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 11 May 2010 09:27:13 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/671204</guid>
		<description>Mommy and I are a TEAM!

We take classes together.
We run together.
We even FIGHT CRIME together ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and I are a TEAM!

We take classes together.
We run together.
We even FIGHT CRIME together!

Here's what happened:

This past weekend My Kathy was away, and Mommy was taking care of her doggie, Cammy, who lives right next door to us.

(Yes, this is the SAME Cammy from my TAIL ADVENTURE!)

Anyway, Mommy and I had just gone out for our run and came back inside, and guess what???

Mommy and I looked upstairs as we came in, and the ATTIC DOOR WAS OPEN.

Now, this door is NEVER, NEVER open.
Mommy's imagination started thinking of all the bad things that an open attic door could mean.

Mommy knew that she had left the front door OPEN while we were gone on our run. We weren't gone long, but she knew that the door still had been open. Maybe somebody had come in and was IN OUR HOUSE!

Well, Mommy called HER MOMMY, and asked her to come right away because Daddy wasn't there because he had a track meet. Mommy still needed to walk Cammy, and she couldn't take Cammy and I out together. (See my recent diary entry for the reason!) Mommy was NOT going to leave me in the house alone with someone who just might be hiding in there!

Mommy got the biggest KNIFE that we have and walked all around the house looking for an intruder.

Now, I TRIED to tell Mommy that I didn't SMELL anyone and if I DID I sure would have let her know about it. Mommy was still walking around and carrying that big knife looking for a bad guy.

Grandma Linda came.

By now, Mommy was pretty sure that nobody strange was in the house, so Mommy left me with Grandma so she could take care of Cammy.

Before I knew it I heard sounds at the door. I barked and barked and barked. That MIGHT be the intruder! I was going to make VERY SURE that he didn't come in!

Then I heard DADDY'S VOICE at the door. Daddy came in, and so did Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Rich. Mommy must have called for more BACKUP!

Hey!!! We must be having a "Hunt Down the Intruder" Party!!!!

Mommy filled in Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa about our recent adventure, and I positioned myself right in the middle of everyone so I could get the maximum of belly rubs and ear rubs and brisket rubs.

Ahhhhh!

Well, there WAS no intruder.
There WAS no person hiding in our attic or anywhere else.
All was OK.

I was in the middle of my FAMILY, and everything was PERFECT.

***************************************************
Just a note to any potential Intruder People:

Don't come in MY house!
I WILL find you!
Mommy has BIG KNIVES.
Daddy is a Black Belt.
I have really big teeth, and I KNOW how to use 'em!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am A Diary Pick AGAIN Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/671197</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 11 May 2010 08:52:26 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/671197</guid>
		<description>Oh! Dogster People!

Thank you AGAIN for honoring me in such a special way!!!!

I LOVE all the a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh! Dogster People!

Thank you AGAIN for honoring me in such a special way!!!!

I LOVE all the attention!!!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have to Tell You About My Window Experience!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/671018</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 10 May 2010 07:19:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/671018</guid>
		<description>Well, you see, Mommy and I were having just the LOVLIEST of times cuddling on the BIG BED, and I was ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well, you see, Mommy and I were having just the LOVLIEST of times cuddling on the BIG BED, and I was getting scratches and rubs, and giving Mommy the nicest of kisses. It was a pretty day outside, and the bedroom window was open, letting in all the nice springtime air.

All of a sudden I hear CAMMY outside the window. Ooooooooo! (Cammy is the next door neighbor's doggie.) Cammy and I DO NOT get along! She even LUNGED at me a few weeks ago, and that was OH, SO RUDE.

Well, I jumped off the BIG BED and went toward the window, putting my front paws on the windowsill to get a better view of everything out there. Before I knew it,the SCREEN fell right out!

Oh boy!!! A NEW way to get outside!!!

Now, before you worry sick about me falling out any window and getting hurt, I have to tell you that:

1) Our bedroom is on the FIRST FLOOR...an EASY jump to the soft grass.
2) Mommy has very fast reaction time.
3) I have a VERY substantial TAIL.

Now, you may be wondering why I added that #3 to that list. You might be saying, "What does a TAIL have to do with this story?"

Well, MY TAIL plays a very important part in this story because MOMMY USED MY TAIL to keep me from jumping out the window!!!

Yes, she did!

Mommy grabbed that VERY FLUFFY and VERY FURRY and VERY LARGE tail of mine, and hung onto it for dear life! I was NOT going to get out that window!

Nope! NO WAY!

When Mommy told the story to Grandma Cheryl, Grandma said, "Ahhhhh! Saphira WAS paying attention to Jerry Lee!" (One of my very favorite movies is K-9, and Jerry Lee flies through a window in that movie. Jerry Lee is a German Shepherd like me.)

OK...Back to my story...

Mommy grabbed my tail and hung on so that I would NOT get out that window. She then closed the window WITHOUT the screen in there, and went to go get the screen from outside.

So, I WAS going to jump out that window, and I WAS going to give that Cammy a BIG SCARE, but Mommy used my TAIL to stop me.

That was THAT.

Pretty interesting morning, that was!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a Diary Pick Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/670603</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 8 May 2010 05:28:42 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/670603</guid>
		<description>Thank you, Dogster People-In-Charge for choosing my diary to be one of the ones featured today! 

 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thank you, Dogster People-In-Charge for choosing my diary to be one of the ones featured today! 

That is a very BIG HONOR, and I appreciate it a lot!

Thank you so much for picking ME!


Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am All Sad Again!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/670582</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 7 May 2010 21:20:09 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/670582</guid>
		<description>You remember that I told you all about my friend, Ulli, who they THOUGHT had cancer?

Well, then t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ You remember that I told you all about my friend, Ulli, who they THOUGHT had cancer?

Well, then they discovered that she DIDN'T have cancer, and we were all oh so VERY happy-happy about that!

Well tonight we heard that Ulli had to go to Heaven because earth was just too hard of a place to be due to all the troubles she was having here. Her body was just too sick to stay.

It is with a VERY sad heart that we say "Good-Bye, Ulli! See you again one day, Sweet Girl!"

Special kisses to Joey, her sister, and to her Mommy and Daddy tonight!

Run free, Ulli!
Enjoy your new life in Heaven PAIN-FREE!
See you again some day, and we'll have a GREAT run together!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a TWO-GRANDMA Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/670393</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 6 May 2010 20:06:05 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/670393</guid>
		<description>Oh BOY!!!

I  had VERY BIG FUN with my Grandmas today!

When my Grandmas came through the door I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh BOY!!!

I  had VERY BIG FUN with my Grandmas today!

When my Grandmas came through the door I was SOOOOOO excited! I went from one to the other welcoming them and doing my "OOOOooooOOOOOoooooOOOOOooo" and "swimming" past them...back and forth. (I am VERY, VERY good at making my family feel important and very welcome at my house!)

After I did the official welcoming and got belly rubs and rubs and nice ear scritches and good scratches near my tail (Oooooooo! I LOVE THEM!!!), then it was time for me to EAT!!!

After that I got some water and was ready to go for my walk.

Grandma Linda rested her knee at my house while Grandma Cheryl and I went to the park across the street and checked out all the new smells and then walked down to the lake. Ahhhhhh! My waves are back, and they have their regular "Ssssssssssssmmmmmmmmmm!   Ssssssssssssssssssssssmmmmmmmmmmmm! Ssssssssssssssssssssssmmmmmmmmmmmm! sound. I sure did miss that when they were all FROZEN!

I sat on the bench by the lake. I like to pretend it is my very own COUCH BY THE LAKE!

Next, I checked some trees for squirrels, but I didn't see any again today. I think they all went to Grandma Cheryl's house!

I found a very nice tree branch and chewed on it for awhile and also dug a couple quick "Check for moles" holes. Couldn't see any, but sure did SMELL 'EM!!!

Barked at a car that got kind of close to us. "Go away, car!" I said! "Quit trying to sneak up on us!"

We talked to the nice man who mows the grass. He stopped to let us get waaaaaay past him so that he wouldn't kick any sticks or grass onto us. Wasn't that kind??? I like him! He said I was "a very good-looking dog."

I saw some very new things today. Grandma said they were called "streamers" , and they were on the handlebars of the bike I saw. I stopped and investigated them and tried to decide if they were DANGEROUS. Grandma touched them without even sniffing them. (Humans can be VERY, VERY brave!) She held them in her hand and said, "Saphira, here! See? They are OK." I sniffed them and then took a little taste. Not dangerous, and not very tasty either. Moving right along...

I checked a few more trees for squirrels. Nope! No squirrels today. Maybe they are on vacation...

We headed home because Grandma could tell that I was getting thirsty. Yep! I WAS thirsty! Had almost my whole bowl of water when I got back!

After that it was "Talking Time" for the Grandmas and "Getting lots of ear rubs and belly rubs and brisket rubs Time" for ME!!! I was invited up on the couch and had a Grandma in charge of each side of me. Ahhhhh! Talk all you want, Grandmas. Just KEEP up that lovely scratching and rubbing!!!

In awhile it was time for one last trip outside for potty, and then COOKIE TIME! Two Grandmas = TWO cookies today! Yummy-Yummy!

My Grandmas said good-bye, and I went off to Saphira Dreamland. 

I LOVE Two-Grandma Days!

************************
I added some pictures of my day to my slideshow called " A Trip to the Lake and Some Favorite Pix."

Go check it out!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear About a MIRACLE!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/670345</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 6 May 2010 15:34:32 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/670345</guid>
		<description>I just got this message from Ulli!
I am jumping and spinning and twirling all over the place!!!
Re ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I just got this message from Ulli!
I am jumping and spinning and twirling all over the place!!!
Read below to find out why!

***********************************
FROM ULLI:
Thank you Saphira, you are the most beautiful Prayer Warrior ever! Mom has sent out the word on Facebook and peeps have started praying. We believe in the power of prayer - you know why? 

I DON'T HAVE CANCER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The biopsy results came in today, it says NO CANCER!!!!!!! It DOES say that I have a very deep ulcerated infection in my rectal area, the doc says it will be a long road to recovery. So please still pray! I've dodged terminal with prayer! 

Thank you thank you thank you!!!

************************************
Thank you, God, for this miracle!
THANK YOU, EVERYONE for your prayers for Ulli!

This is indeed a WONDEROUS, WONDEROUS DAY!!!

Love, 
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Need Your Prayers for My Pal, Ulli!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/670295</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 6 May 2010 08:28:27 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/670295</guid>
		<description>Everyone!!!

This is very important! 

I REALLY need your prayers for my German Shepherd Pal, Ul ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Everyone!!!

This is very important! 

I REALLY need your prayers for my German Shepherd Pal, Ulli! She has just been diagnosed with rectal cancer, and she could REALLY use your prayers!

Ulli is just three years old.

You can visit <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/932194>Ulli's Page</a> to say "Hello!" 

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am A Loose-Leash Girl!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/670173</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 5 May 2010 12:14:55 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/670173</guid>
		<description>Grandma and I had such a lovely walk yesterday!

I was a LOOSE-LEASH GIRL, and I didn't do any pul ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma and I had such a lovely walk yesterday!

I was a LOOSE-LEASH GIRL, and I didn't do any pulling or any crazy stuff...really!!

It was a BEAUTIFUL sunny day but cool enough to be comfortable because of a very nice wind that was blowing off my lake. Ahhhhhhh! Cool is VERY important when you wear the long-haired and VERY thick coat that I wear every single day!

My lake is all blue and very pretty, and my waves are back! All the ice cubes melted in there. There sure were a lot of ice cubes in there this winter!

We walked all around the park and looked at EVERYTHING and smelled EVERYTHING! Yep! Grandma did some lookin' and sniffin', too! She found these purple flowers that she said smelled really GOOD! I preferred the nice TOADY I found. He smelled so good I just had to have a nice ROLL in him!

There were LOTS of new little pine trees that we saw by the hill overlooking the lake. We were careful not to step on them, but I sniffed a lot of them.

We walked under the big pine trees. That feels good on your paws because it feels like a soft carpet. I like carpets.

I checked pretty much every tree for squirrels. Couldn't find any, but I smelled some MOLES! I been waiting to SEE moles, but I haven't seen one yet. They like to stay underground.

Grandma kept telling me what a good girl I was to walk so nicely right beside her, and I kept looking at Grandma and telling her that she was a good girl, too. 

We had a very fun walk all over the park, and I made Grandma proud and happy.

I am a happy girl!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear Good News About THREE of my Pals!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/669760</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 3 May 2010 07:42:53 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/669760</guid>
		<description>Well, it is a very SPECIAL day because three of my Pals got very good news!

First, my Pal, Teddy, ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well, it is a very SPECIAL day because three of my Pals got very good news!

First, my Pal, Teddy, who was VERY sick and at the hospital is now HOME and feeling better. Sounds like he and my Daddy had the very same thing to make them feel very awful. Glad you are better, Teddy!

Second, my Pal, Maggie is Dogster Dog of the Day today! Go see! Congratulations, Maggie!

Third, my Pal, Jia, is Dogster Diary of the Day! That's great, Jia! SO proud of you!

I LOVE to hear GOOD NEWS!!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Just Noticed Something!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/668365</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 25 Apr 2010 06:46:45 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/668365</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

Hey! I just noticed something! Maybe it has been that way for awhile, but I'm not so ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

Hey! I just noticed something! Maybe it has been that way for awhile, but I'm not so sure...

When I click on my Video Book on my page, I see only six of my videos and NO  "Page 2, Page 3" like before. There are just the six videos.

THEN when I go to my Account Page and click on "Manage Videos" ....WELL! There all my videos ARE again!!!

Anyone notice this, too?

I'm just wondering if this is a new Dogster Thing or whether my video book just needs me to BARK at it a bit for encouragement.

Check YOUR videos and get back to me, OK?

Thanks bunches of yummy treats!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I say, &quot;Buddy! You are Awesome!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/668245</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 24 Apr 2010 11:52:50 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/668245</guid>
		<description>Did you read the Dogster Dog Blog story about Buddy, the German Shepherd who led the police to the b ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Did you read the Dogster Dog Blog story about Buddy, the German Shepherd who led the police to the burning shed on his property?

Well, if you DIDN'T read it, GO THERE RIGHT NOW!

Buddy's Daddy said, "Buddy! We need help!" and Buddy WENT FOR help! Buddy was there to guide the police to the shed!

There's a great video of Buddy on a fast run down these snowy backwoods roads to guide the police to the scene of the fire!

Awesome job, Buddy!

I am SOOOO proud of you!

Kisses from Saphira

***********************************************
It has been a GREAT day to be a German Shepherd!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear About &quot;Courage&quot;, the German Shepherd</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/668215</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 24 Apr 2010 08:03:25 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/668215</guid>
		<description>You MUST go read THE DOG BLOG here on Dogster!

There is an AWESOME rescue story there about a Ger ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ You MUST go read THE DOG BLOG here on Dogster!

There is an AWESOME rescue story there about a German Shepherd Dog who SURVIVED by eating DIRT for over a MONTH! He was chained and given no food or water!

Go see Courage's amazing recovery, and be sure to watch the video, too.

Sending out a special load of BIG SAPHIRA KISSES to all the nice humans who rescued Courage and are  helping him to get COMPLETELY better!!!

**************************************

(Somehow I always KNEW that DIRT was a very awesome and wonderful thing. I shall be SURE to enjoy it and APPRECIATE it even more NOW!)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Smell a Doggie!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/668170</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:27:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/668170</guid>
		<description>Grandma Cheryl came to feed me my lunch, and as soon as she came in the house I smelled ANOTHER DOGG ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma Cheryl came to feed me my lunch, and as soon as she came in the house I smelled ANOTHER DOGGIE on her!

I HAD to check it all out! I did A LOT of Grandma sniffing!

Turns out that she was taking care of  her neighbor's puppy while the neighbors had to work.

I have not MET the puppy yet, but I learned that he is six weeks old and is part English Setter and part Boxer. His name is Baxter.

I put a picture of him on my page!
Go see!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Miss Grandma Linda!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/668167</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:23:42 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/668167</guid>
		<description>Grandma Linda has had surgery on her knee, and Mommy has been helping Grandma feel better.

I am h ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma Linda has had surgery on her knee, and Mommy has been helping Grandma feel better.

I am helping Daddy feel better from his flu.

Grandma Linda is doing good, and soon I will get to see her. I miss you, Grandma Linda!

Get better soon!
Come see me REAL SOON!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Taking Care of Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/668166</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:19:42 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/668166</guid>
		<description>Poor Daddy!

He has chills and fever and feels really yukky. He even stayed home from school and a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Poor Daddy!

He has chills and fever and feels really yukky. He even stayed home from school and also missed the track meet today.

I have been Daddy's nurse. I am very good at keeping Daddy warm when he gets the chills, and I lick his fever-face and make him all cool again.

I am a VERY good nurse!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Find a Very Fun Video!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/666130</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:42:03 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/666130</guid>
		<description>This is BIG FUN to watch!

Go check it OUT!

Be sure to turn on the sound on your computer!

 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ This is BIG FUN to watch!

Go check it OUT!

Be sure to turn on the sound on your computer!


http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=pkPNa4DBFHI]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have BIG FUN at the Birthday Party AND a Couple Slip Ups!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/666031</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:52:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/666031</guid>
		<description>Everyone was here at MY House for Mommy and Daddy's Birthday Party!

I was SOOOOO excited to see e ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Everyone was here at MY House for Mommy and Daddy's Birthday Party!

I was SOOOOO excited to see everyone!

There were THREE cakes, and I...uh...had a very small SAMPLE of each one of them. (Every day I am thankful for how TALL I am and how L-O-N-G my nosie is!)

Well, Mommy and Daddy had LOTS and LOTS of candles on their cakes, and Uncle Jon and Tristan took a LONG time to light all of them. I was supervising it all, as usual!

There was singing and then blowing out of all the MANY, MANY candles! VERY MUCH smoke...so much that we had to open a WINDOW!!!!

(I personally like MY KIND of candles MUCH better. They are CARROTS, and you don't have to light them or blow them out or have lots of smoke with them. As an added BONUS, you can EAT THEM! Yes, carrot candles are BEST!)

Anyway, back to my story...

Then there was cutting of cake which I FOR SURE supervised. I kept remembering MY birthday cake from last month that was CHICKEN and all for ME.

Then there was ice cream added to everyone's plate.

HEY!!! Where's MINE????

Well, I went in to see my Grandmas. They were sitting side by side with very nice cake and ice cream, and I KNEW they were just waiting to SHARE with ME! Grandma Cheryl was just about to give me some when Mommy spotted me by them and THOUGHT that I was BEGGING.

Well now, TECHNICALLY I just COULDN'T be begging if my Grandmas were PLANNING on sharing some with me...RIGHT???

Before I knew it, Mommy was saying, "SAPHIRA! No begging! Come on. You can go in your crate."

NO!!!! That's not where I want to be, Mommy! I am getting ready to enjoy some very nice cake and ice cream! I could tell that the Grandmas were all ready to SHARE!

Well, Mommy is the BOSS, and I had to go. My Grandmas knew that we were ALL  busted on THAT one !

I did NOT have a fun time in my crate because everyone else was out in the livingroom eating CAKE and ICE CREAM!

OK.
Finally everyone was finished eating, and Mommy let me out of my crate.

It was OPENING PRESENTS TIME! I sure do love watching everyone open presents!

I watched Mommy and Daddy open lots of things. I liked the BALLOONS best of all that were on some packages.

All of a sudden I heard our neighbor doggie Cammy come outside. The sliding glass door was O-P-E-N, and there was just the screen there. I could SEE Cammy, and I could SMELL Cammy. I launched into my biggest BIG GIRL BARKING anyone had ever heard.

**********************

Background Story:

The other day Cammy was out and I was out, and I was behaving myself PERFECTLY. Cammy was behaving herself, too. All of a sudden Cammy lunges at me and acts like she is going to bite me on my nose! Well, I could NEVER let THAT happen! I have been miffed ever since that happened, so when I had the chance I decided I just was going to YELL at her with my BIG GIRL BARKS.

*********************

OK...Back to the presents...

Mommy jumped up and got me by my scruff (VERY FURRY!), and escorted me to ...yes, people...you know where this is going...

BACK TO MY CRATE!

Mommy wants me to quit being so reactive when I see Cammy, but that girl needs to learn NOT to be so sneaky and try to BITE MY NOSE!

OK, so I am back THERE, and everyone is out in the living room. Then everyone went outside to bring in stuff and to talk for HOURS and HOURS. OK...maybe it was MINUTES.

FINALLY everyone came inside, I was calmed down, and I got to be out of my crate.

I got some nice  brisket rubs and belly rubs, and I also got to watch all the CAKE being cut to share. (I sure hope I get some!) Grandma Linda gave me some treats, and soon I would also have my DINNER! I was with my FAMILY, and that is the very best place to be!

Everyone was getting ready to leave, so I went around and let everyone pet me and rub my head and tell me how much they would miss me.  Awwwww!

I had my dinner, and Mommy and Daddy and I watched "New Moon" because I love the WOLVES in it SO much.

It was a very busy day.
It was an In-the Crate-TWO- TIMES-Day.
It was a FAMILY Day.
It is a I'm still waiting  for some CAKE day.

Sigh...]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a VERY Happy Easter!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/664754</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 4 Apr 2010 17:51:45 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/664754</guid>
		<description>Well, it was still dark outside when Mommy and Daddy said that it was time to get awake!

Mommy!
 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well, it was still dark outside when Mommy and Daddy said that it was time to get awake!

Mommy!
Daddy!
Are you SURE about this?
Shouldn't we still be all snuggled and SLEEPING???

Guess not!
The shower is going, and soon we will be leaving to go somewhere!

We all get in the car, and Mommy and Daddy say that I am going to get to go snuggle with Uncle Jon in his BIG BED while they are going to the Sunrise Service at the church!

Oh BOY!!! I LOVE snuggling with Uncle Jon! I love everything about being in his ROOM!

Mommy and Daddy left for church, and Uncle Jon and I had a very nice second sleep. In awhile we got up, and then everyone started coming in the front door from church! 

Oh, BOY!!! Easter is HERE, and my family is all together again! I LOVE THAT!!!

Soon all kinds of cooking started happening! There was the wonderful smell of BACON and EGGS, and Mommy was cutting up FRUIT! There was Easter Bread and coffee, and tea, and did I mention BACON????!!!!

Grandma let me lick her fingers after she had put the BACON in the pan to cook. I did a fine job of cleaning off her fingers.

Mmmmmm!

The eating began soon, so I went to take a rest.

Mommy ate her Birthday Pancakes. You can see them in my new slideshow! She's a Birthday Girl today on EASTER!!!

After hours and hours, everyone was done eating and TALKING, and it was time for Easter Baskets! Everyone got candy and chocolate and some books and things that were fun for them, but I GOT the best stuff!

I got:
1)Doggie TREATS
2)Two new food bowls
3)Some chicken (Mmmmmm!)
4)SQUEEKY TENNIS BALLS

We played ball and looked at everything everyone got in the Easter Baskets. I took another short nap.

Then Uncle Jon and Mommy and I went on a very fun run together. It was a beautiful day! I LOVED running with them!

When we got home, I took a nice rest after I drank a SERIOUS AMOUNT of nice, cool WATER! Ahhhhhhh!

Mommy and Daddy left for their L-O-N-G run, and I stayed to help Uncle Jon wash his car and take turns PLAYING WITH THE SQUIRTY HOSE! I just LOVE playing HOSE!!!

After we played for awhile, we went inside.  In a little bit we went out back to check on the MOLES and to look at the tree that fell down in the big wind yesterday. It made some very nice sticks, so I checked them all out. After that it was LUNCHTIME, and I got to have my delicious CHICKEN and my SALMON kibble,too. Mmmmmmmm!

I was suddenly pretty tired, and so were Grandma and Grandpa. We had all been up VERY, VERY early! We ALL took a NAP! All of a sudden I was hearing Mommy's voice coming from the front door!

Hi Mommy and Daddy! Welcome home!

I was very happy to see them!

Soon it was time for us to head home to our house.

I sure do LOVE Easter, and I sure do LOVE being with my FAMILY!

I hope you all had a HAPPY-HAPPY Day!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Time at the Track Meet!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/663994</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 1 Apr 2010 08:07:00 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/663994</guid>
		<description>Mommy got off work earlier today, so we got to go to Daddy and Uncle Jon's track meet!

Mommy let  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy got off work earlier today, so we got to go to Daddy and Uncle Jon's track meet!

Mommy let me wear her special bandana that she made when she was a cheerleader! I didn't do any cheers at the track meet, but I DID meet a lot of Daddy's students and some of the track kids, too, and their families.

I was a VERY good girl!
I just LOVE meeting new friends!

It was a beautiful day, and I had BIG FUN playing with a new friend. Mommy remembered to bring my tennis balls. I LOVE to play ball!

I added a new video to my page of my new friend and I playing ball. Go see it!

I also added some pictures of me and my new friends!

After the meet I got to spend some time with Uncle Jon, and then Daddy came over to see us. Grandma and Grandpa were there in my pack, too.

I had a nice shady tree to lay under when I got hot. Shade is a very good thing when you are as furry as I am!!!

I was a very fun day. 
I LOVE being outside with everyone!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Just Got Doggie Dentures!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/662795</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:16:06 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/662795</guid>
		<description>Grandpa found a fun place to go to get DOGGIE DENTURES!

I just got some!

Check 'em out at the  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandpa found a fun place to go to get DOGGIE DENTURES!

I just got some!

Check 'em out at the bottom of my page!

Some guy is doing the TALKING for me, and I'm a GIRL, but I think it is fun anyway!

You can get Doggie Dentures, too! Just click on the place at the bottom of my picture!It will take you right to the site!

Have fun!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Time On One of the LAST Snowpiles!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/661567</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:33:45 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/661567</guid>
		<description>Well, if you have ever read my diary you PROBABLY know how much I love SNOW!

Now that it is warmi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well, if you have ever read my diary you PROBABLY know how much I love SNOW!

Now that it is warming up, my lovely snow is going AWAY!

There still ARE a few very lovely snowpiles left, though. They aren't nearly as big as they were before, but they are still a LOT of fun! I fully intend to get as much fun out of those snowpiles before they go away completely!

Today on my walk in my park I spotted a nice snowpile. Just HAD to go walk on it and take a nice taste of it, and lay down on it. Then I rubbed my face in it and dug my nose into it, and THEN I had another great idea:

Why not ROLL on it?
YES!
Rolling on snow is fun!
Rolling on a snowpile has GOT to be fun, too!

I dived down onto the top of the snowpile.
Ahhhhhhh!
Then I ROLLED and ROLLED in the snowpile!

OH!!!!
Suddenly I felt my whole body FALLING OFF the snowpile!

I slid right off the snowpile!
I DID!

Hey!
That was FUN!!!

If you have any snow left at YOUR place, you should try rolling in it! If it is a snowpile, it will be very, very fun for you!

Sliding off the top of  a snowpile is AWESOME!!!

Love,
Saphira
Snowpile Enthusiast]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Take Grandma and Grandpa on a St.Patrick's Day Adventure!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/661327</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:54:43 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/661327</guid>
		<description>When the door opened, I was expecting Grandma Cheryl or Grandma Linda. I saw Grandma Cheryl, and the ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ When the door opened, I was expecting Grandma Cheryl or Grandma Linda. I saw Grandma Cheryl, and then I ALSO saw Grandpa Rich!

Oh, BOY!!!

I had TWO special welcomes to give! I was VERY excited!

I had my lunch, and then some water. It was then time for our St. Patrick's Day Adventure!

If you go to the last slideshow on my page you can see pictures of our walk!

First we had to cross the street to get to the park. VERY IMPORTANT to watch carefully and cross after the cars go by!

I did some sniffing and then dug a special St. Patrick'sDay HOLE. (OK...I dug SEVERAL St. Patrick's Day Holes!) Ahhhh! I LOVE doing that!

I spotted a nice pine branch and sniffed a squirrel on it. Mmmmmm! I would have liked to get closer to HIM!

We got closer to the lake, and it was getting colder...just how I like it! You can see in the slideshow pictures that the ice of the lake is melting. It looks like the sky with white clouds and blue parts!

I HAD to give Grandpa a special St. Patrick's Day KISSY! He really liked it! I could tell!

We looked at the lake some more, listened to a HUGE crow, and then headed to the playground. Grandpa and I went to the steps and crossed the drawbridge. I climbed on the slide, and I checked out the swings. OK, I am much too big for the swings!

On our way back home I found an EXCELLENT snowpile! It was one of the few still left. I had a nice laydown on the snowpile. Ahhhhhh! Instant cool belly! Then I decided to have some snow. (Humans eat snow, too. They call them "snowcones", and they are very tasty!) After I ate some snow I just HAD to rub my face in the nice snow. My pointy nose makes an excellent snow-digger!

Suddenly I saw two ladies and a poodle who were walking down the road. Grandpa said that we should keep walking, so we did. We walked across the big field and saw a guy hitting golf balls.

It was a lovely St.Patrick's Day walk, and you can come with us if you go to my slideshow on my page!

What are you waiting for?
Go see it!

Let's go on a St. Patrick's Day Adventure TOGETHER!!!!

Love,
Saphira
(German-American by birth...Irish for the Day!)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have the Recipe For You!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/660707</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:39:37 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/660707</guid>
		<description>Many of you have asked me for the recipe for my Chicken Birthday Cake. My Grandma Cheryl created it  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Many of you have asked me for the recipe for my Chicken Birthday Cake. My Grandma Cheryl created it especially for me, and I liked it very much! Here's her recipe!


Saphira's Chicken Birthday Cake

The "Cake":

*chicken breasts
*Olive oil
*Mashed potatoes

The "frosting" and decorations:

*Whipped cream cheese for frosting
*A tiny bit of dried parsley for color on the frosting
*Carrot "candles" for whatever age you will be
*doggie cookies (for decoration and munching!)

*************************
Cook chicken breasts in a small bit of olive oil in a skillet. Cover skillet to steam chicken to keep in moistness and cook thoroughly.

Process chicken breasts in a food processor.
Add mashed potatoes.
Mix together.

Line any pan or small bowl with foil or plastic wrap that you want to use as the shape for your "cake."

Press the mixture into the mold VERY FIRMLY.
Chill overnight or at least 6-8 hours.

The foil /plastic wrap will allow you to unmold the "cake" easily. Just place it on a plate and decorate!

Grandma frosted my cake with whipped cream cheese and added carrot "candles" and yummy doggie cookies.

Note: You can use however many chicken breasts you need to fill the mold. The mashed potato helps hold the mixture together. Grandma used four chicken breasts and one potato for my cake.

***********************************************
Enjoy!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear That Mommy is Giving Out PRIZES!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/659688</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 9 Mar 2010 11:36:21 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/659688</guid>
		<description>This is how it works:

If you are a breakfast, lunch, or dinner guest at our house, you are eligib ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ This is how it works:

If you are a breakfast, lunch, or dinner guest at our house, you are eligible. As you are eating, if you notice a DOG HAIR in your food, Mommy will give you a PRIZE!

Mommy decided that there would ALWAYS be a doggie in the house, and, since doggies have FUR, rather than going crazy and apologizing for this, she would give out a PRIZE to anyone who happened to FIND a doggie hair in their food.

I bet EVERYONE is going to be VERY EXCITED about this!

Hmmmmm!

I'm going to have to ask Mommy if I am eligible for a prize, too!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Added a New Slide Show on My Page!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/659530</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 8 Mar 2010 15:09:29 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/659530</guid>
		<description>I had some more Birthday pictures that I wanted to add to my page, but I am already at my limit.

 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I had some more Birthday pictures that I wanted to add to my page, but I am already at my limit.

Then I thought: "Hey! I can make another SLIDE SHOW!!!"

Go check it out!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Tagged For a New Game!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/659444</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 8 Mar 2010 06:08:44 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/659444</guid>
		<description>It's GAME TIME, Everybody!

My wonderful friend, Louise,  tagged me today.
It's a fun St. Paddy's ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It's GAME TIME, Everybody!

My wonderful friend, Louise,  tagged me today.
It's a fun St. Paddy's Day game.

*Here is what you have to do now. Copy & paste this entry into your diary. Please include these instructions, also! Delete my answers and enter your own. Be sure to mention or thank the furiend who Tagged you ! Send a paw-mail or zealie off to the furiend/s you would like to Tag. That's it! You may want to read your furiends Diary entries afterwards and thank them for playing. Have fun!

Here we go!!!

Q.-Are you Irish?
A.-Maybe...But I think being a GERMAN Shepherd also makes me mostly GERMAN!

Q.-Do you and /or your family celebrate St. Patrick's Day?
A.-Mommy and Daddy have been to Ireland and LOVED it there, so I'm SURE that we will be celebrating this year!

Q.- How?
A. -Mommy and Daddy have Celtic Music CDs, and Daddy has an Irish whistle that he learned how to play! Maybe we will watch RiverDance and dance along with it! (Daddy and I already have experience dancing The Chicken Dance!)

Q.-Will you wear Green?
A.-Definitely!  

Q.- What?
A.- I have a brand new GREEN  bandana that's all set to go!

Q.-Do you like Corned Beef and Cabbage?
A. -BEEF? Of course! I LOVE any kind of BEEF! I have never had cabbage, but I'm always willing to give  it a whirl!

Q.-Do you believe in leprechauns?
A.-If they will bring me more CHICKEN, I sure WILL believe in 'em!

Q.-Why?
A.- Those pots of gold that they have just MIGHT be filled with CHICKEN! You never want to pass up CHICKEN!

Q.-What would you like to find at the end of the rainbow?
A.- Three guesses...and the first two don't count!

**********************************************************************
OK! There you go! That's MY story!

I am off to tag some furiends...
I am tagging:

1) Hudson
2) Handsome General Sargie
3) Zoe
4) Zaidie
5) Holly]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have the BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY Ever!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/659316</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 7 Mar 2010 12:16:13 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/659316</guid>
		<description>Yesterday was my BIRTHDAY PARTY, and it sure was FUN!

You can see from my new videos that there w ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday was my BIRTHDAY PARTY, and it sure was FUN!

You can see from my new videos that there was SINGING and DANCING and TRICKS and some serious EATING OF CHICKEN, too!

Grandpa recorded "Happy Birthday" and also "The Chicken Dance" at his house and brought the recording to OUR house.  Everyone sang "Happy Birthday!"  to me, and then Daddy and I DANCED "The Chicken Dance" together!

Since MY CAKE was all CHICKEN and TECHNICALLY my entree,  everyone SANG to me, and then I got to EAT CHICKEN...LOTS of it! (See pictures and video!) Mommy made me work a bit for my cake, so I had to do almost all of my commands BEFORE I got to that CHICKEN!

While  my family ate their salads and baked potatoes with all kinds of yummy toppings, I took a nice "Apres Chicken" nap. (My people take a long time to eat because they TALK and TALK and TALK while they eat. If they would only focus just on eating they could be done MUCH faster!)

Daddy and Uncle Jon and I went upstairs to show Grandpa Daddy's new bike. It is a very BIG bike because I have a very TALL Daddy! Grandpa liked the bike that Daddy picked out, and I sniffed the bike just to make sure everything on it was still good.

After that Grandpa had to leave for band practice, so I gave him some nice "Good-Bye" licks. He gave me some nice ear rubs and head pats. Awwwww!

Next it was DESSERT! I tried to look VERY HUNGRY, but nobody was buying my hungry look. I wonder why????

THEN it was present time! Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Jon invited me up on the couch to open my presents! I got Snausages, some new bandanas, a WHOLE BIG BAG of "Taste of the Wild" Big Girl Food, a book about nice places to go with your doggie, some excellent TREATS, a card that plays "Who Let The Dogs OUT?", two squeeky balls, AND a squeeky Rubber Chicken!

Mommy and Daddy got a nice keychain/tree ornament and a photo frame. Thanks, Zoe! Mommy got a great "Guide Dogs for the Blind" pouch from Troy and Hudson. Thanks, guys!

I got SOOOOOOO many belly rubs and brisket rubs and ear rubs! I actually lost count of how many I got!

I got to sit on the couch, and I even fell asleep for awhile on the floor while everyone talked and Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Jon played a card game.

Soon it was getting late and time for my Grandmas and Uncle Jon to go home.

What a happy, happy day I had!
I REALLY LOVED my 2nd Birthday!

I LOVE being TWO!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get My PARTY Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/659129</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 6 Mar 2010 10:20:54 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/659129</guid>
		<description>In just three more hours I get my BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!

Everyone has been really busy around here, an ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ In just three more hours I get my BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!

Everyone has been really busy around here, and I have been busy supervising everything!

It is a beautiful sunny and cold day with blue skies and plenty of snow still left on the ground JUST FOR ME!

My whole family will be here very soon, and I will have SO MANY nice hands to give me belly rubs and brisket rubs and ear rubs! Oh! I just LOVE IT when I have everyone RIGHT HERE with ME!

I will be VERY busy today, so I MIGHT need to write about my Birthday Party TOMORROW!

I promise to have everyone take lots of pictures and maybe even some videos and add them to my page as soon as I can.

Thanks again to all my Dogster Pals who have wished me a Happy Birthday and sent me such wonderful cards and presents and pictures for my special day!

Love,
The Birthday Party Girl
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am TWO Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/658281</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 2 Mar 2010 04:47:03 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/658281</guid>
		<description>TWO!

TWO YEARS OLD!

Mommy says that I am now a TEENAGER!

Well, I guess that means I will be ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ TWO!

TWO YEARS OLD!

Mommy says that I am now a TEENAGER!

Well, I guess that means I will be learning how to DRIVE very soon now! I been watching carefully, and it doesn't look THAT hard to do. I WILL have to figure out how to get my back legs on those pedals WAAAAY down there, though.

Teenagers go to PARTIES! I already have done that A LOT. I think I have that one IN THE BAG!

Teenagers sometimes get in BIG TROUBLE. (Hmmmm! I think I have already done that! Remember the...uh...WALLS I ate?)

Teenagers sometimes act CRAZY. (Do ZOOMIES count? If so, I am well-prepared for THAT!!!)

Teenagers don't always listen to their parents. (I USUALLY listen, but sometimes...)

My good friend, Takoda, a handsome Shiloh Shepherd, has told me that at around TWO, a Shepherd "gets their good brain" and really starts to put everything together that they have been learning.

Well! Here's to that "Good Brain" that should be arriving any day now! (I wonder...Does it come in the mail?)

Oh! And I want to wish all the other NINE HUNDRED-EIGHTY-SIX  doggies on Dogster who are celebrating THEIR birthday today, too!

Happy Birthday to US!!!!

Yipppeeeeeeee!

Love,
Two-Year-Old Saphira
Birthday Girl]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a BIRTHDAY PARTY on Saturday!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/658144</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 1 Mar 2010 09:13:37 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/658144</guid>
		<description>Oh BOY!!!

On Saturday my whole family is coming to my house for a Birthday Party, and the party i ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh BOY!!!

On Saturday my whole family is coming to my house for a Birthday Party, and the party is for ME!!!!!

I will be OFFICIALLY two-years-old tomorrow, but Tuesday is a hard time to get everyone together because of work and stuff, so Mommy and Daddy are having my PARTY on Saturday!

I hear that there will be PRESENTS and a CAKE just for me made out of CHICKEN!

Of course I will do all the entertainment because that is what I do best! (I wonder if Mommy and Daddy would ever decide to have my party OUTSIDE in the BIG SNOW... We could jump in the snow and catch ice balls and snow balls and chew on sticks and sniff all kinds of interesting things!)

I think that would be very big fun!

I will get back to you all and let you know whether we had an OUTDOOR PARTY or an INDOOR PARTY!

Oh! I am SOOOOOOO excited!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Will Be TWO in TWO Days!!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/658016</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:20:58 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/658016</guid>
		<description>Oh BOY!!!!

My Birthday Week is here, and in just TWO DAYS I will be TWO YEARS OLD!

I have been ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh BOY!!!!

My Birthday Week is here, and in just TWO DAYS I will be TWO YEARS OLD!

I have been a very busy girl since my last birthday, and I am VERY excited to get ANOTHER birthday!

I will let you know all about my special times that I have coming up!

Wheeeeeeeeee!

SO very excited I am!

Love,
Saphira
Almost Birthday Girl]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Lost a Sweet Friend...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/657814</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:08:49 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/657814</guid>
		<description>It is with great sadness that I make this diary entry today. 

My good friend, Bella, a beautiful  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It is with great sadness that I make this diary entry today. 

My good friend, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/688924>Bella</a>, a beautiful German Shepherd Dog, passed away suddenly yesterday morning.

This was VERY unexpected as Bella was just four years old!

Please visit her page and see what a lovely family she had and how talented a GSD she was!

Bella! You will be missed!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Been Daddy's Nurse Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/656604</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:17:45 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/656604</guid>
		<description>Daddy has a cold or something and doesn't feel too good. 

While Mommy was at church today, I took ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy has a cold or something and doesn't feel too good. 

While Mommy was at church today, I took very good care of Daddy. I rested right beside him on the BIG BED, and I KNOW that I was VERY EXCELLENT at making sure that he stayed nice and toasty.

When you are not feeling good it is VERY important that you have your doggie RIGHT THERE beside you every moment! That way you are never alone or scared, and you will feel  HAPPY even though you are feeling SICK.

I take my job as nurse VERY SERIOUSLY!
I worked very hard at it!

I think my Daddy feels a LOT better already!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get MORE Snow!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/655854</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 06:02:13 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/655854</guid>
		<description>Well, every day we seem to get MORE and MORE snow here!

I am one VERY happy girl about that!

I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well, every day we seem to get MORE and MORE snow here!

I am one VERY happy girl about that!

I really like to walk on a brand new patch of snow and then jump around and catch snowballs and then MOVE ON to another new patch of snow.

I think I just like that "Oooooooooo! COLD!" feeling on my belly as I run through the new snow.

We have LOTS of snow, and it is pretty deep, too!

...just the way I LOVE it!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Watch Grandma Fall into a Snowpile!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/654659</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:52:39 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/654659</guid>
		<description>Grandma and I were coming home from our adventure in the snow, and we were rounding the corner near  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma and I were coming home from our adventure in the snow, and we were rounding the corner near our house.

All of a sudden Grandma was not walking anymore.
Grandma was lying in a big snowpile!

Grandma was laughing, so I KNEW she was OK.
Grandma was TRYING to stand up, but she had my leash in one hand and my  full POOP BAG in the other hand and wasn't doing a very good job of getting up.

I decided I would give her some ENCOURAGEMENT.
I leaned down and gave Grandma a VERY NICE Saphira lick.

That made Grandma laugh even more!

Grandma then SAT DOWN in the big snowpile. Now Grandma was covered even MORE with snow. I decided to join her, so she and I sat in the big snowpile, and she gave me some very nice brisket rubs and head rubs and ear rubs. Ahhhhhh!

Then Grandma said, "OK, Saphira! Let's go!"

I pulled Grandma up, and we headed home.

Before I went in the front door I gave myself a nice SHAKE-SHAKE. All done!
Grandma was there FOREVER, brushing all the snow off of herself with her gloves.

I think that Grandma needs to learn how to do a nice SHAKE-SHAKE like I do.
That would work OH SO MUCH better for getting all the snow off her,  I think.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Watch a Snowmobile!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/654658</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:40:17 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/654658</guid>
		<description>I was out in the park in a big field by our house. I was running around in the snow and catching sno ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was out in the park in a big field by our house. I was running around in the snow and catching snowballs. All of a sudden I heard a very different sound. I stopped what I was doing and LISTENED...

...and LISTENED...

All of a sudden, from down the road came this very fast thing! It was NOT on the road like the cars and trucks were. It was on the NOT ROAD!

It turned and came into the park and was going RIGHT PAST us!

It was going VERY, VERY fast!

I did not bark at it.
I DID watch it for the whole time that it was in the field with us.

It turned again, went past us again and then went out again on the NOT ROAD and disappeared.

We played some more, and I caught a bunch of snowballs and walked on the track that this fast snowmobile had made. I smelled the smell that it left, and it smelled like a car, but it was NOT a car. 

I hope I see it again someday because it was very interesting!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Bark at a  Kitty!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/653240</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 5 Feb 2010 08:07:02 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/653240</guid>
		<description>I was on a walk around my neighborhood.

It was a BEAUTIFUL day! There was SNOW everywhere, blue s ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was on a walk around my neighborhood.

It was a BEAUTIFUL day! There was SNOW everywhere, blue skies, sunshine AND so many things to see and sniff. There was a wonderful HUGE branch to chew into pieces, too.

All of a sudden I spotted a black kitty sitting by a neighbor's garage! Oh, BOY!!! I REALLY, REALLY wanted to go and see that kitty!

I barked and barked. The kitty did not move. I have noticed this before when I barked at kitties that they usually stay perfectly still. (I think they have learned that doggies on LEASHES are NOT dangerous.)

I got a little closer. I was still barking.

Hmmph!
My mistake!

This black kitty was a FAKE kitty! 

Embarrassing!
I wasted some excellent BIG GIRL BARKS barking at a FAKE KITTY!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Update My OFFICIAL Birthday List!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/652835</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 3 Feb 2010 07:59:29 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/652835</guid>
		<description>Hi there, Everyone!

I been busy adding my new friends to my OFFICIAL Birthday List and putting th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi there, Everyone!

I been busy adding my new friends to my OFFICIAL Birthday List and putting those on that got somehow deleted (Uh-oh!) when I had my Ooopsie! last month. I think I am all up to date now!

If you are NOT on my list, please send me a PawMail with your ID# so I can get you on my list right away!

Birthdays are REALLY SPECIAL, and I want to make sure that I don't miss anyone's special day!

Love,
Saphira



SAPHIRA'S OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY LIST


January-
Sometime in January- Brownie Maeve (#1009912) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1009912>Brownie Maeve</a>
15- Rocky (#597661) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/597661>Rocky</a>
28- Casper, Cosmo, and Cobi (#743188) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/743188>Casper, Cosmo, and Cobi</a>
28- Sandy (#588817) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/588817>Sandy</a>
30- Teddy CGC (#776965) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/776965>Teddy CGC</a>


February-
Sometime in February- Joey (#865713) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865713>Joey</a>
1- Izzy (#345061) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/345061>Izzy</a>
11- Barkley (#370951) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/370951>Barkley</a>
13- Sammy (#877130) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/877130>Sammy</a>
18- Mz.Kitty (#914976) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/com/dogs/914976>Mz.Kitty</a>
22- Sunny Lee (#794702) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/794702>Sunny Lee</a>
23- Troy (#1002568) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1002568>Troy</a>



March-
2- Luther (#779261) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/779261>Luther</a>
2- Saphira (#815298) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298>Saphira</a>
5- Jesse (#241421) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/241421>Jesse</a>
5- Doo (#553913) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/553913>Doo</a>
6- Bob (#206901) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/206901>Bob</a> 
6- Champ (#786196) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/786196>Champ</a>
7- Angel (#811538) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/811538>Angel</a>
11- Jackson (#338237) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/338237>Jackson</a>
13-Pita (#297221)<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/297221>Pita</a>
14- Coco (#788183) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/788183>Coco</a>
15- Quincy (#625950) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/625950>Quincy</a>
16- Sargeant (#39298) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/39298>Sargeant</a>
23- Annie (#882766) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/882766>Annie</a>
25- Austin (#553902) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/553902>Austin</a>



April-
2- Ulli (#932194) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/932194>Ulli</a>
9- Lexie (#907916) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/907916>Lexie</a>
9- Rascal (#588824) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/588824>Rascal</a>
9- Ando (#1050360) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1050360>Ando</a>
10- Louie (#799725) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/799725>Louie</a>
15- Sam (#234279) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/234279>Sam</a>
15- Gypsy (#826305) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/826305>Gypsy</a>
16- Sugar (#787732) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/787732>Sugar</a>
21- Rosie (#905666) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/905666>Rosie</a>
24- Petey (#1000491) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1000491>Petey</a>


May-
1- Zoe (#1021351) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1021351>Zoe</a>
2- Holly (#796416) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/796416>Holly</a>
5- Gizmo (#212204) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/212204>Gizmo</a>
6- Riley (#867193) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/867193>Riley</a>
14- Xena (#990515) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/990515>Xena</a>
17- Halo Kitty (#548373) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/548373>Halo Kitty</a>
17- Biscotte (#563772) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/563772>Biscotte</a>
18- Dylan (#800844) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/800844>Dylan</a>
23-Stryker (#804369) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/804369>Stryker</a>
25- Ruby Dust (#983212) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/983212>Ruby Dust</a>
26- Hearth (#532592) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/532592>Hearth</a>
28- Gracie (#493364) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/493364>Gracie</a>


June-
4- LeRoi (#865709) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865709>LeRoi</a>
5- Harley Davidson (#862008) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/862008>Harley Davidson</a>
8- Tinkerbell Forever (#548196) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/548196>Tinkerbell Forever</a>
9- Spook Show (#360252) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/360252>Spook Show</a>
10- Magnuson (#639013) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/639013>Magnuson</a>
13- Kiara (#302730) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/302730>Kiara</a>
16- Cookie (#867178) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/867178>Cookie</a>
17- Bella (#719249) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/719249>Bella</a>
17- Maya (#641106) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/641106>Maya</a>
19- Bullet (#865633) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865633>Bullet</a>
23- Ted E. Bear (#1015066) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1015066>Ted E. Bear</a>
28- Tiberius (#800845) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/800845>Tiberius</a>


July-
5- Angel Whiskey (#588827) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/588827>Angel Whiskey</a>
10- Wolfgang (#767265) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/767265>Wolfgang</a>
13- Tippy (#891469) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/891469>Tippy</a>
13- Priscilla (#573774) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/573774>Priscilla</a>
14- Capone (#886448)  <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/886448>Capone</a>



August-
4- Emma (#658660) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/658660>Emma</a>
15- Maxwell (#413363) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/413363>Maxwell</a>
18- Scout (#903991) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/903991>Scout</a>
20- Jia (#960106) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/960106>Jia</a>
24-Autumn (#1152124) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1152124>Autumn</a>
30- Pippin (#632167) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/632167>Pippin</a>



September-
5- Star (#79736) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/79736>Star</a>
6- Sophie Claire (#861846) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/861846>Sophie Claire</a>
7- Tika (#625151) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/625151>Tika</a>
10- Laurie (#865710) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865710>Laurie</a>
12- Whitley (#954899) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/954899>Whitley</a>
14- Kaine (#519773) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/519773>Kaine</a>
27- Maggie (#81934) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/81934>Maggie</a>



October-
2- Bean (#924823) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/924823>Bean</a>
4- Hudson (#999963) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/999963>Hudson</a>
4- Tessa (#369923) <a href-http://www.catster.com/cats/369923>Tessa</a>
15- Nicki (#891476)  <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/891476>Nicki</a>
18- Manny (#370940) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/370940>Manny</a>
27- Mimi (#242833) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/242833>Mimi</a>
28- Brandy (#865712) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865712>Brandy</a>
28- Louise (#1009929) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1009929>Louise</a>
29- Bella (#234315) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/234315>Bella</a>
31- Ginger (#1009917)  <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1009917>Ginger</a>



November-
1- Pongo (#345051) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/345051>Pongo</a>
10- Buster (#787740) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/787740>Buster</a>
15- Sheba (#641404) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/641404>Sheba</a>
18- Princess Xena (#252265) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/252265>Princess Xena</a>
19- Ava (#822509) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/822509>Ava</a>
22-Zaidie (#930039) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/930039>Zaidie</a>
30- Mozart (#493145) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/493145>Mozart</a>


December-
1- Moxy (#767817) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/767817>Moxy</a> 
6- Duke (# 983191) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/983191>Duke</a>
11- Amy (#715968) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/715968>Amy</a>
12- Teddy Sue and Link (#463287) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/463287>Teddy Sue and Link</a>
16- Jade (#243281) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/243281>Jade</a>
24- Jessie (#703378) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/703378>Jessie</a>
25- Joey (#932184) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/932184>Joey</a>
29- Wesley (#696808) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/696808>Wesley</a>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Walk in the Park Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/652683</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 2 Feb 2010 16:06:40 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/652683</guid>
		<description>Grandma Cheryl came to give me my lunch, and after I ate most of my lunch and had a drink, Grandma s ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma Cheryl came to give me my lunch, and after I ate most of my lunch and had a drink, Grandma said, "Saphira! Want to go for a WALK?"

Well, of COURSE I do, Grandma! I am ALWAYS ready for a WALK!

I decided to do my business right away and get that over with and then we started off around the corner to the HUGE PILE of SNOW. I LOVE to check that out, and I needed to watch some people getting their mail, too.

We started off down the street and around the corner. I sat and waited for the traffic to go by. When all was clear, we started across the street. There's a big park right there with lots of trees and pinecones and sticks and SNOW!

Grandma Cheryl had her big, tall boots on, so I KNEW that we would off-road our walk today. Grandma enjoys walking in snow as much as I do!

We got in the middle of the big field, and Grandma threw snowballs up in the air for me to catch. Very fun!

We did this until Grandma couldn't feel her fingers anymore.

Next we went to check on the lake. Lake Erie is just straight ahead, and we can walk there in about a minute or two. Guess what? Lake Erie is a BIG ICE CUBE!!! The waves aren't waving either. There is no sound from the water at all. 

I think Lake Erie is BROKEN.

I smelled a very interesting smell coming from this snowbank. I HAD to go check it out! I put my WHOLE HEAD in the snowbank. Grandma said, "Saphira! Where is your HEAD???"

Now Grandma! You KNOW where my head is! It's IN THE SNOW BANK!!!!

We followed all the animal tracks that we could find. Grandma kept saying ""Those are bunny tracks...Those are squirrel tracks. Oh! There's some doggie tracks."

Uh...Grandma...I KNOW, I KNOW!

(Humans forget that we just KNOW these things. We don't have to TALK ABOUT them!)

I chewed on some nice sticks and watched some birds flying up there REALLY high in the sky. I took a nice rest in a big pile of nice snow. Ahhhhh! I LOVE a cold belly!

On our way back home we followed some more tracks. These were from another human and their doggie.

We took a detour to get back to our place because Grandma didn't want this big doggie who lives on my corner to bark at me. She KNEW that I would bark back at him and that we would have a BARK FEST which would be...annoying.

We got back to our place, and I had some more of my lunch AND a nice cookie treat, too!

Bye-Bye Grandma! See you tomorrow!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear Some Exciting News!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/651891</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 30 Jan 2010 07:47:23 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/651891</guid>
		<description>Today in the Dogster Dog Blog there was an article from the American Kennel Club which said that MY  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today in the Dogster Dog Blog there was an article from the American Kennel Club which said that MY BREED, The German Shepherd Dog, has now moved from #3 in popularity to #2!!!

That's pretty exciting, and it makes me ready to do some very excellent spins and twirls and ZOOMIES about that!!!!

Congratulations to all my breed !!!!

(Zooming all around and doing spins and twirls!!!!)

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a BIG Valentine Present!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/651556</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:09:01 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/651556</guid>
		<description>I have a special Valentine.

His name is Tiberius, and we have been Valentines since LAST Valentin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have a special Valentine.

His name is Tiberius, and we have been Valentines since LAST Valentine's Day!

You can see My Valentine, Tiberius, if you look at my main picture.

Well, after the day I had today, finding out that the UPS Guy brought a HUGE BONE with my NAME on it and not one but FIVE Valentine heart cookies dipped in pink (I LOVE PINK!) was a most amazing surprise and certainly the best part of this whole day!

My special Valentine gifts were NOT from Mr. UPS Guy. They were from TIBERIUS!!!!

(And I thought being as close as I was to THE KITTY at the vet's office was going to be the BIG highlight of my day!)

Thank you SOOOOOO much, Tiberius, for making my day!
I LOVE my big bone and my heart cookies!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover That It Takes TIME to Get Beautiful!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/651550</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:54:59 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/651550</guid>
		<description>When I was a little puppy  (OK, not really little, but YOUNGER...), I really didn't need much to kee ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ When I was a little puppy  (OK, not really little, but YOUNGER...), I really didn't need much to keep me looking good.

A brush-brush here.
A brush-brush there.
DONE!

I was CUTE whether I was clean or dirty.
I MUST have smelled really good, too, because everyone wanted to pet me and even PICK ME UP!

(That hasn't happened in AGES!!! Well, it MIGHT have something to do with the fact that THEN I weighed about twenty-five pounds. I am pushing ONE HUNDRED pounds now. Only crazy people would be toting me around NOW!)

Well, now that I am a BIG GIRL and will be TWO in just THIRTY-THREE days, I am discovering that it takes a LOT more time to STAY looking GOOD.

First, you need BLOOD WORK done to see if you are healthy enough to get anesthesia so you can have your TEETH CLEANED so you will  have your TEETH sparkle.

All this takes a WHOLE DAY because it seems you need an X-ray and a vaccination, too.

It also takes PATIENCE, because you can't have any food or water while all this is  happening.

THEN you wake up from the anesthesia and open your eyes to see a KITTY in the cage RIGHT NEXT to you!!!

You have to be MOVED because you are upsetting said kitty with your BARKING and LUNGING to GET AT said kitty.

When you go home from the vet's office your Mommy says,"No Saphira! You are NOT to have any water until 7:00pm."

That's a long time without water, Mommy! I haven't had any ALL DAY!!!!

(While Mommy was filling Grandma Cheryl in with all my NEWS of the Day, I found water! Yep! You guessed it! And I could have had MORE if Mommy hadn't of rounded the corner and yelled, "Saphira! NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!")

Awww! Come ON, Mommy! It was SELF-SERVE!!!

Anyway, soon it will be 7:oopm, and I will be drinking my very own APPROVED nice cold water. Ahhhh! I can taste it already!

To complete my MAKEOVER, I go to my groomer, Veronica, tomorrow! There I will get my bath and my trim, and my toenails clipped and probably a brand new bandana!

Oh, MY!!! It sure DOES take A LOT of time to Get Beautiful!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Help Grandpa Celebrate!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/650775</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:23:37 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/650775</guid>
		<description>It was dinnertime for everyone!

I got MY food, too!

Of course I HAD to go see what everyone wa ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was dinnertime for everyone!

I got MY food, too!

Of course I HAD to go see what everyone was doing in the dining room. When I saw that everything was all set, I went to eat my dinner and let everyone eat their dinner.

There was talking and laughing and Mommy was giggling about an experience she had with one of her patients. Mommy giggles really good. I like to hear her. I went over to watch her tell her story. Funny Mommy!

Soon it was CUPCAKE TIME!!!

I like watching Uncle Jon light the candles. I have a really long nosie that can really get right in there and do some excellent sniffing.

I listened as everyone sang the same song they sang LAST WEEK to Great-Grandma Bonnie. I STILL haven't learned the words, so I hummed it again like I did last week.

I got some more SAMPLES. This time it was FROSTING. Mmmmmmm!

Then it was PRESENT TIME!

I really love watching the opening of gifts! It is a lot of fun to see all the things that I already have SMELLED!!!!

Grandpa got socks and some nice sweaters and some food and a gift card for iPod songs. He didn't get any squeeky toys.

Everyone talked for a very long time.
I took a little rest.

I heard some doggies barking, so I barked back at them. Mommy said, "Saphira! If you keep barking, you will be going in your crate!"

I stopped barking for a second UNTIL I realized that my crate was ALL the way at MY house.

"Silly Mommy! I can't go in my crate! It isn't HERE!!!"

(I gave a few barks after just so Mommy knew that I REALIZED that she had made a JOKE!!!!)

After Birthday Party Time Mommy and Daddy got all our things together and Grandma and Grandpa helped us head out to the cars.

I am SOOOOOOO happy that our family has so many BIRTHDAYS!!! I sure do love it when the whole family is all TOGETHER to celebrate!

Guess what????
Our NEXT family birthdays are Tristan, Grandma Linda, then MEEEEEEEEEEE!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I  Get Ready to Help Grandpa Celebrate His Birthday!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/650773</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:09:21 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/650773</guid>
		<description>Ooooooo! We got ANOTHER birthday to celebrate in our family!

This week it was Grandpa's Birthday! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Ooooooo! We got ANOTHER birthday to celebrate in our family!

This week it was Grandpa's Birthday!

Uncle Jon came to get me early in the day, and we went to the Birthday Place at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Grandpa was down in the family room, so I went right down to see him. He gave me nice ear rubs and back rubs and brisket rubs. Ahhhhhhh! Those felt GOOD!!!

Grandma was busy cooking and gave me SAMPLES. I LOVE samples!!!

Uncle Jon was in the shower, so I went upstairs to check on him. Tristan was upstairs, so I went to get some nice ear rubs from her.

I discovered that if I stayed in the upstairs hallway, I could watch everyone all at the same time. I like to be able to keep track of everyone!

Grandma and I went outside next and collected the sticks that were all over the backyard. I am a very good help collecting sticks. I crunch up the big branches so they are easier for Grandma to collect to put on the woodpile. While we were out there I watched some squirrels and barked at the neighbor's Beagle who does a LOT of howling when he sees me.

While I was outside I ran around in the snow that was still on the ground. I made some really nice pawprints and did some sniffing for moles and chipmunks, too.

We went inside to finish cooking. I had more samples to taste.

Then Grandma said, "Saphira! Let's practice your commands!" I did ALL of them and got cheese samples as rewards! I LOVE cheese! Grandma made me do "STAY!" a couple times while she went out of sight. I could hear her, so I went looking for her. She said, "Saphira! If you COME, that isn't a STAY!" I had to do it right before I got my cheese.

I played ball awhile and got more ear rubs, and soon DADDY came from school! I am always happy to see Daddy! We played ball awhile longer, and I knew dinner would be soon. I could smell it! Uncle Jon was cooking some CHICKEN to add to the stir fry! Mmmmmm!

In a little while more my MOMMY came! I was happy when Mommy came! Everyone was there! I LOVE that!

We were ALL READY for Grandpa's Birthday Time!

(Check out my next entry for the PARTY TIME!)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Happy That Lucky is Safe!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/650514</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 23 Jan 2010 07:01:54 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/650514</guid>
		<description>Today on the Dogster Dog Blog there are two GREAT videos that you just HAVE to see!

The Dog Blog  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today on the Dogster Dog Blog there are two GREAT videos that you just HAVE to see!

The Dog Blog entry is called "Amazing Videos of Incredible Dog Rescue."

In the videos, one of my breed is stranded in flooding waters in Los Angeles and is rescued by a very brave and determined firefighter!

Thank you, Mr. Firefighter!

Lucky sure WAS lucky that you were brave enough to TACKLE him and SAVE him even though he...uh...gave you a "little" bite because he was scared and frightened. You never gave up, and I thank you, Mr. Firefighter!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Completely SHOCKED!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/649554</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:58:59 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/649554</guid>
		<description>Read this article about two families whose doggies were switched at a kennel and returned to THE WRO ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Read this article about two families whose doggies were switched at a kennel and returned to THE WRONG FAMILIES!!!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010619055_dogmixup29m.html?syndication=rss

I am COMPLETELY SHOCKED that the Mommies and Daddies didn't REALIZE that they HAD THE WRONG DOGGIES!!!!

Sunny Lee and Zaidie brought this to my attention today, and they have made lists of TEN THINGS that would let their Mommies and Daddies know that they DEFINITELY did NOT have the REAL Sunny Lee or the REAL Zaidie.

I think that this is a very INTERESTING IDEA, so I am writing down MY LIST.

************************************************************************
You DO NOT have the REAL Saphira if:

1) The doggie IGNORED YOU when you came in the door and DID NOT run and get her ball/bone/toy in her mouth and make little crying sounds as she swam past you over and over again letting you know that YOU were the most LOVED beings she had ever met.

2) The doggie CHOSE to go and stay in another room--away from you.

3) The doggie REFUSED the cooked chicken breast you gave her.

4) Your house does NOT contain numerous "Saphira Tumbleweeds" of fur.

5) The doggie REFUSES to go outside in the snow.

6) In warm weather the doggie does NOT want to drink water, play in water, jump in water, play in the sprinkler and/or play with the squirty hose.

7) The doggie HATES belly rubs.

8) You throw a tennis ball up in the air or across the room and the doggie does NOT catch it/chase it.

9) The doggie does NOT bark when the doorbell rings.

10) The doggie DOES NOT treat the BABY GATE as her arch nemesis.


**************************************************************************
Well...There you have it!
That's my list.

How does a family NOT REALIZE they have the WRONG DOGGIE????
I just cannot BELIEVE that any human could NOT NOTICE they were taking home the WRONG DOGGIE!!!

Saphira...Dazed and Confused]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Help Grandma Celebrate Her NINETY-EIGHTH Birthday!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/649314</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:11:57 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/649314</guid>
		<description>Well, if you just read my last entry you KNOW how busy I was getting things ready for Great-Grandma  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well, if you just read my last entry you KNOW how busy I was getting things ready for Great-Grandma Bonnie's Birthday!

Once Mommy arrived we could REALLY get started on the Birthday CELEBRATION!

Mommy gave me MY dinner, and then I went to check out if anyone was going to drop any MEATBALLS for me to sample. No luck!

Dinner was lots of talking and munching and some laughing and moving around and more talking. Honestly, humans sure do use up a LOT of their time TALKING! I decided to find a nice place under the table to rest up for the entertaining I would be doing after dinner! (Also, as we all know, under the table is the PRIME SPOT for crumb retrieval and meatball fallout!)

Dinner was finally over, and it was CUPCAKE TIME! Grandma Cheryl had this Cupcake Tree full of cupcakes, and each one had a candle. She put it in the middle of the table and Uncle Jon lit all the candles. Next, everybody sang Happy Birthday to Great-Grandma Bonnie.

I was RIGHT THERE, of course, in the middle of everything! I don't know the words, so I HUMMED it.

Everybody ate cupcakes and drank coffee and TALKED and LAUGHED some more. Nobody dropped any cupcake crumbs.

One of my FAVORITE parts came next---the GIFTS!!!! Oh, how I LOVE to watch humans open GIFTS!!!

(I am VERY NOSY, so I always want to LITERALLY have my nose in everything.)  Great-Grandma Bonnie got some FOOD GIFTS as well as other things, so it was good I was right there sniffing away!

Soon it was ENTERTAINMENT TIME!!!

I warmed up by performing some EXCELLENT ZOOMIES in the family room. For those of you who are tiny and petite doggies reading this, MY ZOOMIES sound like I am ripping up the carpet with a CHAINSAW. Grandma said, "What am I HEARING??????????" Mommy said, "Oh, that's Saphira being CRAZY in the familyroom!"

INDEED!!!

Everyone came downstairs, and Grandpa was playing guitar. I was ENTERTAINING, too! Uncle Jon and I were playing tuggy with my squeeky bone. Uncle Jon put a new spin on the game by holding one end of my bone in his FEET! As all doggies know, FEET have that extra special something that make everything better! This was a VERY FUN tuggy game!

Mommy came downstairs and then Daddy, and then we ALL got into the tuggy game.

Great-Grandma Bonnie was having a very fun time WATCHING all this excellent Birthday entertainment!

Next, Mommy and I sat together and held hands/paws. Awwwwwww! Mommy and I do this a lot. We look into one another's eyes and say loving things with no words needed.

It was a LOVELY, LOVELY family Birthday Time!

Happy NINETY-EIGHTH  Birthday Great-Grandma Bonnie!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Time Getting Ready for Great-Grandma's Birthday!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/649304</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 17 Jan 2010 09:29:28 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/649304</guid>
		<description>I have a Great-Grandma who had a very special birthday! Great-Grandma Bonnie turned NINETY-EIGHT on  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have a Great-Grandma who had a very special birthday! Great-Grandma Bonnie turned NINETY-EIGHT on Friday!

Uncle Jon came to give me my lunch that day, and then he took me home with him! I got to spend the WHOLE DAY at his house! That was the PARTY PLACE, too, and there were some mighty good smells coming from that kitchen ALL DAY LONG!!!

I went to give Great-Grandma Bonnie some Birthday Kisses. Next it was onto giving Hello Kisses to Grandpa and Grandma. 

I was getting more and more FAMILY all in one place! I think I was doing a very nice job of HERDING them because more and more kept coming!!!

Uncle Jon's mom, Grandma Cheryl, was making MEATBALLS!! I watched her and was VERY patient. (OK...I lied on that one. I was NOT patient at all!) Ooooo! Those meatballs were smelling GOOOOOOOOOD!!!!! When Grandma got them all made and put into the cooking pan, Grandma gave me a nice Saphira Meatball that was special and just for ME! She also let me lick her meatball-scented hands. Mmmmmm!

Grandma ALWAYS shares with me.

Next, it was onto FROSTING THE CUPCAKES! I smelled them as soon as I came into the house. I watched Grandma frost the cupcakes. I got to sample TWO KINDS of frosting. Mmmmmmmm! I LOVE frosting!

Grandma made salad next, so I got some CARROTS. She ate some, and I ate some. I had a bunch of water and went downstairs to listen to Grandpa playing his guitar.

All of a sudden DADDY popped in the front door! I had been so busy chewing my bone and listening to Grandpa play his guitar that Daddy got to the front door without me even hearing his car pull into the driveway!

Well, I grabbed my bone and went to welcome Daddy to the PARTY PLACE. Daddy was happy to see me, and I was happy to see him, too!

Daddy talked with Great-Grandma Bonnie and Grandma and Grandpa and then went upstairs to see Uncle Jon. Of course I followed Daddy upstairs! We went to Uncle Jon's room, and I was invited to come up on his bed while he and Daddy played X-Box. (This is like a TV show, but you have to hold these things in your hand and yell a lot while you watch the show.)

In a while Grandma said, "Saphira! Look who is in the driveway!" I ran down the steps and went to the front door where Grandma was standing. 

MOMMY!!! Mommy was coming in the door! Oh, BOY!!! Now I had my whole family ALL IN ONE PLACE!!! I sure do love that!!! 

I told Mommy how BUSY I had been getting things ready for Great-Grandma Bonnie's Birthday!

(Keep reading in my Diary to hear about THE BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!!)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a Diary Pick of the Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/648929</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:46:11 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/648929</guid>
		<description>Yipeeeeee!

A Diary Pick of the Day!

Thank you, Dogster Choosers, for choosing ME!!!

Also, m ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yipeeeeee!

A Diary Pick of the Day!

Thank you, Dogster Choosers, for choosing ME!!!

Also, my little Pal, Petey, is a Pick of the Day today! Congratulations, Petey!

Today is a very special day!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover That Tomorrow (1-14-10) is &quot;National Dress Up Your Pet Day!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/648489</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:00:13 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/648489</guid>
		<description>I know that many of you LOVE getting all dressed up, so I wanted to remind you of this special day s ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I know that many of you LOVE getting all dressed up, so I wanted to remind you of this special day so you could plan your outfit of the day!

For those of you who HATE wearing clothes and coats and costumes...well, this is a reminder to make yourself scarce tomorrow or at least REALIZE ahead of time that you MAY have to endure a January Halloween of sorts to make your peoples happy tomorrow!

For me, I think my COLLAR will do quite nicely, thank you!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Find Something Beautiful to Share!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/648486</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:58:29 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/648486</guid>
		<description>A Dog's Prayer

When God made the earth and sky, 
The flowers and the trees, 
He then made all t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ A Dog's Prayer

When God made the earth and sky, 
The flowers and the trees, 
He then made all the animals 
And all the birds and bees, 
And when His work was finished 
Not one was quite the same. 
He said, "I'll walk this earth of mine 
And give each one a name." 
And so He traveled land and sea 
And everywhere He went 
A little creature followed Him 
Until its strength was spent. 
When all were named upon the earth 
And in the sky and sea, 
The little creature said," Dear Lord, 
There is not one left for me." 
The Father smiled and softly said 
"I've left you to the end. 
I've turned my own name back to front 
And call you dog, my friend."]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Snow Adventure!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/648176</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:38:40 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/648176</guid>
		<description>Today Grandma AND Grandpa came over to see me and give me my lunch and take me outside in the beauti ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Grandma AND Grandpa came over to see me and give me my lunch and take me outside in the beautiful snow!

I was VERY excited to see Grandma and Grandpa, and after I ate my CHICKEN, Grandma said, "Saphira! Let's go for a nice walk in the SNOW!"

Well, I was READY-READY right away! 

We headed outside into the BIG SNOW! Ahhhhh! I LOVE being in snow!

I jumped all around in our front yard, did my business (you know what THAT means, right?), and then we headed off to see one of the biggest piles of snow I have ever seen! I dug awhile in the big pile of snow, and I sniffed a lot, too. I put my whole head into the snow! Ahhhhhhh! That felt really GOOD!

Next, Grandma said, "Saphira! Let's go to the Park!" Grandpa was taking pictures and getting cold, but he kept up with us as we crossed the street to the Park.

Ooooo! There were some very lovely snow drifts in the field! I KNEW Grandma would take us across the field and stay off the road. Grandma enjoys walking in BIG SNOW as much as I do!

There had been some other doggies there that day. I could smell them. (I was checking my Pmail!! Hee! Hee!)

I was so excited about the snow that I started spinning all around! Then I ran around and around Grandma as ahe was holding my leash. All of a sudden Grandma said, "Whoa, Saphira! I am getting DIZZY!!!"

Then I decided that I wanted to play SLED DOG! I pulled Grandma across the field! Grandma had a hard time keeping up with me. I think it must be A LOT harder to run with just TWO FEET. Grandma was laughing, though, so she was STILL having a good time.

I could have stayed out there for HOURS, but Grandpa's paws...uh...I mean hands were getting cold without gloves on. He said that we should head back home.

Grandma and I crossed the big field and met him at the house. He was in the car with the heater on getting warm.

Grandpa...You really should get a nice FUR COAT. You would be nice and warm out in the snow if you had one.

We went back home and Grandma tried to put my paws in nice warm water to get all the iceballs off.  It felt strange, so she just rubbed my paws, and the ice balls fell off.

Grandma and Grandpa had to leave, but before they left I got nice head rubs and belly rubs AND a special cookie from the treat jar!

I LOVED my Snow Adventure!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Add TWO Items to My DANGEROUS LIST!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/647741</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 9 Jan 2010 10:09:23 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/647741</guid>
		<description>For quite some time now I have been adding things to my Dangerous List. My Dangerous List is a list  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ For quite some time now I have been adding things to my Dangerous List. My Dangerous List is a list of all things that are to be SCRUTINIZED VERY CLOSELY because they are potentially VERY DANGEROUS.

Some items on my list have now been downgraded to my WATCH LIST. These USED to be on my Dangerous List but have proved to not be as dangerous as once thought.

