My wonderful friend Wrinkles 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!

Q.-Are you Irish?
A.-Um. . . sure, why not?

Q.-Do you and /or your family celebrate St. Patrick's Day?
A.-Mommy says "yes".

Q.- How?
A. -We set leprechaun traps, listen to Celtic music, watch a parade, and Mommy says something about a bologna stone. (I think.)

Q.-Will you wear Green?
A.-Probably.

Q.- What?
A.- Mommy keeps putting a little green hat on me. I take it off before she can snap a photo.

Q.-Do you like Corned Beef and Cabbage?
A. -Not if Mommy's tummy is still healing. Lots of low fat cottage cheese at our house. Do they make green corn cottage cheese? Mommy says we'll have Irish Soda Bread, for sure. She also says she may get a bottle of Guiness for us pups--we like fermented beverages. (hee hee)

Q.-Do you believe in leprechauns?
A.-Yes. My kitty sister Grace says they stay with her fairies when they visit on St. Patty's Day! She's against leprechaun trapping. How else will I see them?

Q.-Why?
A.- The baby fairies live under the rainbow. Leprechauns like rainbows too. Grace says so, and she talks to all of them.

Q.-What would you like to find at the end of the rainbow?
A.- Hot dogs. I really like hot dogs.

I am off to tag some furiends...
Ebby
Arnie
Sandra
Saphira

MY SPECIAL DAY CELEBRATION IS VALENTINE'S DAY!

What a 'citing day! It began with cottage cheese in my kibble and Mommy hugging and kissing on me all morning. ONE YEAR AGO today I joined my furever family! Mommy put a red heart bandana on me, and we went on an adventure--just the two of us!

First we went to the vet and picked up Frankie's medicine. I stayed in the car. I was VERY relieved that I was not the purpose of this stop!

Then, we went to The Three Dog Bakery. I didn't want to get out of the car. I sat on the floor in the back seat. Mommy opened the back door and gently guided (pulled) me forward and out. The parking lot wasn't so bad, so I heeled with Mommy into the store. OMD--there were other dogs in there and yummy smells! I sniffed butts. . .then noticed those dogs were attached to people. Oh no--I WAS OUT IN PUBLIC!

I sat next to Mommy--pressed up against her leg. Actually I wanted to be part of her leg. Mommy just kept on choosing things and talking to A MAN behind the counter. OH NO--A STRANGE MAN! He's the NEW OWNER. Where's the OLD OWNER--I TRUSTED THE OLD OWNER?!? Well, the other NEW OWNER is a WOMAN (his wife). She is kind and gently offered me a slice of doggy CARROT CAKE.

I stopped being anxious--it smelled so YUMMY--and I ATE IT! Mommy was beaming from ear to ear and her eyes were kinda' watery. She told the new lady owner that this was a first for me--accepting food from a stranger in a social situation. She also said that this was the BEST valentine's gift she could receive this year. Wow.

We had to wait our turn before THE MAN rang up our purchases. There was a lady standing next to us. When I stood up and looked longingly at the door, Mommy said, "Louise, sit." in a very matter-of fact voice, adding "Stay." I sat, I stayed and the lady in front of us said, "Wow--I'm impressed!" I could feel how proud Mommy was of me. She told the lady about the Shelby County Obedience Club. The lady put down her armload of bully sticks and twisted chews and took down the information. When Mommy looked at her selection she said, "I'll try anything to keep him busy and not going ape-shit all of the time."

Then we paid the man. Good, I thought, we're leaving! OMD--THE MAN carried our bags to the car! I shied away from him, and he asked, "Is she a rescue?" He recognized my weirdness for what it was! Mommy nodded and explained my male anxiety (Daddy is a male, but he's my Daddy--he doesn't count). THE MAN put down the bags, and got down on my level. He slowly extended his hand. I didn't flinch. I let him pet me. Mommy's eyes were definitely wet. THE MAN knew that he had just made faithful customers. I still was very happy to be back in my car.

While Mommy fought Saturday traffic, I composed myself in the back seat. When she popped a Red Hot Chili Peppers CD in, I stood on the console between the two front seats. "Soul to Squeeze" is my signature song. Suddenly I couldn't keep my eyes open, and I snoozed out on the back seat.

I opened my eyes when the car stopped. I prayed that I was still asleep and THiS was a NIGHSTMARE. Alas, I was awake, and it was not. We had arrived at PETCO. I HATE chain pet specialty stores. For openeners, they ALWAYS have automated doors. Electronic doors terrify me. Mommy made it very clear (0nce she pried me from the floor of the car), that we were going in. We approached the doors: they opened and I DRAGGED Mommy through them.

