Enough of this crap.

Jeez, anyone would think I have no influence any more. Just look at all the weepy stuff in my diary. There should be a ban on humans taking over. Of course, my mind was going and I have to admit I have been a bit busy these past few months. No worries. I will eventually get back to my life history. I am sure you are all on pins and needles waiting to hear my wisdom. First though, I have a few things to share. Heading over the bridge is a bit disorienting at first. Just so you all know, you have the opportunity to say goodbye if you weren't able to before you left. My first night here they let me go back and visit a neighbor dog, Max, help him escape from his house and head over to Mom's. I knew she'd take him in. I got to snuggle with her all night. After that, I had a master plan to implement. There was no way I was going to let Dawson rule the roost. That boy needs someone who isn't distracted by belly rubs to take control. He'd sell Mom for a decent rub.

I know what you are thinking. I'd have sold her for a homemade biscuit. Not true. She was worth at least 10 homemade biscuits and I wouldn't have settled for less. Any way, first I had to convince Mom that Dawson wasn't meant to be an only dog. That was harder than you think - she take her promises very seriously. Of course, I had to implement "Have Puppies" urge into a breeder. Fortunately, I knew which one, 'cause Mom visited the page regularly and ooohed and aaaahed. Darn near got one when I was around, but I couldn't have that, now could I? Then I had to get all those Standard Poodles that were in rescue adopted, so none would be available. It really isn't so hard, there are a lot of good people out there who are more than willing to step up and become a dog's pet.

Nor was convincing Mom all that hard. No, the hard part was working with those darn puppies convincing one of them that Mom was not to be missed. Most of them didn't have a brain cell aware enough to understand this was more critical that where the next meal was coming from or staying warm. I persisted. I spent most of my time on the girls, as I knew that would be best for Mom. Two of them were pretty attentive so I hoped that all would go well on that day when Mom finally stopped by to pick one out.

Those puppies must have been smarter than I thought. All of the girls who saw her made a play for her. One was just too pushy, so I nosed her away. Another just wouldn't have been right, so she got pushed aside as well. Mom liked one who reminded her of me (Hmmm, I wonder why?) but my money was on the other one. She was determined. She spent everyday listening to my stories, and had the confidence to know she already had a home and didn't need to worry about anything else.

Smart girl. That flopping over for a belly rub move was inspired. So was the ear nibble. The calm, quiet thing was just perfect. Thank goodness Ginger stepped up to the challenge of looking after Mom. Now I can get back to the important things. *sniff* Ah, smells like the Rainbow Cafe has just finished a batch of biscotti.

Thank you all

I finally was able to sit down and go through all the wonderful rosettes and stars that were sent to Holli to wish her goodbye. I hope to be able to send out thank you's personally, but that may take me a while to be able to do. Dawson and I are both adjusting, and hopefully soon we will be back more frequently.

Taking our love to the next level

Hollidawgs old back injury has been slowly reappearing. First she just had trouble getting up after lying for a while. Then slippery floors were very hard for her to negotiate without her back legs tripping her up. While she still never turns down a biscuit, she doesn't remember to pester me for them, and sometimes will wonder for a second just what it is I am giving her. Over the past few months, her ability to anticipate the need to get outside has diminished. She looks at me now, with worry in her eyes. I can kiss her nose with abandon, and all she does is ask for another. My feisty little redhead is ready to find peace.

Chapter One - My Mom

Before I get into this any further, allow me to just comment on the TV Show the Greatest American Dog. Beyond any question, the greatest American Dog is me, so I guess they are just trying to figure out who the SECOND greatest American dog is. Believe me, I could have done all that obedience stuff and I would have blown the judges out of the water with my ability to speak Japanese. But, being an older girl whose been there, done that, I'm willing to stay in the background on this one.

My mom was very proud of her blue-blood. She was descended from Ch. Corsairs Beaujangles, who in 1983 took best of the herding group at Westminster. For all her beauty, and I do have to admit she was stunning, she lacked quite a bit in the brains department. The name on her pedigree was Am. Ch. Her Grace of Beaubonnet. Everyone just called her Dutchess. She never had the best show career, and in listening to the gossip, apparently her shy and retiring temperment is what kept her from being a champion along the lines of her Great-Grandfather.