Those things that are now on my WATCH LIST but removed from my DANGEROUS LIST are:
1) blowing plastic bags
2) Downed branches with leaves on them
3) Bruce, our neighbor
4) The Moving Bridge at Lake Shore Reservation


My Updated DANGEROUS LIST now includes:
1) People with hoods, strange-looking hats
2) BABY GATES
3) Little gray-haired old ladies
4) Off-leash dogs that come running and barking at us
5) Tunnels at the Dog Park
6) Snow-covered storm drains
7) That "bridge" at the Great Smoking Mountains


Do YOU have a WATCH LIST?
Do YOU have a DANGEROUS LIST?

I would be VERY interested to know!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get ANOTHER Snow Day With Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/647502</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 8 Jan 2010 07:27:19 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/647502</guid>
		<description>Oh, BOY!!!

I sure do like these SNOW DAYS that Daddy is getting!

I hear the snow that we are g ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh, BOY!!!

I sure do like these SNOW DAYS that Daddy is getting!

I hear the snow that we are getting is LAKE EFFECT snow, and it is from cold winds blowing from Canada. The cold winds blow over my warmer Lake Erie, and POOF!!!! Together they make SNOW!!!!!

Thank you Canada!

Thank you Lake Erie!

First, Daddy and I are being LAZY because that's what you are SUPPOSED to do when you have a SNOW DAY. Later, we will probably go for a nice run and go play ball in the snow.

Everything is white and pretty here!
I sure do love SNOW!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have an &quot;OOPSIE&quot; on my Birthday List!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/646985</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 5 Jan 2010 16:33:18 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/646985</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

When adding some NEW names, I LOST some of my months on my newest list!  I don't kno ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

When adding some NEW names, I LOST some of my months on my newest list!  I don't know how that happened!

I am using a PREVIOUS list to add as many doggies as I can! If you were ON my list and aren't there anymore, please send me your name and Dogster ID# AGAIN!

So sorry that this got messed up! It WAS working so nicely...

Love,
Saphira



SAPHIRA'S OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY LIST


January-
Sometime in January- Brownie Maeve (#1009912) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1009912>Brownie Maeve</a>
15- Rocky (#597661) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/597661>Rocky</a>
28- Casper, Cosmo, and Cobi (#743188) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/743188>Casper, Cosmo, and Cobi</a>
28- Sandy (#588817) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/588817>Sandy</a>
30- Teddy CGC (#776965) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/776965>Teddy CGC</a>


February-
Sometime in February- Joey (#865713) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865713>Joey</a>
1- Izzy (#345061) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/345061>Izzy</a>
11- Barkley (#370951) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/370951>Barkley</a>
13- Sammy (#877130) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/877130>Sammy</a>
18- Mz.Kitty (#914976) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/com/dogs/914976>Mz.Kitty</a>
22- Sunny Lee (#794702) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/794702>Sunny Lee</a>
23- Troy (#1002568) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1002568>Troy</a>



March-
2- Luther (#779261) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/779261>Luther</a>
2- Saphira (#815298) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298>Saphira</a>
5- Jesse (#241421) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/241421>Jesse</a>
6- Bob (#206901) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/206901>Bob</a> 
6- Champ (#786196) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/786196>Champ</a>
7- Angel (#811538) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/811538>Angel</a>
11- Jackson (#338237) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/338237>Jackson</a>
13-Pita (#297221)<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/297221>Pita</a>
14- Coco (#788183) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/788183>Coco</a>
15- Quincy (#625950) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/625950>Quincy</a>
16- Sargeant (#39298) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/39298>Sargeant</a>
23- Annie (#882766) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/882766>Annie</a>



April-
9- Lexie (#907916) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/907916>Lexie</a>
9- Rascal (#588824) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/588824>Rascal</a>
9- Ando (#1050360) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1050360>Ando</a>
10- Louie (#799725) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/799725>Louie</a>
15- Sam (#234279) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/234279>Sam</a>
15- Gypsy (#826305) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/826305>Gypsy</a>
16- Sugar (#787732) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/787732>Sugar</a>
21- Rosie (#905666) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/905666>Rosie</a>
24- Petey (#1000491) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1000491>Petey</a>


May-
2- Holly (#796416) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/796416>Holly</a>
5- Gizmo (#212204) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/212204>Gizmo</a>
6- Riley (#867193) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/867193>Riley</a>
17- Halo Kitty (#548373) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/548373>Halo Kitty</a>
17- Biscotte (#563772) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/563772>Biscotte</a>
18- Dylan (#800844) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/800844>Dylan</a>
23-Stryker (#804369) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/804369>Stryker</a>
20- Shadow Bear (#1015063) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1015063>Shadow Bear</a>
26- Hearth (#532592) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/532592>Hearth</a>
28- Gracie (#493364) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/493364>Gracie</a>


June-
4- LeRoi (#865709) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865709>LeRoi</a>
5- Harley Davidson (#862008) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/862008>Harley Davidson</a>
8- Tinkerbell Forever (#548196) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/548196>Tinkerbell Forever</a>
9- Spook Show (#360252) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/360252>Spook Show</a>
10- Magnuson (#639013) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/639013>Magnuson</a>
13- Kiara (#302730) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/302730>Kiara</a>
16- Cookie (#867178) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/867178>Cookie</a>
17- Bella (#719249) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/719249>Bella</a>
17- Maya (#641106) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/641106>Maya</a>
19- Bullet (#865633) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865633>Bullet</a>
23- Ted E. Bear (#1015066) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1015066>Ted E. Bear</a>
28- Tiberius (#800845) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/800845>Tiberius</a>


July-
5- Angel Whiskey (#588827) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/588827>Angel Whiskey</a>
10- Wolfgang (#767265) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/767265>Wolfgang</a>
13- Tippy (#891469) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/891469>Tippy</a>
13- Priscilla (#573774) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/573774>Priscilla</a>
14- Capone (#886448)  <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/886448>Capone</a>



August-
4- Emma (#658660) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/658660>Emma</a>
15- Maxwell (#413363) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/413363>Maxwell</a>
18- Scout (#903991) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/903991>Scout</a>
20- Jia (#960106) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/960106>Jia</a>
30- Pippin (#632167) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/632167>Pippin</a>



September-
5- Star (#79736) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/79736>Star</a>
6- Sophie Claire (#861846) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/861846>Sophie Claire</a>
7- Tika (#625151) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/625151>Tika</a>
10- Laurie (#865710) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865710>Laurie</a>
14- Kaine (#519773) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/519773>Kaine</a>
27- Maggie (#81934) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/81934>Maggie</a>



October-
2- Bean (#924823) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/924823>Bean</a>
4- Hudson (#999963) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/999963>Hudson</a>
15- Nicki (#891476)  <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/891476>Nicki</a>
18- Manny (#370940) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/370940>Manny</a>
27- Mimi (#242833) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/242833>Mimi</a>
28- Brandy (#865712) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865712>Brandy</a>
28- Louise (#1009929) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1009929>Louise</a>
29- Bella (#234315) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/234315>Bella</a>
31- Ginger (#1009917)  <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1009917>Ginger</a>



November-
1- Pongo (#345051) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/345051>Pongo</a>
10- Buster (#787740) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/787740>Buster</a>
15- Sheba (#641404) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/641404>Sheba</a>
18- Princess Xena (#252265) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/252265>Princess Xena</a>
19- Ava (#822509) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/822509>Ava</a>
22-Zaidie (#930039) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/930039>Zaidie</a>
30- Mozart (#493145) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/493145>Mozart</a>


December-
1- Moxy (#767817) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/767817>Moxy</a> 
6- Duke (# 983191) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/983191>Duke</a>
11- Amy (#715968) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/715968>Amy</a>
12- Teddy Sue and Link (#463287) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/463287>Teddy Sue and Link</a>
16- Jade (#243281) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/243281>Jade</a>
24- Jessie (#703378) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/703378>Jessie</a>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear that Tessa is the 2009 &quot;Cat of the Year!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/646984</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 5 Jan 2010 16:18:58 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/646984</guid>
		<description>Yipppeeeeeee!

Tessa WON!

Tessa received NINETY-EIGHT votes to become the WINNER of the &quot;Cat of ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yipppeeeeeee!

Tessa WON!

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/369923>Tessa</a> received NINETY-EIGHT votes to become the WINNER of the "Cat of the Year" Contest!

Thank you all who voted for her to put her OVER THE TOP!!!

BIG congratulations to you, Tessa!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a SNOW DAY!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/646756</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 4 Jan 2010 12:48:08 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/646756</guid>
		<description>Daddy's school was CLOSED today because of all the SNOW!

Daddy had a SNOW DAY!

People think on ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy's school was CLOSED today because of all the SNOW!

Daddy had a SNOW DAY!

People think only STUDENTS like SNOW DAYS, but teachers like them, too! They are like a special GIFT that you get from the weather!

I like them because then I have my Daddy with me!

Mommy NEVER gets a SNOW DAY because she works at a hospital. Hospitals NEVER have SNOW DAYS.

I think EVERYBODY should have SNOW DAYS.

(Well, now I KNOW that not everyone GETS snow, so maybe you guys who don't get snow could have RAIN DAYS or TOO MUCH SUN Days or something like that.)

Anyway, I am very glad that Daddy got his SNOW DAY today.
I'm happy about MY SNOW DAY, too!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go Shopping With Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/646755</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 4 Jan 2010 12:42:11 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/646755</guid>
		<description>Daddy took me with him when he went shopping! I LOVE car rides no matter WHERE we go!

I get the W ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy took me with him when he went shopping! I LOVE car rides no matter WHERE we go!

I get the WHOLE BACK SEAT, so I have a very nice comfy place to ride, and I have two side windows and a nice back window to look out at we are riding.

My car harness is real comfy, too. I like wearing it.

I do a really good job of protecting the car while Daddy runs into the store. I take my job VERY SERIOUSLY!

Daddy is a very fast shopper! Before I know it, he's back, and we are on our way for another car ride.

Very fun!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Friend Who is In a Contest!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/646449</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 2 Jan 2010 20:41:20 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/646449</guid>
		<description>My Catster kitty friend, Tessa, is in a contest for CAT OF THE YEAR!

Tessa is a REALLY sweet and  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My Catster kitty friend, Tessa, is in a contest for CAT OF THE YEAR!

Tessa is a REALLY sweet and very BEAUTIFUL kitty! You can see her and vote for her if you copy this URL and paste it in your browser. She is Kitty #17.


http://www.acepolls.com/polls/1074416-please-vote-for-our-new-cat-of-the-year



You don't have to sign up or log in or any strange things in order to vote. You just VOTE!!!!

Thank you, Everyone!

Update: Tessa is IN THE LEAD with 78 votes! Way to go, Tessa!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Wish Everyone a Very Happy New Year!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/645956</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:53:32 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/645956</guid>
		<description>When it is bedtime tonight something amazing will happen! We will go to sleep and have nice dreams o ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ When it is bedtime tonight something amazing will happen! We will go to sleep and have nice dreams of chicken and playing ball and snow and head rubs just like always, but something ELSE is going to happen while we are sleeping!

WHEN WE WAKE UP in the morning,  there will be a whole NEW YEAR that will be there at our house!

I do not know what happens to our OLD year.
I do not know where our NEW year comes from.
I DO know that it will be there, though, and I wanted to tell you about it so you would know!

Will it LOOK like the old year?
Will it SMELL like the old year?

I don't know!

I LOVE adventures, so I think the NEW YEAR will be lots of fun and FULL of new adventures!

I wish you a very happy NEW YEAR with lots of treats and ear rubs and plenty of CHICKEN and SALMON (my new favorite), too!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am the &quot;Kit Kat Club DOG OF THE DAY&quot; Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/645132</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:25:52 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/645132</guid>
		<description>Oh, BOY!

I just heard from Duke that I am the &quot;Kit Kat Club DOG OF THE DAY&quot; today!

I get a big ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh, BOY!

I just heard from Duke that I am the "Kit Kat Club DOG OF THE DAY" today!

I get a big TROPHY on my page, too!

Thanks, everyone for choosing ME!!!!

(Spinning and Twirling and Jumping all around!!!!!)

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a GREAT IDEA From Ruby Dust!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/645028</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 27 Dec 2009 12:27:51 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/645028</guid>
		<description>There are LOTS of pictures that I want to put on my page but only room for 100 of them. That is such ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ There are LOTS of pictures that I want to put on my page but only room for 100 of them. That is such a little amount!

Ruby Dust suggested that I go to Slide.com and make SLIDESHOWS for my page. That way I can add LOTS MORE pictures to my page!

I took Ruby's advice!

Go look!

I added THREE NEW SLIDESHOWS to my page!!!

Thanks, Ruby, for the GREAT IDEA!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Most Wonderful Christmas!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/644936</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 26 Dec 2009 21:04:17 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/644936</guid>
		<description>Oh, BOY!

Mommy and Daddy with me.
Headed to Grandma and Grandpa's for the day.
Everyone all tog ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh, BOY!

Mommy and Daddy with me.
Headed to Grandma and Grandpa's for the day.
Everyone all together.
LOTS of presents to see and hear and TASTE!
My family giving me belly rubs, brisket rubs, and ear rubs.
Getting my very first BIG GIRL FOOD!
Some snow still on the ground for most of Christmas.
Cuddling on the couch.
Toys and treats and a new Christmas Collar.
Playing ball and eating ice cubes.
A nice nap after filling up my tummy.
Giving LOTS and LOTS of Saphira Kisses.

I sure do love Christmas!
Mine was a MOST WONDERFUL one!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, too!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Just Got Tagged by Riley!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/643839</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:59:06 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/643839</guid>
		<description>My pal Riley tagged me for this super fun Christmas edition.

1. What do you like to get in your C ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My pal Riley tagged me for this super fun Christmas edition.

1. What do you like to get in your Christmas stocking?
Tennis balls, anything CHICKEN,  and squeeky things are my favorites!

 2. Have you seen Santa Paws this year?
I heard someone on the roof I think.

3. Do you like snow, and have you been in it?
Oh! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE snow! We live in the Snow Belt in northern Ohio, so our Lake Erie and the nice winds from Canada MAKE our nice snow!I eat it, run in it, jump in it, and scoop it with my nose. Very fun!

4. What do you want for Christmas? 
I want my whole family to STAY PUT in one room so Ican be in the middle and just go from one to the other getting head rubs and belly rubs and ear rubs and brisket rubs. Then I want to run outside in the snow ans play ball, too. After that I would like a BIG BOWL of CHICKEN! Mmmmmm!

5. Have you ever posed in a picture with Santa Paws?
I have! It was last Christmas.

Iâ€™m going to tag three other pals:

Tinker Bell Forever
Buster
Zaidie]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Not Too Sure About These TUNNELS!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/643630</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:43:22 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/643630</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy and I went to the Dog Park, and it was WONDERFUL because we were all together AND th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy and I went to the Dog Park, and it was WONDERFUL because we were all together AND there was SNOW!

I was running all around chasing balls and having a grand time like I always do. It is one of my very most favorite places there at the Dog Park.

Now there are also some strange things there. They are big and black and are called "TUNNELS."

For some reason, Mommy and Daddy are as interested as Grandma is in the two TUNNELS they have there. They keep throwing balls in them and want me to go get the balls.

Now, I ask you, "Why would I ever WANT to go in a tunnel to get a ball that someone purposely THREW in there? Why would they ever THROW a ball IN THERE in the first place?"

There's a WHOLE Dog Park space of nice places to throw the ball where I can run fast and go get them and  bring them back and play some more.

Throwing a ball in the tunnel is NOT a good idea.

Why would I ever CHOOSE to go inside a dark, black TUNNEL when there is all this wonderful running space OUTSIDE the tunnel?

Also, because there are these RIDGES in the tunnel, my tennis balls GET STUCK in there!

(Sometimes my tennis balls get stuck under our couch at our house. That is NOT a fun thing either. The couch TAKES my tennis balls, and then I can't get to them! That is NOT fun.)

Mommy and Daddy and even Grandma sound like it must be VERY FUN to go in the tunnel and get the tennis balls.

I think that since they are so happy and excited about getting the tennis balls that THEY throw in there, that maybe THEY should go get them!

Well, after a lot of encouragement I was CONSIDERING going into the tunnel. I haven't put it on my Dangerous List yet, but you never know about tunnels. They just MIGHT be dangerous. They certainly are NOT any place I want to go. I waited for Mommy and Daddy to come to their senses.

All of a sudden Daddy LIFTS the whole tunnel up! He's strong like that. The balls roll out. Ahhhh! THERE are my lovely tennis balls! They are FREE from that old black tunnel thing! Now we can get on with our fun time! 

***********************************************

Maybe ONE DAY I will decide to just GO IN THE TUNNEL. 
Maybe ONE DAY I will decide that it is a fun game to GO IN THE TUNNEL.
Maybe ONE DAY I will go chase balls THROUGH the TUNNEL.

THIS was NOT that day!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have THREE Winners!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/641823</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 13 Dec 2009 07:42:18 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/641823</guid>
		<description>Oh BOY!!!

THREE of my Pals are WINNERS in my latest &quot;Noun Hound&quot; Game!

The answer to my game w ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh BOY!!!

THREE of my Pals are WINNERS in my latest "Noun Hound" Game!

The answer to my game was the AZAWAKH!

The THREE winners who guessed correctly are:

*Riley
*Little J.
*Priscilla

Congratulations! Now all three of you as winners get to make up your OWN version   of "Noun Hound!"

Thanks for playing!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Surprise Grandma at the Dog Park Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/641545</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:04:50 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/641545</guid>
		<description>Grandma and I headed to the Dog Park to play in the snow this afternoon! It's SO fun there because I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma and I headed to the Dog Park to play in the snow this afternoon! It's SO fun there because I can be OFF-LEASH the whole time, and it is all fenced-in so nobody has any worries about cars or other dangers.

It was just 16 degrees, but Grandma was all bundled up, and I wore all my heavy Saphira fur. 

Grandma brought my Chuck-It so she can throw balls WAAAAAY out there. I LOVE to run after the far ones!

Well, Grandma tossed one of the balls toward the fence that was straight ahead of me. I ran AROUND this section of the yard to get the ball rather than running straight THROUGH the section of the yard to get the ball. 

Next Grandma tossed another ball toward the far back of the Dog Park. Once again I went AROUND a section of the yard to get the ball.

A bit later, Grandma through a ball near the front of the Dog Park. As with the other two sections, I went AROUND it to get the ball.

All of a sudden Grandma began to piece together what I was doing.

I had remembered from the other day at the Dog Park that there was a HUGE PUDDLE in the back, a medium-sized puddle on the side, and a smaller puddle closer to the front of the Dog Park.

I was AVOIDING these NOW-FROZEN sections!

Grandma is not sure whether I just REMEMBERED where the puddles were from the other day when we were there OR if I somehow felt a difference with my paws as soon as I got close to the frozen sections. Maybe it was a little of BOTH.

Grandma! I'm a DOGGIE! It's WHAT WE DO!!!!

Grandma said that if SHE was chasing after the balls she probably would have just gone straight across and ended up falling through the ice into the puddles.

See? That's exactly why humans NEED doggies!

I guess that's why humans are the THROWERS and not the CHASERS!

We sure did have a fun time today at the Dog Park, and I enjoyed surprising Grandma!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Letter for You, Santa!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/641413</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:01:44 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/641413</guid>
		<description>Dear Santa,

I have been a very good girl this year. (Well, I DID bark at a bunch of squirrels, an ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Dear Santa,

I have been a very good girl this year. (Well, I DID bark at a bunch of squirrels, and a few gray-haired old ladies and I DID chew the wall a couple times...OK...MORE than just a couple!)

I have TRIED to be a very good girl this year.

I would be VERY HAPPY if you would bring me LOTS and LOTS of chicken. It is my very favorite thing to eat, and I really LOVE it.

Could you also make sure that every doggie gets lots of food?...Oh, and will you please find good homes  for all the doggies that don't have homes yet? That would be really, really nice!

Thank you, Santa!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a NEW &quot;Noun Hound&quot; Game!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/641108</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 9 Dec 2009 08:29:57 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/641108</guid>
		<description>I was a winner in Louise's &quot;Noun Hound&quot; Game, so I get to make another game of my own!

Here are t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was a winner in Louise's "Noun Hound" Game, so I get to make another game of my own!

Here are the clues to my NEW game:



1) My breed originated in West Africa.

2) I have high energy and tremendous endurance. I can happily run in  temperatures over 100 degrees because heat doesn't faze me!

3) My breed DNA shows that I am related to jackals, Italian Wolves, and foxes.

4) I am used as a guard dog and also as a hunter of gazelle and hare because I can run at speeds up to 40 mph.



OK...Those are the four clues for you!
Do some thinking and some research, and send me a PawMail if you think you know what breed I am.

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have FOUR WINNERS !</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/641094</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 9 Dec 2009 07:40:27 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/641094</guid>
		<description>The answer to my &quot;Noun Hound&quot; Game is:

Xoloitzcuintli!!!!!!

(Pronounced /Sholo-eets-QUINT-lee/ ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ The answer to my "Noun Hound" Game is:

Xoloitzcuintli!!!!!!

(Pronounced /Sholo-eets-QUINT-lee/)

This breed is also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog.

Congratulations goes to:

*Austin
*Louise
*Ruby Dust
*Ulli

Thanks for playing my game!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Watch The Snow Show!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/640425</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 6 Dec 2009 08:37:36 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/640425</guid>
		<description>I heard Mommy say to Daddy, &quot;Where's Saphira?&quot;

This was VERY unusual because I am almost ALWAYS r ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I heard Mommy say to Daddy, "Where's Saphira?"

This was VERY unusual because I am almost ALWAYS right beside Mommy and Daddy. They NEVER have to ask that question!

Well, on THIS NIGHT I was upstairs in the little bedroom on the futon, watching THE SNOW SHOW! Oh! How BEAUTIFUL the snow looked as it was falling down from the sky!

This is the place that I go to watch CSI and Hannah Montana. Our neighbors across the street have this HUGE TV, and I can see it really well from the little bedroom.

On THIS Night, though, it was THE SNOW SHOW that caught MY eye!

I have been waiting and waiting for my snow to come. Here in Ohio we should have had LOTS of snow by now. On this night it finally came, and I didn't want to miss ANY of it!

I'm SOOOOOO happy you are here, My Beautiful SNOW!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Make My Own &quot;Noun Hound&quot; Game!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/640250</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 5 Dec 2009 10:31:39 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/640250</guid>
		<description>I guessed correctly on Duke's latest &quot;Noun Hound&quot; game, so now I get to make my own game!

Get rea ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I guessed correctly on Duke's latest "Noun Hound" game, so now I get to make my own game!

Get ready to PLAY!

Here goes!

The Clues:

1) I am native to Mexico.Central and South America, and also the Carribbean.

2) I would NOT agree with Saphira that snow is LOVELY and FUN!

3) My REAL breed name is hard for most humans to say, so they call me "SHOLO" for short.

4) My breed was one of the very first breeds recorded by the American Kennel Club.



There you have it!
Four clues for you!

Now get thinking and researching and send me a PawMail if you think you have figured out the breed of my "Noun Hound" Game dog.

Winners will receive a rosette!

Have fun!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Fun at the Dog Park!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/640147</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 4 Dec 2009 19:41:55 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/640147</guid>
		<description>It was a perfectly BEAUTIFUL day today! Yes, it WAS pretty cold here (about 30 degrees), but cold do ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was a perfectly BEAUTIFUL day today! Yes, it WAS pretty cold here (about 30 degrees), but cold doesn't bother me one bit! I have very excellent fur to keep me warm!

The  sky was BLUE-BLUE, and it was sunny, too. (Hey! That RHYMED!!!)

Grandma and I headed out the door and into her Jeep for a nice ride.

I wasn't sure where we were headed. I LOVE car rides, so going ANYWHERE is a fun time for me! The car stopped and turned into a place, and I sat up to look.  OH BOY!!! I could see that we were at the DOG PARK! I was whining with JOY!!! (I am a VERY GOOD whiner!!!)

I could hardly contain myself! Grandma had to get my water out and also my Chuck-It, and she stuffed my tennis balls in the front pocket of her sweatshirt. She had to lock the car, too. I had to behave myself and be patient while she did all these things. That wasn't easy because I was SO EXCITED!

It is MUCH easier to be a DOGGIE! You just jump out of the car, and you are good to go!

Well, we headed to the entrance and I got to be OFF-LEASH right away! We played catch the ball for awhile until I got all warmed up, and then Grandma loaded up my Chuck-It , and launched ball after ball across the Dog Park. I ran and ran and chased after all those balls. 

VERY, VERY FUN!!!

It was time for some water and a nice break. I drank my water and got a nice ear rub from Grandma. Ahhhhhh!
 
Then Grandma did an interesting thing. She walked over to this big tunnel thing that they have at the Dog Park. She put one of my tennis balls in the entrance of the tunnel. I got it right away. Then she put another tennis ball a little bit further into the tunnel. I L-E-A-N-E-D into the tunnel and got my ball. 

I was plenty rested and ready to go chase balls again, so that's just what we did. I caught just about every one of the balls that Grandma threw into the air, and Grandma clapped and told me what a good catcher I was. I LOVE to hear nice things about my catching!

I chased a whole bunch of balls that Grandma threw, and then Grandma went to wipe a couple of the balls off that had gotten so muddy that we could hardly FIND THEM in the grass!

While Grandma was wiping off the tennis balls, I decided to play the Tunnel Game myself.  I went over to the tunnel and dropped the ball that was in my mouth INTO THE TUNNEL. Grandma saw me do this and clapped for me! She said, "Saphira! You are SUCH a smart girl!"

I think I want to learn MORE about this Tunnel Game! 

We played some more, and then it was time to leave. I was tired, and Grandma was cold. It was a fun day at the Dog Park!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Think Something STRANGE Visited My Page!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/639797</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 3 Dec 2009 08:39:39 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/639797</guid>
		<description>My Birthday Gifts are GONE and so are my Christmas Presents from all my friends!

Uh-oh!

If you ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My Birthday Gifts are GONE and so are my Christmas Presents from all my friends!

Uh-oh!

If you gave me a nice giftie, I am really sorry that it seems to have DISAPPEARED!!!

Gonna have to do some BIG INVESTIGATING today to see if I can find out what happened!

Also, it MUST be someone from some strange land (maybe BAD BOY ELVES!!!) because the number of gifts that it registers on my Birthday Page is "NAN!" Now, I am not a very good reader just yet, but I KNOW that "NAN" is NOT a number!

If you would like to join my OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION into this matter, just let me know!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a &quot;Christmas Gifter&quot; on My Page!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/639553</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 2 Dec 2009 07:41:01 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/639553</guid>
		<description>Hey, Everyone!

I found a way to give gifts when you are a doggie and have ZERO MONEY and not even ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hey, Everyone!

I found a way to give gifts when you are a doggie and have ZERO MONEY and not even a wallet to PUT money in even if you DID have some!

You can get gifts from all your friends, and they can give them for ZERO money, too!

It is called the Christmas Gifter, and you can get it for YOUR page, too!

Just go to my page and click on the Pyzam at the lower right of my Christmas Gifter! You fill out some Login stuff like your e-mail and choose a Password, but it is all FREE, and then you can have a Christmas Gifter for YOUR page, too!

You are given the code which you paste on your page. To do this first go to MY ACCOUNT and from there click on PET PAGE. From there click on FUN STUFF. The height that they ask for has a space to fill in, and 400 fits perfectly on my page. It will probably fit good on your page, too.

Hurry!

There are only 23 more days until Christmas!!!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Surprise!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/639527</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 2 Dec 2009 06:14:30 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/639527</guid>
		<description>Today I am a Dogster Diary &quot;Pick of the Day!&quot;

That is SO, SO exciting!

Thank you, Dogster Diar ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today I am a Dogster Diary "Pick of the Day!"

That is SO, SO exciting!

Thank you, Dogster Diary Pickers for choosing ME!!!


Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear That Chloe Has Her FOREVER HOME!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/638593</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 28 Nov 2009 07:20:16 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/638593</guid>
		<description>Oh, BOY!!!

Great news!

Chloe was just adopted and is in her FOREVER HOME!!!

Stop by, everyo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh, BOY!!!

Great news!

Chloe was just adopted and is in her FOREVER HOME!!!

Stop by, everyone, and say, "Woof!" to <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/979496>Chloe</a>!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Triple CHICKEN and Snagged Some Turkey, Too!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/638450</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:54:11 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/638450</guid>
		<description>Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and I sure was THANKING my family who were GIVING!

Mommy and Daddy an ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and I sure was THANKING my family who were GIVING!

Mommy and Daddy and I had a very fun run in the morning and then I got my CHICKEN for lunch. Then while I rested a bit at our house, Mommy and Daddy went to Grandma Linda and Grandpa Lynn's for Thanksgiving Dinner Part One. (I stayed at home to rest and to help Grandma's kitties have a happy Thanksgiving. You KNOW what I mean!)

Then it was time for Thanksgiving Dinner Part Two. Mommy and Daddy came to get me, and we all went to Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Rich's house.

Ooooooo! I smelled that turkey. I DID! I was very happy to see everyone, AND I got MORE CHICKEN  today for my dinner today because it was Thanksgiving Day! Yippeeeeee! That's a TRIPLE CHICKEN Day for me!

Grandma was cutting the turkey, and some of it slipped right off the counter and onto the floor. I snagged that turkey. I DID! Mmmmm!

I LOVE these Extra Chicken Days!

I LOVE when Grandma drops turkey onto the floor! (Was that on  PURPOSE just for ME, Grandma???!!!)

I LOVE being with all my family!

I hope everyone got lots of yummy things for the tummy like I did!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear Some Exciting News!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/638129</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:54:08 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/638129</guid>
		<description>My Pal,  Jesse,will be on TV tomorrow!

His commercial will be shown TWICE during the National Dog ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My Pal, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/241421> Jesse</a>,will be on TV tomorrow!

His commercial will be shown TWICE during the National Dog Show on NBC which follows the Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Yea, Jesse!

We'll be WATCHING!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Make My Thankful List!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/637246</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:38:30 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/637246</guid>
		<description>Last Thanksgiving I was just eight months old and was just beginning to learn about Thanksgiving. I  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Last Thanksgiving I was just eight months old and was just beginning to learn about Thanksgiving. I know a lot more now, and I am all ready to make my Thankful List.

I sure have a LOT to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

Here's my list!

I am thankful for:

1) My family
2) My tennis balls
3) My CHICKEN that I get EVERY DAY!
4) Nice sticks
5) Squirrels
6) My strong and healthy body
7) My BIG GIRL teeth
8) Water, ice cubes, and SNOW
9) Trails in the forest
10) Belly rubs, ear rubs, and brisket rubs
11) Running OFF-LEASH sometimes in the forest
12) Treats
13) Car rides
14) New adventures
15) Dogster and all my Pup Pals
16) The Dog Park  

I will probably think of a lot more things, but for now, that's my list!

Hey Everyone!
How 'bout you guys make YOUR lists, too!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have SEVEN Pup Pals in the Finals!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/636774</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:28:39 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/636774</guid>
		<description>OMD!!!

Just checked this morning, and I have SEVEN of my Pup Pals that made the finals in the 200 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ OMD!!!

Just checked this morning, and I have SEVEN of my Pup Pals that made the finals in the 2009 Coolest Dog and Cat Contest here on Dogster!

They are:

Jesse

Scout

Mimi, Scout and Jade (Girl Power)

Zaidie

Ella

Murphy

CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!!!!


Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have GREAT NEWS from Gypsy Belle!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/635525</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:25:37 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/635525</guid>
		<description>Gypsy Belle is doing GREAT! Read what she has to say today!

Today I was ready to run and jump and ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Gypsy Belle is doing GREAT! Read what she has to say today!

Today I was ready to run and jump and play, just like the young dog I am. Iâ€™m recovering very quickly. Mom says thank goodness for sedatives! Sheâ€™s afraid that Iâ€™ll do too much too soon and hurt myself since my back surgery last Saturday. Iâ€™m still wearing my cone collar at night so I donâ€™t get too creative and pull out my staples from boredom. I got a stuffed kong to help me pass the time and soothing music to help me relax. Itâ€™s not too bad staying confined, but I would much rather be outdoors playing hard with my fellow dog buddies at the park. Hello to all my Dogster pals and thank for your encouragement!

Healthy wags,
Gypsy Belle]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a &quot;Diary Pick of the Day&quot; and so is Ella!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/635524</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:07:22 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/635524</guid>
		<description>How exciting!

I am a Dogster Diary &quot;Pick of the Day&quot; today, and so is my Pup Pal,   Ella!

Than ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ How exciting!

I am a Dogster Diary "Pick of the Day" today, and so is my Pup Pal, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/710533>  Ella</a>!

Thank you, Dogster, for choosing us today!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Go to Daddy and Uncle Jon's Race!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/635225</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:26:07 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/635225</guid>
		<description>Tomorrow I get a very fun adventure! 

Daddy and Uncle Jon are running 30 and 20 miles at a trail  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tomorrow I get a very fun adventure! 

Daddy and Uncle Jon are running 30 and 20 miles at a trail race, and Mommy and I are running OUR OWN race together on the trails. I LOVE to run!!! So does Mommy. We are running PARTNERS!

It is going to be nice and cool which is GREAT for running. We have to get up VERY early for the race. I will be READY! 

We get a long car ride to get there, and Uncle Jon and I will share the backseat of the car. (OK...I will hog MOST of the backseat and Uncle Jon will be there in the backseat, too!)

Daddy is packing a nice lunch for me to eat, and I MAY get some snacks there, too! At Daddy and Uncle Jon's last race Grandma shared her potato chips with me, and I almost got some macaroni and cheese when a guy put down his bowl on the ground. We'll see what good treats I can find THIS time!

I am very excited about my tomorrow!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Make Saphira Tumbleweeds!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/634831</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:30:27 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/634831</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy and I went for a very fun hike at Hogback Ridge. We saw such a pretty view from the  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy and I went for a very fun hike at Hogback Ridge. We saw such a pretty view from the river. The weather was great...all cool and sunny with blue skies.

After hikes in the forest there can be all kinds of things that get stuck in your fur--especially if you are a LONG-HAIR like I am! Your paws manage to get lots of mud on them, too.

Now I don't mind ANY of these things. I just give a shake, and whatever comes off comes off. Whatever stays on, stays on. 

Mommies have a DIFFERENT idea, though, and think that it is time for a BATH!

I love water. I could play in it all the time. Baths at MY HOUSE have RULES, though, like "NO SHAKING" and "STAY STILL WHILE MOMMY IS BLOWDRYING YOU." Both of those rules are tricky, but I try my best.

I usually get TREATS while I am taking my bath, too, so it is like being at the SPA. Girls just LOVE going to the SPA! 

ANYWAY...
I am getting my winter coat, and that means my fall coat has gotta go! It is coming OUT-OUT-OUT all over the place.

There are TUMBLEWEEDS of Saphira Fur everywhere!

I kinda LIKE it, actually.
I can spread a little of myself all over the place.
That's good, right?

Well, with all the bathing and the toweling and the blowdrying and the BRUSHING, I am a TUMBLEWEED!!!!

Saphira Tumbleweed!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear About My Friend, Gypsy Belle, Who Needed Surgery</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/634418</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:13:36 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/634418</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

Just heard some news from my friend, Gypsy Belle. She said that it was OK to share w ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

Just heard some news from my friend, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http:www.dogster.com/dogs/648983>Gypsy Belle</a>. She said that it was OK to share what she wrote to me with others. She's having a tough time right now and would LOVE to hear from all of us.

The link doesn't seem to be working, so here's her Dogster ID #:
648983. Just put this number in the search box. I will keep trying to get the link to work!

*************************************************************

Here's her story:

I've been having some spinal problems. Mom took me to the neurologist and the vet recommended spinal surgery for me. I have several herniated disks in my lower back so Mom took me in to have the worst one removed. I was in a lot of pain, trying to run away from my own butt. I had my surgery on Friday and now I'm home. I have to stay in my crate for 4 weeks. Mom thinks she'll need just as many sedatives as me trying to keep me quiet. All I want to do is play and run - and I can't. This is very hard for such a young girl like me. 


Here's another update:

I'm pretty unhappy here in my crate. Mom has me wearing a cone collar and takes me out for potty breaks 5 times a day. But, I just want to run! It's very frustrating for me. I don't know why I'm in such pain.

Mom noticed that I had a funny gait and took me to have my hips x-rayed in April. My hips are fine, but the films showed that I was born with an unstable spine and the vertabrae were looking unusual in my lower back. So, then I got an MRI and it confirmed that I have several bulging disks. The one above my tail is the worst.

I went to the dog park several weeks ago and was chasing a big Golden Retriever. I was having a great time, but I turned sharply and my back legs collapsed. For the last two weeks I've been having severe pain and the meds and rest were no longer working for me. 

So the neurologist suggested surgery and that's what Mom thought was best for me too, since I'm still a young dog. I've been taking lots of pain killers and must not walk much. I get my stitches out on Nov. 19th. Once the doctor approves, I will go for physical therapy in a warm water tank, where I will regain my strength. Mom says we are a team and we will get through this together. 


...and Today's Update:

I'm feeling much better today and went potty outside like a good girl. I'm so proud of myself! Now Mom will have to give me a little bit of acepromazine so can handle 4 more weeks in a crate without going crazy. I'm ready to run!

If you'd like to post my story in your diary that would be greatly appreciated. I would enjoy the company, since we're both spending lots of time at home. You're very sweet!

Happy wags,
Gypsy Belle

*********************************************************
All you wonderful Dogster Pup Pals of mine...

Stop by and say hello to Gypsy Belle!
She would LOVE to hear from you as she's busy healing from her recent spinal surgery!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Can Get Fleas...from my Mommy?????</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/634139</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 9 Nov 2009 08:42:04 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/634139</guid>
		<description>Mommy was worried.

One of her patients had FLEAS, and she was worried that she MIGHT bring them h ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy was worried.

One of her patients had FLEAS, and she was worried that she MIGHT bring them home...to ME!

Mommy changed her clothes at work and put those old FLEA-CLOTHES in an airtight bag. She stopped at the vet's to get my Frontline on her way home. She HOPES that she got everything clean and that no FLEAS made it into OUR house!

Pesky FLEAS!
Stay away from us!
You aren't welcome at OUR house!

...and STAY AWAY from MY MOMMY!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Time with Riley and Andrew!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/634137</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 9 Nov 2009 08:31:54 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/634137</guid>
		<description>Riley is my neighbor and my very favorite little human boy! He had one of HIS friends over for a sle ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Riley is my neighbor and my very favorite little human boy! He had one of HIS friends over for a sleepover, and I got to play with Riley AND his friend, Andrew.

Now I have TWO favorite little human boys as friends!

We had such a fun time, and I was a very good girl as I was playing with them both. I was gentle,  I was careful, and I was a good friend to both boys.

Mommy was proud of me!

Two little boys are very fun to play with, and they have LOTS of energy. That's EXACTLY how I like it!

I had a GREAT time, and I know they did, too!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Mommy ALL DAY LONG Tomorrow!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/633320</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 5 Nov 2009 15:58:03 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/633320</guid>
		<description>Oh, BOY!
Oh, BOY!!

I am VERY excited!

Mommy is OFF tomorrow, and she and I get to spend the W ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh, BOY!
Oh, BOY!!

I am VERY excited!

Mommy is OFF tomorrow, and she and I get to spend the WHOLE DAY together!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE days like that!!!

Yippeeeeeeeee!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have My Baby Video On My Page Now!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/633136</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:18:05 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/633136</guid>
		<description>Go see!

I am the teeny-tiny puppy running all around the place in the video!

The BIGGEST doggi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Go see!

I am the teeny-tiny puppy running all around the place in the video!

The BIGGEST doggie that you see is my Papa Miko, and the doggie who is following me and keeping track of me is my Mama Akia. She looks like I do NOW!

The very nice man in the video is My Arthur. He is the Daddy of my Mama Akia and Papa Miko, and he took care of all of us until I came to live with Mommy and Daddy.

Two of my brothers are in the video,  too. They want to come out and play, but they have to stay put because this is MY special time with Mama and Papa.

This is the day that I will be adopted by Mommy and Daddy and go to live with them. It is a VERY special day! It is May 19, 2008. I was about 10 weeks old.

Uncle Jon came with Mommy and Daddy to pick me up and take me to my new home...with THEM!

Then you will see my first moments in my new house! There were so many things to see there!

I hope you enjoy seeing my video!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have SOUND on my Videos... Thanks to Grandpa!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/632966</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 4 Nov 2009 05:19:26 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/632966</guid>
		<description>Grandpa knows a LOT about computers, and he got my videos to have SOUND now!

Go see and HEAR!

 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandpa knows a LOT about computers, and he got my videos to have SOUND now!

Go see and HEAR!

There are a few more for us to fix, but they are coming along GOOD!

Thanks, Grandpa!

Kisses from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Was Tagged By Ruby Dust!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/632328</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 1 Nov 2009 10:12:10 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/632328</guid>
		<description>Ruby Dust tagged me to play her game! Thanks, Ruby!

Here's how to play!

Think of SEVEN interes ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Ruby Dust tagged me to play her game! Thanks, Ruby!

Here's how to play!

Think of SEVEN interesting things about yourself and write them in your diary.

THEN choose some friends to play the game!

I'm choosing SEVEN friends to play! Each one will get a rosette from ME!

*********************************************************

Here are some interesting things about ME, Saphira!

1) I have been two different Super Heroes so far for Halloween--Bat Girl and Wonder Woman.

2) One of my most favorite things in the world is playing catch with a bunch of tennis balls and someone with an arm that is strong enough to keep pitching them to me!

3) I am a long-haired German Shepherd Dog.

4) My favorite food is CHICKEN!

5) I am learning to "Play Dead!"

6) I weigh 93 pounds!

7) In the evening I usually do ZOOMIES around our house. I sound like a small CAR as I zoom around the place FAST-FAST!

OK! There you go! SEVEN things about me, Saphira!

I am tagging:

1) Coffee
2) Tyler
3) Howard
4) Arianna
5) Casper
6) Cinnabar
7) Scout

If your name is here, look for a rosette from me on your page. 

Have fun!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Learn New Halloween Rules</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/632273</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 1 Nov 2009 06:23:19 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/632273</guid>
		<description>OK...

So there were some new Halloween Rules this year.

Apparently, even if you ARE Wonder Wom ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ OK...

So there were some new Halloween Rules this year.

Apparently, even if you ARE Wonder Woman, you are NOT allowed to bark at Storm Troopers, Aliens, or Pirates. You also cannot bark at Mummies, Vampires, or Skeletons.

If you do, you will be taken INSIDE the house where it is VERY BORING. You will look OUT the window and see all the fun things going on out there and be very sad that you are INSIDE missing it all!

In awhile, though, you get a SECOND CHANCE!

You get to go back OUTSIDE with everyone where all the fun things are happening!

You must IGNORE all the thoughts about protecting your family from all the Dangerous Creatures that are coming onto YOUR FAMILY'S PROPERTY.

This is VERY challenging, but in order to STAY OUTSIDE where all the interesting things are happening AND where your whole family is, you MUST do it!

OK...My second chance! I can't blow this! My ears perk up as a Monster approaches. Daddy has me on my leash, of course, and he's holding me firmly. Mommy is headed out to give the Monster some candy. I WANT to bark, but Daddy is telling me that Mommy will be safe from the Monster. (It IS a very SMALL Monster. )

Mommy gives the candy, I don't bark, and Mommy and Daddy tell me what a GOOD GIRL I was to not bark.

OK...I think I get it. 

I do a really good job after this. I watch Mommy hand the strange creatures the candy, and she seems to be doing just fine. None of them have hurt Mommy...yet.

I watch each one carefully, though. Even though I don't bark, I still can WATCH CAREFULLY.

After awhile it is time to go inside. The Trick-or-Treaters have gone. I am OFF-DUTY, and it feels GREAT!

I get to finish my dinner, play ball with my friend, Taylor, do a few ZOOMIES, and have a nice drink of water.

Soon after all that it is time to head home.

I learned A LOT about Halloween this year. I was SO happy that I got my second chance!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Got Tagged By Angel!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/632257</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 1 Nov 2009 05:38:34 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/632257</guid>
		<description>My good Pal, Angel, tagged me for her game! You answer the questions and then tag SIX friends to pla ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My good Pal, Angel, tagged me for her game! You answer the questions and then tag SIX friends to play, too! Sending them a nice rosette is a nice touch!

Here are MY answers:

1. What color is your collar?
I have a brand new collar! It is yellow with pink flowers!

2. What kind of food do you eat?
I eat Diamond Puppy Food for large breed dogs. I also get eggs and cooked CHICKEN (my very favorite!), applesauce, cottage cheese, and carrots.

3. What are your favorite treats?
That would have to be CHICKEN!

4. Do you have a Valentine or significant other?
Tiberius is my Valentine.

5. Do you get table scraps?
No, but sometimes I get tortilla chips or potato chips when Mommy and Daddy are snacking!

6. What is your favorite toy?
I absolutely LOVE my tennis balls! I could play for hours when someone is throwing them for me to catch!

7. When is your birthday?
March 2, 2008

8. How many times a day do you eat?
I get lunch and dinner.

9. Do you have a favorite color?
I think tennis ball NEON GREEN is a LOVELY color!

10. Do you hope all your pals put this in their diary?
Of course! I LOVE to learn about my Pals!


I am tagging SIX of my Pals to play my game! I'm sending them each a rosette, too!

They are:
1) Josey Wales
2) Bullet
3) Brownie Maeve
4) Troy
5) Hudson
6) Starr

Have a fun time playing, everyone!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a GREAT Time Today at the Dog Park!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/631884</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:26:24 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/631884</guid>
		<description>Wow! Today was like a PERFECT RECIPE for a wonderful time at the Dog Park:

*65 nice and cool degr ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wow! Today was like a PERFECT RECIPE for a wonderful time at the Dog Park:

*65 nice and cool degrees
* sun and blue skies
* lots of tennis balls
* one EXCELLENT Chuck-It
* my water dish filled with water
* My Dog Park
* Being able to be OFF-LEASH
* Grandma pitching LOTS of tennis balls with my Chuck-It
* no meanie dogs

Yep!

Just PERFECT!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Practice My New Technique!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/631381</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:35:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/631381</guid>
		<description>Oh, it was a GLORIOUS DAY today!

Very nice and cool.
Wonderful leaves to sniff.
Light mist to k ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh, it was a GLORIOUS DAY today!

Very nice and cool.
Wonderful leaves to sniff.
Light mist to keep me even cooler.
FOUR SQUIRRELS in the park!

All you Squirrel Hunters out there would have been proud of me! I did not bark EVEN ONE TIME!  I spotted the squirrel, looked at Grandma, she nodded to me, and we moved ahead. We got very close to one of the squirrels, and pretty close to the others.

I think we would have gotten even closer EXCEPT the leaves were being awfully noisy as we were walking on them. 

I can DEFINITELY see that barking was a very stupid thing to do time after time! It didn't help one bit. Walking quietly DEFINITELY works A LOT better!

Now, Grandma and I have to teach those leaves to be QUIET, and then we will have this technique almost perfected!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Just THREE more Days to Wait!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/631322</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:19:33 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/631322</guid>
		<description>In just THREE more days it will be Halloween, and I get to dress up in my NEW COSTUME!

I am keepi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ In just THREE more days it will be Halloween, and I get to dress up in my NEW COSTUME!

I am keeping it a SECRET from Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Jon until I appear at their door on Halloween night!

Like last year we are going to Grandma and Grandpa's house to give out candy to the kids who come to the door and also have fun playing with everyone who would like some fun Halloween PLAY TIME with me, Saphira!

Grandma has FOOD planned, too. I bet she will have some Trick-or-Treat CHICKEN all ready for ME!

I hope that the weather is as nice as it was LAST year so we can all enjoy sitting outside on the porch and playing in the yard.

I LOVE being outside with my family, and I ESPECIALLY enjoy being outside with my family AT NIGHT! Night has such interesting sounds and smells! I just LOVE it!

Can't wait for Trick-or Treating Time to come!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get VERY CLOSE to a Squirrel!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/630329</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:41:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/630329</guid>
		<description>Yesterday I decided that my track record with squirrels was TERRIBLE and I needed a new technique.
 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday I decided that my track record with squirrels was TERRIBLE and I needed a new technique.

I spotted a squirrel across the park.

Grandma saw him, too.

THIS TIME instead of lunging and barking my head off and scaring him away, I slowly walked toward him. Grandma was beside me holding my leash. She seemed to know that I was trying to be quiet. She was quiet, too.

Mr. Squirrel sat up and actually WATCHED US approach him! We moved slowly and steadily. He did NOT run off or run up the tree!

We were getting closer and closer. I could hardly BELIEVE this good luck! Grandma has gotten very close to squirrels before but NEVER this close with ME on the other end of the leash!

We were about a FOOT away from Mr. Squirrel now! I could smell his wonderful SQUIRRELY SMELL so clearly, and I was eyeballing him SO CLOSE!

All of a sudden from out of the blue I heard this LOUD and ANNOYING big girl barking! 

Oh...that would be ME!

Mr. Squirrel took to the trunk of the tree in one jump and was up about five feet high in an instant! As expected, he went around to the OPPOSITE side of the tree immediately. ALSO, as expected, he sat ABOVE us on a tree branch and LAUGHED at us. 

Well, that's my story.

Who knows? If my loud barking hadn't betrayed me at that very last second, I just MIGHT have had a DIFFERENT story to write in my diary!

So many squirrels...
So many tries...

ONE near perfect attempt!

Always watching...
Always THINKING...
I AM a proud German Shepherd Dog!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Go to Grandma and Grandpa's Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/630082</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:39:01 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/630082</guid>
		<description>Today is Friday, and Grandma is coming today! 

I get to have a CAR RIDE and maybe even stop at th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today is Friday, and Grandma is coming today! 

I get to have a CAR RIDE and maybe even stop at the Dog Park on the way to her house!

Friday is the beginning of what they call "The Weekend" which is coming up, and I REALLY love "The Weekend!" Mommy and Daddy are around A LOT more, and we have so much FUN together!

They really should have "The Weekend" all week long! That "Work" thing that Mommy and Daddy have to do is NOT a good thing! "Work" keeps them away from ME!

I wonder if Grandma has any extra CHICKEN like she had last time...
I wonder if all the squirrels will be out in her backyard...
I wonder what new things will be at her house...
I wonder if there will be lots of leaves everywhere...

If it isn't too windy maybe we will go to Mason's Landing Park. It has a very nice trail with pretty trees, and it is right beside the river. (I PROMISE that I will NOT pull Grandma into the river!)

It will be a very fun day!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear Some VERY Exciting News!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/628702</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:23:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/628702</guid>
		<description>My friend, Troy, who is an AWESOME Guide Dog, just passed his Canine Good Citizen Test!!!

Every s ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My friend, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1002568>Troy</a>, who is an AWESOME Guide Dog, just passed his Canine Good Citizen Test!!!

Every single day Troy proves what an amazing doggie he is by guiding his Mommy and partner, Elizabeth, and keeping her safe. Receiving his Canine Good Citizen certification is like special icing on the cake to a doggie as wonderful as Troy.

There's MORE great news! <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/999963>Hudson</a>, Troy's brother, ALSO received HIS Canine Good Citizen certificate as well! We are SO proud of you, Hudson!

Congratulations Troy and Hudson!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Just Entered the Coolest Dog and Cat Show Contest!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/628486</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:03:31 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/628486</guid>
		<description>Hey Everyone!

Did you enter the Dogster Coolest Dog and Cat Show yet? If you didn't, go enter RIG ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hey Everyone!

Did you enter the Dogster Coolest Dog and Cat Show yet? If you didn't, go enter RIGHT NOW!!! You can put pictures of yourself into the show for everyone to VOTE on, and you can vote, too!
 
There are some GREAT-looking doggies and kitties there!

If you vote for lots and lots of doggies and kitties, you also can earn ZEALIES!!!

What are you waiting for? Go vote and get some ZEALIES!!!

Check out MY photos that I entered while you are there!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have been Tagged By Xena and Brownie Maeve!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/628469</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:16:14 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/628469</guid>
		<description>OK, Everyone! I have been tagged TWICE, so it is GAME TIME again!

Here's how to play:

Think of ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ OK, Everyone! I have been tagged TWICE, so it is GAME TIME again!

Here's how to play:

Think of SEVEN interesting things about yourself and write them down. Then choose FIVE FRIENDS to play with you. Send them a rosette and ask them to check your diary so they will know how to play the game!

Here I go!

*************************************************************

Saphira's SEVEN Interesting Things

1) I am an EXCELLENT decorator. I am very creative and use all on-site materials, too!
2) I can open the refrigerator door all by myself.
3) I can run TEN MILES at a time.
4) I am a long-haired German Shepherd Dog.
5) I can play in the sprinkler and in the hose for HOURS!!! LOVE THAT!
6) I am VERY good at catching tennis balls in my mouth.
7) I am happiest when all my family is in one room and I am right there with them. Ahhhhhhhh!

OK, folks! That's my story! Now if you are one of the doggies listed below, look for your rosette from ME and you list YOUR SEVEN interesting things, too, OK?

I am choosing:
1) Moxy
2) Star
3) Tiberius
4) Halo Kitty
5)Biscotte


Have fun!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Play The Decorating Game Again!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/628408</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:15:37 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/628408</guid>
		<description>The other day I noticed that it was MY turn to play The Decorating Game again! Uncle Jon's decoratin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ The other day I noticed that it was MY turn to play The Decorating Game again! Uncle Jon's decorating had been there for quite awhile, and things were looking WAAAAAY too plain for me.

I found a lovely spot on the wall and gave it a lick. Then I gave it some more licks. After that my BIG GIRL TEETH went right to work, and I removed some of the skin off the wall. After I removed some skin, I could reach the nice soft part which is so much fun to bite with my BIG GIRL TEETH.

I did a very nice job of designing my newest spot.

Actually, I think it is my finest decorating to date!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Halloween Game from Jia!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/628298</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:44:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/628298</guid>
		<description>My friend, Jia, is playing a Halloween game, and she picked me to tag so I could play it, too!

He ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My friend, Jia, is playing a Halloween game, and she picked me to tag so I could play it, too!

Here's how to play...

Think of FIVE things that you like about Halloween/this fall season.
Write them down in your diary for everyone to read.
Tag five friends, send them a rosette and ask them if they will join your game!

Here are MY FAVORITE THINGS about Halloween/ the fall season:

1) The weather is FINALLY nice and COOL! 
2) Leaves and squirrels are EVERYWHERE!
3) I will probably get to have a fun costume.
4) I will probably get to help give out candy at Grandma and Grandpa's and will be able to be OUTSIDE at night with my family. (I LOVE outside!)
5) Snow will be coming soon! We live in the Snow Belt! I REALLY love snow!

I am tagging:
1) Bob
2) Sargie
3) Hearth
4) Tinker Bell
5) Zaidie

HAVE FUN!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Bad Tummy Day</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/625094</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 2 Oct 2009 04:48:06 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/625094</guid>
		<description>Oh! That tummy of mine just was NOT happy yesterday!

Very rumbly.
Very gassy.
Very...messy!

 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh! That tummy of mine just was NOT happy yesterday!

Very rumbly.
Very gassy.
Very...messy!

My OTHER end decided that IT wanted in on the action, too.

Very rumbly.
Very gassy.
Very, VERY...messy!

Well, whatever was in there making my tummy unhappy is GONE!

O-U-T!

I am feeling A LOT better today!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go to a Birthday Party Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/623914</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:45:04 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/623914</guid>
		<description>We are home now, and almost ready for bed, but I wanted to tell you what a nice day I had today!

 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We are home now, and almost ready for bed, but I wanted to tell you what a nice day I had today!

I got to play ball in Grandma's basement. I never was in a basement before!

It was scary going down all those slippery steps, but Grandma Cheryl said, "Hey Saphira! Come on down!" I trust Grandma, so I went! I'm glad I went all the way down there! It was a nice place with lots of things to check out and a big space to play ball, too!

Daddy knew I would probably be afraid of going up slippery steps with NO BACKS on them, so my big, strong Daddy SCOOPED ME UP and carried me back upstairs. Whew! I was glad he carried me. Those were A LOT of steps, and it was scary seeing through the backs of them!

After that it was lunchtime, and I ate my lunch while everyone had theirs. After that was CAKE and ICE CREAM! I didn't get cake. (It was chocolate and that's not good for doggies!) I DID get a big dish of ICE CREAM, though! Mmmmmmmmmmm!

After that was PRESENTS! I was sitting right in the middle of all my family, and I was a VERY, VERY well-behaved girl as I watched Great-Grandma Pauline and Uncle Jon open their presents. Great-Grandma Pauline gave me some of her Goldfish crackers, too! 

I played ball some more with Uncle Jon and relaxed as everyone watched pictures of Mommy and Daddy's trip to Peru and Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Jon's trip to Colorado.

Everyone talked a lot.

After that it was time to leave for home. I liked my long ride there and back because I had everyone with me and Uncle Jon keeping me company in the back seat.

It was a VERY BIG day!
I LOVE big days!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Can't Wait to See Jesse TONIGHT (9/23/09) on David Letterman!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/623195</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:45:52 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/623195</guid>
		<description>My Pup Pal, Jesse, will be on David Letterman tonight on the &quot;Stupid Pet Tricks&quot; segment of the show ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My Pup Pal, Jesse, will be on David Letterman tonight on the "Stupid Pet Tricks" segment of the show! 

Jesse is a Jack Russell Terrier who can do all kinds of tricks!

Can't wait to see you, Jesse!

Everybody!
Go watch Jesse!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Play &quot;The Decorating Game&quot;  with Uncle Jon!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/623013</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 07:17:29 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/623013</guid>
		<description>Uncle Jon came to our house, and he brought that bucket of white stuff and some tools again.

It l ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Uncle Jon came to our house, and he brought that bucket of white stuff and some tools again.

It looks like he and I are back to playing our Decorating Game!

This is how we play it:

1) I see that the walls in MY ROOM (the diningroom) are looking PRETTY plain, and I decide it is time for some redecorating.

2) I lick the paint and decide just where some changes need to be made.

3) I zero in on a good spot on the wall and use my handy BIG GIRL TEETH to create some decorative designs on it.

4) Next I stand back to admire my work.

5) I look around the room  to see where my NEXT design should go.

6) I lick to find the perfect spot.

7) When I am satisfied with my design, I take a break.

8) Since creativity can't be rushed, I decide that I will continue TOMORROW.

9) I add some additional designs over the next few days until I am satisfied with my work.

10) Uncle Jon comes to admire my work, and then it is HIS TURN to decorate MY decorations with white stuff. (We are a TEAM!)

11) A day or two later, Uncle Jon sands of the excess of the white stuff and adds paint.

12) His design remains until I decide it is MY turn to be creative again.


That's how we play The Decorating Game!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a VERY big Day Yesterday!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/622269</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 20 Sep 2009 06:11:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/622269</guid>
		<description>Yesterday was Daddy and Uncle Jon's race at Mill Creek Park in Youngstown. Daddy ran the 50K which i ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday was Daddy and Uncle Jon's race at Mill Creek Park in Youngstown. Daddy ran the 50K which is 31.12 miles, and Uncle Jon ran the 25K which is 15 miles. There are pictures on my page of them running very fast!

Mommy was busy, too. On this day Mommy didn't run because she was very busy helping Uncle Jon and Daddy when they came in from their run. Mommy also helped at the aid station directing the runners to the chute and then helping them fill water bottles and get some food so they could be on their way to continue the race.

While Mommy got all set up and found out what they wanted her to do to help, I was in this pretty place beside a log cabin. It was very shady and cool there. I had my bone and my frisbee and my tennis ball. There were many people at the race and near the aid station. I wanted to be WITH everyone!

Soon Grandma and Grandpa came and asked Mommy  if I could go on a walk with them after the race began. She said, "Sure!" (After the race started we had over two hours until Uncle Jon would be coming across the finish line, so we had PLENTY of time for a nice walk.)

Grandma and Grandpa and I started out on our walk. It sure was a pretty day, and it was SO nice and cool, too! Everyone had coats on! I ALWAYS have MY coat on, so I was all ready!

You can see in the new pictures on my page what a pretty place Mill Creek Park is! There are two big lakes that the runners run all around as they run the trails of the course of the race. Grandma and Grandpa and I walked around PART of the one lake called Lake Glacier. We saw ducks and geese, and there were many critter smells that I found, too!We went over one bridge and beside another. We saw a bunch of dogs and quite a few people running and biking and walking, too. We walked for about an hour and a half and then went to Grandma and Grandpa's car to get some nice cold water from their cooler. Ahhhhh! I drank a whole liter of water!

It was time to go see what was going on back at the aid station, and I wanted to go say "Hi!" to Mommy, too. Mommy was busy, so I decided to meet some people. In awhile it was LUNCHTIME! Mommy got my lunch for me, and I gobbled it right down! I also had some more water. Grandma gave me some CHIPS, too, which certainly were a yummy treat! 

Uncle Jon had come in and was resting awhile before he had HIS food. I gave him big kisses. He tasted VERY GOOD! He ran his 25K  in 2 hours and 41 minutes! I was very happy to see him!

Now I had everyone EXCEPT Daddy. Daddy had twice the distance to run, so he was going to be longer. I knew he would taste really good when HE finished HIS race! I couldn't WAIT!

Everyone was eating lunch, and there were some WONDERFUL smells coming from the log cabin kitchen! They had broccoli cheese soup,clam chowder, lasagne, MACARONI AND CHEESE, pizza and also all kinds of chips and candy and cookies. Those running people sure do know how to EAT! All of a sudden I smelled a VERY,VERY wonderful smell! I just HAD to peep in the kitchen, which was easy because the porch door was open leading to the kitchen. As I poked my nose in there a lady was putting CORNDOGS on a big tray! Boy did THEY ever smell GREAT!

I walked around with Grandma checking out everybody's lunch and looking extra hungry just in case anyone had any extra CORNDOGS that they weren't planning on eating! I came T-H-I-S close to snagging one, but instead I got a really big HUG from the nice Corndog Lady who said that I was just the PRETTIEST GIRL EVER! Awwww! I gave her kisses, and made a good friend. Didn't get a corndog, but I was hopeful that I MIGHT be able to get some of that macaroni and CHEESE I had smelled earlier!

Grandma and I were sitting BESIDE a man who was eating some macaroni and cheese. He offered me some, but Grandma knew that he had run a long time and needed that macaroni and cheese himself. I still licked my lips to show him that if he accidentally DROPPED any on the grass, I would be HAPPY to clean it right up for him. Too bad. He was a very neat eater!

Next I went to stay with Mommy for awhile. Mommy tied my leash around her waist so we could really be together. It was a busy time! There were a lot of runners to direct and some who were starting to cross the finishline of the longer part of the race. It was getting very sunny and hot where Mommy was, so I went back to stay with Grandpa on the bench in the trees. Ahhhhh! I got some more corn chips and met even more people as they were climbing the hill.

I like being with everyone! Since I am a herding dog, I like it when everyone is in a BIG HERD. There are so many things to see and do and people to meet and pats and ear rubs that I didn't DARE take a nap!

Finally I just was SOOOOOOO tired! I had had a BIG WALK, plenty of food, met lots of new people, smelled all kinds of interesting smells, and I was EXHAUSTED! I had a nice lay down in the shade and slept for about 1/2 hour. Boy, that felt GREAT!

Soon Daddy was going to be coming! Mommy said that she expected him in just a few minutes! I got a drink, and we looked at the place where everyone was coming in. All of a sudden Mommy began cheering and yelling! There was Daddy!

I wanted to go over to him right then, but Grandma and Uncle Jon and Grandpa said to give Daddy some time to get a drink and sit down for awhile. He had been running for SIX HOURS and FORTY-FOUR minutes, and he didn't even take a NAP during all that time like I did! I was waiting, and while I waited I looked for some macaroni and CHEESE that someone just MIGHT have dropped. I thought that I could do MY part to "Clean Up America."

In awhile Daddy came over to me. I was right; Daddy DID taste wonderful! I gave him lots and lots of kisses. Ahhhhhh! Now Daddy was BACK and my whole family was back WITH me!

THAT is the BEST!

It was a very, very fun day being at Daddy and Uncle Jon's race! I was a good girl and behaved myself really well. I met MANY new friends, I got be be outside ALL DAY, and I was with my family.

You just CAN'T get any better than THAT!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Was Just Tagged by Holly!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/622221</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:58:36 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/622221</guid>
		<description>I was just tagged by Holly who was tagged by Goldie!

Here are the RULES of the game:

Answer al ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was just tagged by Holly who was tagged by Goldie!

Here are the RULES of the game:

Answer all questions, post them in your diary, then tag 6 friends by sending a rosette or PawMail.

OK, Holly! Here I go!

Saphira's Answers

1. What color is your collar? - My collar is pink with little bones on it. Today it also has an orange ribbon on it because My Veronica gave it to me!

2. What kind of food do you eat? - I eat Diamond Puppy Food for Large Breed Dogs. I also get CHICKEN once a day, cottage cheese, applesauce, and carrots. Daddy usually shares his tortilla chips with me, too!


3. What are your favorite treats? I like potato chips and cheese.


4. Do you have a Valentine or significant other? - Ty is my Valentine.

5. Do you get table scraps? I would LIKE to, but table scraps don't always make my tummy feel so good.

6. What is your favorite toy? - My favorite toy is and will always be  a tennis ball!

7. When is your Birthday? -March 2, 2008.

8. How many times a day do you get to eat? - I have 2 meals a day.

9. Do you have a favorite color? - Pink, of course!

10. Do you hope all your pals put this in their diary? I do, but will understand if they don't have the time. I'm really excited to learn more about them!

I am going to tag:

1) Zaidie (Dogster ID# 930039)
2) Riley (Dogster ID# 867193)
3) Ruby Dust (Dogster ID# 983212)
4) Austin (Dogster ID# 553902)
5) Wesley (Dogster ID# 696808)
6) Jesse (Dogster ID# 241421)

Have fun!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have SIX Winners of My Game!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/621804</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:17:59 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/621804</guid>
		<description>Oh BOY!

SIX WINNERS!

Here they are!

Austin

Duke

Princess Xena

Riley

Tessa

Za ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh BOY!

SIX WINNERS!

Here they are!

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/553902>Austin</a>

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/983191>Duke</a>

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/252265>Princess Xena</a>

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/867193>Riley</a>

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert('Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.');" href=http://www.catster.com/cats/369923>Tessa</a>

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/930039>Zaidie</a>

CONGRATULATIONS!
All of you guessed "MOLE", and you were CORRECT!

I had my first KITTY to guess correctly! Tessa...Way to GO!

Now each of my winners get to create their own game of "The Noun Hound!" Click on their name above to visit their page and their diary!

Have FUN!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Notice That Things are VERY Mixed Up!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/621616</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:01:51 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/621616</guid>
		<description>I went to Grandma and Grandpa's the other day while Daddy and Uncle Jon went for a very long run.
 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I went to Grandma and Grandpa's the other day while Daddy and Uncle Jon went for a very long run.

I went inside, and noticed that all the OLD carpeting was GONE! In its place was all NEW carpet! Well, as you might guess, I had to check out every square inch of that new carpet!

When I got to Uncle Jon's bedroom (my FAVORITE room!), all HIS stuff was GONE! In its place I found guitars and stands and all kinds of MUSIC STUFF!

Hey! What's going ON here?

Then I went to Daddy's old room. All the stuff in there was GONE! In its place was all of Uncle Jon's things!

I went in Grandma and Grandpa's room to see if the big black and tan dog was still in there. Yep! Had to bark at that dog and lick him. He's not furry as I always EXPECT him to be. He also looks A LOT like ME!

I went downstairs to the familyroom. There was new carpet there, too, and a lot more room to play ball because Grandpa moved the couches around. I like THAT change the best of all!

At lunchtime I took my egg-ball down there to the familyroom to enjoy it on the new carpeting. Grandma never worries about me messing up the carpet with my food. She knows that I will gobble everything right up and leave no crumbs or pieces!

The rest of my visit was OUTSIDE because it was a BEAUTIFUL day. It was MUCH too nice to stay inside. I went on a long walk in the nursery with Grandma, rolled in a nice dead toady, helped Grandma water her plants, helped Grandma  do some weeding, and looked out for squirrels.

It was a very good day!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have THREE Winners so Far in Version 3.0 of &quot;Noun Hound!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/621504</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:54:38 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/621504</guid>
		<description>So far I have THREE winners!

Hurry if you are planning to play, because I want to announce all th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ So far I have THREE winners!

Hurry if you are planning to play, because I want to announce all the winners TOMORROW!

Here are the clues again:



Saphira's Noun Hound Game 3.0

Clues:
1) I am in the family Talpidae.

2) My saliva contains a toxin that can paralyze my food so I can eat it later. (No running after food that tries to get away for ME!!!!)

3) I am found in North America,  Asia, and Europe (except Ireland).

4) Doggies can SMELL me, but they rarely SEE me.


Send me a PawMail if you know who the animal might be!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Find a Fun Survey on Missy's Page!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/621294</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:27:12 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/621294</guid>
		<description>Here is a fun survey! If you want to add it to YOUR page, just delete MY answers and add your own!
 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Here is a fun survey! If you want to add it to YOUR page, just delete MY answers and add your own!

Have fun!

################################################

What is your name? Saphira Vom Haus Miko

What other nicknames do you have? I think that's ENOUGH, don't you???

What breed are you? Long-haired German Shepherd Dog

Where were you born? In a whelping box in My Arthur's livingroom! My Arthur made the box for my Mama, Akia and my brothers and sister and me.

Where do you live now? A few streets over from My Arthur in Madison, Ohio.

What is your favorite toy? My tennis balls 

What is your favorite store? PetSmart because they let me go in there!

How many toys do you have? Lots!

Wet or dry food? DryAND cooked chicken breast, carrots, applesauce, cottage cheese and sometimes liquid chicken (chicken broth)

What is your favorite color? I have a lot of pink and purple things. 

Are you bad when nobody's looking? I am a decorator by trade, but nobody seems to appreciate my efforts. I specialize in wallboard resurfacing.

Are you friendly? I am, but I WILL bark at new people if they come too close.

Are you overweight? No

Do you eat people food? I get bits here and there.

Do you eat bugs? I HAVE, but I would rather PLAY with 'em!

Do you live with other animals? No

Do you like to exercise? Love it! I run every day! When it is cooler, I can run ten miles at a time. 

Do you like car rides? Oh, YES!!! Car rides always take you to interesting places.

Do you get into stuff? (See above!)

Do you like to swim? Yes! Swimming is HARD though! Running is MUCH easier for me.

What is your favorite treat? CHICKEN

Do you shed? Yes! There are pieces of me all over the place!

What's the funniest thing you ever did? My Daddy would disagree, but for me one of the funniest things I ever did was run out Grandma's front door to play my new game which I called: "Daddy! Chase Saphira!" Daddy had to run after me in his sandals. He's fast! He CAUGHT me. He did NOT have a happy face on, but I enjoyed my game A LOT! 


What's the bravest thing you ever did? I warned Mommy that the front door had come open in the wind. I did NOT go out the door. I went to GET Mommy to show her why I was barking. Mommy was VERY proud of me! I KNEW that door shouldn't have been O-P-E-N!

Are you neutered? Yes

Are you a social animal? Oh YES! I LOVE to be with my family, and I really enjoy getting to go to races and track meets and cross-country meets!

Collar or harness? Collar

Retractable or regular leash? Regular

Ceramic, Metal or Plastic bowls? Ceramic

Do you sleep in a crate? Yes, and I am proud to say that I get to have the door of my crate open. I have a nice comfy bed in there, and my crate is right beside Mommy and Daddy's bed. (I USED to sleep in Mommy and Daddy's bed until I got so big. I DO get to go on the bed with Mommy after Daddy's alarm clock goes off for school. Can't have a lonely Mommy now, can I??)

Do you have a dog bed? Yes. It's my second one. I ATE my first one.

Do you have a doghouse? No

Do you belong to any dog clubs? No

How does your owner describe you? Intelligent, loving, protective, and fun-loving]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a Winner Again, So Get Ready for Saphira's Game 3.0!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/621277</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:35:51 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/621277</guid>
		<description>I won more games of &quot;Noun Hound&quot;, so I get to make a THIRD set of clues for a THIRD &quot;Noun Hound&quot; Gam ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I won more games of "Noun Hound", so I get to make a THIRD set of clues for a THIRD "Noun Hound" Game!

Woo! Hoo!

Here goes:

Saphira's Noun Hound Game 3.0

Clues:
1) I am in the family Talpidae.

2) My saliva contains a toxin that can paralyze my food so I can eat it later. (No running after food that tries to get away for ME!!!!)

3) I am found in North America,  Asia, and Europe (except Ireland).

4) Doggies can SMELL me, but they rarely SEE me.

*************************************************************
There you go! There are the new clues!

Now, get guessing, and when you think you know my animal, send me a message in my PawMail. If you are CORRECT, I will send you a rosette! You will then be A WINNER of my game and can make your OWN game with clues for all of us to guess!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have FOUR Winners So Far!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620951</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:34:17 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620951</guid>
		<description>FOUR pups have gotten the answer to my &quot;Noun Hound&quot; Game Version 2 already!

YEA!

Soon I will b ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ FOUR pups have gotten the answer to my "Noun Hound" Game Version 2 already!

YEA!

Soon I will be naming the WINNERS who get to make their OWN "Noun Hound" Game, so if you haven't made YOUR guess yet and want toplay...

GET GOIN'!!!!
Right now!
What are you waiting for?

Send your answer to my PAW MAIL!

Join the FUN!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear That Bob Dog is Now in Heaven</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620842</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:35:15 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620842</guid>
		<description>Bob's Mommy, Jodi, just sent the news today that following a very, very difficult night, Bob Dog has ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Bob's Mommy, Jodi, just sent the news today that following a very, very difficult night, Bob Dog has now gone to Heaven.

Bob is my special German Shepherd friend, and this was a very sudden thing. Bob just turned 13 1/2.

This is a VERY sad time for Bob's Mommy, Jodi, so if you could 
take the time to write and say "Hello!" it might help her feel a bit better.

Here is Bob's page so you can see what a handsome boy he was.

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/206901>Bob</a>

With much love.
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a New Game of &quot;Noun Hound&quot; for You!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620755</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:56:45 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620755</guid>
		<description>Hey Everyone!

Come play my new game of &quot;The Noun Hound!&quot;

Here are the clues:

1) This animal ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hey Everyone!

Come play my new game of "The Noun Hound!"

Here are the clues:

1) This animal is an OMNIVORE.

2)This animal may live for 5-11 years depending on the breed.

3) It is thought that this animal originated in Thailand.

4) I seriously think that you can NEVER have too many of THIS animal!