Once inside, there were BIZILLIONS of people everywhere and dogs with no manners, and displays with rodents and birds and children running around and NOISE and COMMOTION. I WANTED THE FLOOR TO OPEN UP AND SWALLOW ME. I heard Mommy's words, "Louise, forward." I followed blindly and we weaved our way through the crowd, me heeling against Mommy's leg.

Suddenly I saw familiar faces. A lady--Barb--called me by name and hugged Mommy. Then she spoke softly to me, telling me what a pretty big girl I'd become. I let her pet me, and another lady too. She said that she'd known me since I was a tiny, terrified puppy. She was amazed at my progress!

Just as I began to breath normally, a little girl slid between Mommy & me and started petting me! I tried to get away. Mommy put her body between me and the child and explained that I am very shy and did not want to be petted. Mommy saved me! The little girl went away, we hugged and said our good byes. My sister Thelma and her foster mom were not there, but Barb said she'd give Thelma the bone with her name on it, and her valentine cookies.

In the car, Mommy said that she couldn't wait to get out of there, either. Mommy does not like crowds--makes her very uncomfortable. We share this affliction. On the way home I sat in the front seat beside Mommy. After we arrived, Brownie Maeve, me and Ginger eat nom-nom-nommed on squirrel shaped cookies and then we took a LONG nap.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and we're having scrambled eggs and cheese mixed into our kibble, AND later a TDB heart shaped pup cake. Reflecting on my day I can only conclude that, "...the heart of life is good." I have the most wonderful family in the world, and we love each other like crazy! I hope that all of the other dogs in shelters and rescues also find homes as fine as mine. And the ones who find them on Valentine's Day are extra blessed! Happy Valentine's Day to all of my awesome Dogster Pup Pals--I love you!

Hugs, Kisses and Tail Wags Forever--
Louise, aka Little Weez, aka Weezie

Rinky tagged me!

Gee--I feel so special! I looked at Rinky's diary like she said in the message, and now I'm gonna' list what I LOVE about my life!

1. I LOVE MY MOMMY! She is the fuzzy side of my velcro strip. She never pushes me away when I need some lovins'. She is the ying to my yang--when I want to hide she encourages me to be brave. She shares the magic of snugglin' and hugs. She laughs in delight when I howl like a little red wolf. She is. . . MY MOMMY!

2. I LOVE MY DADDY! I wish he was home--I miss him so much. SKYPE just isn't the same as snuggling up to him on the couch. My daddy calls me his Little Weez, and plays tug-o-war with me. He also shares his peanut butter.

3. I LOVE MY SISTERS! Ginger chose me to be her sister on Valentine's Day last year. Brownie Maeve is my BFF--we romp, play, cuddle and squabble. She licks my owies and I lick hers.

4. I LOVE THE PUFF-FUZZES. They let me chase (but not catch) them. Goldie teases me, but I figured out it's just her way of playing--she's never smacked me with her claws extended--just with her soft paw. Frankie, well--is Frankie, and I love him for all of the funny noises he makes. Grace and MeMe are the mystery puffs--they hide so well I can't make them found.

5. I LOVE MY ROOM. Mommy calls it a crate sometimes, but it's MY SPACE. I hide treasures under the blankie, rearrange my blankies to suit my liking, and I FEEL VERY SAFE IN MY ROOM.

6. I LOVE CAR RIDES. Car rides take you to interesting places like obedience class and the pharmacy drive thru. The pharmacy drive thru people give out dog cookies--yum. Car rides also take me to Grampy & Grammy's house.

7. I LOVE BEEF SHIN BONES. They are the bestest bones 'cause they LAST A LONG TIME. There is 'licious crunchy stuff to strip off and eat when I first get one, and then every day I chew a little more so I can get some marrow--life is good.

8. I LOVE MY LIFE. In a little over a year I've gone from being a starving, orphaned, feral puppy to a girl who has a forever home and family. I feel LOVED every day--I will always be Mommy's baby girl!

I wanna' go to Grampy's house!

Grampy got NINE INCHES OF SOFT, FLUFFY SNOW! All we got was a little snow and lots of ice. I WANNA' GO TO GRAMPY'S HOUSE so I can play in the snow! It's not fair--he doesn't play in the snow, so all of the lovely snow in his yard is going to waste.

Mommy 'splained that there's too much ice between home and Grampy's house--it's not safe to go in the car. I DON'T CARE--I WANNA' PLAY IN THE SNOW! Mommy said that this conversation was over. I STILL WANNA' PLAY IN THE SNOW.