Shy and Retiring my butt. She was terrified of everthing. When I would climb ontop of a chair - you should have heard her yell "Holly! Be careful! You'll fall and hurt yourself!" Off of a chair? Come on Mom! And Thunderstorms! She used to cower and hide under the bed. While I never believed her story that Thunder was the sound of the paws of a pack of Hyenas comming to remove any bad dogs, I never could shake the thought that perhaps, just maybe, they were coming for me.

Anyway, Mom never had the show career she hoped for and that just made her all the more edgy. Day after day I'd hear "Look at my tail? Isn't it a beautiful tail? And my ears - perfectly placed and proportioned. What is wrong with those judges? Tell me, Holly, do I look fat?" While I sat there trying to think of an appropriate answer, she'd start whining "Oh My Dog, I AM fat! It's my coat isn't it? The guard hairs just aren't coarse enough..." and on and on and on.

No wonder I don't have any problems living with Dawson. Whine Whine Whine. Don't get me wrong, my Mom was really a sweetheart. She taught me tons about getting along with other dogs and just how a lady is supposed to behave. Without her training there is no way I would have been able to manipulate my Mom as well as I have. Speaking of biscuits, my Mom is off grabbing me one at this moment. And we wouldn't want it to get stale now, would we?

A Canine Perspective on an American Tradition

http://hnn.us/articles/21679.html

Introduction

I've been around the block a few times. In fact, I'm hoping Mom will take me again soon. Still, as an older female, there is much in my life that I am sure will help those younger pups out there make the most of any experience. After all who wouldn't be interested in hearing the life story of a gorgeous redhead who has lived life to the fullest. Besides, with any luck I'll be able to sell my story for the motherlode of biscuits and a girl just can't overlook the possibility of a large quantity of biscuits arriving at the door.

I am sure you all have wondered what it was like growing up as the unwanted daughter of a Belgian mother from champion bloodlines and a ne'er do well Chinese immigrant. How, as an adorable "mixed breed", I shamed many high quality AKC champions in obedience and agility and whose championship career was cut short by an untimely injury. I also served as an interspecies ambassador while living in Montana with consultations with moose, coyote, elk, and various species of deer. Of course it wasn't all easy, and regretfully when communications broke down threats and murder unfortunately became necessary. My tale is one that combines prejudice, victory, defeat, love, and of course, travel. My tail is one of stupendous beauty, whose beauty was lost during a dark, trying time.

So I will take the time to create my story for you here, warts and all. I do hope that you will enjoy the journey.

To My Secret Admirer

Thank you soo much for the wonderful kisses you have been leaving me. It makes me feel all warm inside knowing there is some pup out there who is smitten with me. I do have a question for you, though. How am I supposed to figure out who you are if you don't leave me any clues - just secret kisses and hugs? And how on earth am I supposed to leave any treats for you if I don't know who you are? Wouldn't you like to find some fresh baked biscotti on your page one day? Sounds good, doesn't it... but I don't know who you are so I'll have to eat them all myself. Yummmm. Please? Just one teeny tiny clue?

Hollihugs, cutie.

Amended 2/4/08

I have my suspicions as to who you may be. I will be completely astonished if I am right. See there is thiz one dog I met on Dogster back when I first joined. I barged into a thread where he was talking (I think it may have been his birthday or some such celebration) and swiped the french bread right out from between his paws. I can't help it - I LOVE FRENCH BREAD! Well, I think back then I was smitten, but this pup wasn't the type to have a steady girl. It darn near broke my heart. But hey, what's good for the goose is good for the gander, right? And so, Heartbreaker Holli cruised Dogster, always hoping that some day, her cutie pie would wake up and smell the brioche. Could it possible? Is my secret heartbreak sending me anonymouse rosettes that imply I have stolen his heart - as well as his french bread?