OK! Now get thinking, and look around for ideas. Post your guess to MY PAWMAIL, and you will get a rosette for a CORRECT GUESS! If you are a winner, you will get to make your very own game of "The Noun Hound" for everyone to play!

Happy guessing!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Was a Winner in Ruby Dust, Austin, and Hearth's &quot;Noun Hound&quot; Games!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620752</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:50:56 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620752</guid>
		<description>Woo! Hoo!

Animals all around this place, and none of them have been DOGS!

There have been very ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Woo! Hoo!

Animals all around this place, and none of them have been DOGS!

There have been very fun clues to guess with some being pretty tough!

Now, as a WINNER, I get to make my OWN GAME of "Noun Hound" again!

Been thinking and thinking, and came up with my new animal!

Check out my next diary entry for my new game!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Need BIG PRAYERS for My Friend, Bob!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620693</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:06:16 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620693</guid>
		<description>My friend, Bob, is a 13 1/2-year-old  German Shepherd Doggie in need of your prayers.
 
Bob has be ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My friend, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/206901>Bob</a>, is a 13 1/2-year-old  German Shepherd Doggie in need of your prayers.
 
Bob has been having some issues with his arthritis and was recently put on new medication. The medication SEEMED to make things MUCH worse, so his Mommy took him off it.

He is having much difficulty moving around and needs help to walk now. His vet had diagnosed DM  (Degenerative Myelopathy), a condition found in German Shepherds related to the nerves.

Today he went on several car rides and was very happy to feel the wind and have the windows open. His Mommy is having to use the sling that she used with Fauna, their German Shepherd who also had this disease and has since passed away.

Please pray for dear Bob and his family.

This is a very scary time for them.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have FIVE WINNERS to Announce!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620531</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 09:10:30 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620531</guid>
		<description>My version of &quot;The Noun Hound&quot; Game that was started by Balto and continued by Duke has FIVE winners ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My version of "The Noun Hound" Game that was started by Balto and continued by Duke has FIVE winners!

They are:

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/930039>Zaidie</a>
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/563772>Biscotte</a>
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/532592>Hearth</a>
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/553902>Austin</a>
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/983212>Ruby Dust</a>

CONGRATULATIONS!



The answer to my game was Canada Geese!

Here were the clues:

Saphira's Game of "The Noun Hound"
Clues:

1) I am found in the Arctic and temperate regions of North America.

2) I am a member of the family Anatidae.

3) My mate and I are monogamous and will stay together for our whole lives.

4) Some of us caused a BIG PROBLEM on January 15, 2009, but all the HUMANS survived.

*************************************************************

Thank you SO MUCH for playing my game!



NOW each of the WINNERS gets to make up his/her OWN game by choosing an animal and four clues about that animal! The winners will be posting their games in their diaries very soon, so everyone go click on the names above to get to their diaries!

Have a fun time doing MORE GUESSING!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Meet Some Kids!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620528</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:50:02 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620528</guid>
		<description>Daddy and I went for a nice bike ride yesterday when he got back from school. (He rode his bike; I u ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy and I went for a nice bike ride yesterday when he got back from school. (He rode his bike; I used my regular legs and paws!)

We met some kids, and I was very excited to have them be so nice and to pet me, too!

It is always like getting a surprise TREAT or a surprise GIFT when you get to meet nice kids!

I behaved myself very well and laid down to meet them. I didn't bark at them, and they were very kind and petted me and scratched me in all the right places!

It was a fun time!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Red Ear!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620376</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:06:15 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620376</guid>
		<description>My right ear is all red again inside. It's itchy, too.

Mommy and Daddy have to put more ear drops ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My right ear is all red again inside. It's itchy, too.

Mommy and Daddy have to put more ear drops inside my ear to make it better. I am NOT supposed to scratch it. That's hard.

I want to know who keeps making my ears get red and itchy! Whoever you are...STOP IT! That's NOT very nice!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have FIVE WINNERS of my Game So Far!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620375</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:56:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620375</guid>
		<description>Soon I will OFFICIALLY announce the winners of my game!

Hurry! Hurry!

You can be a winner, too ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Soon I will OFFICIALLY announce the winners of my game!

Hurry! Hurry!

You can be a winner, too, if you can figure out the clues and name the animal!

Be sure to send me a PawMail with your answer! All correct guesses get a ROSETTE, and you will also get to be the LEADER and send out your own "Noun Hound" clues for YOUR VERY OWN game!

Hurry!
Time is a-wastin' !
Do it NOW!!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Honor the Victims of 9/11</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620304</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:53:35 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620304</guid>
		<description>It was MANY years before I was even born, but it has FOREVER become a day that will live in our hear ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was MANY years before I was even born, but it has FOREVER become a day that will live in our hearts.

A beautiful, sunny day that changed so quickly to a sun masked with debris from falling buildings.

Horror.
Unbelievable images.
Deafening sounds! 

Many lives lost.
Many HEROES born in an instant as they helped others survive.
Many doggies busy trying to find people under cement and ironwork.

Terrible sights.
Awful smells.
Devastating sounds.

Eight years later, we continue on, but we are all changed.
Some have lost family members.
Many who tried to help have become sick, and many of them have since died.

We will never again think of September 11th as just an ordinary day.

I honor the men and women and children and the doggies, too, who may have died on that day or in the days since that life-changing moment.

I especially honor those who gave their lives to help the victims of that day. 

I am proud of all the doggies who worked so hard to find survivors. 

I honor you all today.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Was One of the Winners!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620230</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:00:49 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/620230</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

I was one of the four winners of Duke's Version of Balto's Game called &quot;The Noun Hou ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

I was one of the four winners of Duke's Version of Balto's Game called "The Noun Hound!"

Here were the clues:

Clues:
1. I am found in Africa, Asia, and southeastern Europe.

2. I am a member of the family Canidae

3. I live in a monogamous pair which defends its territory from other pairs, but occasionally live in a pack.

4. Most vocal of all the Canidae family; pack members communicate with each other by a screaming yell, yapping, or a siren-like howl.

The answer was JACKAL!

Now, as a winner I get to make up four NEW CLUES for a DIFFERENT ANIMAL for all of YOU to guess!

*************************************************************

Here goes...

Saphira's Game of "The Noun Hound"
Clues:

1) I am found in the Arctic and temperate regions of North America.

2) I am a member of the family Anatidae.

3) My mate and I are monogamous and will stay together for our whole lives.

4) Some of us caused a BIG PROBLEM on January 15, 2009, but all the HUMANS survived.


OK! Do some thinking, and send me a PawMail with your guess! A rosette for every CORRECT guess!

Get goin'! You know you want a ROSETTE!

Why are you still here?
Get going!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Update My DANGEROUS List</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/619992</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 9 Sep 2009 16:31:02 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/619992</guid>
		<description>For quite some time now I have been adding things to my Dangerous List. My Dangerous List is a list  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ For quite some time now I have been adding things to my Dangerous List. My Dangerous List is a list of all things that are to be WATCHED VERY CAREFULLY because they are potentially VERY DANGEROUS.

Some items on my list have now been downgraded to my WATCH LIST. These USED to be on my Dangerous List but have proved to not be as dangerous as once thought.

Those things that are now on my WATCH LIST but removed from my DANGEROUS LIST are:
1) blowing plastic bags
2) Downed branches with leaves on them
3) Bruce, our neighbor
4) The Moving Bridge at Lake Shore Reservation


My Updated DANGEROUS LIST now includes:
1) People with hoods, strange-looking hats
2) BABY GATES
3) Little gray-haired old ladies
4) Off-leash dogs that come running and barking at us
5) Tunnels at the Dog Park
6) Snow-covered storm drains


Do YOU have a WATCH LIST?
Do YOU have a DANGEROUS LIST?

I would be VERY interested to know!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Taken the Moving Bridge OFF My Dangerous List!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/619990</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 9 Sep 2009 16:15:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/619990</guid>
		<description>Today Grandma and I went to Lake Shore Reservation. We went for a very nice walk, and before we knew ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Grandma and I went to Lake Shore Reservation. We went for a very nice walk, and before we knew it we had arrived at THE MOVING BRIDGE. Grandma knew that Daddy had mentioned that I had been fearful of it in the past, so Grandma wanted to see how I would react to it today.

Slowly she started over the moving bridge which overlooks Lake Erie. I was on my leash CONNECTED to Grandma, so I walked right along with her. Grandma noticed that I was doing JUST FINE...looking around and not scared or nervous at all! Grandma even took some pictures of me.

You can find one of them on my page.

There's this TREE growing right out of the middle of the bridge! That was very interesting to me, and I went over to sniff it.

Soon we were on our way down the shady path past the bridge. Grandma was very happy that I wasn't scared of the bridge anymore.

I have taken THE MOVING BRIDGE off my Dangerous List.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go to a Cross-Country Meet!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/619190</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 5 Sep 2009 19:34:52 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/619190</guid>
		<description>This morning I got to go to the high school Cross-Country Meet!

It was SO GREAT being outside and ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ This morning I got to go to the high school Cross-Country Meet!

It was SO GREAT being outside and also seeing all the Cross-Country team members! I was a very good girl and never barked at anyone. I laid down so that everyone could come and pet me.

When you are a well-behaved girl or boy MANY PEOPLE will want to come and see you.

I LOVE getting all that attention!

At Cross-Country Meets everyone runs all over the place! It is a very exciting time!

The weather was so beautiful today, and we got to be outside the whole time.

A very fun day!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Write My &quot;Life Rules&quot; on my Half Birthday</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/618538</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 2 Sep 2009 12:07:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/618538</guid>
		<description>My friend Annie just finished her life rules and recorded them in her diary as &quot;This Puggle's Life R ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My friend Annie just finished her life rules and recorded them in her diary as "This Puggle's Life Rules." I thought that it was SUCH a great idea that I decided to write MY life rules.

Now, bear in mind that I am just 18 months old ( My 1/2 Birthday is TODAY!), so I haven't lived THAT much of my life just yet and may need to change a few of these as time goes on!

That said, I am on my way to write my LIFE RULES.

**************************************************

Saphira's Life Rules

1) Always know where every family member is in the house, and keep tabs on them to make sure that you don't miss any fun opportunities.

2) Listen to Mommy and Daddy, and do what they say because they are the BOSS.

3) Eat your chicken FIRST.

4) Take a good drink before you go outside for a walk.

5) When you play ball, ALWAYS drop the ball when you are asked. If you don't give up the ball, PLAYING ball isn't much fun.

6) If you smell something VERY wonderful in the grass, like a fishy, rub in it VERY QUICKLY before Mommy or Daddy notice. Humans don't usually give you enough quality rub-in time, so you must be FAST!

7) Wait to be INVITED before you jump on the couch.

8) Human skin is not very durable, so be VERY careful not to scratch their skin with your toenails as you are playing with them.

9) Alert Mommy and Daddy when something just isn't right. Their ears can't hear things very well, and they need us to help them keep safe.

10) Do NOT pull Mommy into the river.

11) Take every opportunity to go in the car for a ride. Cars take you wonderful places!

12) Don't bother Mommy or Daddy when they are scooping up your poop. They like it so much that they have special bags for it. Respect them for this.

13) If Mommy or Daddy is talking to another human, lay down and be patient. They will be very happy with you for not being annoying.

14) Even though YOU think you smell just great WITHOUT a bath, Mommy and Daddy decide when you need a bath. Go with it, and you may get some TREATS for being a good girl/boy.

15) When Mommy is on her bike and you are by her on your leash, do NOT chase after even one squirrel! Mommies fall off bikes and blood comes out of their skin very easily. It will make you feel VERY BAD if this happens.

16) Table legs, baseboards and walls taste good, but don't eat them. Humans do not appreciate it AT ALL!

17) Behave yourself when you are with people and with doggies. Mommy and Daddy will be very happy about this, and they will take you more and more interesting places. This is ALWAYS a good thing!

18) When Mommy and Daddy say, "Stay!" they mean it. You do not have to agree with them; you just have to DO IT!

19) Never jump up on anyone. If you are big like me, you can knock someone over, and also scratch them by accident. Neither of these things are good.

20) If Mommy and Daddy are away, be really kind to Grandma and Grandpa and remember to give them LOTS of kisses. They are taking care of you, and you need to THANK THEM by being your best self.

21) When you hear, "Come!" , go to Mommy or Daddy RIGHT AWAY! There are no better words than that word because it means they WANT YOU TO BE WITH THEM! Being with Mommy and Daddy is THE BEST thing of all!

22) If a dog is off-leash and running AT YOU, stand your ground. You and your Mommy and Daddy are a TEAM, and it is important that you WORK as a team. Stay in control, and watch Mommy and Daddy to see what YOUR job is in the situation. Remember: Together you are a TEAM!

23) Be VERY, VERY kind at the Vet's office! Those people know how to make you feel better and STAY feeling better. That is a GOOD thing! 

24) If you ever have to spend the night at the Animal Hospital, don't be afraid. They really take very, very good care of you there, and if you behave yourself, they will really appreciate it. You will make MANY new friends there, too!

25) If Mommy or Daddy says, "LEAVE IT!" do what they say. There are all kinds of dangerous things out there that we doggies think are interesting. Mommies and Daddies have lived longer than us, and they know what could hurt us even when WE don't know it.

26) Take care of your family. Protect them, and love them. Make them wonder how they EVER lived their life without you!


Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear That Simon Has His Wings Now</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/617754</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 06:17:13 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/617754</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

I have a good friend, Simon, who just got his wings. He is like a pup again and runn ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

I have a good friend, Simon, who just got his wings. He is like a pup again and running like crazy everywhere that he can because he is trying out those new heavenly legs that he just got! Being a Terrier, Simon is probably digging quite a few holes up there and having a fine time of it!

Simon was a very old doggie! He was 16 years old! Simon is a Wheaten Terrier, and one of the cutest doggies you will ever see. 

Here's Simon's page: <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1004209>Simon</a>

His Daddy, Clive, is having a pretty tough time of it, as you can imagine, though, because he and Simon were together for SIXTEEN YEARS!

Please stop by and say "Hello!" and give Clive some great Dogster support at this difficult time!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Playdate With My Friend, Joey!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/617751</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:34:03 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/617751</guid>
		<description>Joey is my Collie friend, and he is three years old. He and his Mommy live down the road from us.
 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Joey is my Collie friend, and he is three years old. He and his Mommy live down the road from us.

I met him several months ago when we were out running, and we really hit it off great!

Joey and I are both HERDING DOGGIES, so we like to run around herding one another! When we get all tired from that, we like to lay down on the cool grass, side by side. Sometimes we put one paw over one another's paw.

We are good friends.

Joey is always kind and very sweet.  We are pretty much the same size, too.

It is really nice to have a good friend like Joey!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Speed-Dialed Grandpa...All By Myself!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/617133</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:45:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/617133</guid>
		<description>Surprised?

Me, too!

This is how it happened...

Grandma had these yummy treats in her pocket ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Surprised?

Me, too!

This is how it happened...

Grandma had these yummy treats in her pocket, and gave me one when I did my commands or when I walked really nice beside her. We were sitting on the couch together later in the evening, and I SMELLED those treats in her pocket!

Now the treats had long-since been eaten by ME, but you know how good our noses are! There still were some CRUMBS in that pocket that I could smell.Mmmmm!

ANYWAY, I nudged at that pocket, and I nudged at that pocket and pretty soon the pocket started to make a funny sound. Grandma and I BOTH heard it. It was Grandpa coming out of Grandma's pocket!

Grandma reached in her treat pocket of her shorts, got her cell phone and said, "Hello?"

Grandpa said, "Hi! What's up?"

Grandma said,"We're doing good, but what just happened?"

Grandpa said, "You just called me!"

Grandma said, "No, I think SAPHIRA just called YOU!"

Together they put two and two together and figured out that thanks to the treat crumbs in Grandma's pocket, I managed to turn on Grandma's phone AND speed-dial Grandpa! 

Pretty fun!
Who knew a NOSE could DO that???!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have My Mommy and Daddy Back!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/616553</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:07:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/616553</guid>
		<description>It was a GREAT DAY because Mommy and Daddy got home from Colorado! When they came in the door I thou ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was a GREAT DAY because Mommy and Daddy got home from Colorado! When they came in the door I thought I was DREAMING! I "swam" past them and over to my grandmas and my grandpa and just kept collecting hugs and pats and belly rubs! Very nice those homecomings are!

I have added a picture of the three of us for my first picture. Daddy is using me as his PILLOW! Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Jon were awake for about 47 hours, so they are all REALLY TIRED!

Mommy crossed the finish line of the Leadville Trail Run 100 after 28 hours and 40 minutes, coming in SECOND PLACE in her age group. She thinks that she was the youngest person to finish the race. Over 500 runners began the race, but just 250 completed the race. She said Daddy and Uncle Jon were GREAT crew members!

Mommy got all kinds of presents! She got a hat, a T-shirt, a sweatshirt, a watch, a belt buckle, a backpack, and a medallion. Some of them she was wearing, but some of them are in her suitcase that is STILL in Denver. It never made it onto the plane! It is supposed to be delivered to our door tomorrow. 

Mommy collected $2000 for the "Women For Women of the Congo International", and is proud to say that FIVE WOMEN will have very changed lives thanks to the generosity of all who donated.

It was a very exciting week with MANY wonderful memories!

I am REALLY happy to have my Mommy and Daddy home again. My Grandmas kept a journal for me and took pictures so Mommy and Daddy will know all the things that I did while they were gone.I will be adding them to my diary, but now it is time for SLEEPING!!!

I have lots of mail to catch up on and so many rosettes and gifts to check out, too! For now, though, my brown Saphira eyes are very droopy, and I need to go have some nice dreams!

Stay tuned for LOTS more news!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Protect Mommy and Daddy, and TODAY They Protected ME!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/613705</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:38:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/613705</guid>
		<description>Mommy and I run a lot of different places, and often we either start or end at the nice park across  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and I run a lot of different places, and often we either start or end at the nice park across the street from our condo. 

Well, we have this problem. 
The problem is an OFF-LEASH Golden Retriever named Brady.

Brady's owner IGNORES the sign that says that ALL DOGS must be on a leash when at the park. To make matters worse, Brady is EXTREMELY high-energy. Mommy thinks "high energy" is too nice a term for Brady. She thinks "crazy" is a better word for him!

Brady CHARGES.
Brady circles in a VERY domineering way.
Brady is very AGGRESSIVE.
Brady rams his nose HARD at you  as he tries to sniff you.

Now I have been trained to act POLITELY when I am around people and also around other dogs. Brady just did not "get" it when I let him know that I did NOT like his behavior! 

Today I HAD to resort to BARKING at him.
Even THAT did not work, and I have a SERIOUSLY BIG GIRL bark, too!

Finally I GROWLED.
I NEVER have to do that, and frankly it made me embarrassed to have to RESORT to it on this day!

Brady was SO out of control, and Mommy was so upset with Brady that Mommy did something very interesting. Mommy JUMPED in front of me and got into a kind of FENCING POSE. Mommy SCREAMED and YELLED and flung her arms all around her... toward Brady! She did this for several minutes, and I could tell that Mommy was REALLY, REALLY upset that Brady's owner was doing absolutely nothing to help the situation.

Daddy had been calling Brady the whole time, but Brady had not listened to Daddy. Finally Daddy called Brady some more, and Brady ran toward my Daddy. Daddy got Brady by his collar and walked Brady away about 500 feet toward Brady's owner. Brady's owner walked CASUALLY toward us like it was no big deal.

Daddy TACTFULLY put the man in his place, telling him that Brady MUST be ON-LEASH in the park for HIS safety as well as for all the other dogs who may be in the park.

Hopefully things are now resolved.

I was VERY proud that Mommy came to my aid with Brady and that Daddy spoke to the owner of Brady to tell him to FOLLOW THE RULES of the park to have Brady ON HIS LEASH.

Mommy says, "Please! Everyone! Keep your doggies on a leash in public areas with lots of people and other dogs!"]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Will Be In Charge of our House Again!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/613620</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:07:48 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/613620</guid>
		<description>Well, it is almost the BIG DAY!

Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Jon are getting all packed for Colorado ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well, it is almost the BIG DAY!

Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Jon are getting all packed for Colorado! They have to leave here around 3:30am to get to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Then they leave to go to Colorado!

They have MANY things planned for the week that they will be there! First, Mommy and Daddy go to a wedding! Then they get to run in the Garden of the Gods with Uncle Jon. They plan to go hiking and white-water rafting, too! Mommy needs to practice running in the higher altitudes of Colorado so she will be ready for her race on the 22nd.

Uncle Jon and Daddy will be Mommy's crew and will be meeting her at each race checkpoint. At mile sixty they will take turns running with Mommy for the last forty miles of her race. This will be a GOOD THING because that forty miles will be IN THE DARK! (Don't worry! They are packing FLASHLIGHTS and HEADLAMPS!)

We will let you know how everything goes!

As you probably remember from my diary, Mommy will be running in honor of the "Women For Women of the Congo International." She has been busy collecting donations to send to the organization. We want to thank all the wonderful Dogster doggies and their families for supporting Mommy in her effort to help these women through your generous donations!

While everyone is away, I AM IN CHARGE of Home Security! My Grandmas will be here with me, and we will have a fun time like we always do!

Talk to you all again very soon!

Please keep Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Jon in your prayers! The race begins at 4am on the 22nd, and Mommy will be running all day and through the night until the morning of the 23rd.

Don't worry Mommy and Daddy! I will take good care of the Grandmas and our house while you are gone!

I will miss you!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Message About Scrappy from My Pal, Doodle!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/612553</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 9 Aug 2009 13:05:01 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/612553</guid>
		<description>My Pal, Doodle and her Mommy WROTE to the newspaper and also to the writer of the Scrappy article.   ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My Pal, Doodle and her Mommy WROTE to the newspaper and also to the writer of the Scrappy article.  I have permission from them to include their writings in my diary for all to read!

Thank you, Doodle and Mommy!

Here are their letters:

Dearest Saphira, after reading the article and the comments and getting our anger up, we decided to send our comments to the paper for ALL TO READ as well! I've copied what we wrote, and will be sending a copy of it to the guy that wrote the article too since he has his e-mail address on there.

"Doesn't the city of DM have anything better to do than wonder what kind of breed a dog is??? I'm writing from Texas and I know WE have better things to do than worry about a type of breed. The dog has been with the lady for 8 years!! She's never posed a threat to anyone before now. So, the dog got out and now is being kept away from her owner just because someone THINKS they know one breed from another. Look at her picture, she is terrified! You can see it in her face. IF this was a wolf or wolf hybrid, the dog would be fighting at being contained by a leash and showing its teeth and snarling. I didn't read that any of that was happening nor does it show in the picure you provided! Please let Scrappy get back to her owner so they both can continue on with their lives, minding their own business like they've done for the past 8 years!! 

Take the manhours used in this incident and put them to good use by helping the community of DM...you definitely need it up there!! "

There's more! (Keep reading!) 

As a follow up to "how something looks" rather than "what it is", our president is part white/part black, but he "looks" all black to me...whats the difference between him and a dog that "looks" like a wolf. NONE!! Its all in how you present yourself and conduct yourself that should matter. The dog was conducting itself in a friendly, happy and non-threatening manner for 8 years prior to being caught by animal control and thats all that should matter rather than "how she looks".
8/9/2009 1:21:20 PM

And MORE: (Keep reading!)

...and to the writer of the article about Scrappy...

I'm writing from San Antonio, TX and got word about the story in your newspaper. After going online to read the full story I decided to voice my opinion on the matter and left my comments. 

I kind of don't understand the importance of keeping a dog away from its owner just because of "how it looks". Look at our president, he's got white ancestry in him but he looks completely black to me. So, what is the difference about how someone or something looks? 

The dog has been living a nice quite life with her owner for the past 8 years and because she got out and was captured, she's being kept away from the one person who feeds and protects her for the past 4 months. I think she should be let go and returned to her owner so they can get on with their lives. 

Take the money that was/is being spent on the "control" of this animal and spend it on the people and communities there in Des Moines.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am NOT a Wolf, and Neither is Scrappy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/612497</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 9 Aug 2009 08:06:50 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/612497</guid>
		<description>Hello Everyone!

I just read this in my Pal, Maya's, diary and HAD to add it to mine!

PLEASE re ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hello Everyone!

I just read this in my Pal, Maya's, diary and HAD to add it to mine!

PLEASE read this and help Scrappy by calling the phone number below! 

I just called the number and also identified myself as a Dogster.com member. 

Dogster Pals! Please Help Scrappy get back to his Mommy!

                             **********************************

HELP FREE SCRAPPY!!! Read and make one phone call to Des Moines Animal Control. Demand that Scrappy be released to his owners! 515-284-6905. Tell them your name and what state you are from. Please also be nice to the individual that answers the phone. It isn't her fault that Scrappy is behind bars!!!

Please go to this link to see a sweet picture of Scrappy!

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090807 /NEWS01/908070344

Story:

Her owner says the animal isn't a wolf, but the police aren't so sure. A Des Moines ordinance says wolves can't be pets.

Scrappy was released on a probation of sorts Thursday pending a determination of whether the animal is a dog, wolf or wolf dog.

The animal has been in custody since April 29, when she was picked up after running loose.

When owner Crystal Smith tried to retrieve Scrappy from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa Inc., someone decided the animal looked like a wolf and detained it.


Des Moines, like dozens of other cities, has an ordinance that says residents can't keep a wolf.

Smith said Scrappy isn't a wolf.

"I am not positive of her breed mix, but she has a Siberian husky look," said Smith, who has owned the animal for about eight years. "She does not have wild animal tendencies. She's very tame and friendly."

Police Sgt. Scott Raudabaugh, Des Moines' chief humane officer, said: "All the indicators, to me, are that it's a wolf. My dilemma is I can't just walk away from that. I don't feel comfortable with someone keeping it in the city like it's a dog."

Because the city ordinance mentions "wolves," and not wolf dogs or wolf-dog mixes, a court will decide the animal's fate.

The issue was discussed before Judge Robert Hanson on Thursday. But the only decision made was that Scrappy could be released to Rovers Ranch in Runnells, in the care of Darcy Emehiser, a professional dog trainer.

Emehiser promised under oath that she has ample insurance and a fenced area from which Scrappy can't escape.

Smith's attorney, Pam Vandel, said the issue boils down to whether Scrappy is a wolf or a dog. She said most dogs have wolf in their ancestry. Vandel said there's no way to know until Scrappy is dead whether she's a wolf.

L. David Mech, an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota who has a special interest in wolves, said DNA can be used to tell whether an animal is a wolf or a dog but it won't yield a percentage of either in a mix.

He said it's not possible to tell a wolf from some hybrids by examination.

He said the World Conservation Union Wolf Specialist Group, of which he is chairman, recommends against keeping wolves or wolf dogs as pets.

No one has papers showing Scrappy's family tree.

A date for the next hearing was not announced.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Roll In a Cheetos Bag!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/612287</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 8 Aug 2009 09:12:04 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/612287</guid>
		<description>On my walk yesterday morning I spotted an interesting bag in the grass. I always like to check out t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ On my walk yesterday morning I spotted an interesting bag in the grass. I always like to check out things in the grass because they usually are very interesting and often have WONDERFUL smells coming from them.

Well, THIS bag was no exception! There was this MOST WONDERFUL cheese smell coming from this little opening in the bottom of the bag.

I sniffed it. Ahhhhhhh!

I gave it a lick.
Mmmmmmmm!

Then I just wanted to put that nice CHEESE smell all over me!

I rolled the right side of my face in the bag.
I rolled the left side of my face in the bag.
Then I figured that I would just roll my whole body in it!

Ahhhhhh!
Cheese!

A very wonderful thing!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Fun With a Tricky Sprinkler!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/612284</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 8 Aug 2009 09:02:28 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/612284</guid>
		<description>Last night I was at Grandma and Grandpa's house while Daddy and Mommy and Uncle Jon went running. Th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Last night I was at Grandma and Grandpa's house while Daddy and Mommy and Uncle Jon went running. They were helping Uncle Jon to get used to running when it is starting to get dark and when it IS dark because a lot of Mommy's race will be run in the dark. They will be there with her for the last bunch of miles.

Anyway...

At Grandma and Grandpa's they had this noisy water-thingy spitting and spraying water on the grass. It sure looked INTERESTING to me, and Grandma knew that, so she took me over to see it.

Now I have played HOSE many times, and I THINK I have that hose figured out. This thing, called a "SPRINKLER" is a WHOLE 'nother story! It spits and sprays out water in one direction, and then it spits and sprays out water in ANOTHER direction! Just as I was getting a very nice bite of the water, the direction changed, and I got a whole FACEFUL of water! Then, as I was chasing the big SPRAY of water, the water went back the OTHER direction!

In a few minutes I was actually doing pretty good with the sprinkler! It took practice, though!

Grandma was getting wet, but she didn't care!  I was getting VERY wet, and I LOVED it! Grandma's neighbor across the street said, "What are you going to do with that WET DOG?"

Grandma said, "Oh! We are BOTH wet! We'll just go for a nice walk and we'll be dry in a jiffy!" (The neighbor lady is NOT a "Dog Person!")

We DID go for a very nice walk all around Grandma's neighborhood and also all along the nursery that grows all the plants. By the time we got home, we were dry!

I'm glad that Grandma and Grandpa were watering their grass! That sprinkler sure was a LOT of fun to play with lasy night!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Some Things to Add to Bath Time!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/611392</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 4 Aug 2009 18:03:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/611392</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

Saphira here! 

Dogster posted these great ideas today! I want to add just a few m ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

Saphira here! 

Dogster posted these great ideas today! I want to add just a few more things!


Dog Bathing Instructions from The Dogster People
(Additional suggestions by Saphira, Bath Lover)


1)Place a rubber mat in the bathtub. This will give the dog a secure footing and will help her relax.
 
2)Be sure all supplies are within your reach. (Saphira suggests having TREATS handy, too.)

3)Put a cotton ball in each of the dogâ€™s ears to keep out water. 

4)Place the dog in the tub. (Saphira suggests that THIS is a PERFECT time for a TREAT!)

5)If the canine is a large model (like ME, Saphira!) and you are unsure of your ability to lift her, seek help. (Saphira suggests you call her strong Daddy. He will help you!)

6)Rinse the dog thoroughly with warm water, using a spray hose if available. Hold the nozzle as close to the dogâ€™s body as possible. Do not spray doggie in the face. (Saphira suggests giving your doggie another TREAT at this point.)
 
EXPERT TIP: Throughout this process, it is important to stroke and reassure the dog frequently (especially if she is not used to bathing). (Saphira says BELLY RUBS are especially nice at this time! Oh, and of course another TREAT!)

Giving TREATS helps the doggie associate BATH with TREAT.
TREAT is always a GOOD THING!


Dog Bathing Instructions, Part II
(More suggestions from Saphira included)

7)Apply a dog-formulated shampoo, in small amounts, working from tail to head. (Mommy uses Aveno Shampoo on me, Saphira.) Saphira suggests this is a GREAT time for more TREATS!
 
8)Be sure the waste port (WASTE PORT??? What's that?), toes, and the areas behind the ears and under the chin are clean. (Saphira says to take it easy with the tail. After all, how dirty could a TAIL be?)

CAUTION: Avoid getting shampoo in the dogâ€™s eyes. A drop of mineral oil in the corner of each eye immediately prior to bath time prevents irritation.

9)Rinse the dog thoroughly with warm water. Begin at the head. Squeeze excess water from the coat. Remove the cotton balls from her ears. (Put the cotton balls FAR AWAY from your doggie or she will eat them as TREATS!)

10)Dry the dog with a towel or hair dryer or play CAR WASH See below!

NOTE: Dogs with kinky or long coats, including the Maltese, bichon frise,  poodle, and Saphira, look better blow-dried. Keep the dryer on its lowest setting, and never direct the air flow into the dogâ€™s face. (Pay attention! This is IMPORTANT!)
 
CAUTION: Some breeds (including Basset Hounds and many members of the spaniel family) have excessively oily coats. If not bathed and properly groomed, the oil can become rancid and cause a dandruff-like condition called primary seborrhea. Medicinal shampoos can correct the problem. Consult your veterinarian for details.

Some doggies have really DRY coats, like ME, Saphira, so take it easy with baths and use a nice shampoo, OK?

11)If you don't have a hairdryer handy, or you have a REALLY LOUD and annoying hairdryer, play CAR WASH instead with lots of towels, rubbing your doggie dry (or at least until she's not super soaking.)

12)Giving yet ANOTHER TREAT at this point is optional because playing CAR WASH with the towels is plenty fun in and of itself, but giving a TREAT at this point is recommended by Saphira.

So, there you have it!

Happy Bathtime Everyone!

Love,
Saphira

P.S. My Mommy and Daddy and I made up TREAT BATHS and CAR WASH. You will like them! You will!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Inspired to Make My &quot;Like List!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/611167</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 3 Aug 2009 20:45:23 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/611167</guid>
		<description>My new pal Hudson made a &quot;Like List&quot; in his diary, and I thought that it was such a great idea that  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My new pal <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/999963>Hudson</a> made a "Like List" in his diary, and I thought that it was such a great idea that I decided to make one, too!

Here's MY list!

Saphira's "LIKE LIST"

1) My Mommy and Daddy 
2) My Grandmas and Grandpas
3) My Uncle Jon
4) My Mama, Akia
5) My Papa, Miko
6) My Arthur
7) Sleeping in the BIG BED
8) Tennis balls
9) CHICKEN!
10) Shady places
11) Bunnies, squirrels and butterflies
12) CHEESE!
13) Ice Cream
14) Running with Mommy
15) Playing ball with Daddy
16) Baths
17) Fishys on the beach
18) Running on Trails
19) Being in Mommy and Daddy's running group
20) Having my whole family in one room
21) Sniffing on my walks
22) Belly Rubs
23) Going outside in the evening in my front yard
24) Learning new things
25) My Nylabones
26) Ice Cubes
27) Watching movies with Mommy and Daddy on the couch
28) When Mommy gets home
29) When Daddy gets home
30) Squeeky toys
31) Dogster and all my Great Dogster Buddies

As I think of more, I will update my list!

How about YOU GUYS???
What's on YOUR "Like List?"]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Day at Grandma and Grandpa's House!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/611051</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 3 Aug 2009 12:54:54 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/611051</guid>
		<description>This morning Daddy and I went to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Daddy had to do some cleaning out of a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ This morning Daddy and I went to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Daddy had to do some cleaning out of a closet in his old room so that Grandpa and Uncle Jon can finish painting and putting in new carpet to get Daddy's old room ready for Uncle Jon to move in there.

There sure was a lot of new stuff at Grandma and Grandpa's house! Daddy had to bring my gates to block off the livingroom so that I wouldn't get hurt on any nails sticking out of the old trim. Grandpa has been painting all the OTHER rooms, too, so there were paint cans and brushes and all this other stuff around. Uncle Jon has been removing old trim and putting in new trim. It took me quite awhile to check out everything new.

There was a lot to watch and supervise! Everyone was moving all around the house, and I needed to watch everything and everyone.

In awhile I really wanted to go and play. My Daddy knew this, so he got my frisbee and my ball, and he brought out my L-O-N-G leash so that I could stay safe but also run far to catch my ball and my frisbee. We had a very fun time. I am getting better at catching my frisbee, but I am BEST at catching my ball.

Grandma took pictures, so you can see us!

We came back in, and I had a nice long drink and supervised some more.

In a bit, Daddy was finished, and everyone helped carry bags to the driveway for garbage and recycling. Daddy filled some bins and boxes with things he wanted to take back home to our house. There also were some things to take to The Salvation Army. (That isn't a REGULAR ARMY with guns and stuff. It is a PLACE, and you go there  to DONATE things that you don't need anymore .)

Then it was LUNCHTIME! I got my lunch at the same time as everyone else got theirs. I ate mine and took a nice sleep. Humans take a LOT longer to eat. I think that's because they like to TALK while they eat. I can't talk, so I just keep EATING!

In about an hour Grandma and I went outside for a nice walk. Grandma knows that I like to check out everything, so we went down the street and by the nursery. They grow lots of pretty plants there, and there are MANY interesting things to see and smell there. I tried to catch a butterfly, but as I was ready to do that, the butterfly flew away. 

We saw a lady pulling weeds, and I did not bark at her. We saw some kids playing basketball, and I did not bark at them either.

All of a sudden we looked up, and there was Uncle Jon on his bike. He came to find us because Daddy needed to leave to go home. 

Daddy let Uncle Jon ride his bike holding my leash, and we went down the street a bit. I did very well with Uncle Jon and his bike! Then Daddy rode the bike and I went with him. Grandma took pictures of us, and you can see them on my page!

Soon it was time to leave. I was tired and ready for a nice NAP!

I had a very busy day but a very fun one!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Special Message for You from Mommy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/610470</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 1 Aug 2009 05:33:43 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/610470</guid>
		<description>Hello Everyone! 

On August 22nd I will be competing in a 100-mile race across the Rocky Mountains ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hello Everyone! 

On August 22nd I will be competing in a 100-mile race across the Rocky Mountains in Leadville, Colorado.

Although I have run literally hundreds of races throughout my life, this one is and will be different.  Not only will this be my most challenging race to date â€“   but I will be running this race with a very definitive purpose.  I will be running for an organization known as WOMEN FOR WOMEN.

The purpose of this organization is to provide basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter to women and their children. However, the key component in this program is EDUCATION.  Women for Women provides structured classroom education for one year.  The educational curriculum includes basic literacy and math skills, health information, human rights education, and most importantly specific skills training so that after one year the women can either run their own small business or be qualified to work a stable job.

This organization does not simply provide basic needs for one year and then leave when the money runs out.  The Mission of this organization is â€œHelping Women Survivors of War Rebuild Their Lives.â€ The key word in their mission in REBUILD.  For those of you who are not aware of the atrocities occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo I would urge you to visit the web links listed below to learn more about what is happening.  After much consideration I have arrived on what I believe to be an attainable contribution to this venerable charity.

My goal is to sponsor 10 women in Democratic Republic of the Congo for ONE WHOLE YEAR.  The cost for one women for one year is $324 (or $27/month).  Chris and I will be sponsoring one woman ourselves and are counting on all of you to help us out with the other nine women.   

The question I am often asked is why the Congo?   My answer is simple.  I have grown up in a country that offers the most amazing charities and government sponsored programs on earth.  For those who have fallen on difficult times - we have soup kitchens, homeless shelters, clothing drives, unemployment support, disability, welfare, WIC, Food Stamps, subsidized housing, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and the list goes on and onâ€¦  Growing up I guess I just thought that was the way it was everywhere. However, last year I went on my first mission trip abroad to El Salvador and I realized that these programs and services do not exist in places like El Salvador or the Congo.  If you lose your job, become injured, or simply age and cannot work, there are no services available or organizations to help you.

Since I have returned from El Salvador, I have had such an appreciation for the services and programs that we have here in our churches, our local community, our state, and our country.  By contributing to this organization I hope to give at least 10 women in the Congo a chance to rebuild their lives after going through some of the most unimaginable horrors.  

If this message has touched your heart as it has mine, please refer to the information below.  

Even the smallest donation will be greatly appreciated.  


Websites:
Women For Women Intl. 
http://www.womenforwomen.org/index.php

Run For Congo Women
http://www.runforcongowomen.org/


How to Donate:
If you choose to donate online or sponsor a woman in the Congo on your own via cash or check, please just send me an email (crystalbasich@hotmail.com) so that we can count it towards our goal. You can also email me with any questions or for further information.  Thank you so much for your support!


Online: 
https://mywomenforwomen.org/donation/donate-form.php?wfw=RUNCONGO09

Check or Cash:
If you are making a donation of at least $324 and choose to sponsor a woman on your own:
You can send a personal check or cash directly to Women for Women International.
 
Women for Women International
Global Support Center
Att. Run for Congo Women 
PO Box 9224
Central Islip, NY 11722-9224

If you are making a donation less than $324 or choose not to sponsor a woman on your own:
I will be sending all checks and cash together at one time to the organization so that the funds can be combined to meet our sponsorship goal of ten women. 

My address is:
Crystal Basich
5703 St. Thomas Lane
Madison, OH 44057
USA]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Keep My Crate Door Open at Night!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/610128</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:04:40 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/610128</guid>
		<description>I think you all know that I USED to sleep in my crate when I was a VERY TINY (OK, not THAT tiny!) pu ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I think you all know that I USED to sleep in my crate when I was a VERY TINY (OK, not THAT tiny!) puppy.

Then Mommy and Daddy decided that I could sleep with THEM on the BIG BED. All was going just fine there until my body got bigger and bigger and poor Mommy had no room left between Daddy being a very tall Daddy and me being almost NINETY POUNDS with LOTS and LOTS of fur. Poor Mommy was turned into a pretzel as she tried to fit in a very tiny space on the bed.

Next, it was back to the crate for me. Now you probably remember me telling you that I have a VERY LARGE crate in Mommy and Daddy's bedroom that is big enough for all THREE of us if we scrunch inside, so I have plenty of room inside there when it is just me. Mommy and Daddy would close the door of my crate, and we would all go to sleep.

Well,  My Mommy decided that I was old enough and responsible enough  to have the door to my crate left O-P-E-N, and she would just tell me to "STAY!" (Mommy is always coming up with new ways to practice my commands!)

SO, I now sleep in my crate with the door O-P-E-N! I have been doing really well staying all night IN my crate with the door open.

When it is morning and Mommy and Daddy are waking up, they call me, and I just jump up on the big bed and give them lots of "Good Morning from Saphira" kisses.

That's the very BEST part!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am VERY PROUD of My Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/608754</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:21:25 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/608754</guid>
		<description>Daddy had another race today!

This time it was The Lake MetroParks Pirate Triathlon at The Fairpo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy had another race today!

This time it was The Lake MetroParks Pirate Triathlon at The Fairport Harbor BeachFront Park.

Daddy had to swim in the lake (Lake Erie)  for 500 meters, run out of the lake and get on his bike and ride 12.4 miles, and then put his bike in the transition area and go run for 3.1 miles.

This was Daddy's very first triathlon, and he finished all that in just one hour and twenty-four minutes!

Daddy was really happy with his time today!

We are all VERY, VERY proud of Daddy!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go to the Indian Hills Adventure Race!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/608552</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:32:08 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/608552</guid>
		<description>Today Mommy and Daddy and I went to the Indian Hills Adventure Race with Uncle Jon! We saw Grandma C ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Mommy and Daddy and I went to the Indian Hills Adventure Race with Uncle Jon! We saw Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Rich there, too!

Before the race Mommy and I ran on the trails. It was a new place to run and a very fun one. Mommy and I got muddy because it had rained A LOT here for the last few days. We didn't care about the mud. It was a fun time! I got a VERY NICE drink of water a bit after our run. Ahhhhhhhhh!

Soon it was time for the race!

All the runners got ready, and I got ready, too. All of a sudden the runners started running, but Mommy said, "STAY!" to me!

Mommy! Did you FORGET? WE are supposed to be running WITH THEM! Let's GO!

Mommy STILL said, "STAY!" even though I was telling her that we should be leaving RIGHT NOW!

OH! I get it now! 
This is a race that I WATCH!

Mommy and I went over to where the runners come to get some water. We stayed there because the runners were going to loop by there several times. I had to keep careful watch to make sure everything was going the way that it should. I am VERY GOOD at that!

The Water Lady / Race Official Lady was really nice. She talked to me and really understood that I wanted to be out there running. Soon I settled down and watched all the runners race by.

Oh BOY! I see Daddy! I wanted to go WITH him, but I knew that I had to stay put. Oh! Here comes Uncle Jon! I wanted to go run with him, but I knew that I would see him later and we could run then.

I had a very fun time watching all the runners. As the race went on, they looked muddier and muddier.

Mommy and I went for another short run and then came back to see some more of the race.

We went to a different waiting place because soon the race would be over. I saw Daddy and then Uncle Jon come through the trees. Everybody was clapping. Then I saw a really great thing! Daddy was finished with the race and came over to ME! Then Uncle Jon finished and came over to ME!  I was VERY happy to have them back with me.

Some other people came over to me and patted me. Oh, how I love it when I am in the middle of my family and a bunch of new friends, too!

Daddy and Uncle Jon had some water and Gatorade to drink and started wiping off some of their mud with towels.

Soon it was RESULTS time! A man called a lot of names, and there was a lot of clapping and people taking pictures. My Daddy got his name called, and he took SECOND PLACE in his age bracket! Then they called my Uncle Jon's name, and he took FIRST PLACE in his age bracket! They both got trophies!

They were happy with their times for their races. It was a fun morning for everyone.

What a great day to be at a race!

Oh! I added some pictures from the race to my page! Go see!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Got New Toothpaste!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/607921</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:37:04 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/607921</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy got me some new doggie toothpaste.

I get my BIG GIRL TEETH brushed EVERY night so ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy got me some new doggie toothpaste.

I get my BIG GIRL TEETH brushed EVERY night so they stay nice and white and shiny!

I added a new picture for my first picture so you could see my BIG GIRL TEETH for yourself.

Don't get scared now! They ARE pretty big!

I tend to CHEW my toothbrush while Mommy or Daddy brush ny teeth, so I need a new toothbrush pretty often.

Remember to get YOUR teeth brushed every night. Then you will have nice, strong teeth to eat all that yummy food!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Tagged to &quot;Pay it Forward!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/606755</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 19 Jul 2009 06:56:13 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/606755</guid>
		<description>I just got tagged by Doodle! Here's what she said:

I've been tagged by Po, Xena and Lola who was  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I just got tagged by Doodle! Here's what she said:

I've been tagged by Po, Xena and Lola who was tagged by Sadie, who was tagged by Crystal, Who was tagged by Shiloh in a neat sort of way! He is celebrating his 20th diary entry and has given tree rosettes to 10 of his pals. He is asking us to "Pay it Forward" and keep on giving. He is asking us to send rosettes to 10 of our pals (5 if you can't do 10) and to keep on giving!


This is a very nice thing to do! Thank you, Doodle, for tagging me in this new game!

I am tagging these families:

1) Bob, Bella, Amy, and Sam
2) Tinker Bell Forever, Halo Kitty, and Apollo Cream
3) Sargeant
4) Tiberius, Dylan, and Jia
5) Mz. Kitty and Officer Judd

Now I am off to PAY IT FORWARD!!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am ROYALTY for a Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/606488</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 18 Jul 2009 06:42:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/606488</guid>
		<description>Oh my GOODNESS!

I discovered this morning that I am ROYALTY for a Day!

The &quot;Princess Divas and ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh my GOODNESS!

I discovered this morning that I am ROYALTY for a Day!

The "Princess Divas and Prince Charmings" Dogster Group that I am in has selected me as their ROYAL MEMBER of the Day!

I even get a special CERTIFICATE!

Thank you everyone for this special honor! It will be very exciting being ROYAL all day!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Lose Yet Another Good Friend!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/606265</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:55:52 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/606265</guid>
		<description>My good friend, Teddy needed hip surgery, and his surgery went well. There was a problem, though, an ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My good friend, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/966024>Teddy</a> needed hip surgery, and his surgery went well. There was a problem, though, and  he had a heart attack and died.

I have lost yet another good friend.

Bob and Jacob lost Layla just a few months ago, and now Teddy is gone. So sad!

Please go to Teddy's page and see what a sweet doggie Teddy is! I know Bob and Jacob would love hearing from everyone, too, at this sad time.

God speed, Teddy! Layla is waiting for you!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Haiku Written Just for ME!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/605911</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:26:56 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/605911</guid>
		<description>Today I got a very special gift!

I got a Haiku written JUST FOR ME by my favorite Haiku writer, Z ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today I got a very special gift!

I got a Haiku written JUST FOR ME by my favorite Haiku writer, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/930039>Zaidie</a>!

Here it is!


Saphira, my sweet,
Runs fast and free like the wind;
Her fur like feathers.


Isn't that beautiful?

Thank you, Zaidie, for making me my very own Haiku!

Love,
Saphira


P.S. Go to Zaidie's page and you will see other Haiku that Zaidie has written!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Update My Birthday List Again!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/605241</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:47:42 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/605241</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

This is what I have so far! If you aren't on here yet, and you'd like to be, just se ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

This is what I have so far! If you aren't on here yet, and you'd like to be, just send a PawMail and I'll get you right on the list!

I need your Dogster ID# so I can make a link for you on my list!

Love,
Saphira



SAPHIRA'S OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY LIST


January-
Sometime in January- Brownie Maeve (#1009912) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1009912>Brownie Maeve</a>


February-
Sometime in February- Joey (#865713) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865713>Joey</a>
1- Izzy (#345061) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/345061>Izzy</a>
11- Barkley (#370951) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/370951>Barkley</a>
13- Sammy (#877130) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/877130>Sammy</a>
18- Mz.Kitty (#914976) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/com/dogs/914976>Mz.Kitty</a>
22- Sunny Lee (#794702) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/794702>Sunny Lee</a>



March-
2- Luther (#779261) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/779261>Luther</a>
2- Saphira (#815298) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298>Saphira</a>
5- Jesse (#241421) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/241421>Jesse</a>
6- Bob (#206901) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/206901>Bob</a>
7- Angel (#811538) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/811538>Angel</a>
11- Jackson (#338237) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/338237>Jackson</a>
13-Pita (#297221)<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/297221>Pita</a>
14- Coco (#788183) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/788183>Coco</a>
15- Quincy (#625950) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/625950>Quincy</a>
16- Sargeant (#39298) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/39298>Sargeant</a>



April-
9- Lexie (#907916) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/907916>Lexie</a>
10- Louie (#799725) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/799725>Louie</a>
15- Sam (#234279) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/234279>Sam</a>
15- Gypsy (#826305) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/826305>Gypsy</a>
24- Annie (#882766) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/882766>Annie</a>



May-
2- Holly (#796416) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/796416>Holly</a>
5- Gizmo (#212204) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/212204>Gizmo</a>
17- Halo Kitty (#548373) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/548373>Halo Kitty</a>
17- Biscotte (#563772) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/563772>Biscotte</a>
18- Dylan (#800844) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/800844>Dylan</a>
23-Stryker (#804369) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/804369>Stryker</a>
20- Shadow Bear (#1015063) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1015063>Shadow Bear</a>
26- Hearth (#532592) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/532592>Hearth</a>
28- Gracie (#493364) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/493364>Gracie</a>


June-
4- LeRoi (#865709) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865709>LeRoi</a>
5- Harley Davidson (#862008) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/862008>Harley Davidson</a>
8- Tinkerbell Forever (#548196) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/548196>Tinkerbell Forever</a>
9- Spook Show (#360252) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/360252>Spook Show</a>
10- Magnuson (#639013) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/639013>Magnuson</a>
13- Kiara (#302730) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/302730>Kiara</a>
17- Bella (#719249) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/719249>Bella</a>
17- Maya (#641106) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/641106>Maya</a>
19- Bullet (#865633) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865633>Bullet</a>
23- Ted E. Bear (#1015066) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1015066>Ted E. Bear</a>
28- Tiberius (#800845) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/800845>Tiberius</a>


July-
10- Wolfgang (#767265) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/767265>Wolfgang</a>
13- Tippy (#891469) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/891469>Tippy</a>
13- Priscilla (#573774) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/573774>Priscilla</a>
14- Capone (#886448)  <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/886448>Capone</a>



August-
4- Emma (#658660) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/658660>Emma</a>
15- Maxwell (#413363) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/413363>Maxwell</a>
18- Scout (#903991) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/903991>Scout</a>
20- Jia (#960106) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/960106>Jia</a>
30- Pippin (#632167) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/632167>Pippin</a>



September-
5- Star (#79736) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/79736>Star</a>
6- Sophie Claire (#861846) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/861846>Sophie Claire</a>
7- Tika (#625151) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/625151>Tika</a>
10- Laurie (#865710) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865710>Laurie</a>
14- Kaine (#519773) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/519773>Kaine</a>
27- Maggie (#81934) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/81934>Maggie</a>



October-
2- Bean (#924823) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/924823>Bean</a>
15- Nicki (#891476)  <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/891476>Nicki</a>
18- Manny (#370940) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/370940>Manny</a>
27- Mimi (#242833) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/242833>Mimi</a>
28- Brandy (#865712) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865712>Brandy</a>
28- Louise (#1009929) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1009929>Louise</a>
29- Bella (#234315) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/234315>Bella</a>
31- Ginger (#1009917)  <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1009917>Ginger</a>



November-
1- Pongo (#345051) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/345051>Pongo</a>
10- Buster (#787740) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/787740>Buster</a>
15- Sheba (#641404) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/641404>Sheba</a>
18- Princess Xena (#252265) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/252265>Princess Xena</a>
19- Ava (#822509) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/822509>Ava</a>
22-Zaidie (#930039) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/930039>Zaidie</a>
30- Mozart (#493145) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/493145>Mozart</a>


December-
1- Moxy (#767817) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/767817>Moxy</a> 
6- Duke (# 983191) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/983191>Duke</a>
11- Amy (#715968) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/715968>Amy</a>
16- Jade (#243281) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/243281>Jade</a>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Lost a New Friend Today</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/605089</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:59:50 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/605089</guid>
		<description>Today my very new friend, Rocky, lost his battle with Cancer. He was having a VERY hard time breathi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today my very new friend, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/597661>Rocky</a>, lost his battle with Cancer. He was having a VERY hard time breathing, and his family knew that it was time to make a very hard decision.

I have known Rocky for just a few days, but I have learned many things about him and know that he was deeply loved for FOURTEEN years by his family.

Please go see his page and meet him. 

His family could really use some kind and thoughtful words today! 

Rocky...
We will miss you!

Rocky's Family...
We wish you peace in knowing you made your decision out of LOVE.

Love,
Saphira and Family]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Walk with Mommy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/604551</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:03:05 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/604551</guid>
		<description>Mommy is feeling better today, so today we went for a nice WALK together. Usually we RUN, but Mommy  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy is feeling better today, so today we went for a nice WALK together. Usually we RUN, but Mommy is still taking it easy from being a sickie.

Mommy and Daddy and I stopped to pick up Uncle Jon, and I saw Grandma! 

That was ANOTHER surprise!

Here's to all the sickies out there from Saphira (former sickie) and Mommy (feeling-better sickie). We hope that YOU will be feeling better very soon, too!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Surprise!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/604272</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:35:01 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/604272</guid>
		<description>Daddy and I went to the grocery place to get some things, and as we were pulling into the parking pl ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy and I went to the grocery place to get some things, and as we were pulling into the parking place, there right beside us was Grandma and Grandpa!

I did not expect to see them at the grocery place!

Grandma said, "Oh! Saphira! I'm SOOOO happy to see you!" Grandpa said, "Hi Saphira! Look at how nice you sit in the car!"

Daddy let me out of the car so I could do a proper SAPHIRA welcome for Grandma and Grandpa. I was VERY excited to get this special surprise of seeing them at the grocery place!

In awhile Daddy put me back in the car and rolled down the windows. I was now IN CHARGE of guarding the car while Daddy went in to get Mommy some things to make her feel better.

Grandma and Grandpa had to get some gift cards and a card, so they had a short trip, too.

Soon Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa came back, and I let them know that I took very good care of the car while they were gone. I was actually protecting TWO cars because Grandma and Grandpa's car was parked right beside our car!

I got some more head rubs, and then it was time for Daddy to get back inside with Mommy's "Hope-This-Makes-You-Feel-Better" things and for us to leave.

I wanted to spend more time with everyone, but it was time to get back home. I have to keep Mommy supplied with plenty of Saphira Kisses so she will get better SOON!

It was GREAT seeing Grandma and Grandpa at the grocery place! I LOVE surprises!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Do NOT Like Taking Pills!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/603331</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 7 Jul 2009 07:53:09 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/603331</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

Mommy and Daddy and I are having a new adventure. It is called, &quot;Getting Saphira to  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

Mommy and Daddy and I are having a new adventure. It is called, "Getting Saphira to Take Her Pills."

My Grandmas had pills to give me while they were here taking care of me, and now Mommy and Daddy have some MORE for me to take.

The Grandmas tried:
1)Peanut butter
2) Cottage Cheese
3)Applesauce
4)Meatballs
5) Bologna
6) Jelly beans
7)Shredded cheese
8) WARMED shredded cheese
9) Ice cream

All of these worked ONCE, but then I became VERY SUSPICIOUS and was onto them about these "snacks" and "treats."

Grandma Cheryl even sorted through the Jelly Belly jellybeans to find ones that MATCHED the colors of my pills!  (Now Grandma, did you FORGET that I use my excellent SNIFFER more than my eyes? Sorry, but I KNEW the difference between Jelly Belly jellybean and YUKKY PILL!)

Anyway, Daddy is grinding some up now, trying to be V-E-R-Y sneaky. (See above under "excellent sniffer.")

Got a suggestion to try these Greenies Pill Holder Thingys. They are supposed to be very tasty.

Also got a suggestion to try a very strong cheese to override the smell of the pill.

If the Greenie Thingys are yummy, and the cheese is yummy, then what the heck...I'll GO FOR IT!

Meanwhile, it is REALLY entertaining to watch Mommy and Daddy coming up with ways to "trick" me into taking those pills!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Have the Whole Family at My House!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/602793</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 5 Jul 2009 06:42:31 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/602793</guid>
		<description>Today is a BIG DAY!

My whole family will be coming to MY house for lunch, and then we will all se ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today is a BIG DAY!

My whole family will be coming to MY house for lunch, and then we will all see the pictures from Mommy and Daddy's trip to Purr-ooo! We will watch their VIDEO, too!

My Grandmas and Uncle Jon wrote my Vacation Journal for me so Mommy and Daddy would know all that I did while they were away. Everybody can read MY journal, too while they are here!

I LOVE it so much when all my family is TOGETHER!

TOGETHER is definitely THE best thing of all!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Honor My Good Friend, Bear...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/602620</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 4 Jul 2009 11:34:33 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/602620</guid>
		<description>My good friend, Bear, had Cancer.
She had many tumors, and one of them was getting very big.
Bear  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My good friend, Bear, had Cancer.
She had many tumors, and one of them was getting very big.
Bear did not SEEM sick, but she WAS very, very sick.

Bear has gone to be with God now, and her Cancer is gone!
Her tumors are gone!
She is pain-free and running free with all the other doggies who are in Heaven.

I honor my good friend,  <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/858386>Bear</a>, with this by Cynthia Rylant.


DOG HEAVEN


When dogs go to Heaven, they don't need wings because God knows that dogs love running best.

He gives them fields and fields and fields.

When a dog first arrives in Heaven, he just runs.

Dog Heaven has clear, wide lakes filled with geese who honk and flap and tease. The dogs love this.

They run beside the water and bark and bark, and God watches them from behind a tree and smiles.

God knows that dogs love children more than anything else in the world, so He fills Dog Heaven with plenty of them. There are children on bikes and children on sleds. There are children throwing red rubber balls and children pulling kites through the clouds. The dogs are there, and the children love them dearly.

And, oh,the dog biscuits. Biscuits and biscuits as far as the eye can see.

God has a sense of humor, so He makes His biscuits in funny shapes for His dogs. There are kitty-cat biscuits and squirrel biscuits. Ice-cream biscuits and ham-sandwich biscuits.

Every angel who passes by has a biscuit for a dog. And, of course, all God's dogs sit when the angels say, "sit."

Every dog becomes a good dog in Dog Heaven.

God turns clouds inside out to make fluffy beds for the dogs in Dog Heaven, and when they are tired from running and barking and eating ham-sandwich biscuits, the dogs each find a cloud bed for sleeping. They turn around and around in the cloud...until it feels just right, and then they curl up and they sleep.

God watches over each one of them, and there are no bad dreams.

Dogs in Dog Heaven have almost always belonged to somebody on Earth and, of course,the dogs remember this. Heaven is full of memories. So sometimes an angel will walk a dog back to Earth for a little visit and quietly, invisably, the dog will sniff about his old backyard, will investigate the cat next door, will follow the child to school, will sit on the front porch and wait for the mail.

When he is satisfied that all is well, the dog will return to Heaven with the angel. It is where dogs belong, near God who made them.

The dogs in Dog Heaven who had no real homes on Earth are given one in Heaven. The homes have yards and porches, and there are couches to lie on and tables to sit under while angels eat their dinners. There are special bowls with the dog's names on them. And each dog is petted and reminded how good he is, all day long.

Dogs in Dog Heaven may stay as long as they like, and this can mean forever. They will be there when old friends show up. They will be there at the door.

Angel dogs.



Dear, Sweet Bear...my friend...
Run and run and run today!
Have a wonderful sleep on a fluffy cloud bed!
Enjoy those delicious biscuits!
Have fun in the fields with all the ducks!

With much love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go on Vacation Tomorrow!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/599435</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:33:22 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/599435</guid>
		<description>Tomorrow Mommy and Daddy leave for that kitty place called Purr-ooo. They will be gone for about ten ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tomorrow Mommy and Daddy leave for that kitty place called Purr-ooo. They will be gone for about ten days. I think I will see them again in about four or three years. I'm not sure.

I can't go with them, and that's OK because kitties don't like me very much.

I will have MY OWN vacation right here! 

My Grandma Linda, My Grandma Cheryl, and My Uncle Jon will be taking care of me, and I will be having fun sleepovers EVERY NIGHT!

Uncle Jon will be taking me running and rollerblading. Uncle Jon rollerblades on wheels, and I run on my handy-dandy- all-purpose PAWS! (I really LOVE my paws!)

I will get to go hiking on the shady trails, and I will get to visit at Grandma and Grandpa's house, too.

There are several parks near us, so I'm sure we will go there also. Last year my Grandmas and I had a picnic together at one of the parks. Maybe we'll do that again!

Our Dog Park added some neat agility equipment. I bet we will go there every few days. I love being there because I can be OFF-LEASH and also I can play with other doggies that come there.

Grandma and Grandpa have a very nice waterhose out front, and they have another one out back. I LOVE playing hose. I want to figure out how to catch ALL the water. Some goes in my mouth and some goes on my fur, but I have to figure out where all the REST of it goes! I have been thinking about that since the last time I played hose!

Oh! I will also get to play ball on my vacation! I have LOTS of tennis balls, so I always have some handy no matter where I go!

I will let you know all about any OTHER fun things that I do on my vacation!

I hope Mommy and Daddy have as much fun on THEIR VACATION as I'M going to have on MINE!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a Diary Pick of the Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/599022</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:35:08 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/599022</guid>
		<description>Thanks SO much all you Dogster People who chose me as a Diary Pick of the Day!

That is a very exc ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thanks SO much all you Dogster People who chose me as a Diary Pick of the Day!

That is a very exciting thing!

Thank you to everybody who reads my diary, too!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Got in TROUBLE Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/598895</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:12:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/598895</guid>
		<description>Ooooo! I was out in the backyard and running and playing OFF-LEASH! It sure was FUN! I sure do LOVE  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Ooooo! I was out in the backyard and running and playing OFF-LEASH! It sure was FUN! I sure do LOVE running after tennis balls and catching them in my mouth!

All of a sudden I heard another doggie, and I REALLY wanted to MEET HIM!

I took off FAST-FAST over to where I heard that doggie. Oooooo! He was barking and barking! Before I got to properly introduce myself, FAST Daddy and Mommy were already coming to get me!

Scared Mommy and Daddy real bad, I did.

I did not get yelled at, but I had to go inside for awhile and lay by the sliding glass door while everyone else was out on the deck. (Actually it was pretty nice there by the sliding glass door because there was a nice vent-place blowing cold air on my Saphira-Belly! Ahhhhh!)

As I got cooled down I began to want to go out on the deck with everyone. I kept making my "I promise I will behave myself" face, and Daddy came and let me out. I started out the doorway and went to go down the steps of the deck to get to the yard.

WAIT! What's THIS???

SOMEBODY had blocked the steps with a chair!

I pushed my nose around one side, and then I tried the other side. Couldn't fit. I stuck my head UNDER the railing. My HEAD fit, but the rest of me wouldn't fit. 

OK...I put my head up and thought, "No problem! I will just jump over the railing!"

Mommy must have read my mind because she said, "No, Saphira!"

DARN!

OK... I guess I will sniff the grill. (It was cold, so no worries!) Somebody had been making some delicious chicken on there a few days ago!

Then I spotted a very excellent STICK! (Grandpa said it was Grandma's stir-the-coals stick, but Grandma said, "That's OK, Saphira! You can have the stick.")

I went over near everyone and enjoyed my nice new stick. Tasty!

*************************************************************

If you are OFF-LEASH, and another doggie barks and you REALLY want to go see the doggie...STAY PUT! Do NOT go running off! You will get in trouble.

I know I did.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go in a New Place!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/598589</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:55:19 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/598589</guid>
		<description>OH!!!

I went to a new place in Grandma's house today! Daddy was in the crawlspace looking for his ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ OH!!!

I went to a new place in Grandma's house today! Daddy was in the crawlspace looking for his backpack, and he said,"Come on in, Saphira!" He TRUSTED ME not to bother anything in there.

(There's A LOT of interesting stuff in there, but I behaved myself and didn't bother any of it!)

I am proud that I got to go in there with Daddy and that he TRUSTED me to be in there.

I fit better than Daddy, but he was on this wheely-thing so he could sit and roll around in there. Very funny Daddy!

I can't wait to go in there again!

It's SO NICE being a big girl and having my family take me so many places and allowing me to JOIN THEM when they go to new and different places!

If you want to get to go to all kinds of fun places and do all kinds of fun things just listen to Mommy and Daddy and BEHAVE YOURSELF. You'll see how fun it is!

REALLY!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Make Up Another New Game!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/598583</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:02:09 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/598583</guid>
		<description>Today I made up a new game at Grandma's house. It was called &quot;Yank up the Grass Pieces, and Throw Th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today I made up a new game at Grandma's house. It was called "Yank up the Grass Pieces, and Throw Them in the Air!" Very fun!

Funny, but Grandma didn't seem too happy with my game, though! 

She works hard making her grass look all green with NO yanked up grass pieces. I guess I will have to come up with a DIFFERENT new game that doesn't involve grass pieces.

I wonder how she feels about flowers...]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go See Veronica Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/598155</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:02:11 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/598155</guid>
		<description>Today is my SPA DAY!

I get to go see Veronica to get all clipped and cleaned and pampered!

Ahh ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today is my SPA DAY!

I get to go see Veronica to get all clipped and cleaned and pampered!

Ahhhhh! Love those SPA DAYS!

I wonder what color bandana I will get today...

I have a very nice collection of them now!

I sure do love all the attention, and I LOVE Veronica!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Five New Brothers and Sisters!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/597859</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:46:28 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/597859</guid>
		<description>Mama Akia and Papa Miko, my parents, have five new puppies!

That means I now have TEN brothers an ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mama Akia and Papa Miko, my parents, have five new puppies!

That means I now have TEN brothers and sisters altogether!

They were born on April 5, 2009, so I am thirteen months and three days older than them. 

I am an official BIG SIS!!!!

I would like to go see them, but I think if Mommy and Daddy and I went to see them we would want to bring them ALL home with us! Oh BOY! Can you imagine SIX German Shepherds in one house????!!!

Congratulations, Mama and Papa!

Welcome to the world my new brothers and sisters!

Love,
Saphira
Big Sis]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Find a Fun Game at Xena's Diary!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/597484</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:07:34 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/597484</guid>
		<description>Xena had this fun game on her diary. 
I'm playing!
You play, too, OK?

Love,
Saphira

Here we ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Xena had this fun game on her diary. 
I'm playing!
You play, too, OK?

Love,
Saphira

Here we GO!!!!

Take this survey and send me your answers (or you can post them in your diary like I did so everyone can read about you)

What is your name? Saphira

What other nicknames do you have? I don't think I have an OFFICIAL nickname, but Daddy has called me "Big Butt", and Grandma calls me "Sweet Girl."

What breed are you? German Shepherd

Where were you born? Madison, Ohio USA

Where do you live now? Same place!

What is your favorite toy? My favorite toys are my Mommy and Daddy, but when they aren't there I like my Nylabone and my tennis balls.

What is your favorite store? I like PetSmart and Petco.They don't let doggies go in other stores around here.

How many toys do you have? I can't count, but I have enough to decorate our house quite nicely!

What brand of food do you eat? Diamond Puppy Food for Large Breed Dogs. I also get cooked CHICKEN (Mmmmmm!), cottage cheese, eggs, applesauce, and carrots.

Wet or dry food? Dry kibble (Love that CRUNCH!) 

What is your favorite color? Neon Tennis Ball Green

Are you bad when nobody's looking? I have been known to redecorate walls, windowsills and furniture.

Are you friendly? Yes, very friendly. I DO, however,  bark at little gray-haired old ladies.

Are you overweight? No, but I USED to be.  I'm still growing, so all my exercise and food is working just fine now that I am bigger and eating less and exercising more.

Do you eat people food? I sometimes share crackers with Great-Grandma Bonnie, and I got some pumpkin pie awhile ago from Daddy.

Do you eat bugs? No, but I like to PLAY with them! I learned when I was a little puppy that if I ATE the bug he wouldn't be around to PLAY with anymore.

Do you live with other animals? No

Do you like to exercise? Yes! Mommy and Daddy run, so I run with them! VERY FUN!

Do you like car rides? I love car rides! Cars take you to very interesting places!

Do you get into stuff? I'm pretty good at leaving things alone, but I HAVE been known to sample salsa and chips that were left on the table.

Do you like to swim? Swimming is VERY TIRING, but I LOVE being in water!

What is your favorite treat? That would have to be CHICKEN!

Do you shed? Yes! Bigtime! Our house gets "tumbleweeds" of Saphira Fur!

What's the funniest thing you ever did? I think my favorite was when I made up the game "Daddy! Come Chase Me!" (Poor Daddy didn't think it was funny, but I thought it was HILARIOUS!)

What's the bravest thing you ever did? I made a wall with my body to protect Mommy from the Mean Bully Boy dog at the park. There was NO WAY that I was going to let him hurt Mommy!

Are you neutered? Yes

Are you a social animal? Yes! I LOVE being around other people and doggies!

Collar or harness? Collar, but I have a car harness, too.

Retractable or regular leash? Both, but usually I am on my regular leash. Sometimes I get to run OFF-LEASH which is GREAT!

Ceramic, Metal or Plastic bowls? ceramic

Do you sleep in a crate? Yes. I USED to sleep on Mommy and Daddy's bed until I got so big that I hogged the bed.

Do you have a dog bed? Yes. I'm on my second one because I...uh...kinda chewed up my first one.

Do you have a doghouse? No

Do you belong to any dog clubs? Lots here at Dogster

How does your owner describe you? Sweet, Smart, Loving, Protective, Strong, Comical  (Mommy says that this first year with me has been her very best year yet! Daddy can't wait to get home from school to be with me!) I am one VERY lucky doggie!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am an Ice Cream Flavor!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/596794</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:42:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/596794</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone! 

Just got a PawMail from Biscotte with a NEW GAME!



Here's what Biscotte said: ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone! 

Just got a PawMail from Biscotte with a NEW GAME!



Here's what Biscotte said:

What kind of ice cream are you ?
My friend, Sophie Bean , who feel like a Ben & Jerry's chuncky money (I don't know this kind...bol) sent me a paw mail saying she tagged me with this game!
Here we go......

I am going to tag five friends and tell them what kind of ice cream I look like. Then you tag five friends and tell them what kind of ice cream you look like! Sprinkles count too!

I think that I am the most delicious maple ice cream you can find with some vanilla spots here and there.
I am going to tag 5 friends and they tag 5 friends and so on and so on...:


OK!!! Well, Biscotte! Here I go!

Saphira Ice Cream

Quite a few scoops of Cold Stone Creamery Licorice Ice Cream
Some scoops of Caramel Toffee Ice Cream
Maybe one scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

There you have me...Saphira Ice Cream!


Now I am tagging five of MY Pals who I hope will tag five of THEIR Pals to keep this fun game going!!!!

1) Bob
2) Moxy
3) Tinker Bell Forever
4) Tiberius
5) Takoda


Love, Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I LOVE My New Summer Schedule!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/595663</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:05:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/595663</guid>
		<description>Daddy is up early to teach summer school, and I get up with him. I get to snuggle with Mommy in the  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy is up early to teach summer school, and I get up with him. I get to snuggle with Mommy in the BIG BED for awhile until Daddy gets out of the shower. I keep Daddy company as he gets ready. Daddy leaves for school, and I snuggle with Mommy for awhile. Ahhh!

Mommy gets up and she and I have our nice run together before she goes to work. I get some time to lounge on Mommy and Daddy's BIG BED while Mommy gets her shower and gets ready for work.

I have a nice drink and tell Mommy "Good-bye!" I go in my room and have a nice morning nap. Ahhhhh!

Daddy gets home around lunchtime, and I have Daddy all the rest of the day!

We eat lunch, play ball, or go for a nice run or bike ride. (He rides his bike. I run!)

Sometimes we go on errands in the car. Sometimes we just hang out at the house. It doesn't matter to me WHERE we are because we are TOGETHER!

I LOVE my new summer schedule!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear  Mommy and Daddy Are Leaving For a Place Called Purr-ooo!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/595412</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:03:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/595412</guid>
		<description>I do not know where this Purr-ooo Place is.

I think it is farther away than the Dog Park because  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I do not know where this Purr-ooo Place is.

I think it is farther away than the Dog Park because they will have to fly on a plane to get there.

I'm thinking that there are a lot of kitties there because of the name of the place...Purr-ooo.

Mommy and Daddy are going there in two weeks, but I am staying here. If there ARE a lot of kitties there in Purr-ooo I am glad to be staying HERE.

No offense to any kitties out there, but I just don't seem to get along with kitties. I TRIED to be friends with Hermione AND Roger at Becky and Joe's house. I REALLY tried! No luck.

Mommy and Daddy will be gone for about ten days. I think that is like about six or five years. I'm not sure.

I will be in charge of the house while they are gone. I am DEFINITELY up to the task! My Grandmas and My Kathy and My Uncle Jon will be taking me on all kinds of Field Trips and Adventures. We will have lots of SLEEPOVERS! I LOVE sleepovers!

I will miss Mommy and Daddy A LOT!

When Mommy and Daddy come home I hope they don't bring back any souvenir KITTIES!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear That Mommy Has a Question...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/594839</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 8 Jun 2009 07:53:48 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/594839</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

Mommy has a question for all you smart doggies out there!

Do you know of any NATU ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

Mommy has a question for all you smart doggies out there!

Do you know of any NATURAL treatment for fleas and ticks?

Frontline makes me SICK and CRABBY. I know fleas and ticks will make me even sicker and crabbier, so Mommy would like to know if any of you have heard of any NATURAL treatments that work and DO NOT involve medication like Frontline does.

Thanks ahead of time to all my buddies!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Tagged By Annie!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/594615</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 7 Jun 2009 11:26:33 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/594615</guid>
		<description>Annie sent me a game to play! Here are my answers!