I stayed outside for a long time, and tried to make the best out of a disappointing situation. ICE is NOT GOOD for digging. ICE makes you FALL on your butt and SLIDE across the deck. ICE covers all of your back yard treasures and holds them hostage. I got WET. I got COLD. By the time I came in, I was ready to pout.

Maybe tomorrow we can go to Grampy's house.

Fourth Time's the Charm?

There are FOURTEEN dogs in my new obedience class--wow! This is the largest class I've ever been in. And I'm NOT SCARED! This was the second meeting, and I walked right in and heeled right next to Mommy. We got there a little early so I could smooth all my stress out. Good idea--it worked!

Mommy and I watched the other dogs this week. There's a bouncing beagle, and two beautiful collies. I think their long noses are soooo pretty! There are several obstinate terriers, a large black dog who seems really cool, and a great dane/mastiff cross who behaves very well. Then there's this little white dog who BIT my-Lisa, the instructor AND Irving, the assistant instructor. Both Brownie Maeve and I call her my-Lisa 'cause she's been our instructor furever--well, at least mine. Brownie Maeve now trains for Rally with my-Lisa's dogs.

There is one really scary dog named Duchess. She is a sled dog mix, and goes after other dogs when she gets excited. I don't like her. I don't like my-Lisa's German Shepherd either. They are both alpha-dominant females. Duchess went after this poor little brown spaniel-looking thing. my-Lisa was able to get control of her, but everyone looked apprehensive. The lady with the chihuahua scooped her up--myLisa said she was afraid of becoming a puppy mc nugget.

Me? I was ready to jump right in and whup on that bully dog! Mommy couldn't believe it! I took a"Bring it on" stance and Mommy said, "Louise, have you lost your mind?" I know what it's like to be whupped on by an alpha female dog, and I wanted to help that little spaniel.

Mommy thinks that my newfound ability to not hide behind her and be scared is awesome! All the way home she praised me, told me what a brave girl and good listener I am. I love praise from Mommy! She says that the fourth time through the class may be the charm in terms of being a life altering positive experience for me--I hope so!

Walking through Enemy Territory

Mommy introduced Brownie Maeve and me to a new walking leash. One of us is always sad when the other goes for a walk with her. So, she tries to take us together. The problem is that we both pull when we walk together. Mommy says that isn't safe for any of us.

Mommy thought that this leash would solve the problem. No way for either one of us to be so much as half an inch ahead--take away the competitive element. Not. It started out well enough. We both sat on the front porch. Mommy said, "Forward." and down the steps and across the yard we went!

Immediately we went into competition mode, so Mommy stopped and said, "Sit." We sat. We looked up at her. She looked down at us. She adjusted her grip on the leash and said, "Forward." again. Once again we strained our shoulders forward against the pull on our collars.

We shot down the sidewalk and around the corner, dragging Mommy behind us. Fortunately there were no cars on the street as Mommy leaned back to slow us down. By the time we reached the next cross-street we had expended a lot of energy, and weren't pulling as hard. Mommy relaxed a bit. We relaxed a bit. Mommy started to think that the leash was working. Mommy is an optimist, 'cause THAT'S when IT HAPPENED.

Mommy says she had a brain fart. We turned left at the corner instead of right. She had spaced THE HOUSE OF ONE HUNDRED PUFF-FUZZES! ALONG CAME BROWNIE MAEVE AND ME. She spied them first, and let out a high-pitched prey drive whistle I know so well. OMD--they were everywhere! On the porch, on the porch railings, in the yard, looking out the windows from inside, walking around the yard!

Brownie Maeve WANTED TO CHASE THOSE PUFF-FUZZES IN THE WORST WAY. So, while she was spinning around on her length of the leash, I was deciding what to do. I hunkered down on the ground, ears pinned against my head. At that moment, BUBBA CAT decided to stroll across our path.

BUBBA CAT has to be at least 20 swaggering pounds of grey striped, solid muscular feline evil. He is not fat. He does not hurry. He does not run. He looked at us with one glittering yellow eye. He has no neck. He is buff. I let out my best rendition of a feral attack shriek. Brownie Maeve and me were ONE, focused on the target. And the TARGET's body language said, "BRING IT ON."

Mommy went into dog-handling-commando-mode. She whirled in front of us. Firmly planting her body between US and BUBBA CAT , she commanded, "LEAVE IT!" Without missing a beat she ordered us "Forward.", confidently striding away from BUBBA CAT and his clan--taking us with her. We whined. We complained. I tried to chew myself free from the leash. But Mommy just kept on walking. Suddenly she knew how to correct the pulling on both ends of our leashes, and we stopped pulling.