1. What color is your collar?
My collar is pi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Annie sent me a game to play! Here are my answers!

1. What color is your collar?
My collar is pink plaid with bones on it.

2. What kind of food do you eat?
I eat Diamond Puppy Food for Large Breed Doggies. I also get CHICKEN, applesauce, cottage cheese, and carrots!

3. What are your favorite treats?
I love cheese, peanut butter, Dogster Ice Cream, and ice cubes!

4. Do you have a Valentine or significant other?
Tiberius is my Valentine!

5. Do you get Table Scraps?
Not usually, but SOMETIMES Mommy and Daddy share their snacks with me.

6. What is your favorite toy?
My tennis balls

7. When is your Birthday?
March 2, 2008.

8. How many times a day do you get to eat?
I have lunch and dinner, but I usually get some snacks in there, too!

9. Do you have a favorite color?
I love my neon green tennis balls A LOT, so I will say NEON GREEN is my favorite color!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Update My Update Of My Birthday List!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/593829</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 4 Jun 2009 10:24:51 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/593829</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

This is what I have so far! If you aren't on here yet, and you'd like to be, just se ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

This is what I have so far! If you aren't on here yet, and you'd like to be, just send a PawMail and I'll get you right on the list!



January-



February-
Sometime in February- Joey (#865713) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865713>Joey</a>
1- Izzy (#345061) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/345061>Izzy</a>
11- Barkley (#370951) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/370951>Barkley</a>
13- Sammy (#877130) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/877130>Sammy</a>
18- Mz.Kitty (#914976) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/com/dogs/914976>Mz.Kitty</a>
22- Sunny Lee (#794702) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/794702>Sunny Lee</a>



March-
2- Luther (#779261) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/779261>Luther</a>
2- Saphira (#815298) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298>Saphira</a>
5- Jesse (#241421) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/241421>Jesse</a>
6- Bob (#206901) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/206901>Bob</a>
7- Angel (#811538) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/811538>Angel</a>
11- Jackson (#338237) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/338237>Jackson</a>
13-Pita (#297221)<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/297221>Pita</a>
14- Coco (#788183) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/788183>Coco</a>
15- Quincy (#625950) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/625950>Quincy</a>
16- Sargeant (#39298) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/39298>Sargeant</a>



April-
9- Lexie (#907916) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/907916>Lexie</a>
10- Louie (#799725) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/799725>Louie</a>
15- Sam (#234279) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/234279>Sam</a>
15- Gypsy (#826305) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/826305>Gypsy</a>
24- Annie (#882766) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/882766>Annie</a>



May-
2- Holly (#796416) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/796416>Holly</a>
5- Gizmo (#212204) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/212204>Gizmo</a>
17- Halo Kitty (#548373) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/548373>Halo Kitty</a>
17- Biscotte (#563772) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/563772>Biscotte</a>
18- Dylan (#800844) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/800844>Dylan</a>
23-Stryker (#804369) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/804369>Stryker</a>
26- Hearth (#532592) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/532592>Hearth</a>
28- Gracie (#493364) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/493364>Gracie</a>


June-
4- LeRoi (#865709) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865709>LeRoi</a>
5- Harley Davidson (#862008) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/862008>Harley Davidson</a>
8- Tinkerbell Forever (#548196) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/548196>Tinkerbell Forever</a>
9- Spook Show (#360252) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/360252>Spook Show</a>
10- Magnuson (#639013) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/639013>Magnuson</a>
13- Kiara (#302730) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/302730>Kiara</a>
17- Bella (#719249) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/719249>Bella</a>
17- Maya (#641106) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/641106>Maya</a>
28- Tiberius (#800845) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/800845>Tiberius</a>


July-
10- Wolfgang (#767265) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/767265>Wolfgang</a>
13- Tippy (#891469) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/891469>Tippy</a>
13- Priscilla (#573774) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/573774>Priscilla</a>
14- Capone (#886448)  <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/886448>Capone</a>



August-
15- Maxwell (#413363) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/413363>Maxwell</a>
18- Scout (#903991) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/903991>Scout</a>
30- Pippin (#632167) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/632167>Pippin</a>



September-
5- Star (#79736) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/79736>Star</a>
6- Sophie Claire (#861846) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/861846>Sophie Claire</a>
7- Tika (#625151) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/625151>Tika</a>
10- Laurie (#865710) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865710>Laurie</a>



October-
2- Bean (#924823) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/924823>Bean</a>
15- Nicki (#891476)  <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/891476>Nicki</a>
18- Manny (#370940) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/370940>Manny</a>
20- Jia (#960106) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/960106>Jia</a>
27- Mimi (#242833) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/242833>Mimi</a>
28- Brandy (#865712) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/865712>Brandy</a>
29- Bella (#234315) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/234315>Bella</a>



November-
1- Pongo (#345051) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/345051>Pongo</a>
18- Xena (#232265) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/232265>Xena</a>
19- Ava (#822509) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/822509>Ava</a>
22-Zaidie (#930039) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/930039>Zaidie</a>
30- Mozart (#493145) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/493145>Mozart</a>


December-
1- Moxy (#767817) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/767817>Moxy</a>
11- Amy (#715968) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/715968>Amy</a>
16- Jade (#243281) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/243281>Jade</a>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Run with Mommy</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/593548</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 3 Jun 2009 09:19:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/593548</guid>
		<description>Daddy and Uncle Jon had a team picnic to go to, so Mommy and I went running together.

Mommy and I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy and Uncle Jon had a team picnic to go to, so Mommy and I went running together.

Mommy and I had a very nice time together on our run!

Mommy is training for a BIG RUN in Colorado. I don't get to go with her and Daddy and Uncle Jon to THAT run, BUT I DO get to be her running partner HERE while she is in training !

I LOVE that I can have such an important job!

Mommy likes that I go with her to keep her company, and she also feels VERY SAFE having me with her.

I am SO HAPPY that I can be her RUNNING PARTNER, and her BODY GUARD, too!

Thank you, Mommy, for taking me on so many fun ADVENTURES!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I See MORE of my Pup Pals are Honored!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/593033</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 1 Jun 2009 12:53:48 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/593033</guid>
		<description>It's another BIG DAY here on Dogster!!!

Jovi is  &quot;Dog of the Week!&quot;

Takoda is &quot;Dog of the Day&quot; ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It's another BIG DAY here on Dogster!!!

Jovi is  "Dog of the Week!"

Takoda is "Dog of the Day" today!

Stryker is a "Diary Pick of the Day!"

WOW!!!!

I am SOOOOOO happy for THREE of my Dogster Pup Pals today!!!!

Congratulations everyone!!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Think About My Friend, Nari, and Her Brothers</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/592155</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 29 May 2009 08:01:49 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/592155</guid>
		<description>My friend, Nari, and her brothers Jake and Joey have passed away. You can see their sweet pictures o ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My friend, Nari, and her brothers Jake and Joey have passed away. You can see their sweet pictures on my page.

Their Mommy said that they were INTENTIONALLY POISONED with antifreeze by a neighbor.

I am very sad about Nari and Jake and Joey and cannot IMAGINE how cruel a human must be to be able do this.

I am including a link here so that you can visit their pages and see what a great loss this is.

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/966030>Nari</a>
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/906396>Joey</a>
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/906401>Jake</a>

With much sadness...

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have THREE Pup Pals Receiving Honors Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/591594</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 27 May 2009 06:27:45 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/591594</guid>
		<description>Oh BOY!!!! What a wonderful day!

THREE of my Pup Pals are receiving honors today here at Dogster! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh BOY!!!! What a wonderful day!

THREE of my Pup Pals are receiving honors today here at Dogster!!!!

Tiberius and Sunny Lee are BOTH "Diary Picks of the Day", and Jovi is Dog of the Week!

Congratulations to all THREE of you!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Do a Very Bad Thing</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/591383</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 26 May 2009 11:13:01 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/591383</guid>
		<description>Mommy was riding her bike in the park that is across from our house. I was running beside her on my  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy was riding her bike in the park that is across from our house. I was running beside her on my leash. Things were going GREAT! I LOVE to run while Mommy is riding her bike!

All of a sudden I saw...a SQUIRREL.

Well, I have been doing really good with squirrels lately. I REALLY, REALLY want to CHASE THEM, but I haven't done that in AGES. Mommy and Daddy and my Grandmas have been very proud of me.

All of a sudden I began REALLY NOTICING the SQUIRREL.

I started bucking and jumping. 

If Mommy would have been on her regular feet and legs this wouldn't have been a problem. Mommy WASN'T on her regular feet and legs, though. She was riding her BIKE, and my jumping and bucking caused Mommy to FALL OFF HER BIKE!

OH, NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Well, I knew immediately that I had just done a very, very bad thing. I had CAUSED Mommy to fall off her bike! This was VERY, VERY bad!

I laid down by my Mommy-On-The-Ground.
I put my head down.
I folded my ears back.
I KNEW I had done a VERY BAD THING.

Mommy and I stayed there on the ground for awhile.
Mommy didn't need to yell at me one bit.

I ALREADY KNEW I had done something VERY bad.

In awhile Mommy got back on her bike and we finished our riding and running in the park. Mommy seemed OK, but I saw that she had red drips on her leg.

*************************************************************

I learned a lot about squirrels and bikes and me jumping around. I don't think that I had better do that EVER, EVER again.

I also learned that I have a pretty breakable Mommy who has skin that drips red when she falls on gravel.

I need to be VERY careful so that never happens again!

If you are ever with your Mommy or Daddy when they are riding their bike, be VERY CAREFUL and don't pull or jump around. If you do, they could FALL OFF their bike, and then you will see red drips on them. You will also feel VERY BAD afterwards.

I'm sorry, Mommy!
I'm sorry I made you get hurt!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Memorial Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/591145</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 25 May 2009 14:54:52 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/591145</guid>
		<description>This morning Mommy and Daddy and I went to a PARADE! I saw some of Daddy's students in the parade, a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ This morning Mommy and Daddy and I went to a PARADE! I saw some of Daddy's students in the parade, and I also heard music. People were marching with flags.

Then we saw some people marching with guns.  I did not like to see the guns, so I went behind Mommy's chair, and I looked the other way. Daddy took a picture of Mommy and Me at the parade. You can see us if you look on my page.

After the parade we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for Grandma's birthday party and for a Memorial Day Cookout. Uncle Jon made some Yummy-Food-on-a Stick, and he was cooking it on the hot place that I was not allowed to get near. The food smelled very good!

Daddy and I played ball outside. I got to be OFF-LEASH the whole time! We also played "Run Around the House." Grandma said she and Daddy used to play that when Daddy was a little boy. It was very fun! 

I felt like a BIG GIRL when I could be in the yard OFF-LEASH while Mommy and Daddy were on the deck. I was under the cool and shady tree with my bone. The deck was WAAAAAY too hot for ME! You can see a picture of this if you look on my page!

When it was time to eat, I got to have my CHICKEN! Mmmmmm! I ate my lunch, and took a little nap while everyone else was eating. They have very small mouths and teeny tiny teeth, so it takes them a long time to eat.

They had CAKE next, and I got to eat Doggie  ice cream. Mmmmm!

Next it was PRESENT TIME! I came to see what Grandma got. She got cards and a gift card and also a card that played music. I LOVE music! Next Grandpa and Uncle Jon were carrying in a big chair for Grandma! It is a chair that goes outside on the deck and your whole body fits on it. Grandma practiced how to get in and out of it and learned how to make it tilt back. I wanted to try, but I think that it is a PEOPLE-ONLY chair. 

Grandma played with her chair, and Daddy went downstairs to play guitar. I checked, and Grandma had fallen asleep in her new recliner chair! I decided that I would stay with Grandma and have a nice 
sleep, too. Ahhhhh! Full tummy, nice music, comfy place to rest, family all in one place...PERFECT!

Grandma and I woke up from our short naps. I decided to check out Uncle Jon's room next. He always has interesting things up there! I found an egg ball up there. When I put it in my mouth I discovered it had GIFTS inside! There was a little man, a red piece of plastic, and a black disk in there. Oh! There also was a marble in there. Uncle Jon came in the front door and saw the egg ball. Uh-oh! Uncle Jon said, "Oh, no, Saphira! This is NOT good for YOU!"

Oh, YES! Uncle Jon! It tastes VERY interesting!

Uncle Jon took it away. Hmmmmm! Guess he needed that stuff for himself...

Anyway, when I went downstairs it was time to head home. It's such a pretty day. We will probably go for a nice run together and then maybe watch a movie.

I had a very nice day with my family. I LOVE it when everyone is TOGETHER!!!!

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Fall Asleep with a Tennis Ball in my Mouth!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/590983</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 25 May 2009 05:24:48 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/590983</guid>
		<description>Uncle Jon was over for dinner, and I had been playing with my tennis ball. I got really tired, so I  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Uncle Jon was over for dinner, and I had been playing with my tennis ball. I got really tired, so I went to take a little nap.

Uncle Jon said that I went to sleep with my tennis ball IN MY MOUTH!

I guess I was more tired than I thought!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Got Mail!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/590266</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 22 May 2009 06:15:37 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/590266</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy always get lots of mail. I go out and pick it up at the mailboxes and carry it back  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy always get lots of mail. I go out and pick it up at the mailboxes and carry it back home in my backpack. That's one of my JOBS.

Today I got some mail from Dr. Pierce, my Vet!

Mommy read it to me because I can't read yet.

It said that I'm supposed to come see him to get some SHOTS.

I don't really mind shots. I can hardly feel them. If I need 'em I need 'em. I don't understand what they are, but I guess everyone else knows.

What I really want to know is if they got any new TREATS at the doctor's office. I will have to CHECK THAT OUT!!!!

Yes! I will!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Officially Added an Item to my DANGEROUS LIST!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/590093</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 21 May 2009 12:17:33 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/590093</guid>
		<description>For weeks now I have been thinking about this. 

Mommy noticed it, then Daddy noticed it. Uncle Jo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ For weeks now I have been thinking about this. 

Mommy noticed it, then Daddy noticed it. Uncle Jon noticed it, and today Grandma Cheryl noticed it.

I don't know why, but for SOME reason I REALLY BARK at little gray-haired old ladies! I just don't TRUST them! They look DANGEROUS.

I am, therefore, OFFICIALLY adding little gray-haired old ladies to my DANGEROUS LIST.

I'm sorry if you are reading this and YOU are a little gray-haired old lady. If you were here I'm afraid that I would be barking at you! No offense. That's just how it is.

Maybe I will eventually downgrade little gray-haired old ladies to my WATCH LIST.

Maybe eventually I will remove them from ALL my lists.

For now, however, little gray-haired old ladies should STAY AWAY from me or you are going to get BARKED AT. 

Yes, you are!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Go To The District Track Meet!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/590002</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 21 May 2009 06:34:32 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/590002</guid>
		<description>I had a very fun day today!

Mommy took me to PetSmart, and I got to see my very first teacher...M ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I had a very fun day today!

Mommy took me to PetSmart, and I got to see my very first teacher...My Nick! I was very happy to see him again, and he was happy to see me!

After that we went to the District Track Meet! I got to meet a lot of Daddy's high school students there, and we got to hang out together there on the nice grass. Daddy talks about me at school, and his students were happy that they could finally MEET me in person. I LOVE meeting new people, so I had a GREAT TIME.

Hey! Maybe THAT'S why they call it a MEET!!! You get to MEET new people there!

Anyway, when I got home I got to have a really nice brand new Nylabone. Mmmmmmm! That was GREAT!!!

A very fun day today!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Add Some Baby Pictures to My Page!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/589473</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 19 May 2009 07:58:37 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/589473</guid>
		<description>I been looking at my BABY PICTURES and thought you'd like to see Little Saphira, too!

Look at my  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I been looking at my BABY PICTURES and thought you'd like to see Little Saphira, too!

Look at my "bunny ears" and my little nose!

See? I USED to be able to actually FIT on one square of the sidewalk cement!

Check out my puppy "fuzz" and my skinny tail! My Grandmas used to wonder if I would EVER have a fluffy tail. Hee! Hee! I sure did fool THEM!!!!

I been wondering...Did I have a TONGUE? I MUST have because I remember giving kisses, but I must have kept it inside my mouth a lot back then.

I look SO serious! I think on that very first day with Mommy and Daddy and ALL THOSE PEOPLE that I was very busy taking it all in!

Well, I hope you enjoy seeing my baby pictures!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have My Family for a Whole YEAR!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/589428</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 19 May 2009 03:59:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/589428</guid>
		<description>Yes! It's TRUE!

Today is my Gotcha Day, and I have been with my Mommy and Daddy for ONE WHOLE YEA ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yes! It's TRUE!

Today is my Gotcha Day, and I have been with my Mommy and Daddy for ONE WHOLE YEAR!!!!

I weighed just 25 pounds back then, and Mommy could scoop me up very fast and carry me around with her!

My first big trip was to this big place where lots of kids were running around and throwing things and jumping. It was called a TRACK MEET. I met SOOOOO many people that day!

I got a new house that day, too! Very big place. LOTS of new places to sniff. 

New bowls.
New toys.
New bed.
New collar.
New leash.

So many new things that I got sleepy and had to take a nice NAP!

Everyone was happy to meet me, and I was very happy to have so many people to kiss! I am a VERY GOOD kisser!

I have had a WONDERFUL first year with Mommy and Daddy! I've  gone to school, learned MANY new things, earned my Canine Good Citizen Certificate, and I can run ten miles at a time. 

It has been a BIG YEAR for me! 

Thank you, Mommy and Daddy for picking ME!!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Had a  Surprise Play Date!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/589125</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 18 May 2009 03:42:40 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/589125</guid>
		<description>Mommy was riding her bike and Daddy was running with me. We were having a very fun time.

All of a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy was riding her bike and Daddy was running with me. We were having a very fun time.

All of a sudden I saw my friend, Joey!

Joey is my Collie friend that I told you about awhile ago.

Mommy and Daddy and I stopped, and I got to play with Joey for a long time! It was GREAT to have a doggie friend to play with again!

Joey and I are about the same size, so we can play and wrestle and have a darn good time without worrying that one of us will get hurt.

Joey is a very nice friend. He has good manners and plays in a fun way.

Mommy and Daddy like Joey's Mommy, too, so they are going to plan some MORE Play Dates for Joey and me!

I LOVE being with Mommy and Daddy and all the rest of my human family, but I really enjoyed being with another doggie and getting to PLAY!

I can't wait for our next PLAY DATE!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Time at Headwaters Park!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/589006</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 17 May 2009 16:14:35 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/589006</guid>
		<description>Oooooo! It was a very fun day today!

I ran nine miles with Mommy and Daddy on some very nice trai ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oooooo! It was a very fun day today!

I ran nine miles with Mommy and Daddy on some very nice trails at Headwaters Park, and then I got to ride in my stroller as Mommy biked and Daddy pushed me in my stroller on the bike path. 

It was such a pretty day today, and it was nice and cool, too!

A FUN-FUN Day!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear GREAT NEWS From Tinker Bell Forever!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/588519</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 15 May 2009 17:54:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/588519</guid>
		<description>Hooray!!
Yippee!!!!

I just read Tink's diary and got a PawMail, too!


Here's her update:

 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hooray!!
Yippee!!!!

I just read Tink's diary and got a PawMail, too!


Here's her update:

I am home now!! Turns out I had an infected lipoma. They removed it all so I have lots of ugly stitches and a shunt now, but I will soon be okay. I was even wagging my tail just a bit ago and walking around!! My mom and I are so HAPPY! It was so frustrating not knowing what was making me sick. 

Thank you everyone for all your loving and kind support. I don't have the words to express how thankful me & my mom are for all of you.

~Tink F.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Need Your Prayers for Tinker Bell Forever</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/588431</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 15 May 2009 11:21:15 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/588431</guid>
		<description>My sweet Dogster friend, Tinker Bell Forever is REALLY in need of your prayers!

Tink is in surger ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My sweet Dogster friend, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/548196>Tinker Bell Forever</a> is REALLY in need of your prayers!

Tink is in surgery right now for a lump on her back. They are not sure what is causing the lump, but it looks suspicious.

Tink has also had a fever and some trouble with her eye and leg recently.

Please pray for Tinker Bell Forever!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Update My Dangerous List</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/588378</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 15 May 2009 08:38:34 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/588378</guid>
		<description>For quite some time now I have been adding things to my Dangerous List. My Dangerous List is a list  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ For quite some time now I have been adding things to my Dangerous List. My Dangerous List is a list of all things that are to be WATCHED VERY CAREFULLY because they are potentially VERY DANGEROUS.

Some items on my list have now been downgraded to my WATCH LIST. These USED to be on my Dangerous List but have proved to not be as dangerous as once thought.

Those things that are now on my WATCH LIST but removed from my DANGEROUS LIST are:
1) blowing plastic bags
2) Downed branches with leaves on them
3) Bruce, our neighbor


My Updated DANGEROUS LIST now includes:
1) People with hoods, strange-looking hats
2) BABY GATES
3) Bridges that MOVE when you walk on them
4) Gray-haired old ladies


Do YOU have a WATCH LIST?
Do YOU have a DANGEROUS LIST?

I would be VERY interested to know!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Think About My Family</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/588008</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 14 May 2009 05:40:40 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/588008</guid>
		<description>Do you know that in FIVE MORE DAYS I will have been with my family for ONE WHOLE YEAR?????!!!!!!

 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Do you know that in FIVE MORE DAYS I will have been with my family for ONE WHOLE YEAR?????!!!!!!

Yes! It is TRUE!

On May 19, 2008 I left my Mama Akia , Papa Miko , my brothers and sisters and My Arthur and went to live with my Mommy and Daddy!

Oh! There were SO many new things to see and people to meet, and I found out that I had A LOT of new people in my life!

I met my Uncle Jon and my Grandmas and Grandpas, and I met a whole bunch of members of Daddy and Uncle Jon's track team, too.

I got car rides and a new collar and leash, and I got to see my new house and my new bed and also my new dishes for food and water.

I got TOYS, too!

What an exciting day it was!

I remember being VERY, VERY tired on my VERY BIG DAY!

I am putting the picture of Mommy and Daddy and Me as my first picture today so you can see what I looked like WAAAAAY back then!

I love my happy life, and I REALLY, REALLY love my FAMILY!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Meet LOTS of People at My Walk and Have a Fun Time</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/587827</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 13 May 2009 12:35:09 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/587827</guid>
		<description>Grandma and I went to Lake Shore Reservation today! She brought my lunch and some water, and I had a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma and I went to Lake Shore Reservation today! She brought my lunch and some water, and I had a PICNIC!!!

We then went for a long walk all around the park. I saw LOTS of people there today!

Grandma had me sit as they went by us, and I was a very good girl. I looked at them, but I didn't bark at them.

There were a whole bunch of big trucks pulling into the park. We watched them and said, "Hello!" to the men who were working there.

In awhile we saw another couple. I don't know why, but I barked a bit at the lady. I think she got too close, and maybe I was worried about that.

I saw many busy birds, a very alive chipmunk and a very dead mole. I also saw a VERY BIG vine. I tried to carry it, but it was really hard to walk with it. I decided to snap it in two with my teeth. (Have I told you how much I LOVE my teeth???!!!)

We went back to the car for some water, and then we left for home. Grandma and I played when we got home, and then we went upstairs. I had a fun time looking out the upstairs window as Grandma gave me head rubs and belly rubs and brisket rubs.

It felt so nice I fell asleep.

In awhile it was time for Grandma to leave.

We had a really nice day on our walk at the park!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Pass the Cocker Spaniel Challenge</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/587636</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 12 May 2009 18:10:12 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/587636</guid>
		<description>Daddy and I went on a run to a new place today. We were having a GREAT time running down the road ne ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy and I went on a run to a new place today. We were having a GREAT time running down the road near a place called "The Red Mill Golf Course."

All of a sudden we heard LOTS and LOTS of little barks. A BUNCH of little doggies came charging at us from across the grass.

Uh-oh!
Here we go again!

Daddy and I stopped, and I looked at Daddy to see what I needed to do. Daddy didn't look worried, so I didn't get worried either. I kind of wondered what was going on with ALL THOSE DOGGIES, though!

The Daddy of all these doggies called them back to him, and one by one they went. Daddy and I continued our run.

We got to the end of the road and had to head back the way we came. I kept on the lookout for the charging doggies...just in case.

We got to the charging doggie place, and the Daddy of all of these little doggies stopped his mower, got off his mower and came over to us.

Daddy and I stopped, and I sat nicely getting ready for my "Meet and Greet" with the Daddy of the little doggies.

The Daddy had a very nice look on his face and apologized to MY Daddy and to ME for the behavior of his doggies.

Then came the BEST PART!
The Daddy said I was such a GOOD GIRL to stay so calm with all his doggies charging toward me, and he said that MY Daddy should be VERY PROUD of me!

Awwwwww!

Daddy thanked the other Daddy, and I gave him some nice kisses as he patted me.

We said "Good-bye" and continued on our run.

I was VERY HAPPY that I made that Daddy proud but even happier that I made MY OWN Daddy proud.

I passed the Cocker Spaniel Challenge!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Puppy Surprise!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/587200</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 11 May 2009 07:53:32 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/587200</guid>
		<description>Mommy and I were on our run. We were CONNECTED with my leash hooked around Mommy's waist! Mommy and  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and I were on our run. We were CONNECTED with my leash hooked around Mommy's waist! Mommy and I were pretending we were a DOGSLED TEAM!!! Hee! Hee!

Running...Running....VERY FUN!

ANYWAY, we saw a good friend. It was Oscar, my Golden Retriever friend who lives a few roads over from us.

There was also a little doggie with MY Oscar.

The little doggie came running right up to me. I had never met him before, and I wasn't sure what I should do!

I looked at Mommy, and she had her Happy Mommy face on. She did not look frightened, YET I was ready to guard her from this INTRUDER of our space if I NEEDED to.

I looked at Mommy again, and she said, "It's OK, Saphira! It's a PUPPY!"

OK, Mommy. Whatever you say.

Turns out the puppy is the SON of my friend, Oscar! Oscar is a DADDY!

Puppy and I had a LOT of fun once I knew that I didn't need to protect Mommy and could just ENJOY playing with the little pup.

I decided that I LOVED getting a Puppy Surprise!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Family Outing!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/586891</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 10 May 2009 07:02:26 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/586891</guid>
		<description>We had a very fun day yesterday!

Mommy ran her first 15 miles, and then Daddy ran the second 15 m ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We had a very fun day yesterday!

Mommy ran her first 15 miles, and then Daddy ran the second 15 miles with her. I joined them for the last eight and a half miles.

It was a FUN  family outing!

We were at Girdled Road Park which isn't too far from our house.

I LOVE being able to run with Mommy and Daddy!

Happy Mother's Day everyone!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Love You Mommy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/586680</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 9 May 2009 13:09:36 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/586680</guid>
		<description>Tomorrow is your special day!

This is your FIRST Mommy's Day!

I am VERY glad that you are MY M ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tomorrow is your special day!

This is your FIRST Mommy's Day!

I am VERY glad that you are MY Mommy!

I wrote something special just for YOU!


                                             My Mommy and Me

I love when we snuggle in the big bed
I love when you rub my furry head

It's fun to run with you
I'm happy you love it, too!

You take good care of me
That makes me very happy!

You teach me so many things each day
I feel like a smart girl in so many ways!

Thank you for choosing ME
Thank you for being my very own Mommy!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Really CAN Open the Fridge!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/586582</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 9 May 2009 04:35:57 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/586582</guid>
		<description>Grandma came yesterday to play with me and take me out to go potty and to give me my lunch.

I was ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma came yesterday to play with me and take me out to go potty and to give me my lunch.

I was SOOOOOO excited when I saw her because I had been sleeeping very soundly and didn't hear her turn the key to get inside. When I looked up, there she was! She's a very QUIET door opener!

I welcomed her REALLY GOOD! (I always get my ball or my bone in my mouth so I don't get out of control and LICK her to death or hang onto her wrist with my mouth.) I did plenty of "Oooooooooooooo" as I "swam" back and forth by her, and I swished my tail, too, because I was HAPPY-HAPPY.

Then Grandma said, "Saphira! Walk?" Well, SURE, Grandma! I'd LOVE to go for a walk!

We went outside, and I saw the people who cut the grass in our condo development. They were on these riding mowers. There were two of them. I watched them, but I did NOT bark at them. They left to go cut the grass down the street, and Grandma and I started our walk.

It was a VERY nice day! We walked down our street and around the corner so I could check on the moles. I smelled them. Very interesting!

I did ALL my 'business", and then I turned toward our house again.

Grandma said, "Saphira! Are you hungry? Do you want your LUNCH?"

Well, of COURSE I am hungry, Grandma! I been thinking of that very nice CHICKEN since I got up!

We left our short walk and went inside.
I was definitely ready for FOOD!

Grandma took off my leash when we got inside, and I went straight to the kitchen. No fooling around for THIS doggie!

Grandma stood by the fridge and said, "Saphira! OPEN!"

This was the first time that Grandma had asked me to open the fridge FOR HER.

Sure, Grandma! I can do that!

I pulled on the cloth that Mommy tied on the fridge door. The fridge opened, and Grandma got my yummy lunch out of there. Mmmmmmm! I could already TASTE my CHICKEN!

She had me  sit and then put my lunch bowl down in my holder. She went to get me fresh water, but I already was munching on the favorite part of my lunch...MY CHICKEN!

Grandma told me what a smart doggie I was being able to open the fridge door all by myself.

I FEEL like a smart doggie when people say nice things with a soft voice and they have their happy smiles on their faces.

Grandma left as I was finishing up my chicken.
Bye-Bye, Grandma! (Munch-Munch!)

I am happy that I showed Grandma that I CAN open the fridge, and I can DO IT all by MYSELF!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Special CAR RIDE!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/586346</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 8 May 2009 06:50:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/586346</guid>
		<description>Yesterday Uncle Jon needed some hiking shoes for the trip to Colorado, so Mommy, Grandma Linda were  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday Uncle Jon needed some hiking shoes for the trip to Colorado, so Mommy, Grandma Linda were going to take him to the special store where Mommy gets her shoes.

Guess what?

I got to go WITH THEM!

Oh, BOY!!!

First we went to pick up Grandma Linda. That was exciting. Then we went to pick up Uncle Jon, and I got to say "Hello!" to Grandma Cheryl who was doing some nice digging in her flowerbeds.

I shared the back seat of the car with Grandma Linda.

It was nice to have a car full of my family!

The trip was a long one! It was longer than to my classes or to the park or to PetSmart.

I LOVED being able to go WITH my family, and I was a very good girl on the trip.

Uncle Jon got his shoes, and Mommy got some, too.

We had a nice ride home and saw Grandma Cheryl STILL digging in her flowerbeds when we got back.

I LOVE car rides, and it is SO great to be able to go with my family when they go places like shopping trips.

I love new adventures!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Show Grandma I REALLY KNOW  &quot;Leave it!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/586064</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 7 May 2009 07:10:30 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/586064</guid>
		<description>Grandma and I were on a nice walk in the park, and we were on our way back home.

All of a sudden  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma and I were on a nice walk in the park, and we were on our way back home.

All of a sudden I smelled something VERY interesting! I looked down, and there it was...a FISHY!

Now, THIS fishy was missing lots of its body parts, but I could see some little sticks there that LOOKED like a fishy. The sticks were in the SHAPE of a fishy.

Oooooo! I wanted to ROLL in that fishy!!! I don't know why, but I REALLY, REALLY wanted to ROLL in that fishy!

I did one VERY NICE rub with my face! Ooooooo! LOVELY!!!! Mmmm! That sure was NICE!

I was about to rub some more, but Grandma said, "No, Saphira!"  I hesitated because Grandma didn't really sound like she MEANT that "No, Saphira!" very seriously.

I went to take another rub of that fishy, and Grandma then said, "Saphira! Leave It!"

OK! Now I know you mean business, Grandma! I GET IT!

I left that fishy RIGHT AWAY!

Grandma said, "Good girl, Saphira!" and she had a very Happy Grandma Look on her face.

I showed Grandma that I really understood her. She is VERY proud of me! Grandma also learned something! She learned that she needs to say the RIGHT COMMANDS in the RIGHT tone of voice. If she DOES that, I will know what she wants me to do.

Even Grandmas can learn new things!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Done Some More Redecorating</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/585745</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 6 May 2009 06:01:23 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/585745</guid>
		<description>Since I now have my very own room while Mommy and Daddy are at work, I decided that I needed to do j ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Since I now have my very own room while Mommy and Daddy are at work, I decided that I needed to do just a BIT more redecorating to give it my very own STYLE.

The walls looked PARTICULARLY BARE, so I spruced them up very effectively with some very decorative and distinctive marks. My BIG GIRL TEETH are so very handy as decorating tools!

I am not sure why Daddy and Mommy keep feeling the need to redecorate my redecorating efforts. I LIKE the look that I have achieved!

After all, they tell me it is MY ROOM.
I remodel MY TOYS on a regular basis...
Why not MY ROOM?]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Had a Lost Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/585397</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 5 May 2009 07:23:05 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/585397</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy and I were out for a very nice run. I had been working on my commands, and Mommy sai ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy and I were out for a very nice run. I had been working on my commands, and Mommy said I did a really good job. We were headed inside for some TREATS!

Oh BOY!!!! The treats were jelly beans, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE jelly beans.

Mommy and I went inside.

I looked behind me.

No Daddy!

Hey! What's going on?
Where's Daddy?

Now Mommy said something like, "Saphira, Daddy's whuh-whuh-whuh-whuh-whuh-whuh. Daddy whuh-whuh-whuh-whuh-whuh-whuh."

I didn't quite get what she was SAYING about Daddy.

Anyway, I KNEW that I HAD to look for Daddy. That's my job--Keep everyone together. Make sure I have my WHOLE FAMILY.

Mommy kept talking about the jelly beans.
Mommy even put the jelly beans on the table for me.

I did NOT bother with my jelly bean treats.

Daddy was LOST, and I was NOT HAPPY.

I kept looking out the big sliding glass door.
No Daddy.
I kept listening.
No Daddy.

This was NOT a happy time for me.
I had a LOST DADDY, and Mommy was talking about JELLY BEANS!

Well, after about four or three YEARS, Daddy came in the front door.

OH!!!!! Daddy! I FOUND YOU!
You were lost for the longest time!

I welcomed Daddy home from his lost place.
I was VERY, VERY happy to have my family all back together again!

Ahhhhhh!

Then I went to get my jelly beans.

Jelly beans taste SOOOOO good when your Mommy AND Daddy are home safe and not lost anymore!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Think I Am Getting More Girly!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/585051</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 4 May 2009 05:10:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/585051</guid>
		<description>I REALLY LOVE going to the GROOMER!!!

My Veronica is always very happy to see me, and I am very h ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I REALLY LOVE going to the GROOMER!!!

My Veronica is always very happy to see me, and I am very happy to see her, too!

I go right where I need to go RIGHT AWAY, and I don't fuss at all.

I get a new bandana when I go, too, and that's exciting.

I LOVE all the special attention that I get.

I hear that a lot of ladies go to the groomer. They call their groomer "The Salon", though.

"Salon" or "Groomer"...doesn't matter to me!
It's ALL good!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Meet a Dog in a Very Bad Mood</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/584814</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 3 May 2009 07:02:12 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/584814</guid>
		<description>Mommy and I were running at Lakeshore Reservation, a park near us that is all woodsy and cool and ni ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and I were running at Lakeshore Reservation, a park near us that is all woodsy and cool and nice. We were having just a wonderful time!

We saw this man with a Husky, and this Husky was on a VERY LONG leash. The man was NOT paying very much attention to the doggie or to anything else, for that matter. The doggie was pretty much doing whatever he wanted to do.

The Husky spotted me and, of course, I had ALREADY spotted him.

He started barking and barking. Nasty, mean doggie words were coming out of that mouth! Ooooooo! What a POTTY MOUTH that doggie had!

He got closer.

Mommy and I stopped, and I sat...WATCHING.

Suddenly the doggie got all quiet. I THINK the doggie wanted us to THINK he wanted to be friends. Who was HE kidding????

He got closer and tried to approach from behind us. The man STILL seemed really out of it and didn't seem to notice what was going on.

I remained turned TOWARD HIM...eyeballing him EVERY SECOND--
NEVER letting him get behind us, and keeping my whole body as a wall in front of Mommy.  

Mommy knew from all her reading (She reads A LOT!!!!), that this doggie probably was a "Red Zone" doggie. The technique these "Red Zone" doggies use is to get quiet and passive RIGHT BEFORE THEY ATTACK!

I wasn't having any of it, and Mommy wasn't either. We stood our ground and remained calm. No way was this doggie going to trick ME or MOMMY! 

The man and his doggie passed us. We stayed where we were. 

Always WATCHING!
Always GUARDING!
Always THINKING!

I am a PROUD German Shepherd Dog!

Thanks, Mommy, for reading so much and learning about all the doggie things!

I LOVE you as my PARTNER!
We make a GOOD TEAM!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Very Fun Time at the Track Meet!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/584633</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 2 May 2009 13:11:12 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/584633</guid>
		<description>Today Mommy and I met Daddy and Uncle Jon and Grandma and Grandpa at the Track Meet. I was VERY exci ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Mommy and I met Daddy and Uncle Jon and Grandma and Grandpa at the Track Meet. I was VERY excited to see everyone! I made sure I gave my "I am SOOOOOO happy to see you" welcome to each one of them.

There were LOTS of people at the meet, and MANY people came up to me and wanted to meet me and pet me and give me ear rubs. It was SO fun!

I kept hearing words like "sweet dog" and "pretty girl" and "beautiful." There were MANY happy faces on the people. It was very fun to hear all those nice things said about ME!

Mommy brought my ball and my Nylabone. She also brought me my LUNCH and some nice cold water. Ahhhhh!

Grandma took some pictures at the meet, so go look at my page, and you will see them!

Daddy and Uncle Jon's throwers were in the fourth flight, so Daddy and Uncle Jon had LOTS of time to spend with Mommy and ME!!!! That was THE BEST!

It was a very pretty day with cooler temperatures so that I didn't get too hot. 

Mommy and I ran in the morning before we went to the meet, so we were both ready to just R-E-L-A-X and watch everything and meet all the nice people.

Track Meets are fun because there's so much going on ALL THE TIME, and there are lots of people around.

It was a PERFECT DAY for ME!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Find a Lovely Stick</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/584313</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 1 May 2009 09:42:56 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/584313</guid>
		<description>On my walk with Grandma yesterday, I found a lovely stick. I carried it for awhile, and then I had a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ On my walk with Grandma yesterday, I found a lovely stick. I carried it for awhile, and then I had a nice little lay down on the soft grass with my new stick.

I gave my new stick a good lick.
Mmmmmmm!

Then I decided to give my new stick a nice CHEW.
Mmmmmmmmmmmm!

After I chewed the end off my stick, I crunched my stick right in the middle.

Hey!
Now I have TWO STICKS!

Grandma was surprised how my teeth made that ONE stick into TWO sticks so easily! 

I sure do LOVE my big girl teeth!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Play With Grandma Cheryl Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/583948</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 05:37:00 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/583948</guid>
		<description>My Kathy is busy today, so Grandma is coming to play with me and take me for a nice walk in the park ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My Kathy is busy today, so Grandma is coming to play with me and take me for a nice walk in the park today!

The weather is cool again, and it is sunny outside. I KNOW that there will be some very nice new smells out there, too!

Last week I was a very good LOOSE LEASH GIRL, and Grandma was SO impressed! I am planning on doing a really great job today, too!

These spring days are all so wonderful! Everywhere you look there are new things popping out from the ground and on the trees. There are many new animals, too. The waves on the lake sound nice. I bet we will see a lot of gulls today!

Spring is a very exciting time!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Go to Another Track Meet!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/583850</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:56:24 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/583850</guid>
		<description>Oh BOY!!!!

Mommy is taking me to another TRACK MEET!

It will be this Saturday, and there will  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh BOY!!!!

Mommy is taking me to another TRACK MEET!

It will be this Saturday, and there will be LOTS and LOTS of people there! There probably will be other doggies there, too!

Track meets are OUTSIDE, so we can be OUTSIDE all day long!!!

I am VERY, VERY excited!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Can't BELIEVE It!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/583677</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:48:32 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/583677</guid>
		<description>Oh my GOODNESS! 

I am a Dogster Diary &quot;Pick of the Day&quot; yet AGAIN!!!

Thank you, Dogster Diary  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh my GOODNESS! 

I am a Dogster Diary "Pick of the Day" yet AGAIN!!!

Thank you, Dogster Diary People for choosing me AGAIN!!!

I am very,very honored!

I LOVE having adventures and writing about them! I LOVE reading all the diaries and hearing about everyone else's adventures, too!

Dogster is FANTASTIC, and I thank all of my Dogster Pals for being so special! Dogster is a very wonderful place!

Have a HAPPY-HAPPY fun day everyone!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Update My Pup Pal Birthday List</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/583364</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 07:26:24 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/583364</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

This is what I have so far! If you aren't on here yet, and you'd like to be, just se ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

This is what I have so far! If you aren't on here yet, and you'd like to be, just send a PawMail and I'll get you right on the list!



January-



February-
1- Izzy (#345061) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/345061>Izzy</a>
11- Barkley (#370951) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/370951>Barkley</a>
13- Sammy (#877130) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/877130>Sammy</a>
18- Mz.Kitty (#914976) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/com/dogs/914976>Mz.Kitty</a>
22- Sunny Lee (#794702) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/794702>Sunny Lee</a>



March-
2- Luther (#779261) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/779261>Luther</a>
2- Saphira (#815298) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298>Saphira</a>
5- Jesse (#241421) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/241421>Jesse</a>
6- Bob (#206901) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/206901>Bob</a>
7- Angel (#811538) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/811538>Angel</a>
11- Jackson (#338237) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/338237>Jackson</a>
13-Pita (#297221)<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/297221>Pita</a>
14- Coco (#788183) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/788183>Coco</a>
15- Quincy (#625950) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/625950>Quincy</a>
16- Sargeant (#39298) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/39298>Sargeant</a>



April-
9- Lexie (#907916) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/907916>Lexie</a>
10- Louie (#799725) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/799725>Louie</a>
15- Sam (#234279) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/234279>Sam</a>
15- Gypsy (#826305) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/826305>Gypsy</a>
24- Annie (#882766) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/882766>Annie</a>



May-
2- Holly (#796416) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/796416>Holly</a>
5- Gizmo (#212204) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/212204>Gizmo</a>
17- Halo Kitty (#548373) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/548373>Halo Kitty</a>
17- Biscotte (#563772) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/563772>Biscotte</a>
23-Stryker (#804369) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/804369>Stryker</a>
26- Hearth (#532592) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/532592>Hearth</a>
28- Gracie (#493364) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/493364>Gracie</a>


June-
5- Harley Davidson (#862008) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/862008>Harley Davidson</a>
8- Tinkerbell Forever (#548196) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/548196>Tinkerbell Forever</a>
9- Spook Show (#360252) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/360252>Spook Show</a>
17- Bella (#719249) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/719249>Bella</a>
17- Maya (#641106) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/641106>Maya</a>


July-
10- Wolfgang (#767265) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/767265>Wolfgang</a>
13- Tippy (#891469) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/891469>Tippy</a>



August-
15- Maxwell (#413363) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/413363>Maxwell</a>
30- Pippin (#632167) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/632167>Pippin</a>



September-
5- Star (#79736) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/79736>Star</a>
6- Sophie Claire (#861846) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/861846>Sophie Claire</a>
7- Tika (#625151) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/625151>Tika</a>



October-
2- Bean (#924823) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/924823>Bean</a>
15- Nicki (#891476)  <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/891476>Nicki</a>
18- Manny (#370940) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/370940>Manny</a>
29- Bella (#234315) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/234315>Bella</a>



November-
1- Pongo (#345051) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/345051>Pongo</a>
18- Xena (#232265) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/232265>Xena</a>
19- Ava (#822509) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/822509>Ava</a>
22-Zaidie (#930039) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/930039>Zaidie</a>
30- Mozart (#493145) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/493145>Mozart</a>


December-
1- Moxy (#767817) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/767817>Moxy</a>
11- Amy (#715968) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/715968>Amy</a>
29- Bella (#234315) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/234315>Bella</a>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover DRYER BALL Toys!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/583348</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:29:53 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/583348</guid>
		<description>Mommy has some NEW TOYS!

She puts them in the dryer with the clothes, and they bang around in the ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy has some NEW TOYS!

She puts them in the dryer with the clothes, and they bang around in there. Mommy is very nice to SHARE her toys with the clothes in the dryer. The clothes and the DRYER BALLS sound like they are having a really fun time in there!

Mommy DOES NOT, however, share her DRYER BALL toys with ME!

Mommy dumped all the clothes on the bed and was getting ready to fold them, and one of the DRYER BALL TOYS rolled onto the floor. I scooped it up in my mouth and was fixing to have a very nice time playing with this new ball.

NOPE! Wasn't going to happen! Mommy said, "No Saphira! This is NOT for you!"

WHAT?
It's a BALL and it's NOT for ME?????

This is VERY confusing.
Balls are ALWAYS for me.

I let Mommy have her DRYER BALL TOY back, but I still would have liked to play with it.

Maybe Mommy will change her mind.
If she does, I will be waiting!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a &quot;Pick of the Day&quot; AGAIN!!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/583053</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 07:30:25 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/583053</guid>
		<description>Oh my GOODNESS!

I am a &quot;Pick of the Day&quot; AGAIN for my Diary! What GREAT NEWS!!!

Thank you, Dog ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh my GOODNESS!

I am a "Pick of the Day" AGAIN for my Diary! What GREAT NEWS!!!

Thank you, Dogster People!

Also, my Pup Pal, Bean, is DIARY OF THE DAY today, and another Pup Pal of mine, Barkley, is a Dogster Diary "Pick of the Day" like me!

What a wonderful and special day!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear That It's &quot;K-9 Cops&quot; on Grandma's Street!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/582989</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 26 Apr 2009 20:45:08 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/582989</guid>
		<description>I sure am a PROUD German Shepherd Doggie tonight!

There was a BIG FIGHT down the street from wher ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I sure am a PROUD German Shepherd Doggie tonight!

There was a BIG FIGHT down the street from where Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Jon live, and Uncle Jon saw it when he was driving into the development.

He called his daddy (my Grandpa), and Grandpa called the police.

In just a few minutes SIX POLICE CRUISERS came, and TWO of them were the K-9 Units!

Ooooooooo! Lots and lots of BARK-BARK-BARK-BARK!!!!! They were German Shepherd Doggies just like me. They were using their BIG BOY BARKS!!!!

It wasn't long before the bad people were put into the police cruisers. The German Shepherd doggies, who are  real POLICE OFFICERS, made sure that everything was under control.

I am VERY PROUD  to be a German Shepherd Doggie tonight!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Special New TOY</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/582796</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 26 Apr 2009 08:33:40 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/582796</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy came home from getting groceries, and they brought me a NEW TOY!

I wasn't sure wh ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy came home from getting groceries, and they brought me a NEW TOY!

I wasn't sure what to DO with it at first!

It was pink.
It was fuzzy.
It was BIG.
It LOOKED like one of my pink tennis balls EXCEPT it was about twenty times BIGGER than they are!

I sniffed it.
I licked it.
I jumped on it.
I tried to put it in my mouth.
I tried to carry it.

Then I decided I would bat it around the floor with my paws.

FUN!!!!

Later, I make some little HOLES in it with my handy-dandy TOOL-TEETH.

There you go! 
Now I can carry it around just FINE!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Did It Again!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/582559</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:31:37 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/582559</guid>
		<description>Oh, BOY!!!

I am a &quot;Diary Pick of the Day!&quot;

I LOVE that!!!

Thank you, Dogster People, for pi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh, BOY!!!

I am a "Diary Pick of the Day!"

I LOVE that!!!

Thank you, Dogster People, for picking ME!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a Loose-Leash Girl!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/582271</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:29:59 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/582271</guid>
		<description>Grandma Cheryl came to play with me yesterday and take me on my walk. She let me sniff for awhile ar ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma Cheryl came to play with me yesterday and take me on my walk. She let me sniff for awhile around my special tree so I could check things out, and I also investigated the new mounds of dirt by my patio that the moles/groundhogs/prairie dogs? had made. I gave them each a little dig  just to add my special touch. Then we headed across the street to the park.

We always stop and look before we cross the street, and I always sit and wait to make sure it is safe to go across the road. I do NOT bark at the cars and motorcycles anymore. They are NOT on my DANGEROUS LIST now.

Grandma said, "Saphira! You are walking SO NICELY!" She had her Happy Grandma face on! I noticed that she was NOT holding my leash very tightly. I think she was trying to see if I could walk  beside her with a LOOSE LEASH.

I did not disappoint her! I walked SO, SO nicely all the way to the hill that overlooks the lake. I saw a squirrel but remembered that squirrels ALWAYS win at climbing the trees, so I did not bark at the squirrel or pull on my leash. 

Grandma had her Happy Face on about that, and I did, too!

We looked at the waves and saw some seagulls. I LOVE seagulls! Grandma let me do some more sniffing, and I smelled some very delicious new smells. I think maybe they were some different animals that had visited there that day.

It was time to head back, so I listened right away when Grandma said, "Time to head back, Saphira!" I walked ALL THE WAY back with my leash being loose, and I walked very nicely beside Grandma.

I am a proud and happy LOOSE-LEASH girl!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Time With Grandma Linda</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/581928</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:24:31 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/581928</guid>
		<description>Daddyand Uncle Jon had their track meet after school, and Mommy had work and then went to the track  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddyand Uncle Jon had their track meet after school, and Mommy had work and then went to the track meet.

I got a special treat! 
I got Grandma Linda!

Grandma Linda came and played with me and took me out for my walk. I LOVE it when Grandma comes!

It was a lovely chilly day, and we had a lovely time together!

I DO love this thing called SPRING!
I DO love Grandma Linda!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Wish the Earth a Happy Earth Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/581621</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:09:27 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/581621</guid>
		<description>Happy Earth Day, my Earth!

Earth Day SOUNDS like BIRTHday, but Earth Day is even MORE special tha ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Happy Earth Day, my Earth!

Earth Day SOUNDS like BIRTHday, but Earth Day is even MORE special than a birthday! On Earth Day you try to think of all kinds of things that you can do to make the Earth a better place. You try to think of all the things about Earth that you appreciate.


Here are the things that I am doing for my Earth and ways that I appreciate my Earth:

1) I am providing excellent liquid fertilizer to the grass on a daily basis.

2) I am providing exercise opportunities to the squirrels in my area.

3) I provide excellent aeriation to the roots of the trees when I dig my holes.

4) I appreciate all the smells of Earth as I run with Mommy and Daddy every day.

5) I appreciate all the wonderful shade from the trees that keeps me cool.

6) I enjoy all the WATER that the Earth has! My lake, the rivers, my puddles, the rain, my SNOW, and  my Treat Baths are all WONDERFUL!

7) I eat as many dandelions as I can on my walks to help control the weed population.

8) I appreciate all the little animal bugs that I find. I play with them, but I do NOT eat them. If you eat the bug, it will not play anymore.

9) I enjoy the AIR! It carries so much information on it! 

10) I try to be my best self so that everyone will think that I am a very special part of THEIR Earth!

Happy Earth Day!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear That There is a New Kind of Tree</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/581274</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:25:01 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/581274</guid>
		<description>We were walking into the entrance of Townline Park the other day, and there were SOOOOOOO many FABUL ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We were walking into the entrance of Townline Park the other day, and there were SOOOOOOO many FABULOUS smells right there in the entrance to the park!

My Daddy said, "Hey! Look at all the Pee-Pee Trees!"

Now I have always SMELLED these fabulous trees, but now I know their NAMES!!!!

Thanks, Daddy!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a New Toothbrush!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/580924</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:16:43 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/580924</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy got new toothbrushes, and I got a new one, too!

Every night I get my teeth brushe ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy got new toothbrushes, and I got a new one, too!

Every night I get my teeth brushed so that my teeth stay nice and clean and healthy!

I have very yummy toothpaste, too! It's SPECIAL doggie toothpaste just for ME!

I was noticing how Mommy and Daddy don't get the full benefit from THEIR toothbrushes, though. They only use them to brush their teeny-tiny teeth.

I, on the other hand, get the FULL benefit from MY toothbrush! I use it to brush my VERY BIG TEETH. I also use it as a CHEW TOY as I am having my teeth brushed!

One brush...TWO uses!
Smart!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a Working Girl!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/580539</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 19 Apr 2009 03:12:25 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/580539</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy know that I am a BIG GIRL now, so I have a JOB! Actually, I have TWO JOBS now!

Fi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy know that I am a BIG GIRL now, so I have a JOB! Actually, I have TWO JOBS now!

First, I carry the mailbox key in my mouth and, when we get to the mailboxes, Mommy or Daddy put the mail in my backpack and I carry it home!

My SECOND job is that I now carry my own water in my pack when we go on our runs!

I LOVE having jobs to do!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go to a TRACK MEET Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/580397</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:11:41 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/580397</guid>
		<description>Mommy and I ran TEN MILES this morning!

Then Mommy said, &quot;Come, Saphira! We are going to Daddy's  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and I ran TEN MILES this morning!

Then Mommy said, "Come, Saphira! We are going to Daddy's TRACK MEET!"

Oh, BOY!!!!

We got in the car and drove just a little bit, and then we were THERE! I saw Grandma and Uncle Jon and LOTS and LOTS of people!

I got to get out of the car and go MEET a bunch of new people and see Grandma and Uncle Jon and watch the boys and girls throw a  frisbee-thing called a DISCUS. 

Then I got to meet MORE people and walk across a big field and watch the boys and girls throw a big tennis-ball thing called a SHOT PUT. I was VERY interested in the tennis-ball things.

Somebody said that these shot puts were a lot heavier than tennis balls, and they were not green or pink like MY tennis balls. 

I watched the shot puts fly in the air and land on the ground, and I really wanted to go get them. Mommy said I had to stay beside her, so I listened to her.

I got to have some water and Mommy brought my LUNCH, too! I was having a PICNIC right there! Mommy didn't forget to bring my CHICKEN either. I always eat it FIRST!

It was starting to get HOT out there, so Mommy and Grandma and I went to be in some shade. Ahhhhhh! Much better!

After I drank some more water, Mommy said that I could chew on my bowl. Hee! Hee! I LOVE that!  Mommy puts my food in a Zip-Loc container that I can chew on after I'm through eating!

Daddy came over to see me, and so did Uncle Jon. They were finished with their part of the track meet. I got to see Coach Denner and his wife. They hadn't seen me since I was 12 weeks old!  (I moved my 12-week old picture up with my today pictures in my PhotoBook so you can see how much I have grown since then!)

Soon it was time to go home, so we all walked back to the car.

I sure did have a VERY fun day today!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Sniff Another Doggie on Mommy and Daddy</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/579725</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:41:08 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/579725</guid>
		<description>Mommy came home from being at Daddy's track meet, and I sniffed another doggie scent on her!

Momm ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy came home from being at Daddy's track meet, and I sniffed another doggie scent on her!

Mommy said that she saw a seven-month-old German Shepherd Dog at the track meet, and his name was Radar.

This was very interesting to me. She told me that he belonged to a friend that Daddy knew from his Tae Kwon Do classes.

I liked sniffing Mommy and sniffing that doggie's scent ON Mommy.

A bit later Daddy came home. The doggie's scent was on Daddy, too! Daddy said that when he saw Radar it made him want to be with ME!

Daddy was MISSING ME!!!

Awwwwwww!

I hope I get to meet Radar some day! That would be FUN!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Run in the Rain!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/579627</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:29:01 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/579627</guid>
		<description>Mommy and I went running in the rain this morning!

FUN-FUN!!!!!

I wore my raincoat, and we had ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and I went running in the rain this morning!

FUN-FUN!!!!!

I wore my raincoat, and we had LOTS of fun running together.

I saw some moving STICKS today! They were very small. I needed to sniff them. Mommy told me that they were NOT sticks.

Mommy said they were WORMS! They were teeny-tiny ANIMALS that just LOOKED like moving sticks!

My goodness! There are SO MANY wonderful things to discover out there!

I LOVE the rain!
I LOVE running with Mommy!
I LOVE meeting the teeny-tiny  moving sticks!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Run As Daddy Rides His New Bike</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/579131</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 06:07:49 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/579131</guid>
		<description>Daddy took me for a run that was VERY DIFFERENT! Daddy got on his new bike that he got for his birth ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy took me for a run that was VERY DIFFERENT! Daddy got on his new bike that he got for his birthday, and he took me for a run while he was riding it!

That bike can go even faster than Daddy on his rollerblades!

Whew! I had to run FAST-FAST!

After about three miles, Daddy knew that I needed to REST!!!

Boy, did I ever have a nice nap after THAT!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Help Mommy With Her &quot;Stick Bouquet&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/578791</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 13 Apr 2009 04:27:32 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/578791</guid>
		<description>When we were walking in the park Mommy started to collect STICKS. This was VERY DIFFERENT for Mommy! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ When we were walking in the park Mommy started to collect STICKS. This was VERY DIFFERENT for Mommy! Mommy usually says,"No,Saphira! NO STICKS!!!!"

Well, I was VERY HAPPY to see that Mommy has started to appreciate all the FINE STICKS that are out there!

Mommy found a tree that had come down that had EXCELLENT sticks. She was taking the sticks from the downed tree. I watched Mommy and decided I would help her collect her sticks. I kept looking over at her to make sure that I was helping her.

This was a very fun time!

Mommy and I collected some very nice sticks for her stick bouquet!

See, Mommy? I TOLD YOU that sticks were LOTS of  fun!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Want to Wish Everyone a Very Happy Easter!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/578560</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 12 Apr 2009 08:43:52 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/578560</guid>
		<description>This has been a very busy week for our family with the birthdays and my tail incident, and today it  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ This has been a very busy week for our family with the birthdays and my tail incident, and today it is ANOTHER very big day....EASTER!!!

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter!

Here it is sunny and cool with blue skies. It is a PERFECT day!

I hope you all are having a fun day!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a VERY FUN Day at Mommy and Daddy's Birthday!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/578096</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:57:19 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/578096</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy were BUSY-BUSY getting ready for our family to come to our house! It felt like excit ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy were BUSY-BUSY getting ready for our family to come to our house! It felt like excitement all morning, and nobody had even ARRIVED yet!!!

Soon everyone came, and I welcomed everyone! Some got licks and some got barks and EVERYONE got a very nice "Welcome to the PARTY!" from, me, Saphira, Official GREETER!

Mommy got my food bowl out and put it on the counter. Since I am a BIG GIRL now, Mommy and Daddy are training me to be POLITE and wait to eat my food like everyone else does. I wait and keep an eye on it, just so it doesn't disappear. I whine a bit which just makes me have to wait LONGER. Soon everyone is ready to eat, and it is time for ME to have MY dinner.

YUMMY!

I have noticed that my family takes a LOT longer to eat than I do. They talk a lot, and I get right down to business. I think that since they have VERY SMALL mouths and REALLY TINY TEETH, that it must be hard for them to eat their food. It sure does TAKE them a long time to finish!

After food it was PRESENTS TIME!!! I liked watching Mommy and Daddy open their presents. There were no treats or toys that I could see, but they seemed VERY HAPPY with what they got.

Then it was CAKE TIME and ICE CREAM time! I watched carefully, but nobody dropped anything on the floor for me to snap up with my very efficient mouth. 

I helped Daddy and Mommy do the dishes after that. I especially like doing the dishes when everyone has ICE CREAM, because there's ALWAYS some ice cream left over on every plate. Mmmmmmm!

Next it was ENTERTAINMENT BY SAPHIRA time! Grandma brought balloons, and Daddy blew up a pretty pink one. Daddy and Uncle Jon and I played Balloon Volleyball in the livingroom, and our audience thought we did a fine job. 

After Balloon Volleyball, we played ball and also I played with my stretchy bone and chewed my Nylabone. Everyone enjoyed watching me, and my Grandmas took a lot of pictures.

Uncle Jon showed Mommy and Daddy how to work the new camera they got for their birthday, and I watched them practice... posing nicely so they could try out the different settings. 

I took a couple VERY short nappettes for five minutes or so but decided to stay awake so I wouldn't miss anything.

Mommy and Daddy decided that maybe a trip to the Dog Park would be fun, so that's what we did! I had a very fun time running after balls that Mommy and Daddy threw with my Chuck-It, and Grandma Cheryl took pictures and Great-Grandma Bonnie came to watch me chase the balls and have a fun time at the Dog Park.

Mommy noticed that I was limping a bit on my front paw. I think I made a few sharp turns on one of my runs!!! Mommy's a Physical Therapist, so she will check me out and make sure everything is OK.

We headed back to our place, and after everyone gets a nice warm shower, we will watch a movie together on our soft couch.

It has been a very BIG DAY but a very NICE DAY!!!

Happy Birthday, Mommy and Daddy!!!

I sure do like BIRTHDAY PARTIES!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Want to Tell You About My Yesterday!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/578009</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:32:26 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/578009</guid>
		<description>Mommy took the day off  from work, and Daddy was already on Spring Break. The three of us went runni ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy took the day off  from work, and Daddy was already on Spring Break. The three of us went running together in the morning. We had a very fun time because the weather was nice, and best of all we were all together!

Mommy surprised Daddy for his birthday by taking him to get a full-body massage at a SPA. I love brisket rubs and belly rubs. I will have to find out if Daddy got those, too, at the SPA! 

Later in the afternoon, Mommy and Daddy and I went hiking in the woods at the Outdoor Family Center YMCA. It was a lot of fun being there. I LOVE going lots of different places to run and hike!

Daddy called Grandma to make arrangements for the DOUBLE BIRTHDAY, and I heard Daddy tell Grandma that I was such a GOOD GIRL! He called me a "GEM!"" He had his Happy Daddy Voice when he said that! Awwwwwww!

I really liked my yesterday!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear VERY GOOD NEWS About Bob!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/577627</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 9 Apr 2009 05:56:59 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/577627</guid>
		<description>Bob Dog is doing MUCH BETTER today!

After MANY tests he was diagnosed with pancreatitis, and they ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/206901>Bob Dog </a>is doing MUCH BETTER today!

After MANY tests he was diagnosed with pancreatitis, and they are now treating him for it.

He ate and drank on his own and even was up for a short walk!

Special thanks to ALL who visited his page and sent him Power of the Paw and all of your PRAYERS!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Yet ANOTHER Reason NOT to Like The Wind!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/577308</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 8 Apr 2009 05:51:04 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/577308</guid>
		<description>When I was very little and Mommy or Daddy or my Grandmas or Uncle Jon would take me outside, I LOVED ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ When I was very little and Mommy or Daddy or my Grandmas or Uncle Jon would take me outside, I LOVED being out there! I loved it UNLESS there was WIND.

Wind has always BOTHERED me. I think it is because I have BIG EARS, and my BIG EARS catch the wind and bring all of its LOUD SOUND right into my head. OUCH!!! Very loud! Early on, I added WIND to my DANGEROUS LIST.

When I got a bit older, I realized that wind wasn't really DANGEROUS.  It was just ANNOYING.

Well, I now have yet ANOTHER reason NOT to like the wind.

Here's my story...

It was early, and Daddy got up to take me outside to go potty. It was VERY,VERY windy. Daddy opened the front door and went out, and I followed him like I always do. There was BIG WIND, so I STOPPED as I was a bit outside the door. Daddy didn't KNOW that I was going to stop as he started to close the door! More wind and BANG!!! The door hit MY TAIL!!!

Oooooooooooooooooo! Owies!!!

Poor ME!
BAD WIND!
VERY BAD DOOR to close so fast ON MY TAIL!!!

Now, I KNOW that I have a VERY LONG BODY. It takes me awhile to go out a door compared to a Mommy or Daddy who have these bodies that are TALL but not LONG.

Ooooooooooooo! 

Anyway, after THAT I did NOT want to go potty. I did NOT want to even be outside. I just wanted to go INSIDE and WHINE!!!!

Daddy noticed BLOOD on the wall where my tail had touched and blood on the door, too.

Well, to make a LONG STORY short...Daddy took me to my vet, and they said that my tail was OK. No breaks! Whew!

Daddy and Mommy felt very VERY HAPPY that my tail was OK!

We will ALL be very careful of that door and wind and my TAIL after all THIS!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Need Your Prayers for Bob!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/577168</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 7 Apr 2009 16:04:49 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/577168</guid>
		<description>My very good friend, Bob is VERY sick and REALLY needs your prayers!

Bob just turned 13 and is a  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My very good friend, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/206901>Bob</a> is VERY sick and REALLY needs your prayers!

Bob just turned 13 and is a handsome German Shepherd Dog. He has been having diahrrea for the last few days and was taken to the ER last night. He's at the vet's now getting fluids because he doesn't want to eat or drink. He is very lethargic. They are doing tests, but so far they can't figure out what is wrong with him.

Please pray that Bob will be OK and that they will discover how to help him get better VERY soon!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Be With Daddy ALL WEEK!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/577039</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 7 Apr 2009 08:28:16 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/577039</guid>
		<description>My Daddy's school has a SPRING BREAK!

That means that Daddy gets to stay home with me (except for ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My Daddy's school has a SPRING BREAK!

That means that Daddy gets to stay home with me (except for Track Practice) ALL WEEK!

HAPPY-HAPPY am I!!!!!

I have my SNOW, and I have My Daddy!!!! It is turning out to be one FANTASTIC week!

Wheeeeeeee!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Got My SNOW!!!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/576835</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 6 Apr 2009 16:40:08 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/576835</guid>
		<description>My snow came EARLIER than tonight!!! It came in the AFTERNOON!!!

We are still getting MORE snow!! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My snow came EARLIER than tonight!!! It came in the AFTERNOON!!!

We are still getting MORE snow!!!

Our lake (Lake Erie) is much warmer than the COLD AIR from Canada. The air from Canada blows over the warmer lake and...PRESTO!!!!

We get SNOW!!!

Thank you, Canada!!! 
Thank you, Lake Erie!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear That SNOW Will Come TONIGHT!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/576607</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 6 Apr 2009 06:14:24 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/576607</guid>
		<description>Hey, SNOW!!!!

Are you REALLY coming tonight???

You were SUPPOSED to come a couple of times, bu ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hey, SNOW!!!!

Are you REALLY coming tonight???

You were SUPPOSED to come a couple of times, but you didn't.

I'm WAITING for you!!!


Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a BIRTHDAY GIRL Mommy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/576188</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 4 Apr 2009 17:32:36 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/576188</guid>
		<description>Happy Birthday, Mommy!!!

I am getting all ready for your birthday party next week, but I want to  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Happy Birthday, Mommy!!!

I am getting all ready for your birthday party next week, but I want to say, "Happy Birthday! today on your REAL BIRTHDAY Day!!!

I am so happy that you are MY MOMMY!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Open the Fridge to Get My Lunch!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/575921</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 3 Apr 2009 16:25:50 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/575921</guid>
		<description>Uncle Jon came to our house to give me my lunch today. He said,&quot;Saphira! Open the fridge!&quot; I pulled  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Uncle Jon came to our house to give me my lunch today. He said,"Saphira! Open the fridge!" I pulled the rope on the fridge, and Uncle Jon got my lunch out of there. Then Uncle Jon said, "Close it up!" I pushed the fridge door with my nose, and it closed right up!

I ate my yummy lunch and was very happy with myself that I was able to pretty much GET IT MYSELF!!!!

Next, I will need to work on getting my FOOD BOWL out of the fridge. When I learn how to do THAT, I will be ALL SET!

I LOVE LEARNING!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Heard More Snow was Coming!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/575826</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 3 Apr 2009 09:47:48 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/575826</guid>
		<description>We were SUPPOSED to get more SNOW!!!

I have been waiting for SNOW, but so far we got RAIN.

I w ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We were SUPPOSED to get more SNOW!!!

I have been waiting for SNOW, but so far we got RAIN.

I wonder how it decides what it wants to BE each day...???]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I WIN the Game at My Class!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/575659</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 2 Apr 2009 18:12:45 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/575659</guid>
		<description>Mommy and I went to our last Advanced Obedience Class tonight.

We got to play a REALLY FUN GAME!! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and I went to our last Advanced Obedience Class tonight.

We got to play a REALLY FUN GAME!!!

It was called "Jellybean On a Spoon", and Mommy and I WON!!!!

Everybody started off with two jellybeans on the spoon. (Mommy did the Spoon work, and I did the HEELING work.)

Sometimes it was a heel-WALK, and sometimes it was a heel-RUN!Sandi, our teacher, would tell us which one to do.

We would have to go all the way down and back in a really good heel-run or heel-walk WHILE Mommy was balancing those jellybeans on the spoon.

We then went to FOUR jellybeans!

It was getting more and more exciting as Mommy and I kept doing so GREAT!

SIX jellybeans! We were still in the game!!!!

EIGHT jellybeans! Ooooooooo! Mommy is REALLY good at her Spoon work! I could NEVER do THAT!!!!

I did really good at MY PART. My part was heeling really well and watching Mommy.

It came to NINE jellybeans! There sure were a lot of those jellybeans on Mommy's spoon!

We moved together really well, and all our jellybeans stayed put on Mommy's spoon. 

WE WON!!!!

This was SUCH a fun game, and Mommy and I were HAPPY-HAPPY that we WON!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Watch  A  BAD Doggie Owner, and Mommy Sees Him, Too</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/575088</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 1 Apr 2009 07:48:45 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/575088</guid>
		<description>Mommy and I were waiting for Daddy, so we just did some observing by the entrance of our development ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and I were waiting for Daddy, so we just did some observing by the entrance of our development. I LOVE to watch and sniff. I am VERY interested in keeping up with EVERYTHING that is going on!

Mommy and I saw a VERY BAD dog owner who was HITTING his doggies! Rather than TEACHING them and CORRECTING them nicely and giving them TREATS when they DID do well, this man was actually HITTING THEM and YELLING at them!

This was VERY HARD to watch!

Mommy was very upset about it. It made her very sad to think that the OWNER was punishing the DOGGIES --yet it was the fault of the OWNER who just was not taking the time to TEACH and TRAIN his doggies to DO what they should be doing.

I am VERY GLAD that man is NOT living in MY house!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear Mommy and Daddy Talking About a Party at OUR HOUSE!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/574795</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:43:27 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/574795</guid>
		<description>Oh BOY!!!

We get to have ANOTHER PARTY!!!

Mommy and Daddy have April birthdays, so we are havi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh BOY!!!

We get to have ANOTHER PARTY!!!

Mommy and Daddy have April birthdays, so we are having another DOUBLE BIRTHDAY PARTY at our house!

The last DOUBLE BIRTHDAY was for Grandma Linda and ME afew weeks ago!

I sure do LOVE parties!

I am going to be OFFICIAL GREETER! There's NOBODY in my family that greets better than ME!!!

I will also be ENTERTAINMENT!!! I will be able put on a demonstration of all the new things that I have learned. After that I will make my rounds for hugs and belly rubs and brisket rubs and enjoy listening to all the nice sounds everyone makes when they are proud of me.

I guessing there will be FOOD and CAKE and ICE CREAM and PRESENTS. I don't get presents THIS time because it isn't MY birthday, but that's OK. Having my whole family at my house is THE BEST present of all!

I sure am glad that my family has a lot of BIRTHDAYS!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Do Very Well At My Class</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/574419</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:02:34 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/574419</guid>
		<description>Most everything we did at my class was &quot;loose leash&quot; with Mommy having the end of my long leash in h ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Most everything we did at my class was "loose leash" with Mommy having the end of my long leash in her pocket or strung loosely around her neck. (Mommy looks FUNNY decorated with my LEASH!!!)

We practiced A LOT of "STAY!" commands!

Now, this is not too hard UNLESS you think about the classroom where we take our class and how we are all arranged IN that classroom. 

First of all, there are four or five OTHER doggies in a line right beside me. We are just four or five feet away from one another. THEN there are our Mommies or Daddies WAAAAY across the room from us. We have to FOCUS just on OUR OWN Mommy or Daddy and NOT any other doggie or Mommy or Daddy.

This is VERY hard! I am ALWAYS keeping track of everything that goes on. If anything MOVES or is out of place, I am ON IT!!!! I notice EVERYTHING!

Well, for THIS exercise I have to focus only on Mommy and what Mommy says. I am NOT to be putting my nose in any other business! It is challenging!

Mommy KNOWS this, SOOOOOO Mommy  brought out a secret weapon at our training session the other day....CHEESE!!!

She says,"Saphira! Watch me! CHEESE!"

Well, let me tell you, that CHEESE is mighty yummy! It is ALMOST as yummy as CHICKEN!!!

That CHEESE sure does help me keep focused!

When Mommy says, "Saphira! Watch me! CHEESE!", I am DEFINITELY on it!!!

Going to school AND getting CHEESE!!!!!
I think I am in HEAVEN!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Make a TRUCE with BRUCE!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/574212</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:19:04 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/574212</guid>
		<description>You may remember that back in February I wrote a Diary entry about our neighbor, Bruce. If you forgo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ You may remember that back in February I wrote a Diary entry about our neighbor, Bruce. If you forgot what I said back then, I mentioned that for SOME UNKNOWN REASON I would BARK and BARK at our neighbor, Bruce. It didn't seem to matter if I was outside or inside. If I SAW HIM, I barked at him.

Well, now that I am a BIG GIRL who is one year old AND a Canine Good Citizen, Mommy decided that my barking at Bruce was just NOT ACCEPTABLE!

Mommy thought up a plan to make things BETTER.

First, Mommy and I ran SEVEN MILES. I rested a bit and had some water, and then Mommy and I ran THREE MORE MILES.

Next, Mommy went back home and got some LOVELY COOKED CHICKEN. I thought that I was getting a SPECIAL TREAT for running so nicely with Mommy.

Instead of giving me the chicken right then, Mommy cut it all up in pieces and put it in a baggie. Then we went outside. I had a feeling we were going to play a new game, so I was very excited!

We walked a bit until we got to a condo not too far from ours. Uh-oh!!! I smelled BRUCE!!! Oh-NO!!! Mommy was going to give MY CHICKEN away...to BRUCE!!!!

(You may remember that I had placed Bruce on my official DANGEROUS LIST a couple of months ago.)

OK...now WHAT WAS HAPPENING HERE????!!!!

Mommy knocked on Bruce's door. I don't know what she said. It sounded like,"Whah-whah-Bruce! Whah-whah-whah-whah? Whah-whah-whah-whah. Saphira whah-whah-whah, whah-whah-whah-whah whah- whah CHICKEN whah-whah-whah-whah-whah."

ANYWAY, soon Mommy was handing Bruce some CHICKEN, and Bruce was looking at ME. Now, when CHICKEN is involved, my attention is RIGHT THERE on that CHICKEN!!! Bruce had a nice smile on his face, and he had CHICKEN in his hand. He was looking at ME and saying MY NAME!

OK...This is GOOD! CHICKEN...my name...I am going to get THE CHICKEN!!!! Woo! Hoo!

Now I had a dilemma. Someone from MY DANGEROUS LIST was GIVING ME CHICKEN. Hmmmmm! Mommy had given MY CHICKEN to  Bruce on my DANGEROUS LIST so that he could give the chicken to ME.

Bruce had a smile on his face.
Mommy had a smile on HER face.
Most importantly, Bruce had CHICKEN in his hand and was calling MY NAME!!!

Well, I put it all together and decided that if Mommy was giving CHICKEN to Bruce,and Bruce was giving that CHICKEN to me, I just HAD to be polite and TAKE IT!!!!

Mmmmmm! SOOOO good! 

I did all different commands and got more and more CHICKEN!!! 

I am happy to say that I had a LOVELY VISIT at Bruce's condo, and I left with a happy TUMMY full of delicious CHICKEN!

Oh, and I can now say that I not only have REMOVED Bruce from my DANGEROUS LIST, but I also made a NEW FRIEND!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I  REALLY Need Prayers for My Friend, Macie!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/573347</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:09:59 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/573347</guid>
		<description>Hello Everyone!

I have a new friend, Macie, and boy does she need your prayers!

She's a three- ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hello Everyone!

I have a new friend, <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/970136>Macie</a>, and boy does she need your prayers!

She's a three-year-old Boxer who has just been adopted by her forever family.

She is having MANY health issues right now!

PLEASE go visit her page and PLEASE pray that all goes well for her! You can read about all she has been going through these last few days if you check out her diary.

Thank you!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have My Class Tonight!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/573246</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 05:57:00 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/573246</guid>
		<description>It's SCHOOL  for me tonight!!!

I am very excited!

I wonder... What I will learn tonight?

I  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It's SCHOOL  for me tonight!!!

I am very excited!

I wonder... What I will learn tonight?

I LOVE going to my class, and I LOVE seeing all my friends and My Sandi.

It is so much fun learning all the new things and showing Sandi how well I can do with everything that I have been practicing at home.

Most of all it is fun being with Mommy and watching her face get her "Happy Mommy Look" when I do well!

Yea!!! Class is TONIGHT!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear About Obedience Rally!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/572972</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 06:54:58 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/572972</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy went to check out Obedience Rally. My Sandi is a part of the group, and they wanted  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy went to check out Obedience Rally. My Sandi is a part of the group, and they wanted to find out more about it.

Daddy said that the doggies were three and over and did all kinds of commands like touching the wall on command, going over and around different barriers, carrying doggie dumb bells and learning how to choose the one with the scent on it from all the other dumb bells that were placed on the floor. 

Most everything was OFF-LEASH.

Mommy and Daddy said that it looked like a lot of fun and that the doggies and their Mommies and Daddies looked like they were having a great time.

I am going to continue my obedience training, and maybe when I get a bit older I can do some Obedience Rally, too!

I am ALWAYS ready for new ADVENTURES!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go On a LONG RUN!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/572831</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:02:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/572831</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy and I went on a LONG RUN!!!

We ran TEN MILES!!!

I did REALLY WELL, and so did  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy and I went on a LONG RUN!!!

We ran TEN MILES!!!

I did REALLY WELL, and so did Mommy and Daddy!

I LOVE being able to run with my family and have SO MUCH FUN!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Been Thinking About the Squirrels</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/571835</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 21 Mar 2009 07:20:27 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/571835</guid>
		<description>How exactly DO they manage to climb up trees?

I tried, and I got up just as high as my back legs  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ How exactly DO they manage to climb up trees?

I tried, and I got up just as high as my back legs would take me. That was IT!!!

I am big and strong.

How come a tiny little squirrel can do something that I can't do?

They are REALLY FAST doing it, too!

I will have to think about this A LOT more.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a FUN First-Day-of-Spring Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/571667</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:03:40 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/571667</guid>
		<description>Grandma Cheryl came to my house today! I hurried up and grabbed my toy and went to see her. I gave m ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma Cheryl came to my house today! I hurried up and grabbed my toy and went to see her. I gave my "Ooooooooo! Oooooooo! Ooooooo!" and kept my tail wagging as I "SWAM" back and forth against her legs. I do a REALLY good job of welcoming my people when they come to my house! 

Next I went upstairs to see how things were doing up there. I waited for Grandma to come up, too.

Ahhhhh! Grandma! You REMEMBERED that I couldn't STAND to have you downstairs when I was upstairs!

I looked down from upstairs. Grandma had my leash in her hand. Oh, BOY!!! Time to go OUTSIDE!!!

(I would MUCH rather go for my walk FIRST and see what's going on out there and THEN come back for my lunch. Grandma KNOWS this!)

We headed out, and the air smelled SO GOOD!!! We headed to the Park across the street. I found my digging tree and had a nice little dig. It was nice to smell the spring dirt.I think I smelled some moles, too!

We headed toward the lake. It was getting cooler! I smelled some new smells. Ahhhhhh!

As we got closer to the lake, I spotted some SQUIRRELS! Oooooo! Had to check THEM out!!! They were very fast! I watched one head up a tree. I tried to follow him. Hmmmm! That did NOT work too well! I wonder what his secret is...

I spotted a potential DANGEROUS THING and barked at it. Grandma told me that it was a large rock with some writing on it and that we would go over and look at it together. We did. I did not have to add it to my DANGEROUS LIST after all.

We went closer to the lake, and I heard the WAVES!!! Haven't heard them in awhile because the lake has been all frozen like a big ICE CUBE! It was nice to hear the waves again!

I looked down and smelled a LOVELY SMELL! It was a FISHY!!!It was all the way up on the bank and pretty far from shore. I wonder how that fishy got there???!!!

I WANTED to roll in the nice fishy smell, but Grandma  said, "Come on, Saphira! Let's go see where that squirrel went!"

I watched another squirrel, and Grandma took pictures of me looking at the squirrel WAAAY up in the tree. (How DO they climb trees like that???)

I found a BIG STICK next, and I decided I would carry it around for awhile. That was HARD!!! I found a branch with leaves on it and did NOT bark at it because branches with leaves on them are no longer on my DANGEROUS LIST.

We walked the rest of the way around the park, and then it was time to head back for LUNCH!!! Mmmmm! I was already thinking about that very nice piece of cooked chicken that I KNEW was on top of my kibble! Mmmmmm!

I walked very nicely back to our house, and I ate my lunch. Grandma filled my water dish again and said she was on her way to get some groceries.

I was thinking about our nice walk and how it was going to feel very good to have a nap before Daddy got home.

Ahhhh! A GREAT first day of SPRING!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Want to Say, &quot;HELLO SPRING!!!!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/571566</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 20 Mar 2009 07:41:52 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/571566</guid>
		<description>It is SPRING today!!!

It has felt like SPRING for quite a few days now, but today it is OFFICIALL ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It is SPRING today!!!

It has felt like SPRING for quite a few days now, but today it is OFFICIALLY here!!!

Today Grandma Cheryl comes, and we are going to take a nice walk out there. At our park that is across the street from where we live, we can see Lake Erie.

I want to see if it is frozen or if it is WATER again!

It is sunny and pretty here today!

I want to say, "HELLO SPRING!"

Happy First-Day-of-Spring, everyone!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have My Class Tonight!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/571228</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 05:28:48 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/571228</guid>
		<description>I am very excited!

I have my class tonight, and I will be learning some new things!

I sure do  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I am very excited!

I have my class tonight, and I will be learning some new things!

I sure do love to learn!

Mommy is proud that I learn things so quickly.

I wonder what I will learn TONIGHT!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to See Grandma Linda EVERY DAY!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/571032</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:18:14 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/571032</guid>
		<description>My Kathy is in Florida all this week, so Grandma Linda is coming EVERY DAY to feed me my lunch and t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My Kathy is in Florida all this week, so Grandma Linda is coming EVERY DAY to feed me my lunch and take me outside and play with me!

I LOVE Grandma Linda!

Sometimes Grandma Linda stays a bit longer and after our walk we watch a movie together on the couch. I like the movies with doggies in them the best!

I wonder if Grandma Linda will bring me some extra CHICKEN! (She IS my Chicken-Grandma, you know!)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Been Runnin' and Runnin' !</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/571017</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:29:51 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/571017</guid>
		<description>Oh! The weather has been SO-SO pretty, and Mommy and Daddy and Me have been runnin' and runnin' !!! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh! The weather has been SO-SO pretty, and Mommy and Daddy and Me have been runnin' and runnin' !!!

Even though snow is very fun to run in, the GRASS and the MOSS on the trails are even BETTER!

I wish that it would stay like this FOREVER because it is sunny yet COOL!

When it gets HOT-HOT out, I get REALLY HOT!

I hear that Spring comes in just two more days! I think Spring already came to OUR town!

Ahhhhh!

I LOVE it!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Got Picked AGAIN!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/570568</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 17 Mar 2009 05:08:23 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/570568</guid>
		<description>Thank you! Thank you! 

I am SO happy to be picked AGAIN as a Dogster &quot;Diary Pick of the Day!&quot;

 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thank you! Thank you! 

I am SO happy to be picked AGAIN as a Dogster "Diary Pick of the Day!"

Being St.Patrick's Day also makes it extra special!

I'm from GERMANY (GERMAN Shepherd, you know!), but I hear that EVERYONE is Irish on St.Paddy's Day!

Sooooo!

Happy St.Patrick's Day, Dogster!

Happy St.Patrick's Day EVERYONE!

Thank you, Dogster, for picking me again!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am A &quot;Diary Pick of the Day!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/570237</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:18:27 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/570237</guid>
		<description>Oh, Dogster!

THANK YOU for choosing me as one of the &quot;Diary Picks of the Day!&quot;

My good buddy,  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh, Dogster!

THANK YOU for choosing me as one of the "Diary Picks of the Day!"

My good buddy, Barkley,was chosen today,too! That was very exciting to see!

Thank you, Dogster! What an exciting month I have had!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am LOVING This Nice Weather!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/569946</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:01:08 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/569946</guid>
		<description>Cool temperatures.

My GRASS is back!

Lovely new STICKS!

GREAT new fragrances to sniff!

S ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Cool temperatures.

My GRASS is back!

Lovely new STICKS!

GREAT new fragrances to sniff!

SUNSHINE that doesn't make me too hot.

LOTS of birds to watch and listen to on EVERY walk or run!

I am DEFINITELY LOVING this nice weather!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Notice There are TEN March Birthdays So Far!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/569649</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 14 Mar 2009 06:41:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/569649</guid>
		<description>The Birthday List is coming along GREAT, and with much help from Priscilla and Stryker, I have been  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ The Birthday List is coming along GREAT, and with much help from Priscilla and Stryker, I have been able to add LINKS (in red) so that it is EASY-EASY to get to the Birthday Doggie's page to wish him/her a Happy Birthday!

Thanks again, Priscilla and Stryker!

There sure are a lot of March Birthdays in my Pup Pal List! There are TEN so far,and I also found a TWIN...Luther and I were born on the same day!

Pita's FOURTEENTH birthday was Friday! <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/297221>Pita</a>

Coco celebrates today. It is her FIRST BIRTHDAY! <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/788183>Coco</a>

Quincy will be EIGHT tomorrow! <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/625950>Quincy</a>

Sargeant celebrates his NINTH birthday on Monday, March 16th! <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/39298>Sargeant</a>

HAPPY BIRTHDAY  !!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go See Veronica</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/569524</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:55:12 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/569524</guid>
		<description>Today Mommy had a DAY OFF!

We had a GREAT DAY together!

One of the things we did was go see Ve ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Mommy had a DAY OFF!

We had a GREAT DAY together!

One of the things we did was go see Veronica, and I got groomed!

I like Veronica, and I am a good girl while she is making me look GOOD!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Do Well at my Class</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/569523</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:51:26 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/569523</guid>
		<description>I'm doing very well at my new class!

I sure do like learning and being with Mommy and being with  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I'm doing very well at my new class!

I sure do like learning and being with Mommy and being with other dogs, too!

Maybe I will become a Professional Student!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Use my Paws, But Mommy and Daddy Put On Wheels!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/569107</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:40:20 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/569107</guid>
		<description>The weather has been chilly, but there's no snow here. Mommy and Daddy decided to get their wheels o ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ The weather has been chilly, but there's no snow here. Mommy and Daddy decided to get their wheels out and put them on their feet again.

I am still using my paws.

I have discovered that there are very different RULES for running with Mommy and Daddy when they have their wheels on their feet!

First, I need to go MUCH faster because their wheels make THEM faster!

Second, I need to change my position of  HEEL because when they have their wheels on their feet their feet move differently than when they are running! They move their feet-with-wheels out so the side at an angle. I have to be a bit in FRONT so there's room for their wheels.

Third, I must NEVER-NEVER pull Mommy or Daddy off to the side where there is grass. Regular Mommy and Daddy feet work good on roads OR grass. Feet-on-wheels do NOT roll nicely on grass and cause Mommy and Daddy to "BIFF!"

(Mommy "BIFFS" quietly. Daddy "BIFFS" very loudly. I think the reason for this is he is very tall and when he falls he has a very long way to go before he gets to the ground. This gives him time to say more words as he is falling.)

We had a very fun time ---me RUNNING and Mommy and Daddy ROLLING!

I felt like I was FLYING!!!

A very fun time!

I want to do THAT again SOON!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Try to Make a Link</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/568809</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:16:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/568809</guid>
		<description>after the url put...&gt;the palsname 
http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298


Saphira



Thanks, P ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ after the url put...>the palsname 
http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298


<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298>Saphira</a>



Thanks, Priscilla and Stryker!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Start A Pup Pal Birthday List!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/568787</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:46:52 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/568787</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

This is what I have so far! If you aren't on here yet, and you'd like to be, just se ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

This is what I have so far! If you aren't on here yet, and you'd like to be, just send a PawMail and I'll get you right on the list!



January-



February-
1- Izzy (#345061) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/345061>Izzy</a>
13- Sammy (#877130) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/877130>Sammy</a>
18- Mz.Kitty (#914976) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/com/dogs/914976>Mz.Kitty</a>
22- Sunny Lee (#794702) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/794702>Sunny Lee</a>



March-
2- Luther (#779261) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/779261>Luther</a>
2- Saphira (#815298) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298>Saphira</a>
5- Jesse (#241421) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/241421>Jesse</a>
6- Bob (#206901) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/206901>Bob</a>
7- Angel (#811538) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/811538>Angel</a>
11- Jackson (#338237) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/338237>Jackson</a>
13-Pita (#297221)<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/297221>Pita</a>
14- Coco (#788183) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/788183>Coco</a>
15- Quincy (#625950) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/625950>Quincy</a>
16- Sargeant (#39298) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/39298>Sargeant</a>



April-
9- Lexie (#907916) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/907916>Lexie</a>
10- Louie (#799725) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/799725>Louie</a>
15- Sam (#234279) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/234279>Sam</a>
15- Gypsy (#826305) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/826305>Gypsy</a>
24- Annie (#882766) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/882766>Annie</a>



May-
5- Gizmo (#212204) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/212204>Gizmo</a>
17- Halo Kitty (#548373) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/548373>Halo Kitty</a>
17- Biscotte (#563772) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/563772>Biscotte</a>
18- Dylan (#800844) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/800844>Dylan</a>
23-Stryker (#804369) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/804369>Stryker</a>
26- Hearth (#532592) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/532592>Hearth</a>
28- Gracie (#493364) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/493364>Gracie</a>


June-
8- Tinkerbell Forever (#548196) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/548196>Tinkerbell Forever</a>
9- Spook Show (#360252) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/360252>Spook Show</a>


July-
10- Wolfgang (#767265) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/767265>Wolfgang</a>
13- Tippy (#891469) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/891469>Tippy</a>



August-
15- Maxwell (#413363) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/413363>Maxwell</a>
30- Pippin (#632167) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/632167>Pippin</a>



September-
5- Star (#79736) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/79736>Star</a>
7- Tika (#625151) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/625151>Tika</a>



October-
29- Bella (#234315) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/234315>Bella</a>



November-
1- Pongo (#345051) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/345051>Pongo</a>
18- Xena (#232265) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/232265>Xena</a>
19- Ava (#822509) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/822509>Ava</a>
30- Mozart (#493145) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/493145>Mozart</a>


December-
1- Moxy (#767817) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/767817>Moxy</a>
11- Amy (#715968) <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href=http://www.dogster.com/dogs/715968>Amy</a>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Learn a Handy Trick!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/568447</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:28:55 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/568447</guid>
		<description>Mommy tied a cloth on the refrigerator door. I watched as she did this. I was wondering why she was  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy tied a cloth on the refrigerator door. I watched as she did this. I was wondering why she was redecorating. The refrigerstor looks nice the way it is. She pulled the cloth as I watched. The DOOR to the refrigerator OPENED.

Hmmmmm! I did what SHE did with the cloth, only I used my mouth, of course. That door opened right up! Pretty cool!

OK...figured THAT one out!!!

I decided that I would like to play with the CLOTH next. I LOVE pulling and shaking towels and cloths and toys!

Mommy did NOT want me to play "Shake the Cloth", so instead she put a piece of ROPE on the refrigerator door.

I guess she didn't like her first redecorating attempt with the cloth.

Anyway, she pulled the ROPE, and I watched. Then I pulled the rope, and the refrigerator door opened right up using IT, too.

That was E-A-S-Y, Mommy! What else are we going to play?

THEN it dawned on me...

ROPE on refrigerator door.
PULL on rope.
DOOR OPENS.
CHICKEN is IN the refrigerator!
So is CHEESE!

Now THIS is a VERY HANDY trick to know!

(Mommy...are you SURE this was a good thing to show ME????)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Lost a Pound! My DIET/EXERCISE is Working!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/568274</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 9 Mar 2009 16:26:43 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/568274</guid>
		<description>Woo! Hoo!

I am eating all the same things but LESS of them.

I ran TEN MILES the other day in t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Woo! Hoo!

I am eating all the same things but LESS of them.

I ran TEN MILES the other day in two separate runs.

My diet and exercise plans are going GREAT!

Best of all is I still get my CHICKEN!!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Very Fun Rainy Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/567938</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 8 Mar 2009 15:00:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/567938</guid>
		<description>I got to spend some time with Grandma Cheryl this morning while Mommy and Daddy went to church. We p ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I got to spend some time with Grandma Cheryl this morning while Mommy and Daddy went to church. We played ball and went outside in the rain to collect sticks. Grandma put HERS on her stick pile, but I carried mine around and chewed on it a bit.  When we came inside  I worked hard doing my commands and got TWO Ginger Snaps! I woke up Uncle Jon and said "Hello!" to Great-Grandma Bonnie.

Grandma played a new game with me using my tennis balls and a laundry basket. I first had to bark my BIG GIRL BARK at the laundry basket. I had to determine whether it needed to be added to my DANGEROUS LIST. I decided that it was NOT dangerous, so we played the "Grandma-Put -The-Ball-In-The- Basket-And-Saphira-Take-It-Out" Game. FUN!

Soon Mommy and Daddy were home, and we ate and got ready to go RUNNING! We were going to Squire's Castle and run with our PACK.

Running was very wet but very FUN! I had my raincoat on! You can see us in the picture on my page!

Lots of PUDDLES!
Lots of WATER!
Lots of FUN!

It was a very wonderful rainy day!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Back in SCHOOL!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/567616</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 7 Mar 2009 15:09:34 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/567616</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy signed me up for a new Obedience Class. It is an Advanced Puppy Class and helps me k ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy signed me up for a new Obedience Class. It is an Advanced Puppy Class and helps me keep remembering all the commands that I have learned and gives me practice learning some new things, too!

We reviewed all the things we learned before and also learned "Come Front--Come With Me".

Mommy and Daddy are supposed to bring my BED next time! When I heard that I thought we were going to have a SLEEPOVER!!! I got all excited! Then I found out we were NOT having a sleepover. Instead we were going to be practicing the "Go Lie Down" command. 

Mommy and Daddy: I KNOW that one already! Sooooo, can I have a SLEEPOVER instead???

I LOVE SLEEPOVERS!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Thinking About Making A Birthday List</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/567490</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 7 Mar 2009 03:19:05 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/567490</guid>
		<description>I just had my birthday this week, and so did my good friend, Bob. I was just thinking that it would  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I just had my birthday this week, and so did my good friend, Bob. I was just thinking that it would be fun to hear when all my Pals birthdays were and make a special list so I don't MISS any of them.

I got SO many nice treats and gifts and rosettes from many, many doggies. I also got so many nice presents in my Birthday Room!

If we had a nice Birthday List,we  would all know when one another's special day was coming up and could send PawMail!

When you read this, could you send me your birthday (month, day, and year)? Please also add your Dogster ID# so everyone can find you easily.

Thanks!

I will list them all in my diary in a few days for everyone to see.

I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Play With Uncle Jon!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/567298</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 6 Mar 2009 10:51:49 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/567298</guid>
		<description>Uncle Jon comes over today!!! He's my BEST BUDDY!

It is almost 70 degrees, so I am NOT a dragon t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Uncle Jon comes over today!!! He's my BEST BUDDY!

It is almost 70 degrees, so I am NOT a dragon today!

There will be many new smells out there, and I want to check for my BUNNY, too.

I think my snow is on vacation.

My grass WAS on vacation, but it's BACK!

There are many new things to see and smell and TASTE out there!

I think Spring is almost here!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Friend Who Needs Your Help!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/566942</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 5 Mar 2009 07:20:12 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/566942</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

I have a good friend who really needs your help!

His name is Casper, and he is a  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

I have a good friend who really needs your help!

His name is Casper, and he is a little Pomeranian in need of heart surgery. The first surgery that he had awhile ago did NOT fix the problem, and he REALLY needs our help!

Please visit his page (Dogster ID# 743188)!

Also there is a Dogster Group called HAVE A HEART where you can find out more information.

Every donation is appreciated!

Love,
Saphira and Family]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Donation Made in My Name!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/566612</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 4 Mar 2009 06:00:46 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/566612</guid>
		<description>Grandma and Grandpa wanted to do something extra special in honor of my very first birthday.

They ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma and Grandpa wanted to do something extra special in honor of my very first birthday.

They decided to make a donation to the animal shelter near us and let the shelter know that the donation was in HONOR of ME on my FIRST BIRTHDAY!

They told the people there to use the money however it was needed to take care of the dogs and puppies there at the shelter. They also told them how much we all love going to the Dog Park that is right next to the shelter. (You can see the Dog Park if you look at my videos.)

I feel EXTRA SPECIAL having a donation made in my honor!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Turning Into a Dragon!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/566258</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 3 Mar 2009 07:21:37 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/566258</guid>
		<description>When we went walking yesterday it was just ten degrees.

I noticed that as I was breathing, there  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ When we went walking yesterday it was just ten degrees.

I noticed that as I was breathing, there was SMOKE coming out of my mouth!

The more I walked and the harder I breathed, the more smoke came out of my mouth!

Now...I KNOW that I was NAMED after the loyal dragon, Saphira, in the book/movie "Eragon", but I did NOT know that I also would have smoke coming out of MY MOUTH like Saphira, the DRAGON!

Goodness!

I am turning INTO a DRAGON!

(I wonder if FIRE will be NEXT!!!!!)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am One Year Old TODAY!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/565798</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 2 Mar 2009 02:23:59 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/565798</guid>
		<description>One year ago TODAY I was born!

I don't REMEMBER being born, but I remember being licked and licke ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ One year ago TODAY I was born!

I don't REMEMBER being born, but I remember being licked and licked and licked, and I remember nice warm milk going into my tummy. The milk made my tummy feel very nice, and it made me sleepy, too.

I couldn't SEE anything for a long time, but I remember being moved around and could feel other warm and furry bodies around me.

My Arthur told Mommy and Daddy that I was born right in his livingroom in a special box that he made for Mama and my brothers and sisters and me.

I remember lots of licking and that nice warm milk, and then one day I was able to see everything! Now I could see my Mama and my Papa and my brothers and sisters!

Now things really got to be FUN! I started moving around more and playing with my brothers and sisters. It was nice being able to see the people and the doggies that were all around me. That nice warm milk kept coming, and it sure did taste GOOD!

I could tell that I was getting bigger and stronger. Mama kept a close eye on us, but we could move around SO much better now! It was fun to EXPLORE!

When the weather was warmer we all got to go OUTSIDE! That was a really fun time! Mama and Papa and all my brothers and sisters got to be outside in My Arthur's yard. The yard is VERY big!

I remember playing and having SUCH a good time! Outside is my favorite place!

One day My Arthur brought out some special bowls, and we all got food like Mama and Papa get. THAT sure was GOOD! We drank our water and ate and played together.

When I was ten weeks old I got a very special adventure. I met my new Mommy and Daddy and my Uncle Jon. I was getting a new family! They were going to be MY special family... just for ME! 

I gave My Arthur nice kisses, and I spent some time with Mama and Papa, and then it was time to go with my new family. I am always ready for adventure, so I headed off with them to all my new adventures!

I got to check out my new house and my new bowls and my nice new bed. There were many new things to look at and to sniff. I met Grandma Cheryl and Grandma Linda, and I also got to meet all Daddy's Track Team at a very big place where people were running and jumping and throwing things. I was not sure if everyone there was ALSO my new family, so I tried to remember each one and I licked EVERYONE to say, "Hello!" just in case!

My first day with my new family was a very busy one, but it was a very wonderful one full of ADVENTURE!

Today I am one year old! I have learned SO MANY things and met so many doggies and people! I have gone to classes and had fun sleepovers. I have gone running with Mommy and Daddy and played in the waves of the lake. I have learned all about snow and mud and puddles. I have been to MANY parties, visited the Dog Park and walked MANY places. 

I have had SO many adventures already!

Now I am ONE YEAR OLD!

I just can't WAIT to see what happens NEXT!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a &quot;Diary Pick of the Day!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/565484</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 1 Mar 2009 04:59:51 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/565484</guid>
		<description>My goodness!

I am a &quot;Diary Pick of the Day&quot; AGAIN!!!!

Thank you, Dogster!

With my CGC Test  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My goodness!

I am a "Diary Pick of the Day" AGAIN!!!!

Thank you, Dogster!

With my CGC Test and my Birthday Party and all my wonderful gifts and PawMail from so many friends here on Dogster, I was truly OVERWHELMED!

NOW, "Diary Pick of the Day" as well!

This has been ONE AMAZING WEEK for me!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a VERY FUN Birthday Party Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/565364</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:25:31 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/565364</guid>
		<description>My special day began with a very nice morning run! Ahhhh! Mommy and I ran six miles together, and it ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My special day began with a very nice morning run! Ahhhh! Mommy and I ran six miles together, and it felt GREAT!

Next Mommy and Daddy were very busy getting ready for the PARTY!

Today Grandma Linda and I were going to celebrate our birthdays TOGETHER, so soon everybody CAME! 

We had a big party at our house, and I had my delicious CHICKEN as everyone else made pizzas, had cheese and crackers and veggies with hummus and salad, too. There was a lot of eating going on!!!

Soon it was time for GIFTS!!!

I was a birthday girl, and so was Grandma Linda, so we both got to sit on the couch with Mommy to open our gifts.

Uncle Jon made a special picture of me with a poem on it for Mommy and Daddy to put up on our wall. Grandma Linda and Grandpa Lynn got me a HUGE Nylabone that was very minty in the middle. 

From Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Rich and Great-Grandma Bonnie I got a frisbee, some Chuck-It balls that float, a Nylabone, and my squeeky Air Dog Bone.

Mommy and Daddy got me a brand new soft bed and my hiking back pack. They also got me my very own FAN that attaches to the outside of my crate so I will stay nice and cool at night.

Then it was CAKE TIME!!!!!

Grandma Linda and I had TWO CAKES! One had both of our names on it, but it was for the PEOPLE. Grandma Cheryl made  a Doggie Birthday Cake JUST FOR ME out of flour, eggs, carrots, peanut butter, honey,oil, and vanilla. It got some cottage cheese on top for the frosting, and a carrot for a candle. Everybody sang a song, and Grandma Linda blew out candles on her cake. Mommy gave me MY big piece of cake in my bowl.(You can see a picture of it on my page.)

I took my Birthday Cake  OUT of my bowl so I could move it around on the floor as I ate it. ALL yummy foods need  plenty of space so all the wonderful smells can be PROPERLY enjoyed!

As everyone ate THEIR cake...(They are VERY SLOW eaters)...I went around and thought I would sample THEIR cake and ice cream. Great-Grandma Bonnie always shares her Ginger Snaps, so I zeroed in on HER! I really think I could have gotten A LOT of her cake and ice cream, but Mommy said, "No, Saphira!"

As everyone was eating, Daddy put on a video of the day they picked me up from my Arthur's house and brought me home with them. I heard Mama on the video, and I heard a small puppy, too! Everybody said, "Saphira! That was YOU!" I kept looking at the screen and cocking my head... wondering about all those puppy sounds. I will need to watch and listen to THAT again!

I went to take a rest because I was getting very sleepy. Birthday Parties are VERY EXCITING, but they can make you SLEEPY, too! Everyone talked and ate some more and talked some more. The talking made me even MORE sleepy!

When I woke up, everyone was getting ready to leave for home.

It sure was a HAPPY-HAPPY Day!!!

Happy Birthday, Grandma Linda!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Birthday Party Tomorrow!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/564926</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 27 Feb 2009 06:13:20 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/564926</guid>
		<description>Tomorrow my whole family is coming to my house for a big Birthday Party!

Grandma Linda's REAL bir ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tomorrow my whole family is coming to my house for a big Birthday Party!

Grandma Linda's REAL birthday is today, and my REAL birthday is March 2nd, but the two of us are having a DOUBLE BIRTHDAY celebration TOMORROW!!!!

I will be ONE YEAR OLD,  and Grandma Linda says she will be TWENTY-NINE.

Oh! I am very excited!

I will write and tell you all about it!

Woo! Hoo!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Surprise Every Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/564593</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 02:30:39 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/564593</guid>
		<description>Snow...Green grass...Snow...Green Grass!

I think it is VERY INTERESTING how it does that!

When ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Snow...Green grass...Snow...Green Grass!

I think it is VERY INTERESTING how it does that!

When I wake up and get ready to go out the front door, I am NEVER SURE what will BE there!

Will it be my SNOW?

Will it be my GREEN GRASS?

I just never know!!!

Yesterday morning...Crunchy white snow and some ICE!

THIS morning...My green grass is BACK!!!

The snow and the grass must just TAKE TURNS.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Pictures of My Graduation!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/564320</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 25 Feb 2009 06:10:10 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/564320</guid>
		<description>On my page you can see the pictures that Sandi (my teacher) sent us of my Graduation from my CGC Cla ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ On my page you can see the pictures that Sandi (my teacher) sent us of my Graduation from my CGC Classes!

That was a really nice surprise to get the pictures!

It has been a very exciting time for Mommy and Daddy and me, and we want to thank everyone for all the wonderful PawMails and your encouragement and all the great gifts, too!

We are very honored to have so many amazing friends!

Kisses from Saphira and Family]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I See Mommy Reading a Doggie Book!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/564171</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:27:24 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/564171</guid>
		<description>Mommy has been very busy reading a doggie book. 

It's a book by Cesar Millan.

Mommy and Daddy  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy has been very busy reading a doggie book. 

It's a book by Cesar Millan.

Mommy and Daddy have been watching DVDs that have Cesar Millan in them, too.

They said that we all need to be C-A-L-M with one another.

Mommy and Daddy need to practice being good LEADERS.

I can't read, so I will have to just let Mommy finish reading, and then she will tellDaddy and me some more important things!

I wonder if there are any chapters in there about CHICKEN...]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am A Diary Pick of the Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/563664</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 06:11:55 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/563664</guid>
		<description>Wow! 

These last several days have been SO AMAZING, and today I am a Diary Pick of the Day, too! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wow! 

These last several days have been SO AMAZING, and today I am a Diary Pick of the Day, too!

Thank you, Dogster!

I really appreciate being chosen!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Change in Plans</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/563444</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 22 Feb 2009 11:16:50 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/563444</guid>
		<description>Tummy sickies!

Too much concentrating?
Too much listening?
Too much THINKING?
Too many TREATS? ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tummy sickies!

Too much concentrating?
Too much listening?
Too much THINKING?
Too many TREATS???

Nah! Couldn't be too many TREATS!!!!

Today Mommy and Daddy have cancelled their hike, and we are all snuggled together.

I am sorry I have tummy sickies, but I LOVE snuggling with Mommy and Daddy. 

I will be feeling better real soon!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Spending the Afternoon at Grandma and Grandpa's!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/563334</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 22 Feb 2009 04:58:20 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/563334</guid>
		<description>Today I get to go see Grandma and Grandpa and Great-Grandma Bonnie. I am spending the afternoon with ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today I get to go see Grandma and Grandpa and Great-Grandma Bonnie. I am spending the afternoon with them!

There is lovely fluffy snow coming down, and it will be very fun to be out in it! I sure do love SNOW!!!!

Grandpa and I can play our new ball game, and Grandma and I can play outside in the snow.

Great-Grandma Bonnie is STILL getting used to how big I am, so I will practice being very gentle with her and give her nice kisses. I sure hope she shares her GINGER SNAPS with me today like she did LAST time. Mmmmmm! I LOVE ginger snaps!

I wonder what other fun things I will do today! I will let you know all about them!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Passed My CGC Test!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/563161</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 21 Feb 2009 14:24:04 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/563161</guid>
		<description>Oh! I am HAPPY-HAPPY today!!!!

I passed my Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test!

Mommy says I was &quot;O ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh! I am HAPPY-HAPPY today!!!!

I passed my Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test!

Mommy says I was "ON", and I was "PHENOMENAL", and she was SO very proud of me!

She said I "passed my test with flying colors!"

I was really good when they touched my ears and paws and reacted to new doggies VERY well!

I was focused and listened to Mommy when she asked me to do all the other things, too!

I got a special doggie bone for doing such a good job. That was very yummy!

While Mommy drove us home she says I fell asleep. I don't remember this, but I DO remember having happy dreams about being a smart girl at my school.

MyGSD brain worked VERY hard doing my test today! I guess my whole body also needed a rest.

I am a very Happy Girl today!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Take My CGC  TEST Tomorrow!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/562883</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:46:28 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/562883</guid>
		<description>Tomorrow Mommy and I will work together as a TEAM!

We have been practicing A LOT!

I will need  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tomorrow Mommy and I will work together as a TEAM!

We have been practicing A LOT!

I will need to do MANY THINGS right to pass my BIG TEST!

I will need to:

1) Accept a friendly stranger
2) Sit for petting
3) Look well-groomed and be nice and clean
4) Walk nicely on a loose leash
5) Walk through a crowd
6) Sit down and STAY
7) Come when called
8) React well when Mommy and I meet another doggie and doggie Mommy or Daddy
9) React well to distractions of sight and sound
10) Be calm when Mommy has another person stay with me as she leaves me for three minutes

I think that the first eight parts will be fine, but the last two will be harder.

I will do my very best, and Mommy will, too!

Cross your paws for Mommy and Me that we do well...please!!!
Prayers would be really nice, too!

Special thanks to Yoda Takoda  (CGC), Stormy (CGC), and Quincy (CGC) for all the helpful tips and suggestions you have given me!

Special thanks to all my wonderful Pup Pals who have encouraged me from the beginning!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Play With Uncle Jon Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/562751</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:44:52 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/562751</guid>
		<description>Today Uncle Jon comes!!!!

Yea!!!!

I LOVE it when he comes to feed me my lunch and take me outs ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Uncle Jon comes!!!!

Yea!!!!

I LOVE it when he comes to feed me my lunch and take me outside. I LOVE all the games we play, too!

Can't wait to see you, Uncle Jon!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Just Heard My Friend Has a Furever Home!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/562539</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:46:12 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/562539</guid>
		<description>Please stop by to say &quot;Hello&quot; and &quot;Congratulations&quot; to Shadow!

He just got adopted and has a new  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Please stop by to say "Hello" and "Congratulations" to Shadow!

He just got adopted and has a new home and family!!!

His Dogster ID# is 958955.

Yea! Shadow!!!!

SOOOOO happy for you!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Fluffy Snow Again!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/562432</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:00:44 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/562432</guid>
		<description>It's BACK!

My fluffy snow came back!

It went away for many days, and I was wondering if it wou ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It's BACK!

My fluffy snow came back!

It went away for many days, and I was wondering if it would ever come back!

This morning when I woke up it had come BACK! It must have been very quiet because I did not hear it come.

Hello again, my FLUFFY SNOW!!! I missed you!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Like Stream-SITTING more than Stream-CROSSING!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/561694</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:48:26 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/561694</guid>
		<description>At Penitentiary Glen on my run with my new pack, we came to a lovely stream.

All the runners were ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ At Penitentiary Glen on my run with my new pack, we came to a lovely stream.

All the runners were CROSSING the stream.

I decided that I needed to TRY OUT that stream.

I decided I would SIT DOWN in the stream!

Ahhhhhh!

I have loved water since I was very little. Grandma showed me PUDDLES, and Uncle Jon took me to a POND. I have been in Lake Erie MANY times.

This STREAM was just too wonderful to just CROSS!
I needed to really CHECK IT OUT!

I sure am glad I did!
It was WONDERFUL!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go On My First Pack Run!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/561691</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:42:32 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/561691</guid>
		<description>I have been running with Mommy and Daddy for a LONG time, now, but I have only WATCHED when there we ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have been running with Mommy and Daddy for a LONG time, now, but I have only WATCHED when there were a BUNCH of people running together.

When I was younger I would get SO EXCITED when I would see everyone in Mommy and Daddy's running group that I would bark and act really C-R-A-Z-Y!!!! I really wanted to run WITH them!

Well, NOW I am a BIG GIRL, and I have been learning how to control myself when I am with a bunch of runners. It seems that runners DO NOT want to run with a crazy, barky doggie!!! Hmmm! Who knew???

Anyway, I have been practicing running with Mommy and Daddy and acting like a BIG GIRL when I am running.

On Sunday, Mommy and Daddy took me to their running group at Penitentiary Glen, and I GOT TO RUN WITH THE PACK!!!!!

Oh! It was so much fun!!! We were all running together, and it was like being with a BIG PACK! 

We ran and ran and ran!

The weather was cool and sunny and BEAUTIFUL!!!

Mommy and Daddy were SO PROUD of me!
I was SO PROUD of me, too!

I didn't bark or act all crazy with the runners.
I behaved myself and just ran with everyone like a BIG GIRL!

I LOVE my new RUNNING PACK!!!!

I am VERY GLAD that Mommy and Daddy showed me how to be a good running partner, because NOW I can run with them AND my new pack, too!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Learn a New Game</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/561275</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:31:29 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/561275</guid>
		<description>Grandpa was playing ball with me. Sometimes I dropped my ball so that he could throw it again, but S ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandpa was playing ball with me. Sometimes I dropped my ball so that he could throw it again, but SOMETIMES I kept holding my ball in my mouth.

Grandpa does NOT like to reach into my mouth to get the ball. Something about REALLY BIG SHARP TEETH...

When I held onto my ball Grandpa crossed his arms and said, "I'm not playing anymore."

When he crossed his arms and looked away from me, I dropped the ball for him to pick it up.

Grandpa was very pleased with me, and he had his happy face on. 

We played ball for a long time.

Whenever I would hold onto the ball and not drop it for him to throw it again, Grandpa would cross his arms and look away.

I would drop the ball so he could get it.

I'll do ANYTHING to keep a good game going!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I SMELL a STINKY SMELL!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/560973</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 15 Feb 2009 09:32:50 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/560973</guid>
		<description>I did my little yippy barks and my SERIOUS FACE to tell Grandma Cheryl that I needed to go potty, so ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I did my little yippy barks and my SERIOUS FACE to tell Grandma Cheryl that I needed to go potty, so we headed outside.

As soon as I took one sniff I could tell that SOMEBODY SMELLY had been out there!

Oooooooo! It was a VERY BAD stinky!!!!

I hurried to go potty, and then I HEARD something by the side of the house!

Of COURSE I had to BARK-BARK at it!!!

It looked like a black and white kitty. I wanted to bark some more and check out the kitty, but Grandma said, "Oh, Saphira! That is a SKUNK! We better get inside QUICK!!!" 

I do not know what a skunk is, and I have seen just a little bit of what Grandma SAID was a skunk, but I think I am very glad that we went back inside.

STINKY! STINKY!

My poor nose is GLAD to quit smelling THAT!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get My First Valentine Present!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/560746</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:29:51 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/560746</guid>
		<description>This is my very first Valentine's Day, and on my first Valentine's Day I got a VERY SPECIAL present! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ This is my very first Valentine's Day, and on my first Valentine's Day I got a VERY SPECIAL present!

In the MAIL came a special box just for ME!

Inside there was wonderful paper to crunch and munch, and there was something else, too!

Oh my goodness! There were COOKIES in there! 

There was a WHOLE PACKAGE of wonderful cookies in there!

Also inside was a special card. The card was from TIBERIUS!

Tiberius sent  TWELVE HEART COOKIES, and they are ALL for ME!!!

Thank you, Tiberius! That was SO SWEET of you to send them to me!

If you look on my page you can see my cookies, and you can see happy me and Mommy and Daddy there, too!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone from a very happy Saphira!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am The Sphinx!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/560572</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 14 Feb 2009 09:52:49 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/560572</guid>
		<description>Uncle Jon was at our place, and the two of us were upstairs in the second bedroom. I was laying on t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Uncle Jon was at our place, and the two of us were upstairs in the second bedroom. I was laying on the comfy bed and looking at Uncle Jon who was on the computer.

Uncle Jon looked over at me and said, "Saphira! You look like The Sphinx!"

I don't know who The Sphinx is, but Uncle Jon said that my paws were straight out in front of me, so it made me look like The Sphinx.

Uncle Jon came over to me and put HIS PAWS on top of MY PAWS. I don't know why he did this, but I DO KNOW that Uncle Jon likes to make up new games.

OK...THIS must be a new GAME!!!

I  lifted MY PAWS and put MY PAWS on top of HIS PAWS!

Then he put HIS PAWS on MY PAWS!

This was a FUN-FUN new game!
Uncle Jon must have liked it, too, because we played it again and again!

I usually don't like anyone touching my paws too much, but Uncle Jon is my BUDDY, and I am ALWAYS ready to play one of his NEW GAMES!

FUN! FUN!!!

So, when YOU lay down and have YOUR PAWS in front of YOU, you can be a Sphinx,too! Then YOU can play The Sphinx PAW GAME just like Uncle Jon and I did!

Have FUN!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Meet a New Friend</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/560564</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 14 Feb 2009 09:40:12 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/560564</guid>
		<description>Daddy and I were running near some apartments not too far from our house. We spotted a lady and a bi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy and I were running near some apartments not too far from our house. We spotted a lady and a big, furry doggie. We slowed down, stopped, and Daddy talked to the lady. She asked if I was a friendly doggie. Daddy said, "Yes!"

I got to sniff the big doggie, and he got to sniff me. Nice!

Then the big, furry doggie put his nosie on my cheek! Awwwwwww! I wasn't sure WHAT to do, so I went into my play-bow. I am ALWAYS ready to PLAY!!!

The doggie touched my cheek AGAIN with his nosie!

I did another play-bow, and THIS time I put my head way down and covered my eyes with my paws.

Daddy said that it looked like I was BLUSHING!!

While the doggie and I were having a fun time getting to know one another, Daddy and the lady were having a nice time talking. 

Daddy found out that the big doggie's name was Scotty. He is a three-year-old Collie, and Scotty and the lady live in the apartment complex there. 

It was a VERY fun time to be with a doggie who is about my same size and furriness. Scotty is a very friendly and sweet doggie, and Daddy and the lady agreed to meet together again soon so Scotty and I could play at the park which is just down the street and across from our condo.

I LOVE meeting new friends!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Guard Daddy from The Someone in A Black Hood</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/560133</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:20:19 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/560133</guid>
		<description>Someone was near our front entrance. I heard this and went quickly to check things out!

It was VE ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Someone was near our front entrance. I heard this and went quickly to check things out!

It was VERY IMPORTANT that I check IMMEDIATELY to not only see who it was but to GUARD DADDY in case The Someone was DANGEROUS!

I went right to work barking my BIG GIRL BARK. 

Daddy opened the front door, and it was VERY dark out there. The Someone was walking right TOWARD our front door!

I barked and barked and barked. I was NOT letting THIS Someone anywhere near MY Daddy!

The Someone had a BLACK HOOD. You must be very careful of HOODS. You can't usually see who or what is UNDER that hood!

I kept barking as The Someone came CLOSER!

Daddy! Why did you open that door BEFORE we knew who The Someone was????

BARK!  BARK!  BARK!  BARK!  BARK!

All of a sudden The Someone's hood was pulled back down, and Daddy flipped on the porch light.

UH-OH!!!!!

I suddenly realized that I just guarded Daddy from.........MOMMY!!!

Mommy! You tricked me! In the dark I THOUGHT that you were a DANGEROUS SOMEONE!!!

Mommy and Daddy told me what a GOOD GIRL I was to protect Daddy from The Someone. They said that it was REALLY SMART of me to be so alert when neither Daddy or I could tell at first just WHO it was out there.

Mommy knew who she was, but Daddy and I didn't!

Now Daddy...I KNOW that you have your Black Belt in TaeKwonDo AND you are very big and strong, but DADDY...BE careful before you go opening doors in the nighttime...OK?????

Whew! 

*********************

Always watching.

Always GUARDING.

I am a PROUD German Shepherd Dog!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Birthday Room on My Page! Come visit!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/559787</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:23:35 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/559787</guid>
		<description>I was visiting Barkley yesterday because it was his birthday. On his page he had a special Birthday  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was visiting Barkley yesterday because it was his birthday. On his page he had a special Birthday Room! You could pick a gift to give him, and you could also pick the ribbon color and the paper color for the package. If you didn't like the gift ideas there, you could SEARCH for other gifts! Lots of fun!

Best of all, everything was FREE!

I decided that it would be FUN-FUN to have a Birthday Room on MY page, too!

Come visit!!!

Maybe you'll want to make YOURSELF your OWN Birthday Room!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a WHOLE DAY With Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/559786</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:18:45 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/559786</guid>
		<description>Daddy woke up early and found out that there were no lights at our house. Even when he turned that l ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy woke up early and found out that there were no lights at our house. Even when he turned that little thingy on the lights they REFUSED to turn on. Interesting!

Daddy called Grandma, and Grandma said SHE had lights at her house. She went to check on her computer and found out that Daddy's school is CLOSED today!!!!

I guess the SCHOOL'S lights REFUSED to turn on, too.

Soooooooooooo......

I get Daddy to myself ALL DAY LONG!!!!

Poor Mommy has to go to work. She works at the hospital, and THOSE lights are not ALLOWED to refuse to come on!!!

My house looks very pretty this morning! There are candles lit EVERYWHERE. It smells like Christmas Trees and Christmas Cookies in my house!

Maybe Christmas is coming AGAIN!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Weigh 92.8 Pounds!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/559406</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 06:17:28 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/559406</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy have been giving me smaller AMOUNTS of my food, but I am STILL GROWING!!!!!

I wei ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy have been giving me smaller AMOUNTS of my food, but I am STILL GROWING!!!!!

I weigh 92.8 pounds already!

I am getting a longer body, and all my running and exercising is making me some very fine MUSCLES!

Daddy says that I have "very nice definition" to my muscles.

I am a BIG GIRL, but I look GOOD and I feel good, too! I am a PROUD German Shepherd Dog!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Lose My Tortilla Chip</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/559146</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:36:23 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/559146</guid>
		<description>Uncle Jon made up a NEW GAME today, and I was VERY EXCITED to play it! He makes up so many fun games ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Uncle Jon made up a NEW GAME today, and I was VERY EXCITED to play it! He makes up so many fun games!!!!

Uncle Jon had me do all my commands, and then I got a treat.

After that, Uncle Jon got down on the floor with me and had a TORTILLA CHIP in his hand.

(I LOVE tortilla chips!!!!!)

Uncle Jon put the tortilla chip on the floor in front of both of us, and said, 'LEAVE IT!"

I did.

I was doing REALLY, REALLY good at this new game!

Then Uncle Jon got up and moved to the side of me. I was still focusing on the tortilla chip with my eyes and my nose and my WHOLE BODY!

I was doing SOOOOOOOO well!

All of a sudden Uncle Jon reached for the tortilla chip! 

Oh NOOOOOOOO! Don't TAKE the tortilla chip away, Uncle Jon!!!!

Then it happened...

Suddenly...without warning...

A GROWL just automatically came out from my throat! 

Fast Uncle Jon TOOK the tortilla chip away and was VERY displeased with me that I GROWLED at him. He told me that was NOT NICE!

I did NOT get my tortilla chip!

Our game was O-V-E-R before it actually began!

Note to self:
GROWLING at Uncle Jon makes tortilla chips go AWAY. Do NOT growl at Uncle Jon while playing the Tortilla Chip Game (or ANYTIME when there is a TREAT involved!)

*SIGH*

Some lessons are harder to learn than others. I think THIS LESSON is ALREADY learned!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Add Our Neighbor, Bruce, to My DANGEROUS LIST</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/559046</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:52:15 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/559046</guid>
		<description>I usually only bark when something is new or different or DANGEROUS (in my opinion).

For SOME rea ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I usually only bark when something is new or different or DANGEROUS (in my opinion).

For SOME reason, though, I CONTINUE to bark at our neighbor, Bruce, as he walks around our development. 

I am INSIDE and he is OUTSIDE, yet I STILL continue to bark at him!

I do not understand why I do this.

Anyone out there have any ideas ????]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover That I Am a Dogster &quot;Diary Pick of the Day&quot; Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/558998</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:44:49 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/558998</guid>
		<description>Oh, BOY!!!!

What a GREAT surprise! I am a Dogster &quot;Diary Pick of the Day!&quot;

Thank you, Dogster  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh, BOY!!!!

What a GREAT surprise! I am a Dogster "Diary Pick of the Day!"

Thank you, Dogster Diary Pickers! Thank you for picking ME!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a REALLY NICE Soft Sheet For My Crate</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/558529</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 9 Feb 2009 05:08:46 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/558529</guid>
		<description>Our washer ripped one of the sheets from the BIG BED a little bit, and Daddy's BIG FOOT ripped it MO ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Our washer ripped one of the sheets from the BIG BED a little bit, and Daddy's BIG FOOT ripped it MORE on accident as he was sleeping.

That was a very GOOD THING, though, because now I get to have the nice soft sheet (500 thread count!) to sleep on in my crate!!!!

Best of all is my new sheet is Mommy and Daddy scented!

Ahhhhhh!

So comfy!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go to My CGC Class</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/558249</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 8 Feb 2009 09:49:21 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/558249</guid>
		<description>Mommy had to work, so Daddy took me to my Canine Good Citizen Class.

We worked on DISTRACTIONS.   ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy had to work, so Daddy took me to my Canine Good Citizen Class.

We worked on DISTRACTIONS.  

There were kids skipping down the middle of the room.
There were adults all over the room and we had to walk AROUND THEM like we were walking in a crowded area.

This was FUN! I LOVE kids,and I LOVE bigger people!

Then came a REALLY TOUGH PART!
Sandi, my teacher, put a LAWNCHAIR out. Oooooooo! That was ONE DANGEROUS LAWNCHAIR!!!!! I Barked and barked at it so it would GO AWAY!

It did NOT go away, and instead of leaving, ANOTHER lawnchair came! This time Sandi threw the lawnchair down and made a HUGE RACKET with it.

I DID NOT like this new game, and I DID NOT like the lawnchairs!

I added LAWNCHAIRS to my DANGEROUS LIST.

My DANGEROUS LIST now includes:

1) ALL plastic bags blowing down the street and hanging in trees
2) ALL grill covers (especially ones blowing in the wind)
3) ALL branches that have fallen off trees and have leaves still on them
4) ALL Baby Gates
5) LAWNCHAIRS

I will keep you posted of any additional dangers.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Share a Piece of Pie!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/558248</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 8 Feb 2009 09:40:20 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/558248</guid>
		<description>Daddy was SOOOOOOOO nice yesterday!

He cut a piece of Pumpkin Pie and gave ME the first TWO BITES ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy was SOOOOOOOO nice yesterday!

He cut a piece of Pumpkin Pie and gave ME the first TWO BITES of it!!!! Mmmmmm! I could have eaten the whole thing, but Daddy finished it.

Thank you, Daddy!

You gave me the BEST PART!!!

Mmmmmmmmm!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Read About a TRUE HERO!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/558124</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 7 Feb 2009 19:49:55 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/558124</guid>
		<description>Everybody!!!!

Please read this and send your love and kisses to a TRUE HERO!!!!!!


Spook Show ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Everybody!!!!

Please read this and send your love and kisses to a TRUE HERO!!!!!!


Spook Show Our Lifesaver
February 7th 2009 6:22 pm   [link to this entry] 
As most of you know Spook is our Service dog tha came to live with us in April 2008 she is 2 1/2 yrs old, & is a service dog for our son aswell as for me. Spook works hard every day of her life, but this day was one her harder days. Brendan was in one of his lets see how manny seizures, & Autisim Meltdowns we can have days. Well I had to run , or drive just around the cornner a little ways, my older son Nathan who is 14 stayed with Brendan as did Spook, while I went really quick to do what I had to do. Brendan was fine wen I left & hadnt had a seizure or MeltDown in over 1 hr so I felt he would be ok for the less than 5 min I was gone. Oh Boy was I wrong, I had just left, & was out of sight of the house, so I didnt see what was happening. We have all our windows except 1 screwed shut because Brendan climbes out the windows & runs off, far away & very fast. Well Nathan had unscrewed the window in his room to fix it the day before & forgot to screw it back , well by now I am sure you know what happened next, you guessed it Brendan figured out that the window wasnt screwed shut , so he decided to open it & take off, without Nathan , or myself knowing this, but thank God Spook Show saw him & wint out the window right behinde him, well Brendan doesnt understand the runing out infront of cars, or geting hit by cars thing, & we have tried every thing to help himm understand this but it doesnt work. Well back to the story, Brendan had climed out the window & Spook Falowed him well he ran across the street & Spook hadnt crossed over yet, & she saw a car coming & was afraid that he would run out infront of it, or that the car wouldnt see him so she jumped over the hood of the car while it was moving down the road & got between the car & Brendan to keep him from geting hit. Nathan saw her do this & was just catching up to them . I truly feel that if Spook hadnt done what she did Brendan would have been hit & Hurt really bad or worse. We thank God every day literaly for Spook, she has been the most awesome , PAwesome Service Dog anyone could ever ask for. We cant praise her or reward her enough to even start thanking her for all she has done & will continue to do for us. Its hard enough to take care of Brendan but to also take on me aswell , thats really pawesome. I never expected her to take my problems on, but she has. I am sooooo,sooooo, soooo thankfull for Spook & Soooooooo, Soooooo Thankfull she was there the day Brendan got out , & I am so proud of her for what she did to save his life, eventhough it upset me that she could have goten hit I know she did it for Brendan thats how much she loves him, & I know she would do it again if she ever had to. She is The most Awesome Pawesome Service Dog, & We Love her soooooooooo much. THANK YOU SPOOK SHOW WE LOVE YOU VERY VERY MUCH, YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO US. LOVE Mommy , Brendan, Nathan, & Daddy
(Dogster ID# 360252)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear That Grandpa Saw a REAL LIVE BLACK BEAR!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/558013</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 7 Feb 2009 14:09:17 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/558013</guid>
		<description>Grandpa was driving home from school, and as he looked out the side window as he was driving down th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandpa was driving home from school, and as he looked out the side window as he was driving down the hill toward home, he saw a REAL LIVE BLACK BEAR walking down the road!

Grandpa was VERY surprised because he had never seen a BLACK BEAR on the road before, and especially so close to his HOUSE!

I did NOT see this bear because I wasn't WITH Grandpa, but I think I probably would have barked A LOT if I saw it!

Maybe it was a good thing that I wasn't there!

Bears have BIG BOY TEETH and VERY BIG BOY CLAWS.

I'm glad Grandpa was in his car and SAFE from all those TEETH and CLAWS!

Even Grandpas have BIG ADVENTURES!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have ITCHY EAR Again!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/557538</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 6 Feb 2009 07:19:40 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/557538</guid>
		<description>I been itchin' and itchin' my ear. 

Usually my handy paws with my great toenails do a great job o ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I been itchin' and itchin' my ear. 

Usually my handy paws with my great toenails do a great job of itchin'. This time...not so much!

Mommy and Daddy took me to my doctor, and he said I have a Fection. It is a Yeast Fection. I do not know what that is or why it came to bother me, but my doctor gave me some Aunty-By-Aw-Tick that gets rubbed on my ears to make the Fection go away.

Before he gave me the Aunty-By-Aw-Tick he cleaned out my ears.

I HATE GETTING MY EARS CLEANED OUT!

I don't like anyone even TOUCHING my ears!

I whined and tried to be SO obnoxious that he would STOP touching my ears.

My doctor just kept cleaning and rubbing and cleaning some more. 

I think my doctor knows ALL the doggie tricks. Yes, I do.

ANYWAY, I am getting the Aunty-By-Aw-Tick on my ears, and I hate to admit it, but my ears ARE already feeling lots better!

In 7-10 days I should be GOOD AS NEW!!!

I'm glad about that! 

I really NEED my ears!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Tagged By Kiara!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/557499</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 6 Feb 2009 05:10:32 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/557499</guid>
		<description>This morning I was tagged by Kiara to play The &quot;Getting to Know You 2009&quot; Game! I answered the 10 qu ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ This morning I was tagged by Kiara to play The "Getting to Know You 2009" Game! I answered the 10 questions earlier in my diary, so I am making up TEN MORE questions so we all can keep on playing and getting to know even MORE about one another!

First you read then delete MY answers and add your own. Copy this and then paste it into your diary. Choose four friends to tag, and send them a rosette for playing.

Here's the "Getting to Know You 2009" (Part TWO) Game!


1) How did you discover Dogster?
I was watching "Greatest American Dog", and Dogster was advertised on it! I'm SO happy to have found Dogster!

2) What color are your toenails?
Mine are black.

3) Do you have a favorite season of the year?
I think that I would have to pick WINTER! I love playing and running in fluffy SNOW!

4) Where do you sleep at night?
I USED to sleep with Mommy and Daddy on the BIG BED, but as I got BIGGER, the bed stayed the same size. Poor Mommy became a pretzel because I was taking up so much room, so I now sleep in my crate BESIDE the BIG BED.

5) Have you ever gone on any special trips?
I have gone on TWO sleepovers to Becky and Joe's house. I had fun trying to get the kitties to like me, and I enjoyed the kitty food, too!

6) What do you like best about your family?
Mommy and Daddy take me lots of places, and we have MANY different adventures.

7) What makes you the happiest?
I like it best when my whole family is in the same room and I can look at them and be with them and get ear rubs and belly rubs and brisket rubs. Ahhhhhhh!

8) If you got to be on the show "PET STAR", what would you do for your special talent?
I would have Daddy pitch tennis balls to me and show everyone how well I can catch them. 

9) Have you or are you currently attending any classes?
Yes. I have graduated from my Puppy Class, my Intermediate Class,  and my Advanced Class, and I am attending Canine Good Citizen Classes now.

10) What would you say is the most interesting thing about you?
I would have to say that no matter what I am ALWAYS watching and ALWAYS guarding. I am a PROUD German Shepherd Dog.


There it is!

Now I am tagging:

1) Bob
2)Moxy
3)Takoda
4)Stormy

Have fun everyone!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Try Out The Nickname Name Game!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/557156</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 5 Feb 2009 05:13:46 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/557156</guid>
		<description>Tiberius and Dylan and Priscilla and Kiara had this Nickname Name Game on their diaries, and it sure ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tiberius and Dylan and Priscilla and Kiara had this Nickname Name Game on their diaries, and it sure looked INTERESTING! I decided to try it, and guess what??? My NICKNAME is:

Stinky Dippin Fanny!!!

Now, I decided that I could do MUCH better than that if I would simply CHANGE MY REAL NAME !

If I change my REAL NAME to a different name--say, Maddie Becker--for example,  then the letters change and I can become: 


CHEESEY CHICKEN FACE!!!!


I like THAT nickname a WHOLE LOT better!!!

Here's the info that you need to find out YOUR NICKNAME! Feel free to change your REAL NAME to create the nickname you like best! That's what I did!!!

Love,
Saphira

The Nickname Game--How to do it:


1. Use the third letter of your FIRST NAME to 
determine your new first name: 
A = snickle 
B = doombah 
C = goober 
D = cheesey 
E = crusty 
F = greasy 
G = dumbo 
H = farcus 
I = dorky 
J = doofus 
K = funky 
L = boobie 
M = sleezy 
N = sloopy 
O = fluffy 
P = stinky 
Q = slimy 
R = dorfus 
S = snooty 
T = tootsie 
U = dipsy 
V = sneezy 
W = liver 
X = skippy 
Y = dinky 
Z = zippy 

2. Use the second letter of your LAST NAME to determine the first half of your new last name: 
A = dippin 
B = feather 
C = B batty 
D = burger 
E = chicken 
F = barffy 
G = lizard 
H = waffle 
I = farkle 
J = monkey 
K = flippin 
L = fricken 
M = bubble 
N = rhino 
O = potty 
P = hamster 
Q = buckle 
R = gizzard 
S = lickin 
T = snickle 
U = chuckle 
V = pickle 
W = Hubble 
X = dingle 
Y = gorilla 
Z = girdle 

3. Use the third letter of your LAST NAME to determine the second half of your new last name: 
A = butt 
B = boobhump 
C = face 
D = nose 
E = hump 
F = breath 
G = pants 
H = shorts 
I = lips 
J = honker 
K = head 
L = tush 
M = chunks 
N = dunkin 
O = brains 
P = biscuits 
Q = toes 
R = doodle 
S = fanny 
T = sniffer 
U = sprinkles 
V = frack 
W = squirt 
X = humperdinck 
Y = hiney 
Z = juice


So, what's your NICKNAME???

If you don't like THAT nickname, what nickname would you LIKE to choose??

Have fun!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Guard My Yard</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/556828</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 4 Feb 2009 05:46:04 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/556828</guid>
		<description>Yesterday Uncle Jon and I were outside in the snow, and I saw something that was very unusual.

Th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday Uncle Jon and I were outside in the snow, and I saw something that was very unusual.

There was a BIRD near my house, and it was a ROBIN! Now I see all kinds of birds near my house, but I haven't seen a ROBIN for the longest time, and I have NEVER seen one in the winter. 

Robins aren't SUPPOSED to be around in the snow. They don't like the snow. I wonder why THIS ROBIN was at my house...

I decided to do what I ALWAYS DO when something seems out of place in my world...

I BARKED!!!!!

The ROBIN flew off and away from my house.

You can never be too careful you know!

Always watching...
Always GUARDING...

I am a PROUD German Shepherd Dog!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>New Game from Tiberius!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/556469</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 3 Feb 2009 07:10:00 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/556469</guid>
		<description>Welcome to the new edition of &quot;2009 Get to Know Your Pals&quot;

Copy this diary entry, and paste it in ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Welcome to the new edition of "2009 Get to Know Your Pals"

Copy this diary entry, and paste it into your diary.  Read then delete my answers.  Then you can fill in your own! We can get to know our pals better!! Have fun!! Then send a rosette to 4 pals and ask them to post it in their diary!!!!

Here we GO!!!!!

1. What color is your collar? 
My collar is pink plaid with bones on it. You can't EAT the bones, though! I also have a pronged collar that reminds me NOT to pull Mommy in the river again! It is a shiny silver color.

2. What kind of food do you eat? 
I eat Diamond Puppy Food for Large Breeds. I also get CHICKEN, shredded cheese, and carrots. I get applesauce and cottage cheese, too and eggs.

3. What are your favorite treats? 
My favorite treat--paws down--is CHICKEN!!! I also like Dogster Ice Cream Treats (cheese and peanut butter flavor).

4. Do you have a Valentine or significant other?? 
My official 2009 Valentine Sweetie is Tiberius. What a GREAT guy! Very romantic with gifts of candy and flowers. Sigh....VERY HANDSOME!

5. Do you get Table Scraps? 
I get them if I snag them from the plates in the dishwasher before the door closes!

6. What is your favorite toy? 
I would have to say my tennis balls. I just LOVE chasing them when Daddy pitches them!

7. When is your Birthday?... 
March 2, 2008...Coming VERY SOON!!!!

8. How many times a day do you get to eat? 
I get my food two times with some TREATS in between.

9. Do you have a favorite color? 
I like tennis ball yellow/green the best!

10. Do you hope all your pals put this in their diary? OF Course!! I LOVE reading about my Pup Pals!


Love, Saphira - Have fun!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Tagged By Moxy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/556436</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 3 Feb 2009 05:03:33 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/556436</guid>
		<description>Whoohoo! I&acirc;€™ve been tagged by my friend Moxy!

All right Pals! You made it here. I see you caught ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Whoohoo! Iâ€™ve been tagged by my friend Moxy!

All right Pals! You made it here. I see you caught my foot ball pass. Here is what you should do next! Hurry and pass the ball to 5 of your team mates so they can make a touch down. You are also supposed to write down 5 things about yourself that are funny. Also please leave me a bone and ask all those who visit your diary to leave you a bone so you will know they have been there! Okâ€¦Here goes the play!


Saphira's Funny Things

1) I have tiny, YIPPY barks when I need to go out and go potty. They do NOT sound AT ALL like my BIG GIRL BARKS! Everybody laughs!

2) When I see Grandma Cheryl, I ALWAYS take her right wrist in my mouth to say "Hello!" I never hold it hard. I just like to do this. I think SHE likes it,too! Grandma always laughs and says, "Hello, Sweet Girl!"  I get all mushy when she says that!

3) I am THE BEST dishwasher! My tongue doesn't miss a morsel! Now I just have to get Mommy and Daddy to leave the dishwasher door open a bit longer!!!

4) I have figured out the PERFECT SPOT to wait for Mommy and Daddy to come into the house. It is in the hallway, and if I go there I can watch the garage door AND the front door at the very same time. Mommy and Daddy must make a game of this because sometimes they come in one door, and sometimes they come in the other. SOMETIMES Mommy comes in one door, and Daddy comes in the other! It's a very fun game to listen to see which door they will enter! Grandma Linda likes to play this game, too!

5) Wherever I am I like to be TOUCHING some member of my family. When Grandpa is standing and talking to Daddy as we are getting ready to leave for home, I like to lay on one of Grandpa's feet. Grandpa always laughs and thanks me for keeping his foot warm!

That's my story! Now:


I am passing the football to:
1) Mo
2) Cinnamon
3) Takoda
4) Sam
5) Spuds

Have fun! 
Go for the TOUCHDOWN!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Find Out That My Kathy is Going to California Now!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/556431</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 3 Feb 2009 04:33:57 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/556431</guid>
		<description>Goodness! There must be LOTS of fun things happening in CALIFORNIA!

First Mommy and Daddy went th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Goodness! There must be LOTS of fun things happening in CALIFORNIA!

First Mommy and Daddy went there for a wedding. NOW, my Kathy, our neighbor who comes to feed me and take me outside to go potty at lunchtime, is going to California to see some friends and family.

California must be THE place to go!!!

I think that I want to go there, too!

I wonder if they have CHICKEN there?????]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am ELEVEN MONTHS OLD Today!!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/556087</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 2 Feb 2009 09:12:07 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/556087</guid>
		<description>Woo! Hoo!

In just ONE MORE MONTH I will be a whole year old!!!

I have sure had a BUSY-BUSY yea ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Woo! Hoo!

In just ONE MORE MONTH I will be a whole year old!!!

I have sure had a BUSY-BUSY year!!!!

Happy ALMOST BIRTHDAY to ME!!!!!!

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a WHOLE DAY With Mommy and Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/555999</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 2 Feb 2009 05:02:56 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/555999</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy each arranged to take the day OFF today so that they could spend time with me and we ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy each arranged to take the day OFF today so that they could spend time with me and we could all have a Happy-Happy Day!

Ahhhhh! I LOVE "Day Off" Days!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am HAPPY! Mommy and Daddy are HOME!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/555997</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 2 Feb 2009 04:50:16 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/555997</guid>
		<description>It was VERY LATE last night when I heard the garage door opening. The garage door NEVER opens UNLESS ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was VERY LATE last night when I heard the garage door opening. The garage door NEVER opens UNLESS...

YEA!!!!! I heard Mommy's car AND Daddy's car!

Mommy and Daddy are home from the wedding in California!

I grabbed my toy in my mouth and sat in the hallway. That way I can hear whether they are coming in the garage door or the front door.

I heard them in the garage, and then they were coming in the door from the garage!

My whole BODY was wagging right along with my tail! I made sure that I made all of my little happiness cries as I moved from Mommy to Daddy-- telling them WITH MY WHOLE BODY that I was HAPPY-HAPPY that they were back home again with ME!

That was a L-O-N-G weekend! Grandma Linda and I had a lot of fun being together, but I really missed Mommy and Daddy.

Welcome HOME, Mommy!

Welcome HOME, Daddy!

Let's all go snuggle on the BIG BED!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Ready for My Sleepover!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/555023</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:01:18 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/555023</guid>
		<description>Daddy left for his Track Clinic, and Mommy is leaving for work. Uncle Jon comes to give me my food a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy left for his Track Clinic, and Mommy is leaving for work. Uncle Jon comes to give me my food and play with me at lunchtime. 

Grandma will be here SOON for our sleepover!

Grandpa and Uncle Jon take Mommy to the airport, and Daddy is meeting everybody there on his way back from the Track Clinic.

They are BUSY-BUSY!!!

I hope Mommy and Daddy have a fun time flying on the airplane. I bet it feels really nice being up in the sky like the seagulls! Maybe someday I can fly on a plane, too! I want to be a seagull and fly up in the sky! I would like to fly FAST-FAST!!!

Have a happy time being seagulls, Mommy and Daddy! See you again SOON!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Find Out I Will Have a Sleepover With Grandma Linda!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/554717</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:47:39 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/554717</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy are going away to a wedding in California. They have to fly on a plane to get there  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy are going away to a wedding in California. They have to fly on a plane to get there because it is far away from our house.

Grandma Linda is coming to stay with me, and we get to have a SLEEPOVER at MY house!

I am going to miss Mommy and Daddy, but I DO love sleepovers! Grandma Linda and I will have a very fun time!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get My Fluffy Snow, and Daddy Gets His SNOW DAY!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/554222</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:27:27 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/554222</guid>
		<description>Yea!!!!

Fluffy Snow! You are BACK!!!

Hooray!

Bad sharp ice...The Fluffy Snow came to cover  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yea!!!!

Fluffy Snow! You are BACK!!!

Hooray!

Bad sharp ice...The Fluffy Snow came to cover you ALL up!!!

Thank you, Fluffy Snow!

Daddy gets a SNOW DAY today! Poor Mommy has to go to work, though. She NEVER gets a SNOW DAY because her hospital never closes!

Today Daddy and I will have a fun time in the Fluffy Snow! We got EIGHT INCHES so far, and we are supposed to get another eight inches or more. A lot of schools are closed. That means lots of kids to play with and fun times for EVERYONE!

I sure do LOVE the fluffy snow!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover That Ice is SHARP!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/553752</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:06:57 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/553752</guid>
		<description>Ice is SHARP!

Owies on my paws!

Snow is SO MUCH better!

Come back, soft snow! Come and cove ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Ice is SHARP!

Owies on my paws!

Snow is SO MUCH better!

Come back, soft snow! Come and cover the BAD, SHARP, OWIE  ice so we can go PLAY!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go to Hogback Ridge AND The Dog Park!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/553404</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 26 Jan 2009 06:31:59 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/553404</guid>
		<description>Daddy and I went to Hogback Ridge to run. The snow had melted quite a bit, so it was not up to my ch ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy and I went to Hogback Ridge to run. The snow had melted quite a bit, so it was not up to my chin as I ran and jumped in it. That made running A LOT easier!

It sure is fun running off-leash on all the trails! Daddy likes it, too! I have noticed that there is more time to run now before it gets dark. I REALLY like that!

We came home and had lunch and rested a bit, and then Daddy and I went to the Dog Park.

It is SOOOOOO fun to be outside in the snow and off my leash!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a GREAT Second CGC Class!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/553159</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:08:15 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/553159</guid>
		<description>Yesterday Mommy and I went to our second CGC Class. We practiced doing commands using my new THIRTY- ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday Mommy and I went to our second CGC Class. We practiced doing commands using my new THIRTY-FOOT leash.

Thirty feet is a L-O-N-G distance to be away from Mommy, but I listened to her and did what she told me to do. Mommy had her happy face on for the whole class! That made ME very HAPPY-HAPPY!!!

The class was not without a challenge, though...

One of the doggies named Jackson stared at me. Then he growled at me. I was NOT happy with Jackson doing that! I decided that I would eyeball HIM, and then I also decided that I should growl BACK at him. 

Sandi, our teacher, put us together side-by-side hoping that we could LEARN to get along. It worked for about three seconds. We were even wagging our tails. Then Jackson  eyeballed me and growled at me AGAIN, and I just HAD to let him know that I was NOT  going to put up with that rude behavior.

Sandi decided that for now, maybe she should just keep the two of us separated!

That is FINE with ME!!!!

A girl has to do what a girl has to do!!!

Let it be known that THIS GSD is NOT a pushover! After all...I AM named after a DRAGON!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Was Tagged by Pippin!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/552855</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:00:35 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/552855</guid>
		<description>Here's a fun FOOTBALL GAME to play!

Pippin just tagged me!

All right Pals! You made it here. I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Here's a fun FOOTBALL GAME to play!

Pippin just tagged me!

All right Pals! You made it here. I see you caught my foot ball pass. Here is what you should do next! Hurry and pass the ball to 5 of your team mates so they can make a touch down. You are also supposed to write down 5 things about yourself that are funny. Also please leave me a bone and ask all those who visit your diary to leave you a bone so you will know they have been there! Okâ€¦Here goes the play!

Saphira's Funny Things:

1)When my family comes home I grab one of my toys in my mouth and go see them. I make these little crying sounds because I am SOOOOO happy! It sounds like "Ooooo-Oooooo-Oooooo-Oooooo-Ooooooo!"

2) When I need to go outside I go to Mommy or Daddy and eyeball them. They say,"Saphira! Do you have to go potty?" I give a very short and very high-pitched bark to tell them "YES!" SOMETIMES I try to get them to believe that I have to go potty when I really don't. When they say,"Saphira! Do you have to go potty?" I turn my head away. (I just CAN'T lie to Mommy or Daddy!)