Who was this woman on the other end of the leash? We walked home in stunned silence. Not only had we not chased the puff-fuzzes, but our Mommy had transformed into a formidable pack leader right before our eyes! I sense the winds of change are picking up at our house. Secretly, I like the pack-leader Mommy--she makes me feel very protected. Just don't tell Brownie Maeve.

It's COLD outside!

Geez--! can't believe how COLD it is outside! It's like--I wanna' play in the snow--but my nose and my butt sprout icicles and my teeth chatter after just a few minutes! Brownie Maeve has thicker fur and Ginger had her hoody on. I'm just a skinny little thing with thin fur. Mommy put a fleece sweater on me and I was still freezing!

So we spent the day snuggling with Mommy, playing treat games, and barking at the dogs on TV. Mommy had to do some tweaking with the dog-proofing of the house, but she just wanted to snuggle and be warm, too.

Little Weez's New Year's Eve

Mama came home shortly after midnight to discover that I'd managed to hide a 12 pack of regular size Senior Greenies under my crate blanket--and had EATEN 11 of them! Brownie Maeve TOLD ON ME--the one "that got away" was under my crate, and she was going crazy trying to get it out!

What to do? Minutes into 2010 and I give Mama her first WEEZY DRAMA of the new year. Since I wasn't acting distressed, she decided NOT to rush me to the EMERGENCY VET. Instead, she opened up a can of PURE PUMPKIN and grabbed a SPOON. ANYTHING on a SPOON has to be "LICIOUS, so I gobbled it up--and so did Brownie Maeve and Ginger, 'cause they didn't want to be left out of ANYTHING involving FOOD.

SO, for the past few hours, we've been having a POOPIN' PARTY! Yup, that PUMPKIN bulks it up and MOVES it on through. Mama is letting us out and in, and KEEPING AN EYE ON ME. Since SHE spent the evening OUT, it is only fair that WE party now (although this isn't what any of us had in mind).

Tomorrow--um, I mean today--is a new day. I have to "pologize to Ginger for eating her Greenies. Mama says that life with me is always interesting. I'm starting a new year with fresh breath, pearly whites, and a clean colon-- I say LIFE is GOOD. Mama says we're all keeping our fingers and paws crossed that my PLUMBING remains UNCLOGGED.

It wasn't marinade?

Okay--it wasn't my fault. Mommy rubbed it all over her OLD Birkenstock clogs. I thought that, well--you know. . . she was making chewies for ME. I admit--I snuck into the bedroom and got one out of the closet. Yes, I had to stand on my hind legs to reach it, but even so . . . she rubbed that stuff on them, and it was like--chewie marinade!

Mommy 'splained that neet's foot oil is NOT marinade. Oh. I learn something new every day. Mommy put it on her clogs after she rubbed it into our new braided leather training leash. She put the leash inside a zipper lock plastic bag. She put the bag in a drawer--that sticks. And moved a table in front of the drawer. "Nuff said.

I thought I saw a REINDEER. . .

On Christmas Eve, after all of the guests left, Mommy said us girls needed to settle down and go to sleep so Santy Paws would come. First Mommy walked Ginger in Grammy and Grampy's HUGE yard. Then it was Brownie Maeve's turn to go out and walk and potty. Last was me.

Grammy and Grampy live in the COUNTRY. I love how quiet it is around their house, and all of the wonderful smells in their yard. When we went out, I quickly went potty so's I could go 'sploring. There was rain falling, so all of the smells were different!

Mommy was letting me sniff in the shadows just beyond the backyard flood lights, when suddenly she stopped. "Little Weez, look. . ." she said softly. ". . . it's a reindeer!" I looked up and stared in wonder. There, looking at us with it's huge eyes, was a HUGE furry beast!

Regaining my senses, I let loose with a high pitched menacing "woo-woo-woo" bark!
The HUGE furry beast DIDN'T run AWAY from us! The HUGE furry beast ran TOWARDS us! "OH , S*@&!" exclaimed Mommy as she reeled in my long lead! I was way ahead of her. Before she could reel me in, I was between her legs, "woo-woo-wooing" all the way!

The HUGE furry beast veered away from us and ran into the woods at the edge of the yard. Mommy was breathing funny, and I suddenly got brave. I ran towards where the HUGE beast had disappeared, screaming "AND DON'T COME BACK!"
I whirled around to tell Mommy, "I know what it was! It wasn't a cute little reindeer, Mommy. It was a HUGE VENISON BEAST like EBBY & RINKY are always talking about!"

Mommy agreed, and we went inside to tell everybody about our encounter with the VENISON BEAST. Grampy found our experience to be amusing. Ha! By the time Santy Paws showed up with his reindeer, I'd had enough hooves for one evening. I didn't even hear them 'cause I was snuggled next to Mommy. . .sound asleep!