3) Sometimes I just don't get what my family is doing or saying. Without warning, my head twists sideways, and everyone laughs.

4) I LOVE the snow, and everyone laughs when my nose is covered with snow!

5) When I am out in deep snow, I get icy SNOWBALLS  all over my underbelly. I never collect snow on my top fur--even when it has been in deep snow, too! This is a very strange thing, and my SNOWBELLY looks even stranger!!!

OK!

I am now passing to:

1) Sirius Black
2) Eddie
3) Priscilla
4) Hanna Banana
5) Annie

DON'T DROP THE BALL!!! 

GO FOR THE TOUCHDOWN!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Fun with our Loft</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/552731</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 24 Jan 2009 07:19:14 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/552731</guid>
		<description>I was upstairs with Uncle Jon, and then Grandpa called me from downstairs. He said, &quot;Saphira! Come f ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was upstairs with Uncle Jon, and then Grandpa called me from downstairs. He said, "Saphira! Come find me!" Ooooo! Another FUN GAME!!! I am ON it!

We have a loft upstairs, and the sounds downstairs sound different because there is an open window thingy that overlooks the livingroom from upstairs. I was trying to figure out where Grandpa was. I heard him, but I wasn't sure which room his voice was coming from down there. I went downstairs and used my good ol' sniffer. Ahhhh! Found you, Grandpa!

All of a sudden I heard Uncle Jon upstairs, and he was calling me from the loft. I looked up, and he said, "Hey! Saphira! Let's play BALL!  Ready? Catch it!"

Uncle Jon threw my tennis ball from WAAAAAY up there, and I CAUGHT IT!!! That was fun! Let's do THAT AGAIN!!!

I LOVED all my new games, and it was REALLY fun playing them with Uncle Jon AND  Grandpa!

In awhile I was all tired out, and Uncle Jon and Grandpa were ready to leave. I didn't want them to go, but I knew it would also feel good to take a nice nap.

They told me good-bye, and I soon fell asleep dreaming of balls tossed from high up in the sky and lost Grandpas that needed to be FOUND.

Ahhhhh! Nice dreams!

Always working...

Always thinking...

I am a proud German Shepherd Dog...even as I DREAM!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a Pickle in the Middle!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/552694</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 24 Jan 2009 05:33:32 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/552694</guid>
		<description>Yesterday Grandpa and Uncle Jon came over to MY house. I was expecting Uncle Jon,but I was NOT expec ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday Grandpa and Uncle Jon came over to MY house. I was expecting Uncle Jon,but I was NOT expecting Grandpa. Hey!!! It's a PARTY!!!!

I was VERY excited to have TWO of my family to play with and to spend time with at my house!

I ate and went outside to do my business out there, and then it was PLAYTIME!!!

Uncle Jon found FIVE tennis balls under the couch. Our couch tends to COLLECT them under there, and they get STUCK. Grandpa and Uncle Jon threw the ball back and forth between them, and I was in the middle. I would jump and try to get the ball.

Grandpa said I was "The Pickle in the Middle!"

It was a fun game! It got me dizzy,though, because I had to keep watching the ball and watching Grandpa on one side and Uncle Jon on the other. I missed some, but I caught quite a few.

It was FUN being a Pickle today!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I See Uncle Jon and Grandpa Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/552334</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:14:12 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/552334</guid>
		<description>Uncle Jon AND Grandpa are coming at lunchtime to feed me and give me fresh water and take me outside ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Uncle Jon AND Grandpa are coming at lunchtime to feed me and give me fresh water and take me outside to go potty AND to PLAY!!!!

Yea!!!!

Our snow is starting to melt, but there is still plenty left to SIT in!! I'm planning to sit outside for awhile after I go potty and smell all the lunch smells! Mmmmm! People cook yummy things at lunchtime and dinnertime!

I also like to hear the birds and watch for BUNNIES! I am hoping to CATCH a little brown bunny that lives in my yard!

I think he would be LOTS of fun to play with, too!

I will keep you posted...]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Meet a New Friend</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/551949</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 22 Jan 2009 07:05:40 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/551949</guid>
		<description>Grandma told Daddy that the &quot;Schwan's Guy&quot; was there. Daddy took me by my collar so that I wouldn't  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma told Daddy that the "Schwan's Guy" was there. Daddy took me by my collar so that I wouldn't run to the door.

Grandma opened the door, and I barked my BIG GIRL BARK at this "Schwan's Guy."

Daddy said, "Saphira, this man is a FRIEND. Let's go over and say "Hello!"

I TRUST Daddy, so I did not bark anymore, and I went over to this "Schwan's Guy." He smiled at me, and I gave him a kiss on his hand. He WAS a friend! He smiled at me with a happy face.

I was a very good hostess from then on. I saw that he was a friend. Grandma said, "He is going to bring us some CHICKEN!" Well, anyone bringing us CHICKEN definitely is a FRIEND!!!

I watched him go out to his big, yellow truck. Wow! I bet there is A LOT of chicken in there! I watched him come back to the house, and I did NOT bark at him when he came back in the door! He's a FRIEND, you know!

His name is Joe, and he said that he has a 13-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog at his house. Maybe someday he can bring his doggie to OUR house and we can PLAY!

Grandma told Daddy what a good girl I was to guard our family and what a GREAT JOB I did to switch gears from GUARD DOG to FRIENDLY PUPPY--just at the right time!

I LOVE my family, and I LOVE my JOB!!!!

Now I also have a new FRIEND!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Time at Grandpa's Party</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/551940</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 22 Jan 2009 06:42:29 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/551940</guid>
		<description>Daddy picked me up after school, and we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for Grandpa Rich's Birth ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy picked me up after school, and we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for Grandpa Rich's Birthday Party!

I LOVE it when the family is together!!!

I said "Hello!" to everybody and enjoyed ear rubs and fur scratches and brisket rubs, and then I went around checking to see what new things there were in the house since I was there a few days ago.That is something I ALWAYS do! I always want to make sure that I don't miss a thing!! 

Next, I sniffed the presents. No Chicken. Moving on...

The diningroom table had a big CAKE on it. Mmmmm! I will have to sample some of  THAT!

I said "Hello!" to Great-Grandma Bonnie. She had a happy face on today, so her arm must feel better!

Everyone sat down and sang to Grandpa. Then it was TREAT TIME!!! As they ate their cake, I took my special Dogster Ice Cream downstairs to my Special Spot in the family room. Mmmmmmm! That was SOOOOO yummy!

After I was done I came upstairs to see how the cake-eating was going. I checked carefully, but nobody had dropped anyon the floor for me to snatch. I decided that I would check again  later!

I enjoyed my Nylabone until it was PRESENT TIME!!! Yea! I could see what was in all those presents that I had sniffed!

It looked like there wasn't anything that even resembled chicken, so I went back to my Nylabone.

Daddy needed to go to track practice, so I would be staying at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Daddy said,"No doggies allowed at the Field House!"  That is a bad rule!

Daddy left, and I played with Uncle Jon and Great-Grandma Bonnie and Grandma. I got to lay on the big bed and go outside to smell the nice night smells. I laid in the snow. Ahhhhhh! I WANTED to go play in the snow, but Daddy wants my dewclaw to heal a bit more before I go running around in the snow again.

I played and looked out the windows and watched Grandpa get his guitar ready to play. He played his guitar, and I listened. I heard Grandma putting dishes into the dishwasher, so I came upstairs to help her. Mmmmm! That cake and ice cream WAS delicious!!! (I am official licker of dishes before the dishwasher door is closed!)

I played some more and listened to the noisy doggie, Charlie, next door. That doggie barks and howls A LOT!!! She keeps saying the sme thing, too:

"I am Charlie. I am the boss of this house. I want you to know that everybody!!!"

Enough already!!!

I was getting sleepy, but I didn't want to miss anything. I practiced more of my commands with Grandma, and I got CARROTS each time I did one of my commands because I did them very well. Grandma said I was a SMART GIRL!

Then I heard Daddy at the door! I was HAPPY-HAPPY to see him because I knew it was time to go home and see MOMMY! Oh,and it would also be time for my DINNER!!! Mmmmmm!

Ahhhh! A happy Birthday Day! 

I LOVE being with my FAMILY!!!!

Guess what???

I will be the very next birthday in my family!!!!

Yea!!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Go To a Birthday Party Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/551602</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:24:35 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/551602</guid>
		<description>Today is Grandpa Rich's birthday, and I get to go to the party! Oh, BOY!!! You know what THAT means! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today is Grandpa Rich's birthday, and I get to go to the party! Oh, BOY!!! You know what THAT means!

Cake.
Ice Cream.
Presents.
Lots of people to kiss.
Lots of belly rubs.
Ear rubs.
Eating my Dogster Ice Cream in my special Eating Spot.

Ahhhhh!

I sure do love BIRTHDAYS!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Stuck in a Beaver Dam!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/551318</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:51:59 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/551318</guid>
		<description>Daddy and I went hiking at Hogback Ridge South yesterday. We hiked across a frozen river and followe ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy and I went hiking at Hogback Ridge South yesterday. We hiked across a frozen river and followed tracks, too!

Daddy fell into a creek! I stayed on the frozen water.

The snow was up to my chin. It was REALLY BIG SNOW!

We found a big pile of snow, so we went IN it. It was NOT a big pile of snow! It was a BEAVER DAM, and Daddy and I both fell IN IT!!!

My strong Daddy got himself out of the Beaver Dam, and then my big, strong Daddy pulled ME out. He actually LIFTED me out!!!!

I got an owie on my dewclaw, but my Dr. Mommy fixed me right up when Daddy and I got home.

I was VERY, VERY tired after our BIG ADVENTURE! I fell right asleep at 4:30pm, and I slept until bedtime. Then I woke up and went to sleep for the WHOLE NIGHT!

That was a VERY BIG adventure!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Tagged By Lexie!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/551205</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:25:50 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/551205</guid>
		<description>I got tagged by Lexie!

I am to list seven things about myself and then tag seven doggies to do th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I got tagged by Lexie!

I am to list seven things about myself and then tag seven doggies to do the same!

Here goes!

Saphira's Seven Interesting Things:

1) When I jump around in deep snow I get SNOW BALLS on my belly! I DON'T get snowballs on my top fur! VERY INTERESTING!!!

2) Kitty food TASTES very good, but it bothers my tummy. I get Urka-Gurkas from it.

3) I have a special eating and chewing place at my Grandma and Grandpa's house. It is downstairs in the family room on the nice, soft gold carpet in front of the TV. I always take my Dogster Ice Cream there, and I like chewing my toys there, too!

4) I have my FIRST BIRTHDAY coming up on March 2nd!

5) I got my very first textbook the other day at my Canine Good Citizen Class!

6) I am doing very good at coming when called, staying, and listening when Mommy and Daddy say, "LEAVE IT!"

7) I did NOT bark at Great-Grandma Bonnie's walker or the new rocking chair, and I was VERY calm and gentle with Great-Grandma Bonnie. (She broke her arm last week.) Mommy and Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa were very proud of me! 

I am tagging:

1) Xena
2) Moxy
3) Stormy
4)Takoda
5) Grace
6) Sunny Lee
7) Angel

Have fun everyone!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have BIG FUN in the BIG SNOW!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/551035</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:46:26 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/551035</guid>
		<description>Oh, BOY!!!!

Grandma and Grandpa have some BIG SNOW!!!

You can see me and Mommy and Daddy playi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh, BOY!!!!

Grandma and Grandpa have some BIG SNOW!!!

You can see me and Mommy and Daddy playing in it in my new video!

I had never been in such HIGH snow before! I had snowballs all over my belly!!! (I wonder why I didn't get snowballs on my TOP fur????) Maybe my top fur is SNOW FUR!!!!

I discovered that I really couldn't RUN in the BIG SNOW! I had to JUMP-JUMP-JUMP-JUMP through it!!!

BIG FUN!!!

When I was jumping in the BIG SNOW , the snow felt SOFT-SOFT! I kept making NEW PATHS through the snow because it was so much fun to do!!!

I LOVE snow, and I REALLY love BIG SNOW!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Lose a Good Friend, But We Gain a Special Angel</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/550699</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:04:51 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/550699</guid>
		<description>My good friend, Buddy, has died. He had a brain tumor and died last night. I will miss him very much ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My good friend, Buddy, has died. He had a brain tumor and died last night. I will miss him very much!

Buddy is now in Heaven, and his brain tumor is GONE! He is meeting so many new friends and running and playing and having a wonderful time!

My friends Roman and Damien and Cracker Jack and Sheba are with him. I KNOW this. My Uncle Jon's friend, Justin, has his doggie named Lady who is in Heaven with all of them, too!

Please visit his page and wish him well!

Buddy's Dogster ID# is 929211.

I love you, Buddy!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have LOTS and LOTS of WONDERFUL Snow at My House!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/550568</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:15:17 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/550568</guid>
		<description>Oh, BOY!!!!

SNOW and SNOW and MORE SNOW!!!

Fluffy, fluffy stuff that I love is EVERYWHERE!!!!! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh, BOY!!!!

SNOW and SNOW and MORE SNOW!!!

Fluffy, fluffy stuff that I love is EVERYWHERE!!!!!

I can't wait to play in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard today!!!!

Wheeeeeeeeeee!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Happy Day at My CGC Class!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/550391</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 17 Jan 2009 21:12:55 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/550391</guid>
		<description>Today was my first CGC Class because LAST WEEK'S class got cancelled because of all the snow.

Who ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today was my first CGC Class because LAST WEEK'S class got cancelled because of all the snow.

Who knew that I would get a Doggie SNOW DAY????!!!! Who knew that doggies even GET SNOW DAYS???!!!

Anyway, at our first class we practiced and practiced "Stay" and Mommy would go away...far from me...and I actually did STAY where I was supposed to stay!!!

I was watching Mommy and listening to Mommy, and Mommy had her HAPPY MOMMY face on the whole time!

Mommy told Daddy that I was the "Valley-Duck-Torry-Yum" of the class!

Silly Mommy! I'm a DOGGIE!

I LOVE when Mommy wears her HAPPY FACE!

I am very glad that we have been practicing and doing out homework!

I can't WAIT until my next class!

Thank you to all who have been my special encouragers!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Got a Special Rose from ANOTHER Secret Admirer!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/550323</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:28:42 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/550323</guid>
		<description>Oooooooooo!

This is VERY EXCITING!!!

Thank you Mr. Secret Admirer ROSE GIVER!!!

I LOVE my r ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oooooooooo!

This is VERY EXCITING!!!

Thank you Mr. Secret Admirer ROSE GIVER!!!

I LOVE my rose!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Want to Thank Mr./Mrs./Miss Anonymous For My HEART!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/550308</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:42:04 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/550308</guid>
		<description>I got a special HEART, but it was from ANONYMOUS!!!

I don't know if you are a Mr. Anonymous or a  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I got a special HEART, but it was from ANONYMOUS!!!

I don't know if you are a Mr. Anonymous or a Mrs. Anonymous or a Miss Anonymous, but I sure do want to THANK YOU!!!

I have a SECRET ADMIRER!!!

Oooooooooooooo!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Very Busy Weekend!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/547867</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 10 Jan 2009 09:00:17 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/547867</guid>
		<description>Soon I will be going to my FIRST Canine Good Citizen Class!!!! I am SO, SO excited!!!! I know that I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Soon I will be going to my FIRST Canine Good Citizen Class!!!! I am SO, SO excited!!!! I know that I will meet some new friends there, and I will be learning all kinds of new things, too!

Then after my class, Mommy and Daddy and I get to go to Becky and Joe's house for a SLEEPOVER!!!!

Oh, BOY!!!! I LOVE sleepovers!!!

Mommy and Daddy said that Becky and Joe have a new kitty named Roger. I hope Roger is a FRIENDLY kitty! 

I hope all of you have a FUN-FUN weekend! I will tell you all about MY weekend when I get home!!!

I LOVE classes, and I LOVE sleepovers!!!

Yea!!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Play a Fun New Game</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/547698</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 9 Jan 2009 16:15:21 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/547698</guid>
		<description>Uncle Jon came today to give me my lunch, take me out to potty and PLAY!!!

He had a different swe ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Uncle Jon came today to give me my lunch, take me out to potty and PLAY!!!

He had a different sweatshirt on today, and it had these fun string- things hanging down from  around his neck.

I jumped up to say hello to Uncle Jon, and that's when I noticed the fun string-things!

I grabbed one with my mouth while I was up high saying "Hello!" This was really FUN!

Uncle Jon was like a fun TOY!!!

Of course while I was up high playing with Uncle Jon's String-things, I gave him lots and lots of Saphira Kisses!

I LOVED my very fun new Uncle Jon String-Thing Toy!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get more SNOW!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/547248</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 8 Jan 2009 08:39:44 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/547248</guid>
		<description>Oh, BOY!!!!

More snow for ME!

It has been snowing and snowing and snowing today!

Running is ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh, BOY!!!!

More snow for ME!

It has been snowing and snowing and snowing today!

Running is SO much fun in the snow, and I never get too hot!

SNOW!

I LOVE you!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a New Way to Run With Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/546998</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 7 Jan 2009 13:06:13 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/546998</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy were watching a tape of  &quot;The Dog Whisperer&quot; with Cesar Millan, and they got a new i ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy were watching a tape of  "The Dog Whisperer" with Cesar Millan, and they got a new idea for our running together!

Here's how it goes:

Daddy loops MY leash around his tummy and puts the loose end through the loop. THEN, he hooks the hook at the end of the leash to MY collar.

We are then CONNECTED TOGETHER!

Then we RUN-RUN beside one another just like we are sled-dog PARTNERS!

It feels very strange at first, but it is FUN-FUN running right beside Daddy and WITH Daddy!

I had a fun time pretending that Daddy and I were running the Iditerod!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Start My New Classes in Just FOUR MORE DAYS!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/546518</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 6 Jan 2009 04:10:26 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/546518</guid>
		<description>It is getting CLOSE!

In just FOUR MORE DAYS I get to start my new classes!

These are very impo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It is getting CLOSE!

In just FOUR MORE DAYS I get to start my new classes!

These are very important classes, because I will be learning all the things that I need to know to pass my Canine Good Citizen Test.

I need to pay attention.
I need to watch Mommy.
I need to BEHAVE MYSELF!

I want to do really well!

I am VERY EXCITED!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am On a DIET!!!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/546157</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 5 Jan 2009 06:08:37 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/546157</guid>
		<description>Yes, folks! It is TRUE! 

I am OFFICIALLY on a DIET!

Yesterday when we were at the Dog Park my  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yes, folks! It is TRUE! 

I am OFFICIALLY on a DIET!

Yesterday when we were at the Dog Park my Arthur, who knows LOTS about keeping dogs healthy, was talking to Mommy, and I heard him say things like, "Feel here." and "Now feel here." as he was having Mommy feel Mama and then feel ME. 

Mama is TRIM, and she has really nice lines. She also can run FAST-FAST-FAST! She leaves me in her dust!
I am...PLUMPY!

My Arthur also discussed my.....butt......and well, the discussion pretty much ended with Daddy putting it in not-so-delicate terms!

"Saphira has a BIG BUTT!!!"

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Then the discussion went to the amount of FOOD I was eating. Well, let's say I have pretty much been EATING FOR TWO! Mama and Papa eat about HALF of what I eat!

A-hem!!! 

My Arthur talked about how getting leaner will help my running and will also help my hips have less stress put on them AS I run.

Watching my FAST-FAST-FAST Mama really showed me that YES, I DO need to go on a DIET!!!!

When you see me in a few months you will say, "Wow! Look at that AWESOME LEAN BODY!" and "She looks SO HEALTHY and TRIM!"

I can do this.

I WILL do this!

But FIRST...Can I have some CHICKEN, please?]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a MOST WONDERFUL Family Reunion Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/545907</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 4 Jan 2009 12:03:46 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/545907</guid>
		<description>Today I got to see my mama and papa again!

Mommy and Daddy took me to the Dog Park, and my mama a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today I got to see my mama and papa again!

Mommy and Daddy took me to the Dog Park, and my mama and papa were there!

When we got there I was nervous because Mama and Papa were barking at me from behind the fence.  My Arthur was with them and holding them by their collars. Mommy and Daddy and Grandma were with me, and I was glad because Papa has a VERY BIG voice, and Mama has a VERY LOUD voice!

When Mama and Papa calmed down a bit,  we all went inside the Dog Park, but we were all on our leashes. Slowly My Arthur brought Mama and Papa closer to me so that they could sniff me. Mama was especially interested in sniffing me.  I think she recognized me as her own  puppy!

Next, Daddy let me off my leash and let me chase balls that he threw with my new Chuck-It. Mama, Papa, Mommy,Grandma and My Arthur were watching me. 

My Arthur could tell that Mama and Papa were feeling calmer now and REALLY wanted to come play ball, too.  He let them off their leashes, and they ran to chase balls with me.

Mama kept charging me, so I kept laying down on the grass and putting my ears down to show her that YES, I DID remember that SHE was THE BOSS.

Papa kept charging into Mama as though he was telling her to quit bothering me and just PLAY BALL!

After awhile the three of us were  playing ball and running and having a GREAT time together!

You can see a video of all three of us playing together on my page!

It was SO much fun to play with my Mama and Papa! It was SO wonderful to see My Arthur again, too!

I want to do that AGAIN!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am in Charge of Checking All Food -- Party (Part 2)</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/545611</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 3 Jan 2009 14:55:25 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/545611</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy borrowed a big table from Grandma and Grandpa, and they put a nice red tablecloth on ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy borrowed a big table from Grandma and Grandpa, and they put a nice red tablecloth on top of it.

Next, Mommy and Daddy started placing very yummy FOOD on the table!

This table was the PERFECT height for me to be able to check all food that would be served to our guests.  I appreciated Mommy and Daddy having a table where EVERYTHING was laid out so nicely so that I could easily sample all the foods.

I began my job in earnest!

This was a GREAT JOB, I have to say!

Suddenly Daddy and Mommy were telling me NOT to lick the food on the table!

What?????? Not lick the foods?

How can I sample them and see if they are tasty enough to serve our guests? 

I think that you are SERIOUSLY MISTAKEN! I NEED to sample some more things!

Well, Daddy seemed to think that it would be better for me to go in my crate awhile during the dinner buffet and calm myself down a bit.

I was PLENTY calm. 
I just needed to sample a FEW MORE trays of food!

(I DID manage to "taste" a couple cookies and a DELICIOUS piece of HAM before I went in my crate. Thanks, Uncle Jon, for covering for me!)

Uncle Jon is my B-U-D-D-Y!!!!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone FINALLY finished eating, and I came out of my crate.

I had a fun time being the center of attention for the rest of the time!

I wonder when we will have ANOTHER party!!!!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am in Charge of Security for The Party- (Part 1)</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/545605</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 3 Jan 2009 14:37:59 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/545605</guid>
		<description>Before our party started I REALLY needed to take care of this SECURITY ISSUE near our front door! Th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Before our party started I REALLY needed to take care of this SECURITY ISSUE near our front door! There was a very Dangerous SOMETHING hanging from the tree out front which demanded my COMPLETE attention. I barked VERY LOUDLY to warn the Dangerous Something to GO AWAY and leave our house alone. It was VERY stubborn and REFUSED to leave! I continued to bark...LOUDLY!

Daddy checked and checked and said that everything was all right. He decided that MAYBE I just needed to settle myself a bit...that maybe I was keyed up and excited for the party.

I am doing my JOB, Daddy! That's what I DO!!!! I alert, and I protect!

Anyway, soon the doorbell rang, and I just KNEW it was the Dangerous Something that had jumped down from the tree and was NOW trying to gain entrance into our house!

I barked and barked using my BIGGEST GIRL BARK!!!

I heard a voice on the other side of the door. I remember hearing that voice a long time ago. It was NOT the Dangerous Something.

Good.

Soon all the people were coming, and some just walked in. I did NOT see the Dangerous Something.

I guess all my barking scared it away.

Ahh! 

Time to get some belly rubs and get to know everyone again!

I LOVE parties!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Make MY Top 10 List!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/545140</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 2 Jan 2009 09:30:27 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/545140</guid>
		<description>My good friend, Sunny Lee made her Top 10 List, and I think that it is a WONDERFUL idea! I decided t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My good friend, Sunny Lee made her Top 10 List, and I think that it is a WONDERFUL idea! I decided to write MY list of special things that happened in the past year, too!



Here's MY Top 10 List for 2008:


10) I met SNOW!!! (Sure do LOVE that!)

9) I got to go to the Dog Park near our house a BUNCH of times!! (FUN-FUN!)

8) I got to go in the lake, in several creeks, in a pond, in the river (Sorry-Sorry, Mommy for pulling you in!), and I discovered the Joy of Puddles (Thanks, Grandma!)

7) I got to RUN-RUN on wonderful trails and even go OFF-LEASH, too! I got to rest in my special BIG stroller and eat ice cubes while Daddy pushed me in it! (Thanks, Daddy!)

6) I got to LEARN so much from my Puppy Class at PetSmart with My Nick and from My Sandi at my Intermediate Class and my Advanced Class. (I LOVE to learn new things!)

5) I tasted CHICKEN!!!! (Oh, BOY! Do I ever LOVE chicken! ) I get some EVERY day! Thanks Mommy and Daddy!

4) I got my spay, and I recovered from it just fine. (Still don't know what that was all about, but I'm just a puppy.  There's a lot I still have to learn.) 

3) I am BIG and STRONG and HEALTHY! (Thanks Mama Akia and Papa Miko and My Arthur for my GREAT start, and of course THANK YOU Mommy and Daddy for helping me STAY healthy!)

2) I have a WONDERFUL family who loves me and takes care of me and plays with me and gives me CHICKEN!!! (Thank you, my Grandmas and Grandpas and my Uncle Jon...and Mommy and Daddy and My Kathy, too!) I am happy for my Dogster Family, too! Who knew that I would have so many wonderful friends and STILL be just a puppy??!!!)

1) I got picked to come and live with Mommy and Daddy (My bestest special thing of all!)  I LOVE YOU,Mommy and Daddy!)

I am a VERY lucky puppy!

I wish everyone a Happy-Happy 2009!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Party at My House!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/545131</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 2 Jan 2009 09:03:26 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/545131</guid>
		<description>Today is a VERY special day!

1) I turned 10 months old today!

2)I get a PARTY at my house!

 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today is a VERY special day!

1) I turned 10 months old today!

2)I get a PARTY at my house!

3) A bunch of Mommy and Daddy's friends are coming to our place, and I will have LOTS of people to give me ear rubs, play with me, and give me brisket rubs and belly rubs!

4) There will be lots of yummy food!

5) I will have lots of company ALL DAY LONG and into the evening, too!

6) Uncle Jon, my Buddy, will be here! Yea!!!

I am HAPPY-HAPPY when I have lots of people at my house! It will be a HAPPY-HAPPY day!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Played Chuck-It INSIDE My House!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/544735</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 1 Jan 2009 09:04:50 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/544735</guid>
		<description>Daddy picked up the Chuck-It, and I thought we were headed to the Dog Park.

Instead, we were goin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy picked up the Chuck-It, and I thought we were headed to the Dog Park.

Instead, we were going to play INSIDE OUR HOUSE!!!

Fun!

We have this L-O-N-G distance from our sliding glass door out back to our front door. Daddy and I had a FUN-FUN time playing with the Chuck-It INSIDE!!

(I think Daddy likes the Chuck-It even more than I do!!!)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have My Snow Again!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/544375</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:03:52 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/544375</guid>
		<description>It SNOWED!!!

Everything is all white again!

Oh, BOY!!!!!! I really love it when the snow cames ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It SNOWED!!!

Everything is all white again!

Oh, BOY!!!!!! I really love it when the snow cames BACK!!!!

Happy New Year, Everyone!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Tagged By Arwen!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/543852</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:17:17 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/543852</guid>
		<description>Today I was tagged again! This time I got tagged by my friend, Arwen!

I am supposed to think of S ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today I was tagged again! This time I got tagged by my friend, Arwen!

I am supposed to think of SEVEN THINGS about myself, and then I am to write them down in a list. Next I am to choose SEVEN friends to tag who are supposed to list SEVEN of THEIR interesting things about themselves and tag SEVEN more friends.

Here's my NEW LIST!!!

1) I growl and bark at grill covers and plastic bags that fly around in the wind.

2) I really don't like WIND!

3) I weigh 88.2 pounds.

4) I don't mind people touching my paws, but I don't like anyone playing with my tail.

5) I LOVE Nylabones, and the bigger they are, the BETTER!

6) I like to sit in snow.

7) I am the happiest when all my family is in ONE ROOM and I can be with them there.


OK! That's my list!

I am now tagging:

1) Star
2) Coffee
3) Jarvis
4) Saphira Wigglesworth
5) Darien
6) Nikkia
7) Harley

Have fun everyone!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Figure Out A New Strategy</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/543846</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 30 Dec 2008 07:57:44 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/543846</guid>
		<description>Daddy and Grandma and I went to the Dog Park yesterday to try out the new Chuck-It that I got for Ch ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy and Grandma and I went to the Dog Park yesterday to try out the new Chuck-It that I got for Christmas. It works REALLY, REALLY great! Daddy is a very good thrower anyway WITHOUT the Chuck-It, but WITH the Chuck-It Daddy REALLY gets my tennis ball  FLYING!!!!!

First we played ball in our regular way with Daddy tossing the ball and me going after it and bringing it back to him. We did this for quite awhile. FUN-FUN!!!

Then Daddy started chucking the tennis balls toward the cement wall that is on one side of the Dog Park. I started to go after the tennis balls like I usually do, but they did a REALLY STRANGE THING!!! They came back near Daddy ALL BY THEMSELVES!!!! I got up to the wall where they SHOULD have been, and they had ALREADY LEFT!!!

VERY STRANGE!

After a few times of using my regular strategy that has always worked before when we play ball, I realized that THAT definitely WASN'T working for me in THIS new game!

It was time for a NEW plan! I watched Daddy toss the ball, watched it hit the wall and watched it bounce and come back ALMOST to where Daddy was. Hmmmmm! I decided to stay just a little IN FRONT of Daddy and WAIT for the ball to hit the wall and come back to Daddy ALL BY ITSELF. Interesting! It kept happening, SOOOOOO I figured out just about where it would land and went THERE.

GOT IT!!!!

Ooooooo! My brain got a BIG workout figuring out that new strategy,but it was FUN-FUN doing it!

Grandma took video of some of my first attempts of catching the ball while playing our new game. Check it out on my page!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Tagged by Xena!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/543634</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:47:14 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/543634</guid>
		<description>I was just tagged by Xena!

I am to think of SEVEN fun and interesting things about myself and lis ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was just tagged by Xena!

I am to think of SEVEN fun and interesting things about myself and list them here. Then I am to choose SEVEN friends to tag who are to list SEVEN interesting and fun things about themselves and choose seven of THEIR friends to do the same in THEIR diaries!

Here are my SEVEN things:

1) When I see Mommy or Daddy or Uncle Jon or Grandma or Grandpa I make these little crying sounds that sound like "Woooo--oo--oooo--oo-oooooo!" I put my ears down flat on my head, and I am HAPPY-HAPPY!

2) After I say "Hello!" in my special way, I always check to see that Grandma has put out my water dish in the kitchen.

3) When I get a new toy or a Dogster Ice Cream Treat, I always take it downstairs to my special spot to eat it.

4) When Mommy or Daddy say, "Beep! Beep!" I automatically move out of their way!

5) Today I learned that when Daddy throws my ball and my ball hits the cement wall at the Dog Park,  it works best to wait near Daddy. The ball comes back from the wall ALL BY ITSELF!!! Then I just catch itin my mouth!  Pretty fun!!!

6) I can get Mommy or Grandma to give me ice cubes or Dogster Ice Cream by panting a lot and acting VERY HOT!

7) In four days I will be 10 months old!



I am tagging:

1) Starr
2) Emma
3) Quincy
4) Kitty
5) Smoke
6) Angel
7) Bella

Happy TAGGING!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Surprise Everyone with my DOGA!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/543442</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:50:12 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/543442</guid>
		<description>I had been lounging on the couch for awhile, and I needed a good
 S-T-R-E-T-C-H!  I decided to do s ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I had been lounging on the couch for awhile, and I needed a good
 S-T-R-E-T-C-H!  I decided to do some DOGA. I kept my back legs on the couch, and I S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-D my front legs down, down to the floor to do Downward-Facing Dog.

Ahhhh! That felt SOOOOOOO good!

Then I brought my front legs back up on the couch with me. Grandma said, "That girl has strong ABS!!!"

Downward-Facing Dog is one of my VERY favorite poses! I also like the name they gave it!

Everyone in the room had been watching me. Mommy said, "Oh my goodness! Saphira just did DOGA!!!!!"

Of COURSE I do DOGA! 

I am a DOG!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Meet a New Friend</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/543104</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 28 Dec 2008 05:57:35 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/543104</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy and I were running at Hogback Ridge. All of a sudden we saw a man with a nice dog. T ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy and I were running at Hogback Ridge. All of a sudden we saw a man with a nice dog. The man had his dog off the trail, and we were headed toward them.

I REALLY was excited to meet a new friend. The doggie was a bit shy or MAYBE a little afraid of BIG me!

I let the doggie know that I was Friendly Saphira and that I REALLY wanted to make friends. The man and the doggie came closer. Mommy and Daddy talked to the man, and I talked to the doggie.

The doggie's name was Zeke... "Z" for short. He was a Pit Bull. His family got him from the Dog Shelter, so they didn't exactly know how old he was.

We had a very fun time sniffing one another and getting to know all about one another.

The man was very happy that we weren't afraid of "Z". It seems that a lot of people are afraid of Pit Bulls.

I told "Z" all about the time when I heard this little boy tell his mother that he wasn't going to pet me because I was a WOLF. I was just three months old at that time, and I am NOT nor have I ever been a WOLF!

We needed to get going again to finish our run, so we said a nice "Good-bye! Hope to see you again soon!" to "Z" and his Daddy. "Z" was very happy that we met, too! We wagged tails. That is VERY important, you know!

It was SO nice to meet a new FRIEND!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Worked Hard Growing My Winter Coat!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/543035</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 27 Dec 2008 20:15:20 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/543035</guid>
		<description>Today it reached 66 degrees!

I went running for an hour, and it was HOT-HOT!!!!

This winter co ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today it reached 66 degrees!

I went running for an hour, and it was HOT-HOT!!!!

This winter coat of mine...a DOUBLE COAT I might add...does NOT feel so great when the temperatures outside are 66 degrees!

I sure wish the SNOW would come here and STAY instead of coming for a day or two and then leaving again!

It's not like we doggies can REMOVE our coats when we get too hot!

Maybe I shouldn't have worked so hard at growing my winter coat!

Come back, snow! I MISS YOU!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I See Justin Has a Dangerous Black Thing on His Back</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/542806</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 27 Dec 2008 08:27:34 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/542806</guid>
		<description>I was sitting on the couch at Grandma's getting petted and having some very wonderful ear rubs.

A ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was sitting on the couch at Grandma's getting petted and having some very wonderful ear rubs.

All of a sudden Uncle Jon's friend, Justin, comes in the front door WITH A VERY DANGEROUS-LOOKING BLACK THING on his back!

I sat up FAST and gave my BIGGEST GIRL BARKS at this very DANGEROUS black thing that had jumped on Uncle Jon's friend's back!

I barked and barked, and was getting ready to go get that VERY DANGEROUS BLACK THING to protect everyone from it!

Mommy and Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa said, "It's OK, Saphira!"

Justin TOOK OFF the big black dangerous thing, and he put it down on the floor. He called to me, and I came over to him. He showed me the dangerous black thing.

It was his black GUITAR CASE with his NEW GUITAR inside of it!

Everyone thanked me for guarding them and protecting them when I THOUGHT that the big black thing was DANGEROUS.

Always watching...

Always guarding...

I am a PROUD German Shepherd Dog!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Watch Turkey TV!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/542803</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 27 Dec 2008 08:16:02 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/542803</guid>
		<description>At Christmas there were so many wonderful smells! I had such a good time sniffing them!

I was in  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ At Christmas there were so many wonderful smells! I had such a good time sniffing them!

I was in the kitchen at Grandma's house, and I looked in the oven because Grandma had the light on it there. Mmmmmm! I smelled TURKEY!!! 

Since the oven light was on, I could SEE the turkey as well as SMELL it!

The big oven window looked like a TV screen!

I was enjoying watching  Turkey TV!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a VERY BIG Christmas!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/542400</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 26 Dec 2008 05:11:05 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/542400</guid>
		<description>Oh, BOY!!!!

I had a VERY BIG CHRISTMAS!!!

I went running in the morning before we went to Gran ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh, BOY!!!!

I had a VERY BIG CHRISTMAS!!!

I went running in the morning before we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house. That was FUN-FUN!

Next Mommy and I had a argument over my Christmas Outfit. Mommy won, but I held my own there...for awhile!

We drove to Grandma and Grandpa's, and then things got REALLY EXCITING!!! I got my very first Christmas present! It was a HUGE Nylabone! It looked like my OLD Nylabone only much BIGGER! I took it downstairs on the nice carpet in my special spot. Ahhhh! So nice to chew, chew, chew!!!

Everybody was upstairs, so I came back up! I brought my Nylabone with me!

Before I knew it,Mommy and Daddy were saying, "Here, Saphira! Here is a present for you!" ANOTHER PRESENT??? Oh, BOY!!!!

I got a STUFFED DUCK!!! It has a squeeker and everything!!!

I ate...I mean PLAYED with him for a long time as everyone was opening THEIR gifts.

Then Mommy said, "Saphira! Gift for you!" This time I got this HUGE rope ball about the size of my volleyball. It has ropes sticking out on the ends with this big ball in the middle! That one will take A LOT of work to chew up!!!

I got tennis balls next, and a furry bone and also a CHICKEN Nylabone.

I had a VERY BIG Christmas!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Wish You a Merry Christmas!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/542058</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 25 Dec 2008 04:26:18 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/542058</guid>
		<description>Hello Everyone!

Saphira here, and wishing EVERYONE a happy, merry, wonderful Christmas with lots  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hello Everyone!

Saphira here, and wishing EVERYONE a happy, merry, wonderful Christmas with lots of CHICKEN!!!!

I will be BUSY-BUSY today with my family, so I'm stopping in early to say hello!

Can't WAIT to read all your diaries about Christmas!!!

Be barking with you SOON!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a FUN-FUN Busy Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/541976</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:13:50 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/541976</guid>
		<description>Daddy and I had a very fun run in the morning, and we played and spent the whole afternoon together! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy and I had a very fun run in the morning, and we played and spent the whole afternoon together!

Then we went to Grandma and Grandpa's, and EVERYONE was there! I got so many hugs and pats and ear rubs and belly rubs!!!

Then Mommy came! She got off work early. Yea!!!!!

I got to eat my dinner when eveyone was eating their dinner, and I gotto eat on a special Christmas placemat!

Soon just about everyone left to go hear Daddy play his guitar at the Candlelight Service at church. I couldn't go, so Uncle Jon and Dana stayed with me, and we played together. We had a fun time! I found out that baseballs are VERY tasty on the outside and they have hard stuff in the middle of them. Uncle Jon'sbaseball is now remodeled. I think I did a fine job on it!

Soon everyone was back home, and I got to see everyone again. Great-Grandma Bonnie is staying in Uncle Jon's room, and Uncle Jon is sleeping downstairs on the couch. I didn't know this at first.  I went into Uncle Jon's room to see Uncle Jon, and Great-Grandma Bonnie was in there.  I was VERY SURPRISED to see her in there!

It was getting late, and I found out that tomorrow is Christmas and we are coming back to Grandma and Grandpa's for Christmas breakfast!! I have to sleep fast, because tomorrow is coming SOON!!

There is a lot of excitementand a lot of people and a lot of FOOD! I really like Christmastime!!

Happy Christmas to Everyone!

I hope that you and your family have a very wonderful day tomorrow on Christmas!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Bark at the Doorbell</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/541237</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 23 Dec 2008 03:58:01 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/541237</guid>
		<description>Last night I heard something. It was someone at our front door!

The doorbell rang.

I barked my ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Last night I heard something. It was someone at our front door!

The doorbell rang.

I barked my "Who are you at my door?" bark.

Daddy went to the door to see who it was. I stayed RIGHT BY HIM just in case it was a bad person out thereand I would need to protect him.

Daddy opened the door.

It was GRANDMA!!!

I just SAW Grandma a few hours earlier at HER house! Now she was at OUR house!

I sure was surprised that it was HER!!! I came right over to her and gave her my little welcoming whines and cries, and I took her wrist in my mouth very gently like I always do with Grandma.

I'm sorry I barked at you, Grandma!!!! I was JUST doing my JOB, though!

Grandma must have UNDERSTOOD me because she said, "What a GOOD GIRL to bark and protect Daddy!" Then she gave me many, many brisket rubs!

Ahhhhhhhhhh!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Go Christmas Shopping!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/540893</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:25:09 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/540893</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy took me Christmas Shopping yesterday! I got to go to Petco AND PetSmart! It was FUN- ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy took me Christmas Shopping yesterday! I got to go to Petco AND PetSmart! It was FUN-FUN!!! I LOVE going shopping!

Mommy and Daddy had about TEN other places they needed to go,too, and they kept driving places, hopping out of the car, running into the stores, and running back out.

I think they were doing a new kind of training exercise.

Anyway, I couldn't go in all the people stores with them, so I got to guard the car. 

It was fun watching Mommy and Daddy run in and out of all the stores! I think they set some kind of RECORD yesterday!

I liked being in the car and waiting for them. Everytime they came back to the car again and we would drive off somewhere else, it was like an adventure.

I watched this show once on my neighbor's TV. I think it was called The Greatest Race. The people on it looked like they were doing what my Mommy and Daddy were doing yesterday.

It was a fun day!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have My SNOW Again!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/540485</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 21 Dec 2008 07:04:44 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/540485</guid>
		<description>My grass is all white again! My GREEN grass is under there...HIDING!

IT SNOWED!!!

There is ver ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My grass is all white again! My GREEN grass is under there...HIDING!

IT SNOWED!!!

There is very much wind, too! When I run today I will  be running with the WIND!


WHEEEEEEEEEE!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a GREAT Video for You to See!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/540409</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:11:51 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/540409</guid>
		<description>A friend sent this !

Check it out!!!

www.dogwork.com/dogsnow

Be sure to turn up the volume  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ A friend sent this !

Check it out!!!

www.dogwork.com/dogsnow

Be sure to turn up the volume on your computer!

Get ready to HAVE SOME FUN!!!!!


Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Listen to Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/540203</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:30:02 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/540203</guid>
		<description>Daddy and I were having a wonderful time running at Townline Park! I was running OFF-LEASH,and it fe ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy and I were having a wonderful time running at Townline Park! I was running OFF-LEASH,and it felt SO GREAT!!!I was about 60-70 feet ahead of Daddy when I spotted....a BIRD!!!

Oh! I LOVE birds!!!!

When I saw the bird , I took off after it! Daddy says that I took off in an outright SPRINT!

Ahhhhhh! It felt SOOOOOOO good to be running OFF-LEASH and running FAST-FAST!!!!

All of a sudden I hear Daddy yell in his BIG BOY VOICE...."SAPHIRA!!! LEAVE IT !!!!!!"

I stopped suddenly, and I turned right around. I ran to Daddy RIGHT AWAY! I left the bird alone, and I didn't run any further.

I listened to Daddy.

Daddy was HAPPY-HAPPY with me! He was telling me what a good girl I was and petting me and giving me ear rubs and kisses.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! 

Running after the bird was FUN-FUN, but Daddy being HAPPY-HAPPY because I listened to him...That was even BETTER!

I am really learning how to be a GOOD GIRL!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to See Grandma Linda Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/539879</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:13:41 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/539879</guid>
		<description>Grandma Linda comes today!

She is taking me to my groomer, Veronica. Veronica was sick last week, ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma Linda comes today!

She is taking me to my groomer, Veronica. Veronica was sick last week, so I couldn't go to see her. She's better now, so Grandma Linda and I get to see her!

Grandma Linda and Veronica are friends. They will have a nice time seeing each other, too!

I bet I will get a special bandana today! I might get some treats, too!

I LOVE Spa Days!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Begin My Canine Good Citizen Classes Soon!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/539533</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 06:18:25 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/539533</guid>
		<description>I get to begin some new classes in January! These are called &quot;Canine Good Citizen&quot; Classes. They are ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I get to begin some new classes in January! These are called "Canine Good Citizen" Classes. They are very important! The classes will teach me to have good manners at home and when I am out in public places with other doggies and people.

Many of my Dogster friends have passed their Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Classes already, and they get to put the letters (CGC) after their name. That is a very special honor to be able to do that! They also get a special certificate from The American Kennel Club.

Here are the things that I will be learning in my classes: 

1) Accepting a friendly stranger
2) Sitting for petting
3) Appearance and grooming
4)Walking on a loose leash
5)Walking through a crowd
6)Sit down and stay
7) Coming when called
8)Reaction to another dog
9) Reaction to distraction
10) Supervised separation

I will be tested at the completion of my classes, and I will have to pass ALL ten sections in order to pass my Canine Good Citizen Test.

I will be very busy! 
I will have LOTS of homework! 
I will have to work VERY HARD!

I think it will be a very exciting time to learn all these things!

I LOVE to learn!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Wrapped Myself All Up and Went to Sleep!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/539260</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:19:10 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/539260</guid>
		<description>I'm sleeping at night in my crate now, as you know. I DID find a way to get at least a LITTLE BIT of ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I'm sleeping at night in my crate now, as you know. I DID find a way to get at least a LITTLE BIT of ON THE BIG BED time, though!

In the morning when Mommy and Daddy are getting up and getting dressed, I can jump up on the BIG BED!

I can jump up there and cover myself with the blankets, and I can FALL ASLEEP!

Ahhhhhhhh!

I DO love S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G out on the BIG BED and snuggling in the nice, warm blankets!

SO nice!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Tagged BACK from Buddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/538879</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:45:01 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/538879</guid>
		<description>I tagged Buddy, and even on his BROKEN LEG  he managed to TAG ME BACK! 

I have such a happy, happ ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I tagged Buddy, and even on his BROKEN LEG  he managed to TAG ME BACK! 

I have such a happy, happy life that I want to share my NEXT set of wishes with some of my friends-in-need!

I am now adding TEN MORE CHRISTMAS WISHES to my List!!!

Here goes!

Saphira's Christmas Wish List #2

1) I wish that Buddy's broken leg would get healed FAST-FAST!
2) I wish that Priscilla will heal from her TWO surgeries FAST-FAST!
3) I wish that Sheba's family will feel happiness this Christmas.
4) I wish that Elle's foot will get better SOON!
5) I wish that Casper will continue to feel better and better!
6) I wish that Spook will get LOTS of special treats for being such a special helper to her boy, Brendan.
7) I wish a healthy year for my good friend, Bear, who has  new tumors in her chest. GO AWAY, TUMORS!
8) I wish for many, many healthy and happy years for my friend, sweet Emma
9) I wish for many more healthy and happy years for my 12-year-old friend, Bob. Yea Aquaman shots!!!
10) I wish a happy Christmas for all the little pups out there who will be getting their FOREVER HOME this Christmas!

I am NOW tagging:

1)Moxy
2)Sunny Lee
3)Pippin
4)Coffee
5)Spook

OK guys!!! Let's have YOUR Christmas Wishes!! You can put them right on your diary for everyone to read!!!

Kiss-Kiss from Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a New Name!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/538793</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:08:44 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/538793</guid>
		<description>Daddy has a new name for me! He calls me his &quot;Little Horsey!&quot; He says that when I have my boots on I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy has a new name for me! He calls me his "Little Horsey!" He says that when I have my boots on I CLOMP....just like a "Little Horsey!"

I LOVE horses, so when Daddy says that, I CLOMP-CLOMP around even MORE!!

I am a "Little Horsey!"]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Was Just Tagged By Angel!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/538726</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:24:05 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/538726</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

Angel came up with a FUN-FUN new Doggie Game! For this game, you make your Doggie Wi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

Angel came up with a FUN-FUN new Doggie Game! For this game, you make your Doggie Wish List for Christmas! You list TEN THINGS you would like for Christmas! 

Then you choose five friends to tag, and they make THEIR LISTS!

Here I go with MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST!

1) Cooked chicken...a LOT of it!
2) Being able to sleep in the BIG BED again
3) Having the WHOLE CONDO to myself when Mommy and Daddy are at work
4) SNOW
5) Mommy and Daddy to give the baby gate away
6) More stuffed toys to chew, disembowel, and de-squeek
7) A LOT of peanut butter and CHEESE
8) All my family to stay put in ONE room at Christmas so I don't have to keep walking around to all the rooms to FIND them all
9) To see my mama and papa and my Arthur
10) To see my Nick at PetSmart


I am choosing my following Pals to play the game:

1) Bob
2) Buddy
3) Hearth
4) Brody
5) Luther

TAG!!! You're IT!!!!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have New Sleeping Arrangements</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/538434</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:00:41 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/538434</guid>
		<description>At nearly ninety pounds with LOTS of fur on me and growing LONGER every day, I am afraid I have TAKE ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ At nearly ninety pounds with LOTS of fur on me and growing LONGER every day, I am afraid I have TAKEN OVER the big bed! The BIG bed doesn't seem all that big now with all three of us ON it! My big, tall Daddy and I take up most of the bed. My poor Mommy has had to sleep like a pretzel for WEEKS now.

Soooooooooooo........

I am back sleeping in my crate beside the BIG BED.

Now, this news was not easy to hear! Every night when it is bedtime and Daddy has brushed my teeth and I have made my last potty for the evening, I JUMP UP on the BIG BED ready for a nice sleep.

Every night Mommy and Daddy say, "No, Saphira! You need to come get in your crate for sleepies." They WHISK me off the Big Bed where I was just getting oh, so comfy, and I head to my crate.

Hmmmmm! 

I keep TRYING to get Mommy and Daddy to go back to our former sleeping arrangements.

So far...no luck.

It is HARD being a VERY LARGE furry PUPPY !!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Run With Daddy in my NEW BOOTS!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/538087</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 14 Dec 2008 06:44:21 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/538087</guid>
		<description>I got to go running in my NEW BOOTS!

Daddy and I were on the trails at Townline Park, and there w ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I got to go running in my NEW BOOTS!

Daddy and I were on the trails at Townline Park, and there was a lot of snow still on the trails. 

I wore my NEW BOOTS, and my paws felt GREAT! 

I have A LOT of fur on my paws, which is GOOD, but the snow collects ON the fur on my paws and makes these iceballs everywhere the fur is! NOT VERY COMFORTABLE!

My NEW BOOTS fit GREAT, and now I don't collect any iceballs on my paws!!!

Yea!!!!

I LOVE to run in the snow!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I See Santa!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/537869</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 13 Dec 2008 11:58:56 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/537869</guid>
		<description>Guess what? I got a special surprise after class today! Mommy and Daddy took me to see SANTA!!!! I g ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Guess what? I got a special surprise after class today! Mommy and Daddy took me to see SANTA!!!! I got my picture taken with Santa, and I got to tell him IN PERSON what I wanted for Christmas!

(I asked him for CHICKEN....COOKED chicken... not A chicken.)

I told Santa that I have been trying to be a good girl, and I told him how well I did in my last Advanced Class, too.

Santa is a very nice man. 
He LOVES Doggies. 
He has A LOT of fur on his face. 
I LOVE Santa!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Finish My Advanced Class Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/537868</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 13 Dec 2008 11:56:48 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/537868</guid>
		<description>Today was my LAST Advanced Class!

Mommy said that I did SOOOOOOO good!!!

She told Daddy that I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today was my LAST Advanced Class!

Mommy said that I did SOOOOOOO good!!!

She told Daddy that I was "OH-BEE-DEE-UNT" and that I "PAYED UH-TEN-CHUN."

(I don't remember seeing any BEES, and I have no money, so I'm pretty sure that I couldn't have paid anyone anything. Mommy uses new words sometimes, so I need to learn what those new words mean. I will get back to you on that...)

What I DO know is that Mommy had her "Happy Face" on the whole time we were in class, and she had her nice "Mommy loves Saphira" voice, too!

That's how I know I did really well!

Oh! I wanted to be really good because a couple weeks ago I was NOT so good. I didn't even need any TREATS to do all my commands today!

I am very PROUD of myself today!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a SPA DAY!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/537571</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:36:07 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/537571</guid>
		<description>Hee! Hee!

That's what Mommy and Daddy call it when I go to the groomer's!!!

Today, Grandma Lin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hee! Hee!

That's what Mommy and Daddy call it when I go to the groomer's!!!

Today, Grandma Linda is coming to feed me my lunch, and then it is off to see Veronica, my groomer!

Grandma Linda and Veronica are friends, so it will be a special day for Grandma Linda, too!

I will get a bath and get my toenails trimmed, and I will get blow-dried and brushed. I will look very nice when I am all clean, and I will be fluffy, fluffy, fluffy!!!

Veronica usually gives me a new bandana when I go to see her. I wonder what  it will look like...

I LOVE Spa Days!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I See Green...I See White...I See Green AND White</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/537198</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 04:44:19 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/537198</guid>
		<description>First I saw all my nice green grass. It came back EXACTLY as I remembered it. It felt the very same  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ First I saw all my nice green grass. It came back EXACTLY as I remembered it. It felt the very same on my paws, and it smelled the same, too. The rain came back, too.

THEN, without warning, everything turned WHITE! My SNOW had come back! I was very excited because snow is very FUN! I was really excited that I was going to get to run again in LOTS of it.

NOW I see green AND white because my grass is back (some of it), and my SNOW (some of it) is here, too!

I am CONFUSED!

Green...White...Green AND  White...

I am also seeing that some LEAVES were hiding under my snow. Some are yellow and brown and red...just as I remembered them!

I wonder HOW everything keeps changing.

I wonder what colors I will see NEXT!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Find My Gifts Under the Tree!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/536878</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:59:49 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/536878</guid>
		<description>Last night I went to Grandma and Grandpa's house to show them that my stitches were O-U-T!

I went ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Last night I went to Grandma and Grandpa's house to show them that my stitches were O-U-T!

I went in the front door and said hello to Grandma and Grandpa and showed them my belly WITHOUT  the stitches, and THEN I went over to the Christmas tree.

Their Christmas tree had all kinds of things hanging on it, and there were things UNDER the tree, too. I smelled two packages that I KNOW just have to be MINE!!!

I didn't bother the packages or try to eat them, but I kept checking back at them throughout our visit.

I think this Christmas is going to be really special!

I can't wait to HAVE what is in those packages!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Got 100 Zealies!  Thanks, Voters!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/536759</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 9 Dec 2008 18:47:22 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/536759</guid>
		<description>Thank you to everyone who voted for me in the Dogster Coolest Dog and Cat Contest!

I earned 100 Z ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thank you to everyone who voted for me in the Dogster Coolest Dog and Cat Contest!

I earned 100 Zealies thanks to your votes!

Thank you so much everyone!!!

I LOVE getting Zealies because then I can give them away to all my good friends!

Thank you, Dogster!

Yippee!

Love,
Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am DONE with My Stitches!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/536704</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 9 Dec 2008 16:12:30 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/536704</guid>
		<description>I got my stitches out today, and it DIDN'T hurt!

I am feeling GREAT!

Daddy and I went to see G ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I got my stitches out today, and it DIDN'T hurt!

I am feeling GREAT!

Daddy and I went to see Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Jon. I got to see all their Christmas decorations, and Daddy and I took some pictures. 

I went upstairs to see Uncle Jon, and I got to be on his nice soft bed! I also gave him nice kisses and some excellent licks, too! Grandma took pictures, so you can see us!

I am happy that I am DONE with stitches!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Say &quot;Bye-Bye&quot; to My Stitches Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/536496</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 9 Dec 2008 05:22:51 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/536496</guid>
		<description>Today I will get my stitches O-U-T!

I cannot WAIT!

Soon I will be able to RUN again, and I won ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today I will get my stitches O-U-T!

I cannot WAIT!

Soon I will be able to RUN again, and I won't have to just WALK!

Walking is OK, really, but it is so much more fun to RUN!!! 

I will let you all know how my stitch removal goes. I am a bit NERVOUS that it just might HURT!

I wonder why they just can't leave them in????]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Think About My Stitches</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/536092</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 8 Dec 2008 05:03:54 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/536092</guid>
		<description>For TWO WEEKS now I have had my stitches. They are in my belly, and I got them when I had my spay su ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ For TWO WEEKS now I have had my stitches. They are in my belly, and I got them when I had my spay surgery. Mommy and Daddy clean them with this medicine every night so I don't get a Fection.

Tomorrow I get my stitches O-U-T  !!!

Now...here's the thing...

I STILL have a few questions about my stitches:

1) Why do I HAVE them? (Are they a special decoration for doggies? Are stitches like tatoos or pierced ears that PEOPLE get? )

2) Why did I GET them? (All I remember is that I went to the vet's place, and when I LEFT there I felt really loopy and sleepy. They say I had spay surgery. I STILL am not sure what that is!)

3) If they take out my stitches, will all my stuffing come out? (Kristina says that it won't, but maybe things are different for German Shepherds than they are for Beagles...)

4) Will it HURT to get my stitches out? (I don't remember them going IN, but I HAVE felt them a few times WHILE they have been in me.)

Always watching...

Always thinking...

Sometimes worrying...

I am a German Shepherd Dog.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Getting Testy</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/535745</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 7 Dec 2008 05:51:03 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/535745</guid>
		<description>Two weeks of not running and getting the exercise that I am USED to having is taking it's toll on me ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Two weeks of not running and getting the exercise that I am USED to having is taking it's toll on me! I am VERY TESTY and I just can't WAIT to get out there and run!

I am not listening to Mommy and Daddy as well as I should.

I also am back to my remodeling. Yes! It was the WALL again, and I ate a good-size piece of it! I have been having Urka-Gurkas, though, which tells me that if I was all that smart I would stick to eating my KIBBLE and my CARROTS, and my APPLESAUCE, and my RICE, and my CHICKEN instead of eating the WALL.

Mommy says SHE got that way when she injured her foot a few years ago and couldn't run for awhile. If MOMMY can get testy then I can get testy. (We are related, you know!) I don't know if Mommy ate the wall during that time, but I'm thinking that she just MIGHT HAVE because she got FRUSTRATED.

FRUSTRATED is a new word for me. I am hearing it a lot when Mommy and Daddy talk lately. I'm not exactly sure, but I THINK that it is a word that means "Has a Sad Face on" or something like that.

Just THREE MORE DAYS of resting until those stitches come out and I can get back to normal again.

I can't WAIT!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Like a Homebound Puppy...but Not for LONG!!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/535488</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 6 Dec 2008 08:33:27 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/535488</guid>
		<description>It has been a L-O-N-G time since I have been able to go running! I REALLY miss running!

I had my  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It has been a L-O-N-G time since I have been able to go running! I REALLY miss running!

I had my SPAY surgery two days before Thanksgiving, and I STILL have those stitches in my belly.

I have been ready to run FOR DAYS, but Mommy and Daddy have said, "No, Saphira! No running for you! No running until your stitches come out!"

Well, my stitches come out on Tuesday!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Proud to Be  a Dogster Pup!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/535156</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 5 Dec 2008 07:35:33 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/535156</guid>
		<description>I have made SO many wonderful friends here on Dogster! I have LEARNED so many things from so many of ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have made SO many wonderful friends here on Dogster! I have LEARNED so many things from so many of you, too! I have to say, though, that, more than anything else,  I am BLOWN AWAY by all the love and caring that comes from everyone here!

I have been following all the love and support that Sheba and her family have gotten from so many of you here on Dogster. I makes me really proud to be a part of the site!

Special thanks to Pongo and Stryker for organizing Sheba's special "Welcome Home" Party tonight at The Bridge. Thanks to all who will be participating and all who will help Sheba learn the ropes as she joins you in Heaven. It will indeed be a joyous event!

Thanks, Roman, for offering to show Sheba your special fishing hole and for being a part of the welcoming committee!

It is with great admiration and pride that I say how HONORED I am to know you all.

Kiss-Kiss from Saphira
Proud Dogster Pup]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Say Good-Bye to My Friend, Sheba</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/534886</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 4 Dec 2008 06:56:37 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/534886</guid>
		<description>Sheba is my friend.

She is loved very much by many many doggies here on Dogster and especially by ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sheba is my friend.

She is loved very much by many many doggies here on Dogster and especially by her family.

Sheba has been having a very tough time lately. She is an old doggie of 15 who just celebrated her birthday last month. She is deaf and blind, and she has had a number of health issues, but she LOVES, LOVES, LOVES her family. Her family loves her, too, which is why they are making the decision that they are making.

Sheba will go to The Bridge tomorrow.

I KNOW that Sheba and her family have MANY friends and family praying for them, but I wanted to ask all of you who read this if you would please send off a PawMail of support for Sheba and her family today.

Sheba's Dogster ID# is 641404.

God Bless you, Sheba! 
You are NEVER alone!
We love you!

Kiss-Kiss from your friend,  Saphira!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Think About Christmas</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/534541</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 3 Dec 2008 06:16:48 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/534541</guid>
		<description>I have  been alive for just nine months, so there's a LOT that I don't know yet.

This will be my  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have  been alive for just nine months, so there's a LOT that I don't know yet.

This will be my first Christmas, so I am learning more and more about it every day.

Here's what I know so far:

1) Christmas is Jesus' Birthday, so that probably means cake and ICE CREAM!

2) People put TREES in the house, so that probably means that they miss all the trees outside because it is so cold out there. They bring one in to keep them company.

3) There are decorations EVERYWHERE, so that means something VERY SPECIAL is happening!

4) Snow is back again and even deeper than before. Snow MUST have something to do with Christmas, but I haven't figured out what that is yet.

5) I have heard of this man, Santa. He is supposed to bring us presents. My friend, Pippin, says that I can ask this man for ANYTHING and he will bring it to me. I am asking for CHICKEN.

6) Mommy has been shopping and making things. This Christmas MUST have something to do with getting things and making things.

7) Christmas sounds like a VERY BIG PARTY, and THAT sounds like a VERY FUN TIME!

I will let you know if I discover any other things about Christmas! I think that there's a LOT more that I will be finding out about it!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am NINE MONTHS OLD Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/534274</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 2 Dec 2008 12:25:14 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/534274</guid>
		<description>Today I am NINE MONTHS OLD!!!!

That means that it is my 3/4 Birthday today!!!

Soooooo, if it's ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today I am NINE MONTHS OLD!!!!

That means that it is my 3/4 Birthday today!!!

Soooooo, if it's my BIRTHDAY, then there will be ICE CREAM!

Right, Mommy?

Right, Daddy?

I'll be watching and waiting!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I See Kathy Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/533740</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 1 Dec 2008 04:04:10 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/533740</guid>
		<description>Today Daddy is back to school and Mommy will head to work, and I am ON MY OWN until our neighbor, Ka ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Daddy is back to school and Mommy will head to work, and I am ON MY OWN until our neighbor, Kathy, comes to feed me and take me outside and play with me at lunchtime.

Kathy lives right next to us, so it takes her about ten seconds to be at our house from her house. That's good!

I love Kathy, and she loves me.

I am very lucky to have my Kathy!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Played Hooky from School!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/533571</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:41:07 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/533571</guid>
		<description>Yesterday was my Advanced Class, but Mommy and Daddy thought that I shouldn't go because I was still ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday was my Advanced Class, but Mommy and Daddy thought that I shouldn't go because I was still recovering from my surgery on Tuesday.

I feel FINE! I am eating really well and drinking my water and sleeping well, too! I have been out for some nice walks (no running yet!)

I think that I could have gone to my class,  but Mommy and Daddy said no.

When you feel good and you STILL stay home from school it is called "Playing Hooky!"  Playing Hooky was a fun game, so it was fine with me! We practiced our homework and we had a nice walk. We snuggled and had our food. We played together and watched movies.

It was a nice "Playing Hooky" Day!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Supervise The Remodeling</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/533094</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 29 Nov 2008 04:37:57 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/533094</guid>
		<description>Uncle Jon came over today to remodel my remodeling efforts on the baseboards of our condo. I notice  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Uncle Jon came over today to remodel my remodeling efforts on the baseboards of our condo. I notice that he and I have VERY different techniques!

Uncle Jon uses this BIG, LOUD thing called a miter saw. 
I use my nice, sharp BIG GIRL TEETH!

Uncle Jon REMOVES complete baseboards.
I RESHAPE them ever so daintily and leave the baseboards intact.

My Daddy was Uncle Jon's assistant.
I did MY work all by myself!

I must say that Uncle Jon DID seem to enjoy his remodeling just as much as I enjoyed mine.

I guess it doesn't matter WHAT techniques you use! If you LOVE doing something, that's all that matters!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Today's Dog Diary!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/532870</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 28 Nov 2008 08:35:20 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/532870</guid>
		<description>Oh! My goodness! I am &quot;Today's Dog Diary&quot; here at Dogster!

My Pal, Angel,  is a &quot;Diary Pick of th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh! My goodness! I am "Today's Dog Diary" here at Dogster!

My Pal, Angel,  is a "Diary Pick of the Day!"

This is ANOTHER special day!

Thank you, Dogster!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a REALLY Happy Thanksgiving!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/532849</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:08:55 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/532849</guid>
		<description>First of all, I felt A LOT better than I did on Tuesday and Wednesday. I was eating really well and  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ First of all, I felt A LOT better than I did on Tuesday and Wednesday. I was eating really well and had much more energy! Ahhhhhh!

Then Mommy was in the kitchen BAKING and COOKING some delicious yummy foods just for ME! Mmmmmmm! Everything smelled SO GOOD!

Soon it was time to head to Grandma and Grandpa's house! 

When we went inside, all my family was there, and they were all very excited to see ME! I went around to everyone and let them see that I was feeling better after my surgery on Tuesday. They were so happy to see me, and I was happy to feel so good that I could enjoy being with everyone!

I watched Grandma take my special plate of food around to show everyone. She had Grandpa even take a picture of it! Mommy had put it on one of THEIR plates, too!

Things were very busy in the kitchen, so I made sure everything was going well. I also made sure that I knew where everyone was and made the rounds just to make sure that everybody was where they should be. Uncle Jon left for a few minutes, and I had to make sure that he got a nice welcome after he came back into the house. I make a very good GREETER!

The kitchen was getting even more busy, and Daddy was in charge of the TURKEY!!!! He had a HUGE plate, and he was cutting pieces of the turkey and putting them on it. I LOVED the wonderful smells coming from that big pan! Grandma Linda made a 24 pound turkey and brought it to Grandma Cheryl's house! 

Soon everything was on plates or in bowls and it was time to EAT!!! I got a special placemat for my water dish and my special Thanksgiving plate filled with delicious FOOD...just for ME!!

Great-Grandma said the blessing, and then it was time to EAT!!! Mmmmmmm! We all ate for a very long time! There was lots of talking and eating sounds and laughing. 

Part way through my dinner I went to see how everyone was doing on THEIR dinners. Yes! Everyone was doing just fine! I went to lay down for awhile to rest. Ahhhhhh! I got up and had some water and ate some more of my Thanksgiving Dinner.

After dinner we took pictures! The first picture on my page is of Mommy and Daddy and me by Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas tree. We were going to take some pictures down by the fireplace, but that fire in there was HOT, and I don't think that anybody should be by a HOT FIRE. I had to let Mommy and Daddy know that taking pictures by a HOT FIRE just was NOT a good idea. Mommy and Daddy got my message, and we went upstairs where it was COOLER and not on fire.

After pictures and after Daddy played Grandpa's new guitar a bit it was time for DESSERT! Mommy made me a special dessert --Pumpkin-Ginger Doggie Cookies! We all had our dessert, and then it was time for me to go see everyone and collect as many ear rubs and brisket rubs (chest rubs!) as I could! I got A LOT!!!

I took another little rest while everyone was talking, and then it was time to get ready to go home.

I LOVE Thanksgiving, and I LOVE being with my whole family. I LOVE having my very own special food, and I LOVE that I have such a wonderful family that loves ME!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Wish You All a Very Happy Thanksgiving!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/532506</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 27 Nov 2008 07:58:02 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/532506</guid>
		<description>Today is my first Thanksgiving Day!

I want to wish you all a very happy, happy day!!!

I have m ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today is my first Thanksgiving Day!

I want to wish you all a very happy, happy day!!!

I have many things to be thankful for this year! I have a new home with my Mommy and Daddy, I am healthy and strong, I get to sleep in the BIG BED with Mommy and Daddy, and I get CHICKEN every day!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day and that you get LOTS of ear rubs and belly rubs and LOTS of treats, too!

I am thankful for Dogster and all of my good friends here that I have made!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kiss-Kiss from Saphira!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Eating Better and No More Urka-Gurkas!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/532183</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:36:16 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/532183</guid>
		<description>It's afternoon here, and I haven't had any Urka-Gurkas since this morning! (Ella made this great wor ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It's afternoon here, and I haven't had any Urka-Gurkas since this morning! (Ella made this great word for THROW-UPS. It's SO much better a word, don't you think? Thanks, Ella!)

I've had applesauce and some of my kibble and some nice shredded CHEESE.  I've had ice cubes and ice chips and water, too.

Everything that's supposed to stay IN me has stayed in, and everything that is supposed to go OUT has gone out.

Whew! 

It has been a strange couple of days.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Back Home and Doing Fine!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/531823</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:15:30 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/531823</guid>
		<description>Hi Everyone!

Daddy just picked me up from the vet's and I am HOME!!!!

Mommy and Daddy and I ar ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everyone!

Daddy just picked me up from the vet's and I am HOME!!!!

Mommy and Daddy and I are going to have a nice Family Movie Night and just cuddle and have a nice evening together.

Dr. Pierce gave me a VERY NICE 24 hour pain shot, so I am feeling JUST FINE!!!!!

I will write more tomorrow!!

Thank you all for all the prayers and the rosettes and the gifts and the LOVE that you have sent my way!

Kiss-Kiss from Sleepy Saphira]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Let Mommy Know That Something Wasn't Right</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/531263</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 24 Nov 2008 04:43:03 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/531263</guid>
		<description>Mommy and I had just been outside, and I had just gone potty. We came in, got our feet wiped off, an ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and I had just been outside, and I had just gone potty. We came in, got our feet wiped off, and then we went upstairs. Mommy had some work to do on the computer. I was on the nice soft bed chewing my Nylabone, looking out the window, and enjoying having Mommy right there with me.

Daddy had conferences at school, so he wasn't home yet.

All of a sudden I heard something. This something DID NOT sound right. I tried to get Mommy's attention, but Mommy kept saying, "It's OK, Saphira! Lay down."

Well, I KNEW that everything WASN'T OK.

I heard a funny sound, and I was going to check it OUT!

I went to the top of the stairs and looked down.

See? I KNEW it! I KNEW something was NOT right!

I went to Mommy. I whined and I gave her my "SERIOUS FACE." Mommy said, "Saphira! You just went potty. Do you have to go AGAIN?"

Now, honestly, these are the times when I SERIOUSLY wish that I could talk in human talk. All this whining and Serious Face and small sharp barks just TAKES too long to get my point across!

I decided to go downstairs and MAYBE Mommy would follow me. I sat in front of the front door THAT HAD BLOWN OPEN IN THE WIND and waited.

I gave my sharp barks.

Mommy came to the top of the stairs and said, "OH MY GOODNESS!" She ran down the stairs, closed the door, and turned and gave me the BIGGEST hug!!! I got kisses, too, and Mommy was talking to me in her sweet "I love you so much" Mommy voice. Ahhhhhhh!

"Saphira! You are the VERY BEST and SMARTEST Doggie! Thank you for telling me about the door being open! I must not have shut it completely when we came back into the house."

I think Mommy was also ESPECIALLY  impressed that I didn't go OUT the open door!

Always watching...

Always guarding...

I am a PROUD German Shepherd Dog!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I See Daddy Fall in the Snow</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/531261</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 24 Nov 2008 04:23:50 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/531261</guid>
		<description>Daddy and I were running at Hogback Ridge the other day. It was SUPER FUN being off-leash and runnin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy and I were running at Hogback Ridge the other day. It was SUPER FUN being off-leash and running in the SNOW!

All of a sudden I heard a WHOMP! , and when I looked back, my big, tall Daddy was on the ground in the snow!

I slid to a stop.

I did a fast turn.

I ran to Daddy and scooted down beside him.

Daddy! What are you doing SITTING in the snow?

Daddy was laughing. Daddy was OK. I gave Daddy kisses.

He got back up, and we finished our run through the snow.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Tagged By Tika!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/531089</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:36:29 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/531089</guid>
		<description>I was just tagged by Tika! 

Here's the way this NEW GAME of tag is played:

List: 

4 Jobs I  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was just tagged by Tika! 

Here's the way this NEW GAME of tag is played:

List: 

4 Jobs I have had
4 Places I have lived
4 Places I have been
4 Places I would rather be
7 Things about myself


Then tag 7 other doggies! Remember to give every doggie who plays the game a Rosette!

Here I go!

My jobs:
     * Waker-upper for Mommy and Daddy
     * Guardian /Watchdog
     * Official remodeler and designer
     * Bed warmer

Places I have lived:
     * Inside my mama, Akia
     * at Arthur's house
     * at Mommy and Daddy's house
     * In a few years I will live with Mommy and Daddy in a bigger new    house

Places I have been:
     * at the lake
     * at the Dog Park
     * at Hogback Ridge
     * in Pennsylvania at Becky's house for a sleepover

Places I'd RATHER be:
     * with Mommy and Daddy in the BIG BED
     *with Mommy and Daddy at Hogback Ridge OFF-LEASH
     * with Mommy and Daddy and my Grandmas at the Dog Park
     * at the lake with my Grandmas

7 Things about myself:
     * I am almost 9 months old.
     * I will get  spay surgery on Tuesday.
     * I have a new raincoat.
     * I am in Advanced Puppy Class now.
     * I REALLY like Dogster Frozen Treats.
     * I LOVE chicken and cheese!
     *I am a long-haired German Shepherd Dog.

I am tagging:
     *Effie
     *Maggie
     * Smoke
     *Portos
     * Misti
     * Takoda
     * Nikkia

HAVE FUN!!!!!

Kiss-Kiss from Saphira!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Time in the SNOW at the Dog Park!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/530930</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 23 Nov 2008 06:25:17 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/530930</guid>
		<description>Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and I went to the Dog Park yesterday! It was VERY DIFFERENT this time because  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and I went to the Dog Park yesterday! It was VERY DIFFERENT this time because the ground was covered with SNOW!!!!

Oh! There were so many smells to check out, and I could SEE where the smells were, too! There were small yellow places in the snow, and I added MY yellow place in the snow a couple times, too!

Humans have e-mail and regular mail. We doggies have our OWN special kind of "MAIL" that works pretty much the same way for US! Of COURSE I had to check my messages!!!

Daddy and Mommy threw the ball, and I chased it. I even found several OTHER balls and toys that other doggies had left that I could play with and enjoy!

Grandma took pictures and videos of Mommy and Daddy and me! You can see them on my page!

Daddy and I had races. I always won!

Mommy and I played this game where she moves all around me and I follow her with my eyes and scoot around with my body. Then she runs and I run right beside her. She keeps changing direction, so I have to really PAY ATTENTION!

Mommy and Daddy played regular ball with me, but then they MADE balls out of snow and I tried to catch them. I KNOW that I caught EVERY SINGLE ONE, but the SNOWballs DISAPPEARED as I caught them!

STRANGE!!!

It was getting very chilly for Mommy and Daddy and Grandma. It was about 20 degrees. I was FINE, but Mommy said it was time to leave.

We sure had a fun time at the Dog Park! I'm so glad that it is open every single day! We can go there anytime that we want...even in the SNOW!!!

YEA!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Run in the Snow With Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/530927</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 23 Nov 2008 06:12:21 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/530927</guid>
		<description>Daddy came home from school and we went to Hogback Ridge near our house. I LOVE it there because the ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy came home from school and we went to Hogback Ridge near our house. I LOVE it there because there are these WONDERFUL trails where we can run.

Now there is SNOW on the trails! We got to run in the snow, and I got to run OFF-LEASH in it!

Wheeeeeeee! Oh! That was SO MUCH FUN!!!

Sometimes Daddy couldn't SEE the trails. I couldn't either, but I could SMELL where the trails were! We had a FUN-FUN time running on those trails in the snow!

I LOVE to run!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Make Mommy into a Pretzel</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/530831</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:49:41 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/530831</guid>
		<description>As you all know, I am very lucky! I get to sleep on THE BIG BED with Mommy and Daddy!

Well, I fir ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ As you all know, I am very lucky! I get to sleep on THE BIG BED with Mommy and Daddy!

Well, I first got invited to be there about THIRTY POUNDS AGO when I was much smaller.

I now am MUCH BIGGER, and I have turned Mommy into a PRETZEL as she tries to fit on the BIG BED with my BIG DADDY and BIG ME!

I like to be RIGHT NEXT to Mommy, so no matter where she goes in the bed, I want to be RIGHT NEXT to her. I am a BIG GIRL now, and sometimes....I.... S-T-R-E-T-C-H.....O-U-T....in the bed.

Last night my poor little Mommy had to twist her arms in front of her like a PRETZEL so that she would fit BETWEEN Daddy and me. 

I made my Mommy into a PRETZEL  !!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Do Really Well at my Class!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/530708</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 22 Nov 2008 12:24:37 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/530708</guid>
		<description>We worked very hard at class, and all my practice doing my homework REALLY helped!

We used a very ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We worked very hard at class, and all my practice doing my homework REALLY helped!

We used a very long leash and I had to stay and then come.

It's hard to pay attention when there are so many other doggies and people in the area, but I tried REALLY hard!

We did all of our other commands and my practice really SHOWED!

I am happy that I did my homework!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I'm a &quot;PEACH!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/530307</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:24:05 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/530307</guid>
		<description>I have been working hard on my homework for my class which is TOMORROW! 

Mommy and Daddy say that ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have been working hard on my homework for my class which is TOMORROW! 

Mommy and Daddy say that I am doing very well!

We have been practicing, practicing, practicing all of the things that I am supposed to work on for my class.

Daddy said that I am a PEACH! 

Silly Daddy!

I am not a PEACH; I am a DOGGIE!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear That Thanksgiving is Coming!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/529952</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:06:48 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/529952</guid>
		<description>There have been a lot of busy times over the last few weeks as I work on all my homework for my clas ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ There have been a lot of busy times over the last few weeks as I work on all my homework for my class.

Also, there is this SPAY thing coming up, and I STILL am not real sure what will happen on THAT day. It will be soon, so I will find out in a few days.

The BEST news of all, though, is that Thanksgiving is coming, and that means TURKEY.

I hear that TURKEY is even better than CHICKEN! I am finding it hard to believe that anything could be better than CHICKEN, but I am VERY willing to try out this TURKEY to see for myself!!!

I wish EVERYDOGGIE very much TURKEY on their happy Thanksgiving Day!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Impress Mommy With My Homework!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/529626</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:54:55 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/529626</guid>
		<description>Mommy says that I am doing really well on my homework! She says that I am working very hard to learn ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy says that I am doing really well on my homework! She says that I am working very hard to learn my lessons and that I have a lot of "potential". 

Mommy says that she's reading my "doggie communication" much better and is connecting with me very well.

There's a lot to learn, and my THIRD Advanced Class is just three days away. We want to impress Sandi, my teacher, too!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Would LOVE You to Sign My Guest Book!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/529199</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:29:27 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/529199</guid>
		<description>Hi Everybody!

Many of you have already signed my Guest Book, and I LOVE to see your pictures pop  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi Everybody!

Many of you have already signed my Guest Book, and I LOVE to see your pictures pop up when I look at my Guest Book! It's also really fun to look on the map and see all the different places all over the WORLD that you all live!

I LOVE reading all your messages, too!

If you haven't signed my Guest Book yet, will you come sign it?

I love to have all of you with me on my page!!

Special thanks to Portos' Mommy, Flo, for helping me get my Guest Book started! Thanks SO much, Flo!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Tagged by Moxy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/529014</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:41:28 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/529014</guid>
		<description>I was just tagged by Moxy! For THIS game of TAG I am supposed to list 7 things that I REALLY LIKE an ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was just tagged by Moxy! For THIS game of TAG I am supposed to list 7 things that I REALLY LIKE and then tag 7 others to do the same!

Here goes!!!

7 Things I REALLY LIKE!

1) Mommy and Daddy loving me
2) Chicken
3)Belly rubs
4)Brisket (Chest) scratches
5) Meeting other doggies
6)Learning new things
7) Sticks, wood, mulch


I am tagging:

Holly
Smiley
Hanna
Star
Kristina
Brody
Bear

Have fun!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Raincoat!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/528777</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:14:48 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/528777</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy got a raincoat just for ME! 

I never had a coat before! I had my Batwoman CAPE at ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy got a raincoat just for ME! 

I never had a coat before! I had my Batwoman CAPE at Halloween, but it was different than a COAT. I got to wear my new raincoat around the house to get used to it. I ALWAYS wear my fur because it is attached to me. My raincoat goes on me and can come off, too. Interesting!

I will post a picture of me in my new raincoat soon!

It was raining earlier before all the snow came, and I had my coat on. I was watching the rain from my big window. Before I knew it I had fallen asleep with my coat ON! It felt comfy! I LOVE it!

I got boots for running in the snow, too, but they don't stay on very well. Mommy is going to send them back and order a different kind. My boots will keep my feet warm AND keep my paws safe from the salt that they put on the roads and sidewalks.

My raincoat will be good for SNOW, too! Snow is wet, but it is not rain. It is FROZEN water like ice cubes are frozen! I am learning all about it! There are  so many new things to learn !]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Snow, Snow, SNOW!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/528644</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:38:00 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/528644</guid>
		<description>We have SNOW!

We have about SIX INCHES of snow!

It is &quot;Lake Effect&quot; snow, and the newspaper sa ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We have SNOW!

We have about SIX INCHES of snow!

It is "Lake Effect" snow, and the newspaper says that only six places ON THE EARTH have "Lake Effect" snow!

We are one of them!

YIPPEE!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I See CRAZY Weather Out There Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/528498</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 16 Nov 2008 08:37:44 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/528498</guid>
		<description>I LOVE looking out my big sliding glass door! Today there was CRAZY WEATHER out there!

First ther ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I LOVE looking out my big sliding glass door! Today there was CRAZY WEATHER out there!

First there was RAIN.

Then there were ICE BALLS.

Then there was NO RAIN and NO ICE BALLS.

Then there was WIND.

Then there were WHITE FLAKES.

Now every strange thing is done, and there is GREEN GRASS again.

I wonder what will come NEXT....]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Funny Thing Happen!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/528223</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:45:44 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/528223</guid>
		<description>It was very early in the morning. Mommy got up to use the bathroom, and I was sleeping at the bottom ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was very early in the morning. Mommy got up to use the bathroom, and I was sleeping at the bottom of the BIG BED. Daddy was still asleep.

I decided that it would be a good time to do a little grooming. I licked and licked, and before I knew it, I had fallen right off the bed!

BOOM!

Daddy jumped up and came over to me to see if I was OK. I was. I just was REALLY surprised because one second I was ON the BED, and the next second I was on the FLOOR!

That was a very funny thing that happened!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Did MUCH BETTER at My Advanced Class Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/528220</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:40:31 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/528220</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy said that I did MUCH BETTER at my second class that I went to today!

They could r ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy said that I did MUCH BETTER at my second class that I went to today!

They could really see an improvement from last week. 

I learned some new things today, also! I learned "Come Front", "Around", and also "Heel Run" and "Heel Walk."

Mommy and Daddy and I have more homework to do as we practice these!

I am happy that today went much better at my class!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to See Uncle Jon Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/527638</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:30:49 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/527638</guid>
		<description>Uncle Jon comes today!

I think he plans on working on my remodeling efforts by doing some sanding ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Uncle Jon comes today!

I think he plans on working on my remodeling efforts by doing some sanding of the spackling that he did a few days ago.

His job is looking good, but I STILL think MY JOB looked more INTERESTING and UNIQUE!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Grass Again!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/527476</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:39:37 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/527476</guid>
		<description>All the snow M-E-L-T-E-D!

We have grass again!

It is warmer.

Is winter OVER??? ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ All the snow M-E-L-T-E-D!

We have grass again!

It is warmer.

Is winter OVER???]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover an AMAZING Doggie!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/527307</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:25:13 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/527307</guid>
		<description>While voting for the Coolest Dogs and Cats in the Dogster contest that's going on here at Dogster, I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ While voting for the Coolest Dogs and Cats in the Dogster contest that's going on here at Dogster, I spotted a truly AMAZING doggie!

Her name is On Q's SpookSho Scooby Ovana...Spook, for short.

Her Dogster ID# is 360252.

She is a working dog who cares for her boy, Brendan, who has Epilepsy and Autism.

You just HAVE to visit her page and read all about what she can do!!! Be sure to check out her Diary, too!

Please vote for Spook in the Coolest Dog and Cat Contest!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Give Grandma a Hard Time Today</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/527096</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:47:45 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/527096</guid>
		<description>OK...I admit it! I gave my Grandma a very hard time today.

1) I did NOT want to wear my head coll ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ OK...I admit it! I gave my Grandma a very hard time today.

1) I did NOT want to wear my head collar.

2) I did NOT walk nicely by Grandma on my walk.

3) I did NOT listen to Grandma when she told me to come.

Grandma was just doing what Mommy and Daddy TOLD her to do. I SHOULD have listened, but I didn't WANT to!

I did NOT have a happy Grandma today.

Grandma came to play with me, and feed me my lunch. She even brought me THREE NEW tennis balls.

I SHOULD have listened better today.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Take a SHOWER!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/526486</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:25:21 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/526486</guid>
		<description>Well, I thought being squirted with the HOSE outside was fun! I found something even BETTER!

SHOW ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well, I thought being squirted with the HOSE outside was fun! I found something even BETTER!

SHOWERING!!!!

Daddy was taking a shower. I was peeping in and watching him, and he looked like he was enjoying being in there with the nice water running on him. It was like he was playing in the hose, except he was inside and he wasn't running around on GRASS.

I gave him my "Serious Face", and he said, "Saphira! Would YOU like to take a shower?"

I gave my "Bark-Yip!" which means, "Sure WOULD!!!"

Daddy moved the curtain, and I stepped right in!

Ahhhhhh! That sure did feel GOOOOOOD!

(I knew I was pretty muddy and dirty, and I really SHOULD get clean before I got onto the BIG BED with Mommy and Daddy. Besides...I LOVE water no matter whether it is coming from that shower-hose-thingy or coming from the sky!)

Daddy soaped me up and rinsed me off, and I LOVED it! It was so much fun, I didn't NEED treats!

*************************************************************

About an hour later I was ALL CLEAN and dry!

Poor Daddy was ALL PRUNEY!

It was a fun time!

I highly recommend it!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I LOVE SNOW  !!!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/526153</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:35:35 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/526153</guid>
		<description>This morning when I went outside to go potty, I got a BIG SURPRISE! My green grass was GONE, and the ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ This morning when I went outside to go potty, I got a BIG SURPRISE! My green grass was GONE, and there was ALL WHITE out there!

OH! This is the SNOW that Mommy and Daddy said would be coming!

It is HERE!

All morning I watched the snow coming down. I couldn't WAIT until Kathy came to give me my lunch because I could go outside and PLAY in the snow!

I REALLY like snow! It is nice and cold and feels GOOD!

When Daddy got home after school, Daddy and I went outside and played in the snow!

I ATE the snow.

I JUMPED in the snow.

I CHASED the snow pieces that were coming down from the sky.

It was VERY MUCH FUN!

I can't wait to go out in it AGAIN!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear That I Will Go to the Vet Soon</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/525959</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:20:21 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/525959</guid>
		<description>In two weeks I will go to the Vet's Office. 

The WORD that I hear when Mommy and Daddy talk about ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ In two weeks I will go to the Vet's Office. 

The WORD that I hear when Mommy and Daddy talk about this special visit to the Vet's Office is "Spay."

This is NOT to be confused with "Stay!" 

Apparently it is also NOT to be confused with "SPA."

I am not sure what this is all about, but in two weeks I'm guessing that I will know more than I ever WANTED to know about it.

I will fill you in when I know more.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have A LOT of Homework!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/525541</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 9 Nov 2008 06:28:16 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/525541</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy took me to my first Advanced Puppy Class yesterday!

Wow! It is HARD, and I have A ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy took me to my first Advanced Puppy Class yesterday!

Wow! It is HARD, and I have A LOT of HOMEWORK, too!

These are the things that Mommy and Daddy and I have to work on:

1) Practicing WALKING (not just RUNNING!)

2) Practicing "Heel!"

3) Practicing "Stay!"

Sandi, my teacher, says that Mommy and Daddy and I need to practice throughout the day and not just for a long time on any one day.

I am becoming a great RUNNER, but that is NOT a part of THIS class. I will need to keep practicing my running but ALSO work on my WALKING in order to do well in this class.

I was the youngest doggie there, and there were several SHOW DOGS there yesterday!

I discovered that I have a LOT to learn in this class and I better get busy and do my homework!

So much to do!

So much to do!

I LOVE IT!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Tagged By daSarge!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/525434</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 8 Nov 2008 19:25:31 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/525434</guid>
		<description>OK Everyone! Here goes! Here are SEVEN THINGS about ME!!!!



1) My OFFICIAL NAME is Saphira Vom ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ OK Everyone! Here goes! Here are SEVEN THINGS about ME!!!!



1) My OFFICIAL NAME is Saphira Vom Haus Miko.

2) I am one of six pups born to Miko and Akia on March 2, 2008.

3) I often bark in my BIG GIRL VOICE at fallen branches in the yard or in the field.

4) I take my piece of chicken into another room to eat it.

5) I absolutely LOVE to lay in MUD and water or muddy water!

6) I whine and gives little happiness cries when Mommy or Daddy come home.

7) I LOVE going to the Dog Park near our home! 


I am tagging:

1) Kaine
2) Angel
3) Dee Dee
4) Tyson
5) Bella
6) Priscilla
7) Halo Kitty

If you are on my list above, please write seven interesting things about yourself in your diary and then tag seven different doggies!

Have Fun!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Watch Indiana Jones</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/525179</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 8 Nov 2008 05:59:31 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/525179</guid>
		<description>Last night Mommy and Daddy and I had a MOVIE NIGHT! We watched &quot;Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Last night Mommy and Daddy and I had a MOVIE NIGHT! We watched "Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull." The movie had A LOT of action! I LOVE action!

Best of all is getting to be on the couch with Mommy and Daddy and SNUGGLING!

I'm glad that Mommy and Daddy bought a NICE BIG COUCH, because I am getting bigger every day!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Will Go to My First Advanced Puppy Class Tomorrow!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/525012</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 7 Nov 2008 17:52:19 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/525012</guid>
		<description>I am VERY excited!

At noon tomorrow Mommy and Daddy will take me to my very first ADVANCED Puppy  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I am VERY excited!

At noon tomorrow Mommy and Daddy will take me to my very first ADVANCED Puppy Class!

I will probably meet some new people and some new doggies, too! I always LOVE that part!

I will let you know all about my first class when I get home!!

Wish me luck!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Learn Some New Remodeling Tips from Uncle Jon</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/524778</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 7 Nov 2008 08:54:04 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/524778</guid>
		<description>Today Uncle Jon came over to play with me, give me my lunch, and also show me some of HIS remodeling ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Uncle Jon came over to play with me, give me my lunch, and also show me some of HIS remodeling tips!

He brought this white stuff called SPACKLE, and he was spreading it on the wall sections that I had ALREADY remodeled. Uncle Jon looked like he was having as much fun as I have when I remodel!

Uncle Jon DID NOT use his teeth, though. He used this little shovel-thing made out of metal to play with the SPACKLE.

I am NOT to lick the SPACKLE. I don't WANT to! It is smelly!

So far, I think I like MY ways to remodel the best.

I can't WAIT to learn all about BASEBOARDS!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Chicken Grandma!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/524260</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 6 Nov 2008 05:50:29 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/524260</guid>
		<description>Guess what???

My Grandma Linda felt as bad for me without my chicken as I did! Do you know how I  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Guess what???

My Grandma Linda felt as bad for me without my chicken as I did! Do you know how I know this? Well, I KNOW THIS because Grandma Linda cooked some chicken at HER house and brought some to MY house yesterday JUST IN CASE my chicken was still missing!

Wasn't that GREAT???!!!

Well, I also found out how much my Grandma Linda likes chicken herself! She shared some of her special chicken with ME!!! It's right there in our refrigerator as a BACK UP when OUR chicken decides to go missing like it did THIS week!

I have a Chicken Grandma!!!

Awwwwwwww!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover That My Chicken Has Returned!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/524259</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 6 Nov 2008 05:45:22 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/524259</guid>
		<description>Oh!!!!! Grandma put out my Lunch Bowl for me yesterday, and GLORY BE!!!! My chicken has RETURNED!!! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh!!!!! Grandma put out my Lunch Bowl for me yesterday, and GLORY BE!!!! My chicken has RETURNED!!!

After TWO WHOLE DAYS of being CHICKENLESS, I had CHICKEN once again!

Ohhhhhh! It was SOOOOO wonderful! The tastiness of that delicious chicken was just FANTASTIC!

I do not know where my chicken went for those TWO LONG DAYS, but I sure am glad my chicken is BACK!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Meet Another New Friend at the Dog Park</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/524023</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 5 Nov 2008 16:23:04 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/524023</guid>
		<description>My Grandmas and I were having a very fun &quot;Girls Day Out&quot; today at the Dog Park. I ran after a whole  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My Grandmas and I were having a very fun "Girls Day Out" today at the Dog Park. I ran after a whole bunch of tennis balls, and I also cooled off in the lovely mud puddle that they have at the Dog Park.

We were playing ball again, and then we saw a lady and her little white dog. They were coming into the Dog Park!

We went over to say, "Hello!" and found out that the doggie's name was Nicky and he was a twelve-year-old American Eskimo Dog. His Mommy, Linda, also told us that he was blind due to the cataracts that he had on his eyes.

I was very interested to play with this little white dog, Nicky. I did a play bow, but Nicky did not seem to see me. I tried it again, and he walked away! This was confusing, but I was NOT giving up! 

I decided that I would lay down near Nicky when HE laid down. I looked at him, and I waited for him to look at me. I found that when he HEARD me near him, he looked at me. I think he used his nose to smell where I was, too!

I tried the play bow and tried to get Nicky to chase me. He turned and walked INTO THE FENCE! I went over to him so that he could smell me and maybe know which way to walk. It worked. He began to follow me away from the fence.

My Grandmas and I went to play ball for awhile. Nicky rested and then walked around and smelled many different smells.

We came back to where Nicky was, and I tried to get Nicky to play again. This time I decided to give a few play-yips. He turned toward me and started to walk toward me. I began to chase around him, and he started to walk the other way! I tapped him a couple times with my paw to get his attention!

When he went to lay down, I decided to lay down, too.  That was nice. We touched noses! His Mommy kept thanking me for wanting to play with Nicky and for being so nice with him.

Awwww! That's OK! I'm happy to have a new friend!

It was very interesting to play with Nicky today, and my Grandmas told me that they were very proud of me for how I was trying so many different things to try to play with Nicky.

I like Nicky, and I like Nicky's Mommy, too! Maybe they will come again to the Dog Park so we can be together again!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear That We Will Have a New President AND a New Puppy in the Big White House!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/523732</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 5 Nov 2008 04:05:35 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/523732</guid>
		<description>We have a new President!

The new President was MY choice, too!

I was VERY excited to hear that ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We have a new President!

The new President was MY choice, too!

I was VERY excited to hear that Barack and Michelle Obama have decided to do something that is very special!

They are getting a PUPPY for Malia and Sasha, and all of the family will be living in a BIG WHITE HOUSE with a nice big yard where the puppy can play and have FUN!

I can't wait to hear all about the puppy!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Learn a New Way to Greet My Family</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/523409</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 4 Nov 2008 10:47:43 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/523409</guid>
		<description>Now that I am EIGHTY POUNDS, I have learned that even my very tall Daddy who is very strong does NOT ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Now that I am EIGHTY POUNDS, I have learned that even my very tall Daddy who is very strong does NOT appreciate getting jumped on as he comes in the door.

My little Mommy loves me A LOT, but I can almost knock her over when I jump on HER!

Mommy and Daddy tried a new thing about a month ago, and it is working! They IMMEDIATELY put one of my toys in my mouth when they come in the door, and that helps me remember NOT to jump up on them.

Well, NOW, I know the drill, and when I hear them or my Grandmas or Uncle Jon or my Kathy coming in the door, I go and get MY OWN toy and have it in my mouth when they come in!

Yesterday Grandma was HAPPY-HAPPY to see me with my KONG in my mouth when she came into the house. I was very happy to see her, but I did NOT jump up on her, and I did NOT put her arm in my mouth to say "Hello!"

My family is learning all about me, and I am learning about them.

It's nice to be a FAMILY!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Will Play With Grandma Linda Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/523361</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 4 Nov 2008 08:10:25 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/523361</guid>
		<description>Grandma Linda will be coming today!

It is a BEAUTIFUL fall day, so I know that we will be headed  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma Linda will be coming today!

It is a BEAUTIFUL fall day, so I know that we will be headed to the park which is right across the street!

Grandma Linda loves to be outside! I do, too!

I want to show her my latest remodeling projects. Grandma Linda does a lot of remodeling herself in her house. She knocked a whole wall DOWN to make a new area in her house! Maybe I get my remodeling skill from HER!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover That My Chicken Has Gone Missing Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/523131</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 3 Nov 2008 17:15:36 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/523131</guid>
		<description>Grandma came over to give me my lunch today before we went to the Dog Park. I was excited to see Gra ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma came over to give me my lunch today before we went to the Dog Park. I was excited to see Grandma and anxious to have my CHICKEN!

I get a very nice piece of cooked chicken on top of my kibble at lunchtime as well as some yummy applesauce and some baby carrots! Mmmmmm!

You can see a picture of the very nice Lunch Bowl that Daddy prepares for me each day if you look in my PhotoBook!

Well, Grandma went into the refrigerator to get my Lunch Bowl and set it down for me. I was very excited to get my piece of chicken! (It's my FAVORITE part!)

I looked at my Lunch Bowl.

MY CHICKEN was NOT there!

I looked and sniffed to see if maybe it was on the bottom of the dish. (A few days ago Mommy did a funny thing and gave me An Upside Down Dinner. I thought that maybe she did that again!)

I used my nose to scoot my kibble around my dish. 

NOPE! 

NO CHICKEN!

I made a Jerry Lee sound (K-9 Cops movie).

I backed up and slumped down away from my dish.

I whined.

I whined again.

I put my head down on my paws.

I went out of the room and came back in again to see if just MAYBE my chicken might suddenly have appeared.

No, it didn't.

I ate some carrots and licked up some applesauce and cottage cheese. I had some water and checked the food bowl one more time.

The chicken never came back!

Grandma said, "Saphira! Are you ready to go to the Dog Park?" That sounded good, so I decided to quit thinking about my LOST CHICKEN and go outside to PLAY.

We had a GREAT time at the Dog Park! You can read all about it in the diary entry before this one.

We came back into our condo afterwards, and I checked my food bowl to see if there was any chicken in there YET.

There wasn't.

I went ahead and ate some more kibble and finished up all the applesauce and cottage cheese. I ate a few more carrots.

I decided I would take a nap.

Maybe when I get my DINNER I will find my LOST CHICKEN.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I  Meet a New Friend at the Dog Park Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/523072</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 3 Nov 2008 13:54:18 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/523072</guid>
		<description>Today Grandma Cheryl took me to the Dog Park, and we were having a fun time. She was throwing the ba ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Grandma Cheryl took me to the Dog Park, and we were having a fun time. She was throwing the ball, and I was chasing it. When I got hot I went to the nice mud puddle that they had there and had a nice lay down. Ahhhhhh!

Suddenly, we heard some people coming into the gate! Oh BOY! There was a big black dog  and two people coming into the Dog Park! We went over to say, "Hello!"

The big dog was a Giant Schnauzer, and her name was Treasure. She was four-years-old. Her Mommy said that she didn't like other dogs too much, so her Mommy stayed near her to see how she would get along with me. She growled a few times, but that didn't bother me. I was bigger than she was, and I wasn't worried. Besides, I am a happy girl who just likes to PLAY!

Treasure's Mommy had a "Chuck-It" ball thrower, and she was going to let me play, too! She tossed the ball with the "Chuck-It", and Treasure and I ran to get the ball.

Treasure was interested in the ball, but I was more interested in TREASURE! I am a VERY social doggie, and I LOVE being around people and other dogs. Treasure...not so much!

Anyway, sometimes I got the ball and sometimes Treasure got the ball. Getting the ball first was very important to Treasure, so I stayed back a bit to let her get it. After all, it was HER ball, HER Chuck-It, and HER Mommy who was doing the throwing!

Treasure watched the ball fall onto the ground and then ran and picked it up. I had a different strategy. I WATCHED the ball fly through the air, and then I went to the place where it was ready to land and snapped it up.

We ran and chased after the balls for an hour and a half! (OK... we DID have a FEW water breaks!) It was a VERY fun time!

When it was time to go, we all left together and said that we hoped to play with one another again. Grandma was very proud of me, and Treasure's Mommy and Daddy were proud of her, too!

We left tired but very happy that we had such a good time at the Dog Park today!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Went to a Dog Park!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/522890</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 3 Nov 2008 05:36:56 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/522890</guid>
		<description>Yesterday Mommy and Daddy took me to a Dog Park! It is close to our home, and we just found it! It i ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday Mommy and Daddy took me to a Dog Park! It is close to our home, and we just found it! It is about an acre, and it is all fenced in so we can be OFF-LEASH! I really love to be OFF-LEASH!

I met some nice friends at the Dog Park. We had a very fun time playing CHASE! A lot of the dogs were smaller than me and very fast. We ran and ran! They were running faster than me, but they got tired. I still had plenty of energy. I guess all my practice running for a long time with Mommy and Daddy on our runs has really put me in very good shape!

Thanks, Mommy and Daddy!

Mommy and Daddy brought my Jolly Ball for me to play with, too. It is a very fun toy! Daddy cut the plastic loop at the top of my ball so that I wouldn't get my teeth stuck in it. That happened to me once!

I want to go back to the Dog Park AGAIN!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am EIGHT MONTHS OLD Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/522643</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 2 Nov 2008 12:33:31 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/522643</guid>
		<description>Today is very important because I am EIGHT MONTHS OLD today!

Yesterday I went to the vet's office ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today is very important because I am EIGHT MONTHS OLD today!

Yesterday I went to the vet's office for my check-up, and when they weighed me I weighed EIGHTY POUNDS!

EIGHT MONTHS old....EIGHTY pounds!

I have been gaining almost exactly TEN POUNDS every month! I am getting taller and BIGGER! Hardly anyone believes that I am STILL a puppy!

I AM a puppy, and I STILL have lots to learn, but I am working very hard to learn all the things that I need to know.

I have had a VERY busy EIGHT MONTHS!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a VERY Happy Halloween!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/522225</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 1 Nov 2008 08:06:36 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/522225</guid>
		<description>When Daddy got home from school, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner and for Trick-or- ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ When Daddy got home from school, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner and for Trick-or-Treat time.

We all went out in the backyard before dinner, and Daddy and I played ball. There's a new video of Daddy and me on my page! We played for a long time, and then Mommy got here from work. I was HAPPY-HAPPY to see Mommy!

Grandma Linda was here, and so was Uncle Jon. I LOVE it when everyone is together!

I got some new toys! I got a new Chicken Nylabone, a squeeky pumpkin man, and a squeeky ball. I LOVE to make my toys SQUEEK!

My family had their dinner, and I had mine. Soon it was time for Trick-or-Treat Time!

Mommy took off my Halloween Bandana and put on my Bat Woman costume. Then we all went out on the front porch to wait for the kids to come. We were having a PORCH PARTY!

I was the Welcome Committee Hostess, Daddy gave out the treats, and everyone else was the audience to tell all the kids how great their costumes looked.

I DID bark two times, I have to admit. Once was when this bigger girl came. She said she was scared of dogs, and I could tell that. The second time was when this medium-sized girl had this black thing on her arm that had legs and was making funny sounds. This was something that MIGHT hurt my family, so I barked LOUDLY in my BIG GIRL voice to tell the black thing with legs to GO AWAY!

A very nice girl named Pepita, who is in one of Daddy's classes, smiled at me and petted me. I liked her a lot! I think Daddy gave her some extra candy, too! 

Then a car pulled up and a big person and a green lizard got out of the car. It was Carl, Mommy and Daddy's friend, and his daughter, Taylor. Taylor likes doggies and kitties and all kinds of animals, so she was very happy to see me. She was about the same size as my good friend, Riley, who plays with me at my house.

Taylor threw the ball and I went and got it. Mommy showed Taylor how to get me to drop the ball so she could throw it again. Taylor played with me a long time, and I LOVED that! You can see a picture of Taylor and me on my page!

I had a VERY Happy Halloween! Now I know all about Halloween and how it means TREATS and TOYS and FAMILY and PLAYING BALL, and KIDS  and COSTUMES and EVERYONE TOGETHER!

I like this Halloween thing very, very much!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Ready for a Halloween Fun Time!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/521877</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:11:17 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/521877</guid>
		<description>Uncle Jon comes today to play with me, and feed me and take me for a nice walk. We will wrestle and  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Uncle Jon comes today to play with me, and feed me and take me for a nice walk. We will wrestle and play ball, too, and I will get to show him all of my latest remodeling.

I will need to take a good sleep after all that because when Daddy comes home we are going to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner and then out to Trick-or Treat!

I am not sure what Trick-or-Treat really means. I have been to a Costume Contest with my costume on, and we got TREATS there. Everybody was in costumes and were very friendly. I didn't see any TRICKS. Maybe they will come tonight!

Mommy and Daddy said that there will be KIDS dressed up as Trick-or-Treaters tonight and they will come to our door. I wonder if they will come in and PLAY???

Mommy and Daddy want to get me used to being outside with a bunch of people who have strange costumes on. They are all about giving me all kinds of experiences so that I will get used to all kinds of situations.

It is important to them for me to feel comfortable in different places and to learn to be a good doggie citizen.

I am BAT WOMAN! I will make sure that everything goes well on the street while I am there! I will protect everyone and keep them safe!

I AM BAT WOMAN!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Tagged By Tyson!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/521719</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:10:00 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/521719</guid>
		<description>A tale of Tyson....
Tagged!
October 30th 2008 2:21 pm   [link to this entry] 
Each player starts  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ A tale of Tyson....
Tagged!
October 30th 2008 2:21 pm   [link to this entry] 
Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. Dogs who are tagged, need to post in their diary the rules and their 7 pawsome facts. Then choose some dogs to tag and list their names. Donâ€™t forget to bark them a pmail that they have been tagged and to read your diary, or, send them a fun Rosette announcing they've been Tagged!

1. I love my squeaky squirrel toys!
2. My full name is Tyson Rafferty. I'm an IRISH boxer, BOL!!
3. I don't like baths.
4. I love to sleep on my mom's legs
5. I can moo like a cow.
6. I like to lick my mom's shoes clean every day when she gets home (for some reason she doesn't like it when I do that!!)
7. I still like to try and fit under the bed--even though I'm WAY too big to do that. 

I'm tagging....Saphira and Lizzy!

OK!

Here I go!

Seven Things About Me...Saphira!

1) I love to chase the waves on Lake Erie and then let them chase ME!

2) I was named after the loyal dragon, Saphira, in the book/movie "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini!

3) I am training to be Mommy's running partner!

4) I like to "ice skate" on the kitchen floor by putting my paw on a two-liter bottle or my Nylabone and gliding across the floor!

5) I bark with my BIG GIRL BARK at big branches that have fallen down. 

6) I enjoy remodeling our condo. I specialize in walls, baseboards and window trim.

7) My mama and papa are from Germany.

How did I do, Tyson???!!!

I am tagging Bob Dog, Moxy, Starr and daSarge!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Great Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/521668</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:39:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/521668</guid>
		<description>We DID have a very nice day out! I got to play in the BIG waves, I found several fishies, I had a ni ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We DID have a very nice day out! I got to play in the BIG waves, I found several fishies, I had a nice walk, I dug three holes, and I got to spend the whole afternoon with my Grandmas!

The nice man wasn't there today, but a man and lady were there. They were in a hurry or maybe SCARED of ME, so they rushed off before I could show my good manners!

I just missed a Husky who was getting INTO his car as I was getting ready to pull into the parking lot. I also just missed two greyhounds who were running FAST-FAST with their Mommy and Daddy.

Everyone seemed to be in a big hurry today except US!

Oh! I also saw a chipmunk and some birds and played ball with Grandma Cheryl.

When we got back home, I ate some more of my lunch, had some water and got ready to TAKE A NAP!

My Grandmas WORE ME OUT!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a &quot;Girls Day Out&quot; With MY Grandmas!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/521479</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 05:46:16 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/521479</guid>
		<description>Today it is a very cold day, but the sun is shining and it's going to be a very fun day! My Grandmas ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today it is a very cold day, but the sun is shining and it's going to be a very fun day! My Grandmas are coming, and we are having lunch and then going to LakeShore Reservation for a nice long walk!

If it warms up a bit I may go play with the waves, too! That other day the waves were so high that they would have covered me right up if I would have gone to play with them!

I may meet my nice man there! I hope he's there again today!

Maybe I will meet some doggie friends, too! There are lots of pathways, and usually a bunch of doggies and their Mommies and Daddies are there, too.

I will let you know if we meet anybody NEW!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a &quot;Polite Lady!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/521216</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:23:02 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/521216</guid>
		<description>Grandma and I were walking the pathways at LakeShore Reservation near my home. It was a very nice da ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma and I were walking the pathways at LakeShore Reservation near my home. It was a very nice day today! We didn't have any snow or rain or hail like we did yesterday. It WAS windy and chilly, but that was just fine with me!

As we walked along, a man came towards us. I remembered what I had been taught in my Intermediate Puppy Class. When a person comes to me I should stop and sit politely. I remembered to do this! I did not bark. I was a very well-behaved German Shepherd Dog.

The nice man came up to me and said, "You are a Polite Lady!" He petted me and smiled. I liked that man. He was very kind to call me a "Polite Lady!"   

We went on our way, and he went on his. 

I hope I see my man again sometime. When I see him I will say, "You are a Nice Man!"]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go Walking on a CRAZY WEATHER Day</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/520898</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:55:54 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/520898</guid>
		<description>Grandma and I started off for the park that is acrosss the street from our condo, and the weather wa ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma and I started off for the park that is acrosss the street from our condo, and the weather was...SUNNY.

We played catch for awhile, and the weather turned...RAINY.

We walked toward the lake, and it got very... WINDY.

We walked by a big puddle, I played in the puddle, and it started to... HAIL!

After the puddle, we walked through some nice leaves, and I didn't eat ANY of them! Soon we looked up to see some big geese flying in the sky, and it began to...SNOW.

We played catch with my tennis ball again in the big field, and the snow changed back to...RAIN.

In awhile Grandma and I checked out a big pine branch that had blown down in the wind. I gave many BIG GIRL barks at it until Grandma walked over to it to show me that it was friendly and I didn't need to bark at it anymore to protect Grandma. While we were there by the branch it stopped raining and started to be...SUNNY!

We had a fun walk today, full of many kinds of CRAZY WEATHER!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear a Very Strange Sound</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/520763</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:09:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/520763</guid>
		<description>Grandma Linda and I were settled in to watch a movie together. It was SO nice and warm and cozy ther ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma Linda and I were settled in to watch a movie together. It was SO nice and warm and cozy there on the couch!

All of a sudden there were these pebbles hitting the skylights and the siding of our condo and the sliding glass door and all of the other windows, too!

I had to check out EVERYTHING, but it was hard because there were SO MANY places that I had to check!

Grandma went right with me as I looked at all the places where the pebbles were hitting. She said, "Look, Saphira! Those round things are ICE, and they are called HAIL.  They come from the sky like the rain does."

They LOOKED like pebbles, but when I looked out the window at them, they already were disappearing! Grandma said that they were MELTING.

The ice pebbles all melted, and no more came from the sky. Grandma and I were able to go back to watching our movie and snuggling on the couch. 

Those HAIL things sure were LOUD! I'm glad that they stopped hitting our house! I don't know why they came, but I am glad they are GONE!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Chew Mommy's Sandals</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/520399</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 27 Oct 2008 04:26:43 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/520399</guid>
		<description>I had played with all my toys and was looking for something interesting to CHEW.

Mommy's sandals  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I had played with all my toys and was looking for something interesting to CHEW.

Mommy's sandals were RIGHT THERE, so I thought I would give them a whirl. They were VERY TASTY, as all of Mommy's shoes and clothes are, so I licked them ALL OVER.

I probably should NEVER lick something, because once I lick something it never seems to be ENOUGH. Before I know it I am BITING the something and then THAT leads to CHEWING it.

Yes, I couldn't stop myself.

I chewed and chewed Mommy's sandals. They were very tasty, and they felt good in my mouth as I was chewing them. They made an EXCELLENT chew toy! I was able to chew them into MANY pieces.

I actually think that they are my best work to date!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover the Joy of Starbucks</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/520397</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 27 Oct 2008 04:14:50 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/520397</guid>
		<description>I was checking out Uncle Jon's room yesterday when I was at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Uncle Jon w ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was checking out Uncle Jon's room yesterday when I was at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Uncle Jon was not there, BUT a cup with a DELICIOUS SMELL in it WAS!

I sniffed. Mmmmmmmm! Grandma Cheryl asked Mommy if I could have a taste of the Vanilla Latte Uncle Jon had made the night before. Mommy said OK because there wasn't much in the cup and it was cold, not hot and wouldn't burn my mouth.

Grandma held the cup for me, and I took a taste.

Mmmmmmmmmmm!

I took another taste and another taste. Mmmmmmmm! That was VERY, VERY yummy!

Mommy said, "OK, Saphira! That's enough!"

Oh, Mommy! There still is some more IN there, and it tastes so GOOD!

Grandma listened to Mommy and took the Cup of GOODNESS down into the kitchen and put it in the sink.

Sigh...

I will definitely have to check out Uncle Jon's bedroom NEXT time I come to see if there's another one of those Starbucks Vanilla Lattes in there!

They are DELICIOUS!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go to A Doggie Halloween Costume Contest!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/520175</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 26 Oct 2008 11:31:38 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/520175</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy found out about a Doggie Halloween Costume Contest at Petco.

Yesterday WE WENT!! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy found out about a Doggie Halloween Costume Contest at Petco.

Yesterday WE WENT!!

Mommy got my costume on me in the car, and we all went inside the store. We saw two little doggies as soon as we went inside. I was being very friendly, but the two little doggies decided to be mean and bark at me. I thought, "You two little doggies are VERY annoying and don't have very nice manners!" My thoughts came out in some VERY BIG GIRL BARKS, and the two little doggies ran around the side of the aisle VERY quickly. We didn't see them or HEAR them again!

Next there was a  lady that talked very nicely to me, and I liked her very much. A couple other people saw me in my costume and said I looked very good in my costume.

After we were nice to the people we met, we went to the back of the store where they were holding the contest.

Daddy filled out a piece of paper that had my name on it and how old I was and some interesting things about me. Daddy wrote down about my "Ice skating" across the kitchen floor with my two-liter bottles and my Nylabones!

Grandma Cheryl was taking pictures, and I was with Mommy and behaving myself very nicely around all the other doggies.

When we got inside the big room, we all sat down and waited for the judging to begin. A lady and her dog (a Chocolate Lab dressed up as a Hershey's Kiss!) gave me a nice cookie. It was YUMMY!

We each walked up the runway with our Mommy or Daddy. We stopped in front of the judges. The one girl who was running the contest read the things about us that our Mommy or Daddy had written on the paper. They judged us on how well our costume matched our personality and our breed, the creativity of our costume design, and how well we WORE the costume. 

It was a lot of fun to walk on the runway and smile pretty for the judges. I liked it when everyone clapped for everyone, too!

We got a surprise when the last entry went out to the runway! It was a KITTY!!! A few of the doggies closest to the kitty began to bark. I heard them and joined in, too. It was A LOT of barking, but the kitty stayed calm and walked nicely down the runway in his SKUNK costume.

The judges then needed to make their decisions, so we got TREAT BAGS and special participant certificates while we were waiting. Daddy let me have this "Pegetable" carrot. It was REALLY GOOD! I enjoyed it very much!

The judges were finished with their deciding on the contest winners, so we all listened very carefully. The Chocolate Lab (Hershey's Kiss!) got third place, a 12-week-old fluffy puppy (I think it was a Chihuahua) got second place, and THE KITTY, named Alvin got FIRST PLACE! He also got a BLUE RIBBON!

I think that they should have also have given him a  BRAVERY award, because he sure was BRAVE walking out there with all of us doggies all around him!

We congratulated all the winners and thanked the Petco People who ran the contest. It was SO much fun, and I was VERY happy being around all the doggies and getting so many TREATS to take home!

FUN! FUN! FUN! 

I had FUN at the Halloween Costume Contest!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Do a Little MORE Remodeling</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/519823</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 25 Oct 2008 07:02:45 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/519823</guid>
		<description>Daddy left for school early.

Mommy had a VERY busy morning! I could tell that because she was run ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy left for school early.

Mommy had a VERY busy morning! I could tell that because she was running all over the house gathering things so that she could get out the door on time for work.

There was no time for our run together because Mommy had to get her work things together AND her warm clothes for the football game in the evening, too.

(Mommy is a Physical Therapist and goes to the high school football games as the Athletic Trainer for the players.)

Mommy remembered all of her things, BUT she forgot to put up the gate that keeps me in the kitchen/hallway/ livingroom area.

Bye-Bye, Mommy! See you later!

I figured that since the gate was DOWN, Mommy was saying I could go wherever I wanted in the house.

So...I DID!

First I went UPSTAIRS to see if any good shows were on my neighbor's TV. 

The TV wasn't on.

Next I played with some of my toys in the second bedroom.

I suddenly had a taste for WOOD, so I nibbled a bit on the window sill. I also went over to the baseboard in the upstairs hallway to see if it STILL had a good taste like it did a couple weeks ago. Yes! Still VERY tasty!

I heard a funny sound, and that took me downstairs to check outside. We have a very large sliding glass door that is like a HUGE TV screen, and I can watch everything going on outside really well.

Whatever was there making the noise had left, so I decided to have a nice drink and take a nap beside the kitchen table.

My nose was resting beside one of the legs of the table. I sniffed. I could smell Mommy's scent there. I began thinking of Mommy, and before I knew it I was TASTING Mommy right there on the chair leg!

I wanted to get an even BETTER taste of Mommy. I LOVE HER SO! I took a tiny bite of the chair leg. Mmmmm! Tasted GOOD! I took a few MORE bites. Mmmmmm! I fell asleep with the very nice taste of Mommy and the wood from the chair leg in my mouth.

Remodeling is fun, and it is also TASTY!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Can't BELIEVE it!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/519818</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 25 Oct 2008 06:39:30 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/519818</guid>
		<description>My diary is ONCE AGAIN a &quot;Diary Pick of the Day!&quot;

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Dogster People ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My diary is ONCE AGAIN a "Diary Pick of the Day!"

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Dogster People and Dogster Puppies for this  GREAT HONOR for the THIRD time!

I am jumping up and down and all around!

Goodness!

I SO enjoy reading all the wonderful diaries on Dogster and finding out how loved all the doggies are by their special people.

I have LEARNED a lot of things by reading all the diaries, too! I am just seven months old, so I have LOTS to learn!

Everyone! Keeping writing those great diaries!

I promise I will keep writing down all of my adventures, too!

Thank you again, Dogster Doggies and People for choosing my diary today!

Kiss-Kiss from Saphira
Adventure Girl]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I See Uncle Jon and Dana Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/519601</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:50:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/519601</guid>
		<description>Today Uncle Jon and his girlfriend, Dana, are coming to feed me my lunch, take me outside, and play  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Uncle Jon and his girlfriend, Dana, are coming to feed me my lunch, take me outside, and play with me!

Dana is Baby's Mommy. Baby is my Jack Russell Terrier friend. Baby is the one with NON-STOP energy and the one that impresses me SO MUCH with her speed and jumping abilities! You can see her picture if you look at my PhotoBook.

My Uncle Jon will probably inspect my newest remodeling efforts when he comes...and be thinking about how to best...uh...REPAIR them!

(My Uncle Jon is my personal REPAIRMAN! He fixed the wall that I ate a few months ago and will be repairing the baseboards that I ...uh...TASTED last month.)

I sure do LOVE my Uncle Jon!

Kiss-Kiss Uncle Jon and Dana!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Very Pretty Lunch Bowl</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/519586</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:38:13 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/519586</guid>
		<description>Daddy fixes me my lunch every morning and puts it in the fridge so that Kathy or one of my Grandmas  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy fixes me my lunch every morning and puts it in the fridge so that Kathy or one of my Grandmas or my Uncle Jon can give it to me when they come to play with me and take me outside.

Daddy makes my lunch look really pretty!

First, he puts in my kibble.

Then he adds my applesauce.

He puts baby carrots all around the edge like candles or sometimes puts them in a pretty pattern in the middle.

Last of all he tops the bowl with a cooked chicken breast.

It looks REALLY nice!

You can see a picture of it on my page!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Very Fun Day Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/519448</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:23:16 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/519448</guid>
		<description>Today Grandma Cheryl and I went to LakeShore Reservation for a very nice walk. I met two new doggie  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Grandma Cheryl and I went to LakeShore Reservation for a very nice walk. I met two new doggie friends while we were on the path. They were friendly, and I was, too! You can see a couple of pictures of us on my page!

Next we went down to the lake. I was VERY excited to be at the lake again! I chased the waves and dug some nice holes and chased the waves some more!

You can see a video of me playing in the lake if you look on my page!

It was a very pretty sunny day, and the water kept me cool! I sure do love this thing called "FALL!"]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover That I Am a &quot;Diary Pick of the Day!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/519215</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:02:51 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/519215</guid>
		<description>My goodness! I discovered this morning that I am a Dogster &quot;Diary Pick of the Day&quot; for the SECOND ti ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My goodness! I discovered this morning that I am a Dogster "Diary Pick of the Day" for the SECOND time! That is SO exciting!

Thank you, dear Dogster People and sweet Dogster Puppies for choosing my diary once again!

I am VERY lucky to have so many people who love and care for me and who take me on so many wonderful ADVENTURES! I am only seven months old, but I have had so many wonderful experiences already!

I wish all of you who are reading this today a HAPPY, HAPPY DAY!

I am hoping that YOUR Mommies and Daddies are taking you on wonderful adventures, too, and that you will write them all down for everyone to read!

Kiss-Kiss from Saphira!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get My Ball out of the Container</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/518989</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:40:43 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/518989</guid>
		<description>Grandma likes to make up new ways to play with toys. I do, too, so when Grandma put my tennis ball i ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma likes to make up new ways to play with toys. I do, too, so when Grandma put my tennis ball into the big plastic container that some human snacks came in, I was ready to play, "Get My Ball out of that Thing!"

First I did what any respectible LARGE DOG would do: I threw the container at the wall. Out popped the ball! Cool!

Grandma put my ball in the container again. I threw the container at the wall again. No luck this time. Hmmmm! Time for a new plan.

This time I stuck my nose into the container. This wasn't working because I couldn't open my mouth to GET the ball once my nose was IN THERE.

OK...Plan B...I tried putting my PAW in the container. That worked fine, except the container with my paw in it scooted across the floor and brought the rest of me for a ride! No luck. The ball was STILL in the container.

Plan C... I took my paw out of the container and grabbed the bottom of the container with my mouth. Out dropped the ball!

I think THAT is the best method of all, so I will remember THAT plan the next time Grandma puts my ball in the container.

OK, Grandma! I figured that one out, so you will just have to come up with a NEW GAME tomorrow when you come to play with me!

Hint: It should have TREATS as part of the game.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover That Leaves are Tasty</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/518986</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:28:28 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/518986</guid>
		<description>Leaves DEFINITELY are a GREAT part of this season called &quot;Fall!&quot; Some are crunchy, and some that JUS ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Leaves DEFINITELY are a GREAT part of this season called "Fall!" Some are crunchy, and some that JUST fell down are juicy. They all have different flavors, too!

They are very pretty. I LOVE to watch them fall down from the trees, and I LOVE to run and catch them!

There is just ONE problem.

Eating leaves SEEMS to make me URKA-GURKA!

My Pup Pal, Ella, coined this GREAT word that is SOOOOO much cuter than "Throw-Up", don't you think?

ANYWAY, for all of you other LEAF LOVERS out there, I just want to say that if you don't want to literally "Lose Your Cookies", don't be eating those yummy, lucious, tasty things called LEAVES, or you, too, will be doing URKA-GURKA!

Sigh....]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I DID Go to Townline Park Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/518728</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:43:38 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/518728</guid>
		<description>It was a sunny, chilly and windy day today but a PERFECT one to walk on the trails at a small park n ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was a sunny, chilly and windy day today but a PERFECT one to walk on the trails at a small park near our house called Townline Park.

I have added some pictures of our walk today on my page.

There were so many wonderful smells on the ground and on the leaves, and the wind brought even more!

My Grandmas and I were enjoying the soft moss on our feet, and the pretty leaves were coming down from the trees because of the wind. We crossed a couple bridges, and I guarded my Grandmas from an enemy branch from a tree.

There were two big fields there, and we stopped to play ball at each one. At the first field I dug a very nice hole and had a comfortable laydown in it, too.

A lady came by, and I watched her but I did not bark at her.

We headed home after that, and my Grandmas ate their lunch while I took a nap. After that we played ball again and I had ice cubes.

I was a very fun day!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Will Have a &quot;Girl's Day Out&quot; With My Two Grandmas Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/518526</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:38:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/518526</guid>
		<description>Today Mommy and Daddy left for work, and I am resting because at lunchtime BOTH of my Grandmas will  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Mommy and Daddy left for work, and I am resting because at lunchtime BOTH of my Grandmas will be coming to play with me!

When my two Grandmas come it means that we will go somewhere very fun after I eat my lunch. I can't wait to see where we will go!

Last time we went to LakeShore Reservation and met the big machine called a backhoe. The driver and his friend were very nice and even stopped the backhoe to talk with us. I showed them that I was a very good digger, too!

The time before that we all went to the Dog Beach in Fairport Harbor, and I got to have yogurt and crackers and meet a new friend, Toby.

It is chilly today, but that is just fine with me! Maybe we will go to Townline Park. It is very close to where we live, and the special thing is that the trails are all mossy! It feels SO good on my paws, and it is pretty there walking in all the trees. My horses are there, too! There is a big field where Daddy lets me off-leash and we play with tennis balls. Maybe my Grandmas will take me there today. I could be off-leash, and WE could play with my tennis balls!

I am going back to my nap now, but I will let you all know where we went for our "Girl's Day Out!"]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Practice Talking</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/518172</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:12:41 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/518172</guid>
		<description>I have been a VERY sleepy girl lately!

I go for long runs with Mommy and Daddy, I am STILL growin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have been a VERY sleepy girl lately!

I go for long runs with Mommy and Daddy, I am STILL growing, and I seem to need more sleep than I am getting.

I just don't want to MISS anything! I know I SHOULD be taking more naps, but I just want to keep up with everything that is going on!

ANYWAY, I have noticed that HUMANS talk. They don't bark, they TALK. I decided that maybe I would try out TALKING.

In the morning I am sleepy still and I don't like to get out of bed. I am more like Mommy in that way. Daddy is a "Jump Outta Bed" kinda guy, so he doesn't understand Mommy and I just want to stay IN THERE and rest some more.

I was between Mommy and Daddy, and Daddy got up. I said, "Oh, Daddy! Come back to bed and cuddle!" I think it came out pretty good. Daddy seemed to understand me because he said, "Oh, Saphira! I would LOVE to come back in there and cuddle, but I have to go to SCHOOL, now."

I turned over and looked at Mommy. She was still sleeping.  I said, "I love you, Mommy!" Mommy opened her eyes and said, "Saphira! Come here and let's cuddle for a few more minutes."

That's was Mommy's morning way of saying, "I love you, too, Saphira!" We cuddled some more together before we got up for our morning run.

I think that this TALKING thing has a lot of potential!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover Hannah Montana and CSI</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/518167</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:00:04 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/518167</guid>
		<description>I go upstairs when Mommy forgets to put the gate up because she's in a rush to get to work in the mo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I go upstairs when Mommy forgets to put the gate up because she's in a rush to get to work in the morning.

I go to the second bedroom where there is a nice, soft bed to lay on. I take my special toys up there with me. It is really nice up there, AND I can see the whole street from the window by the bed.

I looked out the window the other day, and there was a HUGE TV SCREEN in the condo straight across the street from us. I could see the screen REALLY well, and I watched for a long time.

My favorites so far are:

1) Hannah Montana

2) CSI


I will write and let you know if I have any OTHER favorites!

(Keep crossing your fingers that Mommy forgets to put up the gate AND the people across the street keep their curtains OPEN!!)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Halloween Costume!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/517929</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 19 Oct 2008 09:13:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/517929</guid>
		<description>I have a Halloween costume!

I am keeping it a surprise, so you will all just have to wait to see  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have a Halloween costume!

I am keeping it a surprise, so you will all just have to wait to see me!

I will give you ONE clue, though...

My costume has EARS!

Now, I already have some very NICE ears of my very own, so I won't be needing THOSE ears to go with my costume!!

Petco is having a Halloween Party just for DOGS on Saturday, October 25th from 1:00-4:00 , SOOOOO I MAY get to go there and also wear my costume! They will have TREATS, and a photographer to take pictures, AND there's a Pet Costume Contest, too! I have a costume now, so if I go there, I can enter the Costume Contest!

I am very excited about this Halloween time! 

Parties and treats are my favorites!

This is my very first Halloween!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Visit the Groomer</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/517928</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 19 Oct 2008 09:04:28 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/517928</guid>
		<description>Today I went to the Groomer!

I got a nice bath, my nails trimmed, my hair trimmed just a small bi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today I went to the Groomer!

I got a nice bath, my nails trimmed, my hair trimmed just a small bit this time (!), and I also got a fun Halloween SCARF!!!

I am looking GOOD!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear About a Fun Site</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/517615</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 18 Oct 2008 09:40:57 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/517615</guid>
		<description>My good friend, Moxy, told me about a fun site that you may want to see!

It is : www.scrapblog.co ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My good friend, Moxy, told me about a fun site that you may want to see!

It is : www.scrapblog.com  and it is a place where you can make online scrapbooks FOR FREE! You can also see a whole bunch of other scrapbooks, too, that others have made.

I have made some, and it is a LOT of fun!

You can see MY scrapbooks there. You can find them under my name:  Saphira.

Hope you will enjoy that site!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Play the Game    &quot;SIT ON MOMMY!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/517612</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 18 Oct 2008 09:34:10 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/517612</guid>
		<description>Daddy has to get up VERY early in the morning to get ready for school. He's a teacher and has to get ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy has to get up VERY early in the morning to get ready for school. He's a teacher and has to get to school SO, SO early to teach his high school students.

Mommy USED to have to get up early, too, but then her schedule got changed at the hospital where she works. NOW, Mommy and I can KEEP sleeping in our nice soft bed for a longer time in the morning.

WELL, I really enjoy sleeping in later, but sometimes I need to get up to go potty. When THAT happens, I have to play my game called: "SIT ON MOMMY!"

First I sit up in the bed. 

I look at Mommy. 

She is sleeping. 

I am awake. 

This is NOT good.

I have found that licking Mommy doesn't always WAKE UP Mommy. I have to move to my game. 

I go over to Mommy. 

I step OVER Mommy. Then I SIT ON MOMMY!

This definitely gets her attention because I weigh about seventy-five pounds now.

Once I have Mommy's attention, I lick, lick, lick Mommy's face.

Mommy is AWAKE!!!!!

My game works every time!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Play With Riley</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/517253</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:00:24 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/517253</guid>
		<description>Riley is my neighbor who lives on the street behind us. He's four years old, and we like one another ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Riley is my neighbor who lives on the street behind us. He's four years old, and we like one another very much.

Daddy and I were playing ball outside in our backyard, and Riley saw us. He came over and petted me, and I gave him kisses.

Riley wanted to throw the ball for me, so Daddy gave him my tennis ball. Riley threw it, and I caught it. Riley was proud of me!

Usually I make it hard for someone to get my tennis ball out of my mouth. (It's a little game that I play to see how much they REALLY want my ball!) With Riley, though, I gave him the tennis ball very gently so he could throw it again and I could catch it.

Next we played "Chase!" I was on my long retractable leash, so I could chase him and he could chase me. We had a very fun time!

Soon a bunch of our neighbors came over to watch us have fun together and to pick up their mail. (The mailboxes are right behind our condo, and I am in charge of guarding the mailboxes from anyone who shouldn't be bothering them.) They usually see me watching them get their mail because I patrol the area from the inside sliding glass door of our condo.

Everyone was having a fun time watching Riley and me play ball and play chase. It was like a PARTY! 

I think some of the people were surprised that I was playing so nicely with a small boy. Sometimes people are afraid of me because I am a German Shepherd Dog and I am big and furry. I am a very friendly dog, and Riley KNOWS that.

Riley is a very smart boy, and he is my FRIEND. He knows that I wouldn't hurt him. I would PROTECT him from anyone or anything.

Riley and I had such a fun time together! Daddy enjoyed watching us play, too.

I can't wait to play with Riley again!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Disco Dog!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/517246</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 17 Oct 2008 06:42:45 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/517246</guid>
		<description>Mommy got me a new light-up collar the other day! The days are getting so much shorter that it is da ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy got me a new light-up collar the other day! The days are getting so much shorter that it is dark almost all the time when we run now! We still go running outside even though it IS dark, so I really needed a light-up collar.

When I run I LIGHT UP!  It is very special because I become...

DISCO DOG!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am VERY HAPPY With Mommy's New Work Hours!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/516721</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:32:35 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/516721</guid>
		<description>Mommy and I get to sleep in MUCH LONGER now that Mommy's work hours have been changed!

We also ha ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and I get to sleep in MUCH LONGER now that Mommy's work hours have been changed!

We also have time for a really nice short run in the morning, too, before she leaves for work.

I REALLY love being able to have more Mommy in the morning!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get &quot;Liquid Chicken&quot; !</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/516709</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:21:43 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/516709</guid>
		<description>I have been eating my nice chicken breast that Mommy and Daddy give me on top of my kibble, and I ha ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have been eating my nice chicken breast that Mommy and Daddy give me on top of my kibble, and I have been eating the kibble that TOUCHES the applesauce or the cottage cheese that is under my chicken.

The rest of the kibble...not so much.

Mommy and Daddy came up with a PLAN.

They pour LIQUID CHICKEN on my kibble! It makes every little boring crunchy kibble nugget taste AMAZING!!!! I lick my bowl to get the last little bit of that kibble!

Oh! "Liquid Chicken" has another name. That name is "Chicken Stock." That is a very uninteresting name, so Mommy and Daddy call MINE:

LIQUID CHICKEN!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Thinking About Halloween</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/516345</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 15 Oct 2008 05:36:10 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/516345</guid>
		<description>I have never MET Halloween.

Everyone talks about Halloween and says, &quot;Happy Halloween!&quot; and &quot;Hall ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have never MET Halloween.

Everyone talks about Halloween and says, "Happy Halloween!" and "Halloween is coming soon!"

I am not sure what Halloween IS!

Sometimes I think Halloween is a PERSON because they say Halloween is COMING. That is like when Daddy says, "Grandma is COMING!"

It COULD be a PARTY, too, because they say "Happy Halloween!" like they say "Happy Birthday!" We have had LOTS of parties, and I LOVE parties! I hope Halloween is a PARTY!

I think Halloween has something to do with PUMPKINS. I see them outside when I go for a walk, and I even got to lick one that had some frosting on it at Uncle Jon's birthday last week.

Mommy and Daddy were talking about Halloween COSTUMES. They are going to dress up, and they are planning on getting a costume for me, too. I have never worn a costume before. I have never worn ANYTHING before except my collar or my harness.

I DID hear a word that I DO know, though. That word was TREAT! They were talking about going out for Trick or TREAT!

If I get to pick, I pick TREAT!

I think that maybe this Halloween thing is about getting TREATS. If it is, I am ALL FOR IT!

I am excited to meet Halloween!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Play Ball With Daddy in Our Backyard</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/516057</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:09:45 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/516057</guid>
		<description>Daddy and I had a really fun time playing ball in our backyard. We are close to the mailboxes, and l ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy and I had a really fun time playing ball in our backyard. We are close to the mailboxes, and lots of the neighbors were coming to pick up their mail. They came over to see me, and I was very happy to have so much attention. 

It was nice to see so many of my big people neighbors and a bunch of kids all at the same time. It was like a PARTY!

The weather was so pretty, and I was near my special Maple tree. 

Ahhhhhh! Nice times!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Got a Light-Up Collar and a new Nylabone!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/516054</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:06:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/516054</guid>
		<description>Mommy stopped at PetSmart and got me a Light-Up Collar! I'm thinking that we will be running at nigh ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy stopped at PetSmart and got me a Light-Up Collar! I'm thinking that we will be running at night now pretty often!

Mommy also bought me a new Nylabone. It is VERY special! I worked and worked at chewing it for TWO HOURS, and it still survived! It must be the toughest toy ever made because I can usually completely DESTROY any toy in an hour or less!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Saphira Vom Haus Miko</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/516049</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:59:40 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/516049</guid>
		<description>Mommy said that my Pedigree papers came and my full name is:


                                   ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy said that my Pedigree papers came and my full name is:


                                        Saphira Vom Haus Miko


I am very excited that I have a big name! I never knew that I did!

I think that it is time for another PARTY!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Run in The DARK!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/515663</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:34:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/515663</guid>
		<description>It was getting late. The lights went out outside which means that soon it will be bedtime.

Nooooo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was getting late. The lights went out outside which means that soon it will be bedtime.

Noooooooooo!

Mommy said, "Let's go for a RUN!"

Now, Mommy! The lights are out outside, and it is time to SLEEP, not to RUN!

It didn't seem to matter to Mommy and Daddy that it was DARK outside and we were getting ready to RUN in the DARK.

I figured this might be yet ANOTHER fun ADVENTURE.

OK, Mommy and Daddy! I'm IN. Let's GO!

We drove to Hogback Ridge, and I ran OFF-LEASH with Mommy and Daddy IN THE DARK! It was VERY, VERY strange, but it was kind of interesting, too!

Mommy and Daddy were running with their legs moving higher than usual. I guess it is so they didn't accidentally trip over anything on the trail. I could see pretty well in the dark, so I ran in my regular way. I DID stay pretty close to Mommy and Daddy, though, because I didn't want to LOSE THEM! Good thing I am a dog and can SMELL them even when I can't SEE them very well!

Gotta tell ya...Mommy and Daddy...I sure have gotten a lot of interesting adventures since I came to be in YOUR family!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Do Some More Remodeling</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/515658</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:25:19 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/515658</guid>
		<description>I was upstairs in the second bedroom the other day just having a snooze on the little soft bed in th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was upstairs in the second bedroom the other day just having a snooze on the little soft bed in there. I was very comfy.

I woke up and looked out the window to see if there was anything interesting going on out there.

No. Nothing interesting.

I looked at the windowsill next to the bed. I began to wonder how it would taste. I gave it a little lick. Mmmmmm!

I licked it again, and then I decided to take a small bite just with my little front teeth. Mmmmmmm!

I opened my mouth a bit further and took MORE of the windowsill in my mouth. While I was at it I also sampled a bit of the wall by it, too.

Before I knew it I realized that I had EATEN part of the windowsill and part of the wall NEAR the windowsill.

Uh-oh! 

I wonder if Mommy and Daddy will like the remodeling I did THIS time???]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a VERY Busy Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/515238</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 12 Oct 2008 06:46:22 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/515238</guid>
		<description>Mommy nad Daddy and I went to Girdled Road Park, and we ran six miles. I saw some pretty horses and  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy nad Daddy and I went to Girdled Road Park, and we ran six miles. I saw some pretty horses and was a good girl around them. I sat like a big girl and looked at them, but I didn't make a play bow and bark like I would with my doggie friends. (Horses don't DO Play Bows, I guess, so Mommy had me sit like a good girl and WATCH them instead.)

We went for a mile and a half cool down walk after that. 

Next we went to the Maple Highlands Bike Path. I got to be a QUEEN --riding in my stroller while Mommy and Daddy pushed me. I got to eat my lunch while I was in there, too! 

I LOVED my Rolling Picnic!!!

We came back home after that, and I was ready for a very nice NAP! Mommy and Daddy went grocery shopping, and I had my nice nap at home. Ahhhhhh!

Later in the evening we all watched "The Shaggy Dog" movie. It was a fun movie, and we all liked it.

I was DEFINITELY ready after that to get into our nice comfy bed, and go to sleep.

Ahhhhhhhh!

That was a very busy day but LOTS of fun, too!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Everyone in One Place! It is PARTY time!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/514831</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 11 Oct 2008 06:47:19 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/514831</guid>
		<description>OK! Everyone is now home (finally!) It is time to welcome everyone and time to see all the fun  thin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ OK! Everyone is now home (finally!) It is time to welcome everyone and time to see all the fun  things that we are going to do at Uncle Jon's birthday party!

We had a party for Uncle Jon and Great-Grandma on Great-Grandma's real birthday, but now we are having Uncle Jon's party on HIS real birthday. He just turned TWENTY YEARS OLD! That is very, very old.

After I welcomed everyone, it was time to PLAY! Everybody threw balls to me, and I caught them. Well, OK, I missed a FEW! Then I chewed the two-liter bottle that Grandpa had left by the door JUST FOR ME. (I LOVE to chew two-liter bottles!) Everybody was talking, and soon I heard good words like CAKE and ICE CREAM.

Uncle Jon lit the candles on the cake, and it got MUCH brighter in the room! Everybody sang a song, and Uncle Jon blew out the candles. He blew them out all at one time!

I got a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream in my dish. It made my kibble taste ESPECIALLY yummy! (Note to Mommy: ICE CREAM on top of my kibble from now on, OK???)

After I finished, I went into the dining room to be a HOBO, like Mommy sometimes calls me. (If I look especially cute and hungry Mommy will SOMETIMES feel guilty enough to share some excellent food of hers with ME!!!!) I MUST have looked especially cute and still hungry right then because Mommy snagged a chunk of cake with some VERY delicious frosting from Daddy's plate, and gave it to ME! Mmmmmmm!

This idea of BIRTHDAYS...definitely a GREAT IDEA!!!

After we all had our goodies, it was time for PRESENTS! We all gathered in the livingroom, and Uncle Jon sat down in the Birthday Chair. He had presents all around him, and he opened MINE first! I went over to watch him. I stood there VERY nicely. I did not jump on him or bother him. I just watched like a good girl. He opened the hiking poles that I gave him. As he was opening them, he said, "NO WAY!!!! Oh! YES!!!!" He sounded very excited! He got up and showed everyone how the poles can be made longer or shorter. Then he got down and gave me a BIG HUG and said, "Saphira! I LOVE THEM! Thank you SOOOO much!"

I am HAPPY, HAPPY that he liked my present!

I posted pictures of Uncle Jon and me in my PhotoBook. You can see us there.  

Uncle Jon opened his other presents, and I watched nicely as he opened them. I LOVE it when everyone is in one place and we are all TOGETHER as a family.

Birthdays are a special time. We need MORE birthdays!!!

I was getting tired after my big day. I decided to take a short nap as Uncle Jon was playing with his new GPS System for his car. I was thinking that he said "GSD System" and went to sleep imagining all these German Shepherd Dogs in his car telling him which direction to go by sniffing and barking.

I hope he bought plenty of food for them!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Confused</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/514825</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 11 Oct 2008 06:23:01 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/514825</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy kept saying, &quot;Saphira! We are going to Grandma and Grandpa's house! I was very excit ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy kept saying, "Saphira! We are going to Grandma and Grandpa's house! I was very excited! I LOVE to see Grandma and Grandpa.

We pulled up in front of Grandma and Grandpa's house. There was no Grandma standing out on the porch to say, "Hi, Saphira! I'm SO GLAD to see you!" 

Hmmmmm!

Then we went inside the house. (My Daddy has the key to their house. ) 

No Grandma.

No Grandpa.

What is going ON HERE????

I went all around the whole house. I checked every room. 

Nope! They were NOT there.

This was very confusing to me. Where WERE they? If we were going to Grandma and Grandpa's house, they should be THERE!!!

I checked in the kitchen to see if my water dish was out and ready. No, it wasn't. 

WHERE ARE GRANDMA AND GRANDPA????

It was a very LONG time--maybe THIRTY MINUTES-- until I heard a car pull into the driveway. I ran over to the windows and saw.....

GRANDMA
GRANDPA
UNCLE JON
DANA

Yea!!!!! My family is HOME!!!

I sure had a LOT of welcoming to do!!!!

(It turns out that Mommy and Daddy KNEW that Grandma and Grandpa would be there in awhile because they were coming back from taking Uncle Jon and his girfriend, Dana to a BIRTHDAY DINNER! They kept saying that everyone would be there soon.)

I didn't want everyone there SOON; I wanted everyone there NOW!!!

We are now ready to P-A-R-T-Y!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Bark At the Condo</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/514494</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:41:20 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/514494</guid>
		<description>On my walk I was just walking along and having a great time. All of a sudden I heard something that  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ On my walk I was just walking along and having a great time. All of a sudden I heard something that just sounded...wrong.

There was a condo that nobody was living in, BUT there was a car in that driveway. I heard people in the condo. Something did NOT sound right to me.

I barked my VERY BIG GIRL bark!

Grandma looked to see what I was barking about. She didn't see anything that looked suspicious. She said, "It's OK, Saphira! Everything is OK."

I took her word for it and moved on. We continued our walk down the street.

I am a German Shepherd Dog. I am ALWAYS on duty to protect my people! I am PROUD of my VERY BIG GIRL BARK!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Busted!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/514156</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 9 Oct 2008 04:46:54 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/514156</guid>
		<description>Grandma came yesterday.

She opened the door VERY QUIETLY. She peeped in. I heard the door open, a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma came yesterday.

She opened the door VERY QUIETLY. She peeped in. I heard the door open, and I lifted my head up to look.

BUSTED!

Grandma saw me, and I was LAYING ON THE COUCH!

I'm allowed on the couch when I am INVITED to be there. Nobody had INVITED me because nobody was home. Mommy and Daddy took my soft bed away that used to be by my big window because I started CHEWING on it. Mommy and Daddy put the gate on the steps leading to the upstairs where the nice, soft guestroom bed is by my lookout window. The door was closed leading to OUR nice, soft BIG BED.

What's a girl to do?

I thought...Nobody INVITED me to go on the couch, SOOOOOO I will invite MYSELF!!! I was having a very nice nap up there. It is a very comfy leather couch, and I like it very much. Ahhhhhhh!

Uh-oh!!! 

BUSTED!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Hear That Mommy Passed Her Big Test!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/513990</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 8 Oct 2008 15:11:26 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/513990</guid>
		<description>Mommy has been studying and studying and studying. She had to take this BIG TEST. Then she had to wa ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy has been studying and studying and studying. She had to take this BIG TEST. Then she had to wait and wait and wait to find out if she passed her test.

She found out today that she PASSED!

It is a VERY HAPPY DAY for Mommy!

Yea, Mommy!!!!

I think we all need to have some TREATS!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fine Day in the Rain</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/513945</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 8 Oct 2008 12:22:40 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/513945</guid>
		<description>Grandma came over to give me my lunch and play with me. I needed to go potty after that, so Grandma  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma came over to give me my lunch and play with me. I needed to go potty after that, so Grandma said the special words:

"Saphira! Would you like to go for a nice walk in the rain?"

"OF COURSE, GRANDMA!!!!!!"

We started out, I went potty, and then we took a walk in the neighborhood, looking for good puddles. WE FOUND SOME!   I checked out how good everything smelled, too!

We decided that we would KEEP walking and head to the park. It started raining even harder. We KNEW that there would be some FINE PUDDLES in the park!

We walked under the pine trees, and I smelled all the pinecones. I also found my hole that I dug a few weeks ago.

We walked further into the park. We got to a big field, and I ran and ran in a BIG CIRCLE all around Grandma. Grandma had me on  my retractable leash. I ran and ran and ran. Grandma was turning and turning around and around. She said she got dizzy!

Next we checked out some more of the park. We walked the whole way around the park and came to the road next to the lake. There were some AMAZING puddles there. I plopped into the biggest one. Ahhhhh! Feels great! I had rain falling on me and a puddle UNDER me. Wonderful!

Soon it was time to head back home. I still had some of my lunch to finish, too. Grandma and I played "Let's Dry Off Saphira" by the front door.

As I was finishing my lunch, Grandma was putting some treats in my KONG.  Grandma also gathered up my tennis balls so we could play.

It was time for Grandma to go. I had a very busy afternoon, so I was thinking about having a nice nap next.

Yawn! 

Bye-Bye, Grandma!!  I'm glad we went for our nice walk in the rain!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Been Liking Fall</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/513436</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 7 Oct 2008 05:44:54 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/513436</guid>
		<description>This is my first fall, and I have to say that I like it A LOT!

I LOVE that it is cooler outside a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ This is my first fall, and I have to say that I like it A LOT!

I LOVE that it is cooler outside and that I don't get as hot as quickly as I did when it was summer.

There are some very yummy leaves that are on the ground that used to be on the trees. I hear that some trees will lose ALL their leaves in fall. I don't understand that, but there are many things that I still have to find out about my world!

There are different smells in fall. They are interesting.

I have noticed that I don't see as many of my butterflies when I go on my walk. I think they may be on vacation. I HAVE noticed other bugs, and I STILL see lots of those Bee-Bugs that fly and STING. I know that I should keep away from them, but the sound that they make is INTERESTING! I love anything that FLIES!

The sun is still shining, but it doesn't seem as hot.  People are wearing more clothes than they did in the summer. There are fewer places to lick on them because they are more covered up now.

It gets dark much sooner now. That is strange. I begin to think that it is time for bed MUCH earlier than I used to when it was light outside for a longer time.

I think fall is very nice. I hope that it sticks around for awhile. I have A LOT more things to find out about it!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Busy Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/512991</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 6 Oct 2008 05:24:28 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/512991</guid>
		<description>We went to a new place to run today! It was Big Creek Park in Chardon. I had to be on my leash when  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We went to a new place to run today! It was Big Creek Park in Chardon. I had to be on my leash when we ran, but it was very fun anyway.

I ran for one hour and two minutes! It was cool and very nice.

When we got home and had our dinner, then it was BATHTIME! 

We played and had a nice time together.

Soon it was BEDTIME. Ahhhhhhhhhh!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am a Fish!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/512837</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 5 Oct 2008 16:24:34 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/512837</guid>
		<description>When it rains, Mommy does NOT like to go outside with me while I take care of business. Daddy doesn' ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ When it rains, Mommy does NOT like to go outside with me while I take care of business. Daddy doesn't like to either. SOOOOOOOO....

They put me on my retractable leash and REEL ME OUT! I do my thing, then they REEL ME IN just like a FISH!!!!

I am a FISH!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Running for President</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/512580</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 4 Oct 2008 20:28:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/512580</guid>
		<description>After watching (kind of!) TWO debates now, I have decided to take things into my own hands and run f ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ After watching (kind of!) TWO debates now, I have decided to take things into my own hands and run for President so that the REALLY IMPORTANT issues can be discussed!

Here is my platform:

1) Unlimited chickens in everybody's pot
2)Ice Cream for all
3) Mandatory Dog Park constuction for every American town
4) Mommies and Daddies with doggies have two-day work weeks
5) Free replacement toys for any dog returning a broken, partially eaten or slobbered-to-death toy
6) Immediate discipline for ANY Mommy or Daddy who do NOT allow the doggies on the couch or bed
7) Free tennis ball dispensers on every corner
8) Compulsory playtime whenever the DOGGIE chooses
9) No punishment allowed for gnawed table legs, baseboards, walls or sticks that hold sliding glass doors closed (Special request from Saphira)
10) Mud puddles on EVERY street

I welcome any and all additions to this platform from any and all doggies!


11) Off-leash running and fetching where it is safe (Thanks, Hearth, for a great add!)
12) Monetary Steve (Loofah Dog Toy) Stipend sent to all doggies monthly (Thanks, Moxy! Great idea!)

Bob Dog had MANY additional ideas! Here they are!


Special treatment for ALL German Shepherds, with the entire country recognizing us as being the very best doggies of all time. We should be served steak for dinner every night and ice cream for dessert. On hot days, our Mommies should spray us with hoses to our heart's delight, and on cold nights, we should be invited under the covers on the big bed! Walks whenever we want, balls thrown on demand. And it's an off-leash world for GSDs! Also, Mommy's never have to go to school or work and just play with their GSDs all day. And massage their sore muscles. And feed them cookies. And scratch their ears. And accept kisses all over their faces. And....

Well, I could go on and on! 

Love, Bob]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Bark at the Man at the Door</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/512322</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 4 Oct 2008 04:42:33 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/512322</guid>
		<description>At Grandma and Grandpa's house yesterday the doorbell rang. Grandma and Grandpa have a front door th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ At Grandma and Grandpa's house yesterday the doorbell rang. Grandma and Grandpa have a front door that has windows all along the sides of the door, so I can see outside. There was a strange man standing there!

This was the first time I had been at Grandma and Grandpa's house when the doorbell rang AND someone I didn't know was standing outside the door.

I immediately ran to the windows that were on the sides of the front door. I barked with my biggest BIG GIRL voice. I was DEFINITELY going to tell that man to GO AWAY! This is NOT his house!

Grandpa came to the door and started to go outside to talk to the man. I didn't think that was a good idea at all! Grandpa said, "It's OK, Saphira!" 

I DID NOT think it was OK! Daddy took me by my collar so that I did not go out the door WITH Grandpa to protect him.

I stayed inside with Grandma and Daddy. I kept closeby...not barking but DEFINITELY watching to make sure Grandpa was OK. I did not like it that that man was still out there talking to Grandpa!

In awhile Grandpa came back inside. The man went away. I went to the windows that were beside the front door and watched until the man was out of my sight. I checked Grandpa to see if he was OK. He was.

I am PROUD that I was there if Grandpa needed me!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Will Have a Happy Day Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/512027</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 3 Oct 2008 06:17:38 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/512027</guid>
		<description>Uncle Jon comes to give me my lunch, and then we get in the Jeep and come back to Grandma and Grandp ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Uncle Jon comes to give me my lunch, and then we get in the Jeep and come back to Grandma and Grandpa's house!

I get to spend the whole day with my family! 

It is a BEAUTIFUL fall day, and there are some puddles left after the BIG RAIN last night. The sun is shining, but it is cool just like I like it. We are going to have a long, wonderful walk today! My Puddle-Jumper Grandma says she is READY!!!!

Later, after my walk I will probably have a little nap while Grandma is getting dinner ready. We get to have dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's too. Daddy will be late from school because he has Band Practice. After that he will come and we will all have DINNER!

Daddy and I may go for a short run together after we rest a bit after dinner. We can go play catch in Grandma and Grandpa's big backyard, too. I have to make sure that I don't mistake any GREEN WALNUTS for my GREEN TENNIS BALL. Those green walnuts sure taste NASTY!!!

By then it will probably be dark. The lights outside are turning off SO much earlier than they did before. I still haven't figured out why they DO that! Anyway, we will come inside and maybe have a SNACK! Grandma has these "Chicken Carvers" for me that are downright DELICIOUS!

Daddy missed watching the Debate last night, so Grandpa Rich recorded it for him. We will all go downstairs to watch it. (Grandpa Rich wants to watch it AGAIN. I don't understand THAT!) Debates are BORING. That is my cue to take a nice nap on the comfy carpet in the family room!

I know that Daddy will come down on the floor and snuggle with me after I snooze for awhile. He LOVES to snuggle as much as I do! Belly Rubs and Daddy Kisses are my FAVORITES!

Then it will be time to head back home. Mommy will be there after she works at the football game. Then it will be time for BED! 

Ahhhh! I will have a happy, happy day and evening with my family!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Weigh SEVENTY POUNDS!!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/511767</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 2 Oct 2008 09:30:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/511767</guid>
		<description>Yes! It is TRUE!!!

I am SEVEN months old, and I weigh SEVENTY pounds!!!

Good thing I won't CON ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yes! It is TRUE!!!

I am SEVEN months old, and I weigh SEVENTY pounds!!!

Good thing I won't CONTINUE to gain TEN POUNDS A MONTH for the rest of my life, or I would have to go on The Biggest Loser ---for DOGS!!!!!

Of course most of those seventy pounds is FUR and MUSCLE...

Hee! Hee!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am SEVEN Months Old Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/511676</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 2 Oct 2008 03:21:28 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/511676</guid>
		<description>SEVEN!

Yes! I am SEVEN months old today!

Since I was SIX months old I have:

1) learned how  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ SEVEN!

Yes! I am SEVEN months old today!

Since I was SIX months old I have:

1) learned how to run SIX MILES at a time
2) helped remodel the house (baseboard, table leg, and wood stick from the sliding glass door)
3) met TWO Great-Grandmas
4) graduated from my Intermediate Puppy Class
5) de-squeeked every remaining toy
6) gotten a boxful of presents from Smoke and Tess (Thanks, Buddies!)
7) met a nice man driving a backhoe
8) gotten to sleep on a pillow in THE BIG BED
9) added ten pounds to my puppy body

It has been a BUSY, HAPPY, FUN month!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Notice That Mommy and Daddy Have a New Plan</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/511419</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 1 Oct 2008 09:56:20 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/511419</guid>
		<description>When I was a little puppy I would get ALL EXCITED when Mommy and Daddy would get home! I would jump  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ When I was a little puppy I would get ALL EXCITED when Mommy and Daddy would get home! I would jump up on them and cry my "Oh! I'm SOOOOO glad you are home!" cry. 

Now that I am about FIFTY POUNDS LARGER than I was back then, jumping up on Mommy and Daddy is NOT a fun and happy welcome because I can almost knock them over!

Mommy and Daddy figured out a new plan:

1) When Daddy comes in he gives me my special green rubber bone. (It's one that I haven't managed to EAT yet!)

2) Daddy says "Hello!" to me and I do my happy cry, BUT I have my bone in my mouth which I have to take care of, so I don't jump up on Daddy.

3) Daddy and I play and enjoy being together. He usually takes me outside to go potty, and then we have a snack.

4) When I hear the garage door again, I KNOW it is Mommy. Daddy gets my green bone all ready, and when Mommy comes in, Daddy puts my bone in my mouth. I am SOOOO happy to see Mommy that I do my special "Welcome Home!" cry, but I don't jump up on her because I am busy holding my bone in my mouth.

5) Mommy is very happy to see me and gives me belly rubs and pets me. She is very happy to see me! I think she is ALSO happy that I don't knock her over anymore!

That's the plan, and it makes ALL of us HAPPY!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Meet a Backhoe at the Park!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/511176</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:39:00 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/511176</guid>
		<description>My Grandmas BOTH came today! I was SO excited to see them! I had a little of my lunch, and then we l ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My Grandmas BOTH came today! I was SO excited to see them! I had a little of my lunch, and then we left for LakeShore Reservation.

I was NOT allowed in the lake today because I had medicine on my ear. The lake was pretty rough, so it probably was a good idea to stay OUT of it.

We went on all the trails, though, and I met a man operating a backhoe. There is a picture of it and me with my pictures. I was VERY interested in the backhoe! I did not know what it was at the time or what it was doing. I just knew that it was interesting, and I really wanted to find out more.

As we got closer I saw that the backhoe was MOVING! It was scooping up DIRT. Hey!! I like to do that, too!

All of a sudden the backhoe turned its digging part around! It looked like a big arm that was reaching out! I HAD to bark! I barked and barked and was sure to use my BIG GIRL VOICE! 

My Grandmas talked to me, and then the man in the backhoe SMILED at me. The man IN the big hole smiled, too. The man running the backhoe STOPPED the machine, and he talked with us.

He was surprised that I was just a six-month-old puppy. 

Now that we were FRIENDS, I decided that since I like to dig, too, I would HELP HIM! I began to dig right beside him!

I know that I helped him A LOT!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Graduate From My Intermediate Puppy Class Tonight!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/510873</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:19:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/510873</guid>
		<description>We arrived at Graduation tonight around 7:30PM. I was REALLY EXCITED to see all my doggie buddies ag ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We arrived at Graduation tonight around 7:30PM. I was REALLY EXCITED to see all my doggie buddies again!

Mommy, Daddy and I have been working REALLY hard to practice all the commands that are a part of the test that I must take in order to  graduate from my Intermediate Puppy Class.

The Obstacle Course had these orange cones. They had stop signs in some places, and sometimes I had to sit.  Sometimes I had to stop and meet someone and greet them in a polite way, and sometimes I had to walk nicely around the cones. I had to weave around the cones in other places, and I also did a Down-Stay.

My first run-through was GOOD. Daddy said that my final performance was FLAWLESS! 

I was REALLY HAPPY and PROUD of myself! I KNEW that I did really well. Mommy and Daddy had their HAPPY FACES on all night!

Daddy snapped LOTS of pictures, so you will just HAVE to check them out on my page!

It was nice seeing all my friends that graduated. My buddy, Bruce, who is a Puggle, and his Mommy took a picture with Mommy and Me.

Soon it was time to leave. I got a special Graduation Bone as a present. I got to eat it in the car on the way home!

Ahhhhh! A yummy bone and a happy night!

Happy Graduation to ME!!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Will Have a Beach Day Tomorrow!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/510561</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 02:55:48 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/510561</guid>
		<description>Tomorrow BOTH of my Grandmas are coming to feed me and play with me and take me out to go potty. THE ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tomorrow BOTH of my Grandmas are coming to feed me and play with me and take me out to go potty. THEN we are going to the BEACH!

Grandma Cheryl is going to bring my retractable leash so that I can go a bit further into the Lake to catch the waves. I can't wait!!!

Grandma Linda is NOT a Water-Girl like Grandma Cheryl and I, but she knows how much I LOVE going to the beach. She is willing to go near the water because she knows I love it so much. Isn't that GREAT of Grandma Linda??!!

Grandma Linda does not know how to swim, but Grandma Cheryl and I do. We will keep Grandma Linda SAFE!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Run With Mommy OFF-LEASH!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/510559</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 02:44:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/510559</guid>
		<description>On Saturday I needed to be ON my leash while Mommy and I ran because there were SO MANY people on th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ On Saturday I needed to be ON my leash while Mommy and I ran because there were SO MANY people on the trails!

Yesterday, though, the trails weren't crowded with people and dogs, and Mommy could take off my leash.

I LOVE to run OFF-LEASH! I feel so free and so happy! Mommy runs OFF-LEASH all the time except when she and I are CONNECTED by MY leash. I think SHE likes it best when I am OFF-LEASH, too, because we can both run happy and FREE!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Learn That Casper's Heart Surgery is TUESDAY!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/510433</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:14:13 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/510433</guid>
		<description>Casper will be having his heart surgery on Tuesday, and I wanted to ask all of you to be thinking ab ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Casper will be having his heart surgery on Tuesday, and I wanted to ask all of you to be thinking about him and praying that all goes well.

He will be alone without his family for the first time. This is a scary thing for him AND his family.

Thanks to everyone who wrote to him, visited his site, and also a special thank you to those who donated toward his surgery and hospital costs. His family is VERY appreciative.

His Group HAVE A HEART will probably have updates. I will post updates here as well as I receive them.

Casper's Dogster ID# is 743188.

Kiss-Kiss from Saphira!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Think About My First Six Months</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/510249</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:32:25 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/510249</guid>
		<description>This week I will be turning SEVEN MONTHS OLD! I will then be MORE than 1/2 year old! As I think abou ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ This week I will be turning SEVEN MONTHS OLD! I will then be MORE than 1/2 year old! As I think about all that I have done and learned over this last six months, I am AMAZED!

I don't even remember when my eyes weren't open yet! I DO remember how good my tummy felt when my mama fed me, though! (I STILL love a full tummy!) I remember playing with my brothers and sisters at Arthur's house, and I remember my mama and my papa.

I remember seeing my Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Jon and going home with them. That sure was a busy day of meeting all my new family AND the whole Track Team! There were SO many new things that day! It made my puppy-self SO sleepy!

I learned to be on my leash, to go potty ONLY outside, to come when Mommy and Daddy called my new name (Saphira!), to sleep in my crate at night, and to be patient while Daddy brushed my teeth. 

I learned NOT to bite down hard on people's arms because they don't have much fur there to protect them like my mama and daddy and brothers and sisters do.

I went to Puppy Class and GRADUATED! I went to my Intermediate Puppy Class and will soon graduate from it, too!

I have been SOOOOOO many fun places like hiking trails, the beach, the park, PetSmart, Track Meets, races, people's houses, a family reunion and walking in my neighborhood.

I have met SOOOOO many people and many, many doggies, too!

I have TRIPLED my weight since Mommy and daddy took me home to live with them! I am SO much taller, too, and can see out all the windows in the house and in the car. I have outgrown my first collar and my first car harness!

I have gotten SO many nice toys, new bowls, my stroller, AND I get Treat Baths and get to sleep in Mommy and Daddy's nice soft bed. 

I have learned many commands and tricks. I can catch a tennis ball really well and run SIX MILES at a time on the trails. I even get to run OFF-LEASH quite often now!

I have learned good manners around big people and little people and was very well-behaved when I met my Great-Grandmas last week. I am behaving myself very well around big dogs and little dogs, too.

It has been a VERY EXCITING first six months, and I can't WAIT to find out about all the wonderful things I will do and learn about in the REST of my first year!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Good Time at the Debate Party</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/509926</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 27 Sep 2008 06:39:54 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/509926</guid>
		<description>We came to Grandma and Grandpa's, and it was already DARK outside! Mommy got me out of my car harnes ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We came to Grandma and Grandpa's, and it was already DARK outside! Mommy got me out of my car harness, and I ran to say "Hello!" to Grandma and Grandpa who were on the porch waiting for me.

We all went inside, and I had to check to see if there was anything interesting on the floor. Grandma had baked something that smelled good, and she USUALLY drops SOMETHING on the floor that I can sample! I DID find a few crumbs and snapped them right down! Next I like to have some water. My water dish was there --all filled and ready for me!

Everyone was right where I like them...IN ONE ROOM ALL TOGETHER. I was able to lay down right in the middle of everybody as they talked.

Mommy began getting some things to eat, and Daddy did, too. Grandma had something for ME in her hand. I waited patiently and kept my eye on it!

We all went downstairs, and Grandma gave me my treat. It was a DOGSTERS Peanut Butter and Cheese Doggie Snow Cup! Mmmmmmm! I had one of these before! I had one at Great-Grandma Pauline and Uncle Jon's birthday! SO GOOD!!!

After that I went to get some water, and then I went downstairs again. I was getting very sleepy, so I went out to have a nice poop and pee and then settled down on the comfy carpet to rest.

Everybody was watching the TV. There were NO DOGS on the TV, and no ACTION either. I kept looking at the TV to see if I could tell just what was SO INTERESTING to everybody. I never DID find anything interesting.

I must have fallen asleep, because in awhile Mommy came down on the floor and petted me and rubbed my belly. I LOVE that. Then Daddy came down, and we had our Kissy-Time. I LOVE that, too! Daddy played "Find It!" with me and hid my AirDog Ring a bunch of times. I found it each time! Then Daddy hid it under his NECK and was laying down on the floor. I got my toy, and then I had fun putting most of Daddy's HEAD in my mouth! Daddy has lots of fur on his head just like I do!

Soon it was time to leave.

I STILL don't know what a Debate is, but I DO know that anytime I get a frozen treat, get to be with my family, get belly rubs, get to play "Find It!", and get to put Daddy's head in my mouth... it is a FUN TIME!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Wait for Uncle Jon</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/509729</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:33:31 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/509729</guid>
		<description>Daddy left.

Mommy left.

I had a nice rest, and I also played with my toys.

In a few hours m ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Daddy left.

Mommy left.

I had a nice rest, and I also played with my toys.

In a few hours my tummy told me it was LUNCHTIME. Uncle Jon was coming to feed me, take me outside to go potty and play with me. I was waiting.

Still waiting...

And waiting.

No Uncle Jon. 

I went upstairs to look out the big windows to see if Uncle Jon was coming. I looked for his blue car. No Uncle Jon. I decided to go to sleep on the nice, comfy bed. Maybe Uncle Jon would be coming in a little bit more.

I went downstairs to check the other big window. 

No Uncle Jon in his blue car.

I played some more and checked to see if MAYBE some food had appeared in my bowl while I was sleeping upstairs.

No food.

In awhile I heard the garage door. Was Uncle Jon coming in the garage door?

No, it was.........MOMMY!

I was expecting Uncle Jon, but seeing Mommy was GREAT!!!

Uncle Jon called Daddy to let him know that he COMPLETELY FORGOT to come and that he feels TERRIBLE about it.

I think Uncle Jon feels like I felt when I ate the wall. I didn't know why I did it. It just HAPPENED.

Uncle Jon fixed the wall that I ate. I guess now he and I are EVEN!

Kiss-Kiss Uncle Jon! 
I LOVE YOU!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Watch a Debate!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/509727</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:18:56 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/509727</guid>
		<description>Tonight Mommy and Daddy and I will be going to Grandma and Grandpa's to watch The Debate. I have NO  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tonight Mommy and Daddy and I will be going to Grandma and Grandpa's to watch The Debate. I have NO IDEA what a debate is, but it sounds like there MIGHT be food there!

We will be going when it is DARK, and that means it will almost be BEDTIME for me.  Grandma and Grandpa have comfy beds upstairs, but I will want to be downstairs with all my family.

Hmmmm!

Well, I can put on my SERIOUS FACE, and MAYBE I can be on Grandma and Grandpa's couch with them or on the other couch with Mommy and Daddy.

If not, I will have a nice laydown on Grandma and Grandpa's comfy carpeting in their familyroom. 

There! My evening is ALL planned out!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Timber Challenger Palin!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/509638</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 26 Sep 2008 09:49:37 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/509638</guid>
		<description>Hey, Everybody!

Sarah Palin chooses unusual names for her children. They are Track, Trig, Bristol ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hey, Everybody!

Sarah Palin chooses unusual names for her children. They are Track, Trig, Bristol, Willow, and Piper.

Here's a fun site to check out to see what YOUR name would be if YOU had Sarah Palin for YOUR Mommy:


http://www.personal-space.com/script/script.php


Based on my current track record for eating table legs, sticks, wood trim, and security boards for the sliding glass door, I think my NEW NAME (Timber Challenger) would be PERFECT for ME!!!!!

Go see what YOUR name would be!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Help Mommy Study</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/509226</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:32:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/509226</guid>
		<description>Mommy has a big test. I do not know what a &quot;test&quot; is, but I DO know that BEFORE you take one you hav ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy has a big test. I do not know what a "test" is, but I DO know that BEFORE you take one you have to spend a lot of time looking at books. You have to spend a lot of time with your SERIOUS FACE on. Sometimes you write things on paper, and you have these cards that you look at when you are waiting for the traffic light to change.

I have been helping Mommy RELAX. I know that helps Mommy, because her SERIOUS FACE goes away, and she smiles. I can feel her RELAXING as she talks to me and pets me.

I KNOW Mommy will do really good on her test. I am glad that I am helping her!

After all, I AM a graduate of Puppy School and even have a DIPLOMA! Next week I will graduate AGAIN--(This time from Intermediate Puppy School!)-- and get another diploma.

I sure hope I don't have to take any TESTS!

If I DO have to take tests, at least I already know how to make SERIOUS FACE!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get A Pillow!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/508986</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:39:01 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/508986</guid>
		<description>Bedtime is one of my VERY FAVORITE times of the day!

I usually have been for a nice run, have had ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Bedtime is one of my VERY FAVORITE times of the day!

I usually have been for a nice run, have had a nice dinner, and have had some happy couch time with Mommy and Daddywhen they are talking ot watching a movie.

Then I hear those special words:

"Saphira! Time to get ready for BED!!!!"

I get a nice drink, go out to go potty, and then I get my BIG GIRL TEETH brushed.

THEN comes the BEST PART! Mommy and Daddy and me get to climb into BED! I used to sleep on the bottom of the bed. NOW I get to sleep next to Mommy who is next to Daddy.

I also get a PILLOW!

OH! It is SO, SO comfortable to be in the BIG BED and to have a PILLOW for my little German Shepherd Head!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Visit With the Great-Grandmas, and Grandma Linda Comes, too!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/508607</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:34:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/508607</guid>
		<description>Today was a very busy day!

Grandma Linda played with me and brought my food to Grandma Cheryl and ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today was a very busy day!

Grandma Linda played with me and brought my food to Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Rich's house so I could have MY lunch while everyone was eating THEIR lunch.

I had SO many people to play with all afternoon!

Grandpa Rich took me outside, and I spent some time under a shady tree. I watched birds in the sky and also found a grasshopper to play with for awhile.

Grandma Cheryl took me for a walk, and I met Henry, a big Weimeraner who lives down the street. He barked at me, but then we touched noses, and he didn't bark anymore. 

I did tricks and got treats and ICE CUBES!

I got to watch Uncle Jon climbing on the roof and cleaning out things called "gutters". I was surprised that Uncle Jon was on the ROOF!

Soon it was time to go back home and see Mommy and Daddy!

I had a fun day with my family!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Getting Ready to Graduate from My Intermediate Puppy Class!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/508604</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:26:19 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/508604</guid>
		<description>I have been working very hard to learn many new things at my Intermediate Puppy Class! Next week I w ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have been working very hard to learn many new things at my Intermediate Puppy Class! Next week I will GRADUATE!

I have been working on an obstacle course and learning to sit and stay at the right times and also to sometimes lie down at other times.

I have to concentrate and really focus to make sure that I am doing everything that I am supposed to do!

Last night was a small class, so it was MUCH easier for me to concentrate. 

I have learned A LOT!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Taste More Household Items</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/508251</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:25:36 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/508251</guid>
		<description>I have been interested in several things lately that I just didn't pay much attention to before:

 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have been interested in several things lately that I just didn't pay much attention to before:

          *Baseboards

           *Table legs

            *Piece of wood that's in our sliding glass door



I like to LICK these things.

Then I take a small TASTE of them.

Before I know it I am using my BIG GIRL TEETH on them.



Sometimes I think that I just like to CHEW. 

Sometimes I think that I like to see how well my BIG GIRL teeth are working.

Sometimes I'm not sure WHY I do it.

Maybe the TRUE answer is: Because I CAN!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Very Fun Time at the Birthday Party!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/507978</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:53:49 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/507978</guid>
		<description>Today I went to Great-Grandma Pauline's and Uncle Jon's birthday! I got to meet Great-Grandma Paulin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today I went to Great-Grandma Pauline's and Uncle Jon's birthday! I got to meet Great-Grandma Pauline and Great-Grandma Bonnie for the first time, too!

It wasn't MY birthday, but I got PRESENTS and TREATS! I got Doggie Ice Cream, too!

I played and played with my new toys. My favorite is my new Hedgehog from Smoke and Tess! I LOVE, LOVE. LOVE it! It has TWO different squeekies in it! Thank you, Smoke and Tess for all my presents!!!

I showed my Great-Grandmas some of my best tricks. The thing that they liked the best was that I was a VERY GOOD GIRL with them! I did not jump up on them, and I was VERY polite! I was NOT rough with them, either.

Mommy and Daddy were very, VERY proud of me!

I heard words like "adorable" and "sweet" and "darling" when my Great-Grandmas  were talking about me.

I think that my Great Grandmas love me already!

(You can see pictures of us on my picture page!)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Day, and Mommy and Daddy Run FAR!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/507588</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:55:57 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/507588</guid>
		<description>I had a very fun day with Grandma Linda! We went to the park and played together. I LOVE Grandma Lin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I had a very fun day with Grandma Linda! We went to the park and played together. I LOVE Grandma Linda!

Mommy and Daddy ran their race today. It was a 50K (31 miles), SOOOO it was considered an ULTRA (more than 26.2 miles).

Mommy ran FAST-FAST and came in SECOND for all the women who ran the race!

Daddy took longer but he learned a lot about running far and running FAST!

They got PRESENTS, too! They got Nike shirts, socks, FOOD and other goodies! PEOPLE TREATS!!!

Tonight we are all R-E-L-A-X-I-N-G!!!!!!

Ahhhhhhhhh! 

Couches and movies and all of us TOGETHER......Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Will Be Going To A DOUBLE Birthday Party!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/507064</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:18:31 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/507064</guid>
		<description>On Sunday I will get to go to a DOUBLE Birthday Party! Great-Grandma Pauline and Uncle Jon will be h ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ On Sunday I will get to go to a DOUBLE Birthday Party! Great-Grandma Pauline and Uncle Jon will be having birthdays, and I get to go!

This is my very first time to meet Great-Grandma Pauline. She will be turning 80 years old! I will also get to meet my Great-Grandma Bonnie. She doesn't have a birthday yet, but she is already 96 years old.

At Grandma Cheryl's Birthday there was cake and ICE CREAM! There was paper-rattling and pictures being taken. There was singing and laughing, and EATING! I bet we will do all those things at this DOUBLE Birthday party, too!

Birthday parties are FUN!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Spend the Day With Grandma Linda!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/507062</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:11:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/507062</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy will run their marathon tomorrow, so I get to spend the day with Grandma Linda.

I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy will run their marathon tomorrow, so I get to spend the day with Grandma Linda.

I hope that it is a nice cool day like it has been here for awhile. It feels SO NICE when it is cooler! Being outside is wonderful when it isn't so HOT like it has been here all summer.

We will go to the park, and I can check to see if there are any new butterflies there. Maybe the golfing man will be there and I can get his golf ball for him like I did last time.

There will be some new leaves to investigate, too. I will have to check my pinecones and see if my big hole is still there.

I will be a busy doggie!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Think About Flying Things</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/506787</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:21:30 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/506787</guid>
		<description>Today I was thinking about things that I really LOVE. Of course I love Mommy and Daddy the most of a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today I was thinking about things that I really LOVE. Of course I love Mommy and Daddy the most of all, but I also really LOVE things that FLY!

Some things that I have seen fly are:
     * seagulls
     * butterflies
     * airplanes
     * ducks
     * geese
     * leaves
     * insects
     * other birds
     * bees

I really love watching how they are on the ground and then suddenly they are IN THE AIR!

I know now that I cannot fly. I have tried to jump very high, but each time I have always come right back down again.

I watch all these fliers hoping to figure out just how they DO it. So far I have just figured out LEAVES.

Leaves are stuck on trees until they decide to become unstuck. They are helped by the wind, and the wind definitely helps them fly. When they land on the ground they sometimes stay there. Sometimes they move around if there is MORE wind. I think the leaves and the wind must  be partners.

I will continue watching all the other fliers and try to find out more about how they DO it!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover That I Have &quot;Anal Glands&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/506353</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 17 Sep 2008 07:08:54 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/506353</guid>
		<description>Mommy noticed that I had a strange smell. She hadn't noticed the smell before. This was a NEW smell. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy noticed that I had a strange smell. She hadn't noticed the smell before. This was a NEW smell. Mommy wondered if MAYBE I was "in heat". Now, I could have told her the answer to that! I was in our nice, cool condo, and NO, I was NOT feeling HOT!

Anyway, for some reason Mommy thought that it was NOT a good idea to go to my Intermediate Puppy Class where Bruce the Puggle was IF I was "in heat". I still couldn't understand what being HOT had to do with going or NOT going to a Puppy Class!

Then, Mommy was calling my VET! Was HE coming to my Puppy Class? 

I am CONFUSED!

We all went to my vet, and I ended up getting my rear-end 
S-Q-U-E-E-Z-E-D to let out this brown smelly stuff. 

It wasn't POOP.

It was brown, smelly stuff from my ANAL GLANDS.

I never even knew I HAD anal glands. Neither did Mommy or Daddy!

Well, maybe this is too much information for some, but I would suggest that if YOU smell stinky, and your people give you a funny look because you smell funny, maybe YOU need to get YOUR anal glands checked!

This has been a FREE service announcement from Saphira!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Treat Bath PLUS!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/506004</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:14:27 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/506004</guid>
		<description>It was bathtime for me again tonight! 

Those trails are VERY muddy! Mommy and Daddy put me in the ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was bathtime for me again tonight! 

Those trails are VERY muddy! Mommy and Daddy put me in the shower, and used that special sprayer to get me all nice and clean.

THEN it was time for something NEW!

Mommy trimmed my toenails with this special clipper. Daddy was my TREAT MAN like he is for my Treat Baths. Mommy would cut a nail, and Daddy would give me a TREAT!

I LOVE treats! 

Bathtime is OK, but TREAT BATHS are great!

Toenail cutting isn't too bad, but TREAT TOENAIL CUTTING is REALLY GREAT!

I highly recommend it!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Play With Kathy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/506001</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:55:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/506001</guid>
		<description>My neighbor, Kathy, had surgery on her wrist. She's the one that I told you about in one of my diary ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My neighbor, Kathy, had surgery on her wrist. She's the one that I told you about in one of my diary entries that had that Blue Thing on her arm that made me bark and bark when I saw it.

Kathy is doing much better this week, and she has been coming in the afternoon to take me out to pee, feed me my lunch, and spend time with me.

She lives right next door to us! Her condo and our condo are stuck together! Pretty neat, huh??!!!

I was just thinking...If I ever needed Kathy in an emergency, I wouldn't need to use the telephone. I could just BARK and BARK and BARK, and she would hear me!

I save my barks for when I really have something IMPORTANT to say!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Head Collar</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/505638</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:22:04 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/505638</guid>
		<description>I am getting stronger every day.

Yesterday I pulled Mommy INTO THE RIVER.

Mommy and Daddy and  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I am getting stronger every day.

Yesterday I pulled Mommy INTO THE RIVER.

Mommy and Daddy and I went to PetSmart, and they got me a Head Collar.

I think these three events have A LOT to do with one another!

A Head Collar is supposed to help me not pull so strongly as Mommy and Daddy have me on my leash.

We'll see.

I REALLY love being OFF-LEASH, but sometimes I know I HAVE to be connected to Mommy or Daddy by my leash ...just to keep safe.

I will give this Head Collar a whirl.

Maybe.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Pull Mommy Into the River!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/505636</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:17:17 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/505636</guid>
		<description>It was REALLY hot! We had been running for awhile at the Girdled Road Park. There was this VERY nice ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was REALLY hot! We had been running for awhile at the Girdled Road Park. There was this VERY nice river there. It looked VERY cool in there.

I decided I wanted to take a dip!

Now, Mommy was on the OTHER END of the leash, so Mommy came along WITH me down the embankment and into the river, too!

I think Mommy is STILL surprised how strong I am!

Mommy wasn't PLANNING on going into the river, but I think she enjoyed getting INSTANTLY COOL!

Water! Ahhhhhhh! I just LOVE IT!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Run OFF-LEASH at Hogback Ridge</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/505265</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 14 Sep 2008 05:53:12 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/505265</guid>
		<description>OH! It was a very fun time! 

Mommy and Daddy and I drove to Hogback Ridge which isn't too far awa ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ OH! It was a very fun time! 

Mommy and Daddy and I drove to Hogback Ridge which isn't too far away from our home.

We got onto the trails and began to run. I was OFF-LEASH and having a GREAT time feeling free and happy just out there running with Mommy and Daddy.

I LOVE running OFF-LEASH! I can move my head and my body and my paws JUST the way that I want. I feel like Mommy and Daddy and me are running a RACE together! We are like a TEAM!

Daddy says I am very focused when I run. I HAVE to be to keep up with Mommy and Daddy!

I am smiling and laughing to myself the whole time. 

Running with Mommy and Daddy on the pretty, shady trails makes me HAPPY!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Practice &quot;STAY!&quot; at My Front Door</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/505263</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 14 Sep 2008 05:43:28 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/505263</guid>
		<description>Usually I go out the front door with Daddy or Mommy or Grandma or Uncle Jon or Kathy. I am usually o ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Usually I go out the front door with Daddy or Mommy or Grandma or Uncle Jon or Kathy. I am usually on my leash.

Recently, Daddy has been practicing something new with me. He has been opening the front door, leaving it open, and then saying, "Saphira! Stay!" to me. He then goes out the front door to take out the garbage or to get something in his car, or just to walk around out there!

I am supposed to "STAY!" inside and not go out.

This is hard because wherever Mommy or Daddy are is where I want to be, too.

I am not sure why I am practicing this. I think maybe it MIGHT be one of those "If-I-Can-Learn-This, -Mommy-and -Daddy-Can -Take-Me-Anywhere" kind of things.

It MIGHT be a TRUST thing, too, like when Mommy and Daddy let me run OFF-LEASH with them on the trails. I REALLY love THAT, and it makes me feel PROUD that they trust me.

Yes.

I will work hard at this new "STAY!" at our front door!

I am a BIG GIRL now!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Barked at EVERY Dog at the Park Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504978</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:33:10 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504978</guid>
		<description>Well, that's not EXACTLY true...

I didn't bark at the GREAT DANE!

Mommy and Daddy think that I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well, that's not EXACTLY true...

I didn't bark at the GREAT DANE!

Mommy and Daddy think that I am in a new stage of development. I don't know what the heck that means, but honestly...I do LOVE the sound my bark makes!

It's gotten deeper and more SERIOUS, too! It really SOUNDS like I mean business!

I used to be this easy-going "DO-WHAT -YOU-WANT-WITH-ME" doggie, but now I am standing my ground and showing those other dogs that I am lean and mean and....NO, not MEAN...and well, not really LEAN...

You know what I'm saying!

I am more watchful, too! I take in the situation. I sniff, I LOOK, I EVALUATE.

I don't know where this is all coming from. I just FEEL it inside. 

I am also MUCH stronger! If I really want to, I can yank REALLY HARD on my leash!  (I think all that running has developed my muscles!)

I LOVE my BIG GIRL body and teeth and bark!

Maybe I really AM a PIRATE!!!

Yipppppppeeeeee!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have Become A Pirate!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504974</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:23:09 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504974</guid>
		<description>Ahoy, Mateys!

Sadie, my Pup Pal, has turned me into a PIRATE!!!

I've been shivering me timbers ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Ahoy, Mateys!

Sadie, my Pup Pal, has turned me into a PIRATE!!!

I've been shivering me timbers and walking the plank and practicing the hornpipe to prepare for "Talk Like a Pirate Day" on September 19th!

Blimey!!!   Sure hope I get some LOOT!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Star in My Very First Video!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504703</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:07:27 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504703</guid>
		<description>I have pictures of me at the beach on my page, but NOW I also have a VIDEO of me playing with the wa ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have pictures of me at the beach on my page, but NOW I also have a VIDEO of me playing with the waves!

It's VERY short, but pretty good for my VERY FIRST VIDEO here on Dogster!

Thanks, Grandpa, for helping me get it onto my page!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Think About Fall</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504612</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:33:59 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504612</guid>
		<description>There is this new thing coming soon. It is called &quot;Fall&quot; or &quot;Autumn&quot;. I have never seen it before, s ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ There is this new thing coming soon. It is called "Fall" or "Autumn". I have never seen it before, so I am not sure of what to expect. I'm GUESSING that it has something to do with all the leaves and pinecones FALLing off the trees. There's a LOT of stuff FALLing! Grandma has these tennis ball things that are green like tennis balls but they aren't tennis balls. Grandma says they are "WALNUTS" and that the squirrels like them.

As I watch the leaves and pinecones and walnuts dropping all over the place, I begin to wonder...

What ELSE is going to FALL?

Will the TREES fall?

How come the pinecones FALL but the pine LEAVES stay on?

Who tells all these things to FALL?

I think that I have A LOT to learn about this new thing that is coming!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am Picking Up Some Bad Habits At Puppy Class</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504606</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:02:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504606</guid>
		<description>I go to an Intermediate Puppy Class now. I am learning more about walking nicely BESIDE Mommy and Da ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I go to an Intermediate Puppy Class now. I am learning more about walking nicely BESIDE Mommy and Daddy and learning how to stop when they stop to talk with someone and patiently sit and wait. I'm doing pretty well at that.

Mommy and Daddy have noticed, though, that even though I am well-behaved, I am starting to pick up some bad habits from the other dogs in my group that AREN'T so well-behaved!

For one thing, I am barking back at them when they bark. (I was NEVER a big barker before.) Mommy thinks that I think that I am SUPPOSED to do what THEY do and am just barking more because I am EXPECTED to bark. (I am a quick study on things because I watch and listen very closely.)

Daddy is a teacher, and he knows that well-behaved students will often learn certain things from not-so-well-behaved students and start to act that way themselves. 

When you are a puppy, everybody thinks you are cute no matter WHAT you do. When you are a BIG GIRL with BIG TEETH, and you are also a German Shepherd, you can be REALLY SCARY to a lot of people who ALREADY might be frightened of a bigger dog. Mommy and Daddy want me to be good with EVERYONE and behave myself so they can take me everywhere with them.

Learning is EASY.

Learning what NOT to learn is HARD!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Fun Beach Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504389</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:13:22 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504389</guid>
		<description>It was a very pretty day today! 

We went to the BEACH! To get there we needed to walk through som ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was a very pretty day today! 

We went to the BEACH! To get there we needed to walk through some nice, shady trails, and there were MANY nice smells and things to see on our way.

We got to the steps leading down to the beach, and I could hardly wait to get to the water! 

The waves were coming in to see me! There sure were a lot of them! I did a play bow to let them know that I REALLY wanted to play with them. THEY did a play bow, too, making the water go from HIGH to LOW!

The waves were tricky today! Sometimes they came in faster than other times. Sometimes they were BIGGER than at other times! A few times I ran out to meet them. I thought they were leaving.

No they weren't! 

A BIG WAVE suddenly jumped right on top of me!    Hey!!! That WAS tricky!

I watched a whole big bunch of seagulls flying over my head. I ducked! I thought a seagull was going to land on my HEAD! Then one of the seagulls landed right ON the water! I watched the seagull for a long time. I was thinking how fun that would be to fly TO the water and land ON it!

I spotted a VERY BIG fishy on the sand. It was not moving. I wanted to smell it and maybe even LICK it, but Grandma said, "No! Leave it!" (I wonder why all the really INTERESTING stuff is a "No! Leave it!" thing...?)

I dug a nice trench down to the water. The water flowed up my trench when the wave came in. I like when it does that. The water feels good on my paws!

Our trip back through the shady trails was pretty. I saw two squirrels who were very good tree climbers! I also saw a big bee. That is a "No! Leave it!" FOR SURE!

I had a very happy time at the beach!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Eliminate Air-Dog Squeekiness with ONE BITE!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504045</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:01:47 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504045</guid>
		<description>I really love the fuzzy stuff on Air-Dog toys because it is SO MUCH like my wonderful tennis balls. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I really love the fuzzy stuff on Air-Dog toys because it is SO MUCH like my wonderful tennis balls.

Air-Dog Toys FLOAT, which is GREAT! 

They feel SO good in my mouth!

HOWEVER...

I found that in JUST ONE BITE I can make my Air-Dog SQUEEKY-TOYS become NOT squeeky!

Awwwwwww! 

OK...So where did the squeeky GO???]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Protect Grandma From The Blue Thing</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504020</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:51:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/504020</guid>
		<description>Grandma came, and I got LUNCH! Mmmmmmm! I got some fresh water, too, and then it was time for a walk ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Grandma came, and I got LUNCH! Mmmmmmm! I got some fresh water, too, and then it was time for a walk outside!

Grandma and I went under my special tree, and I got to collect a bunch of sticks and taste a lot of them. Mmmmmm! I love to do that right after I eat my lunch!

While I was enjoying my sticks, Kathy, our neighbor, came into the backyard, and she had a blue something with her. I began to bark because I thought Grandma was in danger. I didn't like the blue something. I wanted to protect her!

Grandma didn't ACT like she was in danger because she was TALKING to Kathy. The Blue Thing didn't bark or bite Grandma. Hmmmm!

The Blue Thing did not move, and Kathy did not seem to be in any danger either. I went up to Kathy to say, "Hello!", and she showed me the Blue Thing. She said it was a "sling" that held her arm because she had surgery on her wrist. I looked at it and sniffed it. The blue thing was just an arm holder made out of cloth like some of my toys!

OK.     Got it!

Grandma and Kathy talked for awhile longer, and I enjoyed collecting some more nice sticks. Another lady came who did not have a Blue Thing with her. She petted me, and I gave her a nice lick to say, "Hello!" I was patient as Grandma talked with Kathy and the Lady.

Now it was time to WALK! 

We had a very nice walk in the park, and I also saw some pretty butterflies. I chased after a few, but they flew fast-fast, and I couldn't catch them. (I think I MIGHT have been able to catch them if I wasn't on my leash.)

I dug three nice holes and put a pine cone in my biggest one. I sniffed many different smells. The air was cooler and smelled different today. It was a very happy walk!

Oh, and we didn' t see ANY more Blue Things!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Grandma and Uncle Jon Week!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/503456</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 9 Sep 2008 05:22:31 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/503456</guid>
		<description>Kathy, our next door neighbor who usually comes to feed me my lunch and play with me and let me out  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Kathy, our next door neighbor who usually comes to feed me my lunch and play with me and let me out to go potty, had surgery on her wrist. She is supposed to rest for awhile, so I get MY GRANDMAS and MY UNCLE JON all this week to play with me, and give me yummy things to eat, and take me for RainWalks!

Yesterday was Grandma Linda, and today is Grandma Linda, too.

Tomorrow and the next day is Grandma Cheryl.

On Friday Uncle Jon will come after his college class.

I can't always remember ahead of time who will be coming through the door, but then  I hear their cars and I can tell who it will be BEFORE they come through the door! I have VERY GOOD ears!

I always make sure that they KNOW how happy I am to see them!

I am glad that I have SO MANY people who love me!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go On a Nighttime Run</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/503451</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 9 Sep 2008 05:12:50 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/503451</guid>
		<description>We were having a fun time on our run. We were at the Girdled Road place where there are all of these ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We were having a fun time on our run. We were at the Girdled Road place where there are all of these neat trails.

It was getting darker and darker. 

I still could see, but it felt a lot different running when there wasn't as much light.

We kept running. It was nice and cool and DARK!

It is fun running at night!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go For My Six Month Check-Up</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/503107</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 8 Sep 2008 07:16:16 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/503107</guid>
		<description>On Saturday I went for my check-up at the doctor's. I got some shots that doggies are supposed to ge ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ On Saturday I went for my check-up at the doctor's. I got some shots that doggies are supposed to get when they are six months old. I still don't understand "shots", but I guess they all know what they are doing there at the doctor's!

They weighed me there, too!

I now weigh 61.8 pounds! I am growing FAST!!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Eat My NAME Cookies at my Treat Bath</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/503105</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 8 Sep 2008 07:11:26 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/503105</guid>
		<description>I was dirty-dirty when I came back from my hike! Mommy and Daddy said it was time to get another bat ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was dirty-dirty when I came back from my hike! Mommy and Daddy said it was time to get another bath! Since I'm sleeping on THEIR big bed, I think they want to make sure that ALL of us are  squeeky clean!

I remembered that the LAST time that I had a bath it was a TREAT BATH! Daddy fed me TREATS while Mommy was scrubbing me and getting me all clean. I was thinking that some TREATS sounded pretty good right about now!

Sure enough...

Daddy came into the bathroom with the S-A-P-H-I-R-A name cookies from my Half-Birthday! Ahhhhh! Daddy! You were reading my mind!

As Mommy was busy getting all of me all clean, Daddy was feeding me COOKIES!!!

Oh, YES! This was a very fine TREAT BATH!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get an Update on Casper's Surgery</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502975</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 7 Sep 2008 18:36:47 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502975</guid>
		<description>Casper will have his surgery on his little Pomeranian heart the last week of September or the first  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Casper will have his surgery on his little Pomeranian heart the last week of September or the first week of October!

Keep him in your prayers, please!

Special thanks to all who have worried and cared and prayed and sent donations.


Kiss-Kiss from Saphira!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Find Out That We Met the Goal for Casper!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502790</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 7 Sep 2008 09:56:56 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502790</guid>
		<description>Hey, EVERYONE!!!

The goal for Casper has been met!!!!

They even reached $50 OVER the goal!!
 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hey, EVERYONE!!!

The goal for Casper has been met!!!!

They even reached $50 OVER the goal!!

CASPER CAN GET HIS SURGERY!!!!

All extra money will be put in a fund so that OTHER doggies can get needed surgeries! Isn't that GREAT???!!!!

Thank you to all my Pup Pals who cared so much and for ALL who donated!!

Kiss-Kiss to you ALL from Saphira!

I am a HAPPY GIRL that Casper will get his surgery!

WE LOVE YOU CASPER!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Break From Running</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502789</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 7 Sep 2008 09:48:04 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502789</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy are going for a long run today because they are in training for their next marathon. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy are going for a long run today because they are in training for their next marathon. They will be running about 30 miles. That is WAY longer than I can run now, SO, I get a break today!

My plan:

1)Take a nice afternoon nap
2)Play with my toys
3)Go upstairs into the second bedroom and look out the big windows to see what' happening
4)Chew some plastic pop bottles
5) Have a nice nap to get ready for greeting Mommy and Daddy when they return from their run

Ahhhhh! 

Rest Days are NICE!!!!

ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Learn &quot;Drop It!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502735</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 7 Sep 2008 07:29:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502735</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy have been looking at all my BIG GIRL teeth that have come IN, and they have been col ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy have been looking at all my BIG GIRL teeth that have come IN, and they have been collecting all my puppy teeth that have come OUT.

I get my teeth brushed EVERY DAY.

Mommy and Daddy are having a MUCH harder time getting my tennis balls out of my mouth when we play catch.

It was time for me to learn: "DROP IT!"

I learned pretty fast! The reason is Daddy wouldn't KEEP playing tennis ball with me IF I DIDN'T drop the tennis ball!

Daddy is a teacher, so I guess he figured out how to do this pretty easily!

ANYWAY, I now drop the tennis ball when they say, "DROP IT!" I also do it when Grandma and Grandpa say it, because I want THEM to keep playing with me, too!

I'll do ANYTHING you want, guys! Just KEEP PLAYING TENNIS BALL WITH ME!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Play Balloon Volleyball With Daddy (and the Balloon)!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502478</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 6 Sep 2008 11:50:41 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502478</guid>
		<description>We were visiting Grandma and Grandpa last night. We played ball, Daddy showed Grandma and Grandpa a  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We were visiting Grandma and Grandpa last night. We played ball, Daddy showed Grandma and Grandpa a couple of my newest tricks, and I enjoyed playing with the new empty two-liter bottle Grandma had ready for me. I got a nice drink and was checking if there were any yummy crumbs in the kitchen.

Grandpa was telling Daddy about a dog that he saw on TV who was hitting a balloon to his Daddy, and the Daddy was hitting it back. They were having a very fun time.

Daddy asked if Grandma and Grandpa had a balloon so WE could try it.

Grandma had a BIG bag of little flat things that were all different colors.  Daddy took one of the little flat things and started breathing into it. It turned into a really big ball. (I don't understand how that happened. I think it must have been MAGIC!)

He showed it to me and then threw it high up in the air. It came down like a leaf does! He did it again, and this time I tried to bite it. My mouth wasn't big enough to get around it. Instead, it bounced right off my NOSE!

It didn't hurt my nose AT ALL!

Daddy was all happy when the balloon bounced off my nose because when it DID bounce off, Daddy hit it with his hands and it bounced and came to ME!

We have a new game!

We played for awhile until I opened my mouth wider and the balloon hit one of my sharp BIG GIRL teeth ...(those really pointy ones that I have in the front).

BANG! There was a big sound, and my BIG BALLOON turned into a flat thing again...JUST LIKE THAT! (More magic?)

Daddy grabbed the flat pieces before I could taste them and check them out to see where my BIG BALLOON went.  Daddy can be really quick sometimes!

Anyway, Fast Grandma got another flat thing out of the cupboard, and Daddy breathed in it and turned it into another BALLOON!

We played some more with this one as Grandma took some pictures. You can see us playing with the balloon if you look at our photos!

Daddy took the balloon with us so we could show Mommy our new game!

We had a very fun time playing Balloon Volleyball! I think we will do that again and again!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover How Well My BIG GIRL Teeth Work</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502468</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 6 Sep 2008 11:20:00 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502468</guid>
		<description>I was playing with NewSteve. I was having a REALLY good time squeeking the squeeker in his head and  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I was playing with NewSteve. I was having a REALLY good time squeeking the squeeker in his head and chewing him and shaking him. I really like NewSteve because he is BIGGER than OldSteve was, and when I shake him he REALLY MOVES a lot back and forth and back and forth...

UH-OH!!!!

I shook NewSteve REALLY HARD, and NewSteve's HEAD flew OFF! His head-squeeker flew across the room!

Poor NewSteve! He has NO HEAD now!

Poor Daddy! He walked into the room where NewSteve and I were playing and saw NewSteve's head on the floor...without his BODY!

Bye-Bye, NewSteve!

I hardly got to know ya!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Play Kissy-Face with Daddy!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502177</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 5 Sep 2008 14:22:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502177</guid>
		<description>I think that I have taught Daddy the VALUE and IMPORTANCE of doggie kisses!

I am a BIG kisser, an ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I think that I have taught Daddy the VALUE and IMPORTANCE of doggie kisses!

I am a BIG kisser, and I show how much I love my people by giving LOTS and LOTS of kisses!

The other night Daddy and I had been playing on the floor for quite awhile. It was FUN-FUN!

I came up to Daddy, and DADDY gave ME a big kiss! I tasted the big kiss....LICK!

Daddy gave me ANOTHER big kiss! I tasted THIS one, too!

Daddy gave me ANOTHER big kiss! 

This time I tasted the kiss with a BIG LICK....SLURP!!!

Daddy kisses almost as good as I do!!!!

Hee! Hee!

Kissy-Face, Daddy! I love you!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I See Uncle Jon Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502122</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 5 Sep 2008 11:29:33 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/502122</guid>
		<description>Uncle Jon came over to see me today at lunchtime!

He got to see my new BIG GIRL bowls that Mommy  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Uncle Jon came over to see me today at lunchtime!

He got to see my new BIG GIRL bowls that Mommy and Daddy got me, too! he gave me my EXTRA FOOD that I also get now that I am a bigger girl who RUNS a lot!

He got to see my new toys that I got as presents at my Half-Birthday.

He ALSO checked the WALL that he fixed the other day.

(And NOOOOOOO, I did NOT eat it again, Uncle Jon!)

I like it when Uncle Jon comes to see me because he plays with me A LOT and wrestles, too!  

He notices that I am getting bigger and STRONGER. I wrestle nicely, though. I want it to be FUN for BOTH of us!

Uncle Jon had to leave. I didn't WANT him to leave! I want to play ALL AFTERNOON!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get a Treat Bath!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/501842</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 4 Sep 2008 16:16:06 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/501842</guid>
		<description>Last night was BATHTIME!!!

Guess what we did? We made bathtime a TREAT-TIME!

I had a TREAT BAT ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Last night was BATHTIME!!!

Guess what we did? We made bathtime a TREAT-TIME!

I had a TREAT BATH!

It was SOOOOO fun!

Mommy was bathing me, and Daddy was TREATING me!

TREAT-BATH!!!!

I highly recommend it!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover a Puppy in NEED!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/501840</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 4 Sep 2008 16:10:13 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/501840</guid>
		<description>Hello Dogster Doggies and Puppies!

Saphira, here!

I discovered a little puppy here on Dogster  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hello Dogster Doggies and Puppies!

Saphira, here!

I discovered a little puppy here on Dogster yesterday who NEEDS OUR HELP!

His name is Casper, and he's just seven months old. He has a heart problem that requires surgery.

PLEASE visit his page and find out all about him, his surgery, and how YOU can help!

His name is Casper. 
He's a Pomeranian. 

His Dogster ID# is 743188.

I gave my donation through PayPal, and it is EASY to do! All who donate get to choose the raffle prize you want IF you win the raffle!

Please visit Casper's page to find out all about him!

You can also find out how the funds are coming along by visiting the Dogster Group called :  HAVE A HEART.

Casper is SUCH a sweetie!

Much love to ALL from Saphira!      Kiss-Kiss!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Make a Collection!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/501295</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 3 Sep 2008 07:26:20 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/501295</guid>
		<description>Last night I made a collection of all my tennis balls and Air-Dog toys that are made from tennis bal ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Last night I made a collection of all my tennis balls and Air-Dog toys that are made from tennis ball fuzzy-stuff! I had everything all together in a nice pile.

Daddy said that I took my collection to my "Secret Volcano Dungeon Lair" which is to say that I took everything to my special fluffy BED near the big sliding glass window!

I LOVE to taste the tennis ball fuzzy-stuff, and I LOVE to play with all my Air-Dog toys that are MADE from the tennis ball fuzzy-stuff!

I have a really nice collection now!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Have Some HomeMade Frosty-Paws!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/501292</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 3 Sep 2008 07:21:10 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/501292</guid>
		<description>Mommy made me some homemade Frosty-Paws! They have yogurt (Mmmmmm!), peanut butter )Mmmmmmmm!) and b ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy made me some homemade Frosty-Paws! They have yogurt (Mmmmmm!), peanut butter )Mmmmmmmm!) and banana (Mmmmmmm!) in them! Mommy put them in the freezer, and when they were all ready, I got to HAVE some!

BIGGER Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Thank you, Mommy!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have a Happy Half-Birthday Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/501131</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 2 Sep 2008 17:29:17 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/501131</guid>
		<description>Yesterday at PetSmart I got PRESENTS for my Half-Birthday! Mommy and Daddy got me new food and water ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday at PetSmart I got PRESENTS for my Half-Birthday! Mommy and Daddy got me new food and water bowls! They look just like my first bowls, but they are WAAAAY bigger! Mommy and Daddy put more FOOD in them, now, too! That's the BEST PART!

I also got an Air-Dog Football, AND I got a NEW STEVE! You can see pictures of my new food bowls and STEVE in my pictures!

Grandma spent the afternoon with me on my Half-Birthday! She brought cookies AND presents! 

Grandma and I went for a nice walk, and I got to dig a BIG HOLE! You can see a picture of it in my pictures! 

I also met a nice man who was hitting golfballs in the big field. A ball landed not far from where we were, so I scooped it up in my mouth! Grandma said, "That's a good girl! Let's go give it to the man." I took it over to the man and dropped it right by his feet. The man petted me and said, "Why THANK YOU! You are a very good doggie for bringing me my golfball!"

Next we walked in the shade under the big trees. It was nice and cool. I found some nice pinecones, and I also found a BONE!

We walked some more in the shade, and I sniffed so many good smells.

Grandma brushed me when we got back home, and I had a very nice drink of water from my BIG BOWL. 

Next we played with my new toys.

Grandma knew I was getting sleepy and ready for my afternoon nap. (I like to rest awhile so I can be ready to give Mommy and Daddy a BIG WELCOME when they get home!)

Daddy got home, and then Mommy got home. I made very sure that I let them know how Happy-Happy I was to see them. It was time for DINNER and COOKIES! Grandma made cookies for us! She made hearts and letters that spelled my name. She also made other cookies that were in the shape of German Shepherd Dogs, bones, and tennis balls.

I opened my presents and got MORE TOYS and TREATS! I also got A WHOLE CAN of tennis balls! I got a card that....BARKS! It barks HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Mommy and Daddy and I went for a run, and I also got to ride in my stroller. 

Tonight I will get to sleep in the BIG BED with Mommy and Daddy, so I have to say," I had a WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL Half-Birthday Day!!!"

SIGH.........Ahhhhhhh!      Mmmmmmmm!       ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get Ready to Celebrate My HALF BIRTHDAY!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/500790</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 1 Sep 2008 16:06:45 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/500790</guid>
		<description>Tomorrow is my HALF BIRTHDAY!!!!

I will be SIX MONTHS OLD!

I am VERY, VERY excited!

I think ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tomorrow is my HALF BIRTHDAY!!!!

I will be SIX MONTHS OLD!

I am VERY, VERY excited!

I think that there will be special things happening! I can just FEEL it!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Take a Walk in the Nursery and in the Woods</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/500645</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 1 Sep 2008 07:48:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/500645</guid>
		<description>Mommy, Daddy, and I went to visit Grandma and Grandpa last night. For my walk Mommy , Daddy, Grandma ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy, Daddy, and I went to visit Grandma and Grandpa last night. For my walk Mommy , Daddy, Grandma, and I took a new walk!

This time we began our walk by walking through the nurseryland near Grandma and Grandpa's house.

There was a BIG open space, and Mommy said, "Do you think we can let Saphira off-leash?" Daddy said, "Sure!"

OH-BOY!!!! Mommy took off my leash and slip-collar, and I ran FAST-FAST up the nursery road! Then I made a quick turn into the plants. That was FUN, but it also was A BIG MISTAKE!

Mommy said, "Saphira! COME!"       Uh-oh!

She put my collar and leash back on, and I had to walk right beside everyone again.

Note to Self: 
When in the nursery, DO NOT jump into the plants! Somebody has worked VERY HARD to plant those, and it is NOT NICE to mess up their job!

Moving right along...

Next we made a left turn and walked along the grass. We saw two deer running across the field and into the woods! They were running off-leash!

We walked further, and there were these big packages of grass piled up. There were a lot of these big packages! Grandma said that they were HAY BALES.

Grandma said, "Hey! Wouldn't one of these make a great MOUNTAIN? We could try taking a 'Kaine Mountain Shot' here!"

Mommy and Daddy thought that was a GREAT idea, so Daddy lifted me up onto the hay bale. You can see the picture of my "Kaine Mountain Shot" in my pictures!

Kaine does it OH-SO much better, but I TRIED!  (If you have never seen Kaine, you HAVE to see his page on Dogster! Hubba! Hubba!)

From there we went into the woods. Ahhhh! Cool and shady! Just how I like it! I had a fantastic time following the trails and smelling all the smells and just enjoying this nice walk.

Mostly I RUN with Mommy and Daddy, but Mommy had her flip-flops on, and Daddy had on his sandals. NO RUNNING in THOSE! (Grandma DID have on her good shoes, but she is a WALKER, and NOT a RUNNER!) It was nice walking on the trails for a change.

Mommy and Daddy did their LONG RUN in the morning while I slept in the coolness of our condo. They were HAPPY to just enjoy a nice WALK, I think!

We all had a happy time!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go to a Family Reunion</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/500439</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:16:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/500439</guid>
		<description>Later in the afternoon after the Cross-Country Meet was over, Mommy and Daddy and I went to Mommy's  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Later in the afternoon after the Cross-Country Meet was over, Mommy and Daddy and I went to Mommy's Family Reunion at Girdled Road Park.

It was a very pretty day, and I got to meet a lot of new people that are related to me! (That's what a family reunion is!)

Mommy and Daddy said that I was very well-behaved! 

I didn't BARK at anyone!

I didn't BITE anyone!

I used my BIG GIRL manners and got along very well with EVERYONE!

They have a HUGE field there, so Daddy took off my leash, and we went out in the field. He brought my tennis ball with him.

Then I got to see that Daddy can throw a tennis ball REALLY FAR! He threw it WAAAAAY out there into "I-Can-Hardly SEE-It-Land!" It's a good thing that I was running FAST-FAST and kept WATCHING it as it FLEW past me!!!

We had a very fun time playing tennis ball! I sure am glad that I have been practicing my running so I could run far and get my tennis ball!

Family Reunions are FUN!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go to a New Running Place</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/500432</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:06:15 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/500432</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy and I went to a new running place! This place was Headwaters Park in Claridon.

I  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy and I went to a new running place! This place was Headwaters Park in Claridon.

I ran almost six miles.

I am getting to be a FINE runner!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Go to a Cross-Country Meet!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/500429</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:04:03 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/500429</guid>
		<description>Yesterday morning I went to my first Cross-Country Meet! There were lots of people there, and the hi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday morning I went to my first Cross-Country Meet! There were lots of people there, and the high school boys AND girls were running.

Daddy said that I was a VERY GOOD GIRL at the Cross-Country Meet!

I did NOT try to chase after them as they ran like I did that time at Mommy's Kid's Running Group. I stayed with Daddy and watched them run.

When the girls finished running, they all came over to see me! It seemed like a really good time to just roll on my back and get some SUPER BELLY RUBS!!!

Ahhhhhhhh! 

Cross-Country Meets are FUN!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Lick the Backs of Mommy's Knees to Help Her on the Big Hill</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499955</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 30 Aug 2008 04:52:35 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499955</guid>
		<description>Mommy and I were running on the trails. It was FUN-FUN! 

I mentioned before that Mommy is FAST-FA ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and I were running on the trails. It was FUN-FUN! 

I mentioned before that Mommy is FAST-FAST going DOWN the hills, but she doesn't find it quite so easy to run FAST-FAST going UP the hills.

Well, we had been running for awhile, and we came to this big hill. Mommy was running ahead of me and I was coming up from behind like every good herding dog likes to do to keep track of his/her people or animals!

Poor Mommy was DEFINITELY slowing down as she started up the hill. I was getting closer and closer to Mommy yet I wasn't running any faster.

I decided that maybe if I gave Mommy a VERY NICE LICK on the backs of her knees that it would help her run up that hill.

(Licks work for MANY things, I have found!)

Mommy laughed when I licked the backs of her knees! She said, "Thanks, Saphira! That IS helping me get up this old hill!"

That made me feel REALLY GOOD that I had done a good thing to help Mommy!

Later, I heard Mommy tell Grandma Cheryl all about "Saphira licking the backs of Mommy's knees to help her up the big hill."

I felt PROUD!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Watch Uncle Jon Fix the Walls</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499887</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:06:01 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499887</guid>
		<description>Uncle Jon came today and played with me and also worked hard fixing the walls that I ....ATE!

At  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Uncle Jon came today and played with me and also worked hard fixing the walls that I ....ATE!

At first I felt bad when I looked at the mess I had made on the wall.  (Mommy and Daddy had put a gate over top of the section of the hallway that I had eaten, so I pretty much had forgotten about it.)

Suddenly, I didn't want Uncle Jon to look at it. I didn't want him to TOUCH it. I didn't even want him to FIX it! I was embarrassed that I had done it.

Then I remembered that Grandma had told me that UNCLE JON had put his WHOLE SHOULDER through a wall in Grandma's hallway a few years ago! (Something about tripping down the stairs and falling INTO the wallboard!) He fixed THAT, and he said he would fix MY wall, too!

I watched for awhile, and then I was getting sleepy. I fell asleep while Uncle Jon was finishing his job.

Uncle Jon and I are now WALL BUDDIES!

I LOVE my Uncle Jon!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Play With Uncle Jon AND Watch Him Fix the Walls</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499681</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:11:06 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499681</guid>
		<description>Today Uncle Jon is coming to play with me! He's a lot of fun to play with because he likes to wrestl ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Uncle Jon is coming to play with me! He's a lot of fun to play with because he likes to wrestle. I am a GOOD wrestler! He's used to wrestling with Baby, my Jack Russell Terrier friend. I can wrestle much better because I am bigger and stronger. I have to be careful and not get TOO rough, though!

He is going to feed me my lunch, take me out to go potty, AND
Uncle Jon is also coming to FIX THE WALLS that I ate!

It is going to be interesting to see how he does that!

I am going to HAVE to remember NOT to eat the wall again. I did it once, but then I did it AGAIN in a different place. 

I STILL am not sure why I ate the wall. I THINK that maybe I picked THOSE spots because my mouth FITS so nicely on them! Flat walls just aren't NEARLY as comfy to my mouth.

I will tell you all about the NEW WALL PLACES when Uncle Jon fixes them!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Have to Say: &quot;Ooops! I Did It Again!&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499678</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:01:26 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499678</guid>
		<description>Mommy and Daddy were gone.

Kathy was gone.

The Grandmas were gone.

Uncle Jon was gone.

I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mommy and Daddy were gone.

Kathy was gone.

The Grandmas were gone.

Uncle Jon was gone.

I WAS ALL ALONE.


I went upstairs and looked out the big windows and chewed on my plastic bottle. I had a nap. I woke up. As I was on my way downstairs, the corner of the wall just ....called to me!

I took a lick. Mmmmmm! Tastes as good as the DOWNSTAIRS hallway did! I took ANOTHER lick. Yum!

I used my BIG GIRL TEETH, and boy did they ever work GREAT!

Got a nice slice off the wall, and enjoyed biting it, too!

Suddenly I remembered Mommy's words from LAST time: "Saphira! You are NOT to eat the WALL!"

Uh-oh! 

I looked at the wall. It didn't look TOO different from when I first licked it. I decided it wasn't a VERY BAD thing. It was just a BAD thing. Maybe nobody would notice...

For a few days nobody DID notice. I forgot all about it, too!

Then I heard Daddy talking to Mommy and also asking Uncle Jon if he could fix BOTH walls.

Ooops! I did it again, and they KNOW about it!

I don't know why I do this! I didn't get in trouble, though, because Mommy and Daddy know that punishing me a long time AFTER I do something bad makes no sense.

Sure am glad that Mommy and Daddy read DOGGIE BEHAVIOR BOOKS!

WHEW!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Don't Like It When Daddy Makes Jimmy Jaw Talk!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499439</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:26:58 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499439</guid>
		<description>Jimmy Jaw is my nice, fun toy that Grandma Linda gave me. Jimmy Jaw has pieces of colored rope for a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Jimmy Jaw is my nice, fun toy that Grandma Linda gave me. Jimmy Jaw has pieces of colored rope for arms and legs and a body, too. I LOVE to chew on the colored pieces of rope on Jimmy Jaw.

Now, ONE DAY Daddy decided to pick up Jimmy Jaw when I wasn't playing with Jimmy Jaw. That was fine with me....UNTIL Daddy made Jimmy Jaw TALK and MOVE, and WALK.

I did not like that ONE BIT!

Jimmy Jaw has a funny voice that doesn't sound good on my ears. Jimmy Jaw moves around in a strange way, too. I think I am kind of AFRAID of Jimmy Jaw when he comes alive like that!

Grandma says that Daddy used to play with his "GUYS" like that when he was little. He had HE-MAN characters, and he used to make them talk and battle and move all over the place.

Sometimes Daddies may be BIG, but inside they are still little boys!

Daddy! Leave Jimmy Jaw ALONE!  I don't like it when Jimmy Jaw TALKS! 

I like him to be quiet. 

I like to CHEW on him.

No TALKING. 

No MOVING.

No WALKING.

Just chewing. 

Yes!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Get to Sleep In the Big Bed!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499375</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:59:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499375</guid>
		<description>It is OFFICIAL!

Saphira gets to sleep in the BIG BED with Mommy and Daddy ALL NIGHT!

Woo! Hoo! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It is OFFICIAL!

Saphira gets to sleep in the BIG BED with Mommy and Daddy ALL NIGHT!

Woo! Hoo!

When it is time for bed, we ALL get to be in the BIG BED! It is SO COMFY in there! I sleep at the bottom so that I can S-T-R-E-T-C-H out! It is so nice in there!

Daddy says that his favorite part is when the alarm clock goes off in the morning and I come over to him and to Mommy and lick them awake with my handy dandy tongue!

Who knew that I would be INVITED to sleep with Mommy and Daddy in their BIG BED???!!!

I am in HEAVEN!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Say Good-bye to Steve, My Loofa Dog Toy</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499039</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:18:57 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499039</guid>
		<description>Steve! You were a GOOD LOOFA DOG!

You were a FUN Loofa Dog!

You kept me company in my crate at ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Steve! You were a GOOD LOOFA DOG!

You were a FUN Loofa Dog!

You kept me company in my crate at night when Mommy and Daddy were on their cruise and the Grandmas and Uncle Jon were taking care of me.

You were part of my BAND when I lined up all my squeeky toys and entertained Grandma Cheryl with my music.

You had TWO squeeky sounds, and I especially LOVED that!

I am sorry that I ate off your back legs the other day. I didn't know that once I did that, Mommy would have to take you away.

You were a GOOD LOOFA DOG!

Thank you for lots of GOOD TIMES!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Love My New Car Harness!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499023</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:17:15 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/499023</guid>
		<description>When I was a little puppy I had a smaller harness and tether that attached to the car's seatbelt. Mo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ When I was a little puppy I had a smaller harness and tether that attached to the car's seatbelt. Mommy and Daddy would wrap the tether around the car's seatbelt several times so that I was in tight and couldn't flop all around. It felt good, and I felt safe.

Now I am a MUCH BIGGER girl, and my old harness is way too small. Mommy and Daddy got me a new one, and it is looser and much more padded and comfy than my first one was.

The BEST THING of all, though, is that now since I am bigger and stronger, Mommy and Daddy don't have to loop the tether around the seatbelt over and over. They just latch it to the seatbelt, and I now can SIT UP or lay down. I can do whatever I want!

Mommy and Daddy TRUST me to behave myself and NOT jump all around back there. I do REALLY well because I LOVE all the FREEDOM of that longer tether!    YEA!

I REALLY LOVE to sit up in the backseat of the car! I am tall when I sit up, and I can see out the side windows, the front window, and also the back window! I LOVE IT!

I LOVE my BIG GIRL harness!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Impress Grandma Cheryl</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/498870</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:01:11 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/498870</guid>
		<description>Today Grandma came over to give me my lunch, take me out to go potty, and go on a walk with me to th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today Grandma came over to give me my lunch, take me out to go potty, and go on a walk with me to the park.

I was right at the front door when Grandma was turning the key, and I gave Grandma my very enthusiastic "I-am-SO-HAPPY-to SEE you!" greeting!

I also did my little whine and cry which  says, "Oh, I am SO, SO, SOOOOOO glad you came!"

Grandma hugged me and said, "Oh, Saphira! I'm so glad to see you!"

I ate my lunch and had some water, then Grandma said, "Saphira! It's a BEAUTIFUL DAY! Let's go for a WALK!"

As soon as Grandma said the word "WALK", I took an extra drink and headed to the front door. I sat down by the front door because I was R-E-A-D-Y!!!

Grandma Cheryl said, "Saphira! What a SMART girl you are!" She hooked my leash to my collar, and we were OFF!

I impressed Grandma A LOT!  I knew just what to do when she said the word, "WALK", and we had a wonderful time TOGETHER!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Discover That I am VERY GOOD at Going UP Hills!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/498656</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:33:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/498656</guid>
		<description>On the trail there are usually flat places and hill places. Flat places are easy because you just KE ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ On the trail there are usually flat places and hill places. Flat places are easy because you just KEEP RUNNING!

Hill places are of two kinds: DOWN hill and UP hill.

Mommy is FAST-FAST going DOWN the hills. Me...not so much!

When it comes to going UP hills, though, Mommy is a lot slower, but I am FAST-FAST!

I think that is very interesting!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Learn New Things at My Intermediate Puppy Class</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/498651</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:25:15 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Saphira, CGC ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/815298/diary/Saphiras_adventures/498651</guid>
		<description>I am learning all kinds of new things at my new Puppy Class! I am learning how to do a longer Sit-St ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I am learning all kinds of new things at my new Puppy Class! I am learning how to do a longer Sit-Stay, and we have been practicing walking together without me pulling and pulling.

There was an Obstacle Course there, too!        FUN!

We have been practicing and reviewing some of the things I learned before in my first set of Puppy Classes and adding NEW BEHAVIORS to those I already know.

I have learned A LOT already!

One of the things we practiced was "Greetings". This is learni