Amended 2/7/08

I WAS RIGHT! Oooh boy! I am on cloud 209! I'm doing the Happy Holli dance and have temporarily forgotten about biscuits. What a lovely day this is, my shy boy has stepped forward. Shy my tuckus, but hey, if he wants to play coy then that's alright by me. After all, I've waited 14 years for the perfect boy to come along, and well, sneak attacks are a wonderful part of the package. Whoo Hooo!!! What was that? You wanna know who?

Well, I'm just gonna pretend I'm deaf and well, play a bit coy myself. ;)

Thanksgiving Conversation.

Growl
"I’m sorry that was my tummy
Voicing its need to
Eat something yummy.

Mom? Aren’t I a good girl?
Even cute as I spin and twirl?”

“Adorable, sweetie.”

“Then surely you will
Understand my burning need!
Remember I didn’t chew your sock.
Kept quiet when I heard a knock.
Even toned down my biscuit greed.
Yet here I sit, begging still.”

“Look at those pathetic eyes
Emphasized with drawn out sighs.
Girl, after your dinner we’ll serve the pies."

That was my winning entry for the Pet Poetry Group's weekly acrostic poetry contest. Did you see the cool picture I got of a poor doomed Turkey? By the way, I didn't eat Theodore for Thanksgiving. He looked to pathetic. I scarfed his brother Thomas instead. Very very tasty, especially with stuffing and my great grandmom's cranberry sauce. I never got the opportunity to meet my great g'mom on my g'dads side. I understand that she was a wonderful woman, so I am sure she wouldn't mind if I had the opportunity to sample her cranberry sauce. I'd as Mom to make me some special, but she'd probably put the stuff on the stove to boil, forget about it, and we'd end up with cranberry char. Somehow I don't think that would be as tasty.

If you feel any inclination to peruse poetry or even come up with your own doggerel, please stop by the Pet Poetry Group. There are some very very creative Kitties and Dogs there who surprise me constantly with their wit, their talent, and their good hearts.

My 14th Birthday

Today was my fourteenth birthday. Normally, I keep my mouth shut about my birthday and my age, because all the fuss and noise that attends the dates is sometimes just too much. This year, however, with some of my pals riding the Roller Coaster of Doom, with cancer and pneumonia and other illnesses, I felt I wanted to have a day where I could celebrate Them.

That's really what this day is all about for me - an opportunity to snuggle up to my pals and say "Did I tell you that you are the greatest?" I don't know how many more special days like today are in my future, but I do know that any day a pal drops a biscuit by on the sly (and sooo many of you have kept my supply full to overflowing), or a sends a note that says "Hi, just wanted to drop off a hug", or even takes the opportunity to leave a gift of a rosette or star, that day becomes one of the special ones.

So many of you have touched my heart over the past year and a half that I have been active on Dogster, that I will be ever grateful for those small acts of kindness. So THANK YOU! Thank you to each and every one who ever stopped by my page, smiled, left a treat (or ten), or just thought good thoughts. You have made my day, and my life, special for being a part of it.

I am loved!

I just wanted to bark about this, because it makes me feel sooo warm inside. Just like a fresh baked biscuit. :c9.

See there's been a love fest going around Dogster, and my pals are including me. How cool is that?

In one single day, Abbie, Bruti , and Zoey all said I was wonderful. Wouldn't that just warm the cockles of your heart to hear a pal say that? Not just one, which would have been more than I ever expected, but THREE in ONE DAY! Fabulous. Absolutely fabulous.

And you know what? I feel soo wonderful and good that I just have to put my own spin on this game. Why, you may ask? Because I believe that if even one pup out there tells you "You are Loved" then that makes you the bestest friend in the whole wide world. Unconditionally. You see? All it takes is one. You don't have to "get it back" or "send it on" to prove you're a pal. You just have to open your heart and receive it.

Ya ready to play? Huh? Are ya?

The Sorting Hat

Oh my dawg, this can’t be true
You really want me to try to sort you?
Beauty, charm, courage, and wit
and you expect rules to bend a bit.

If I look deeper I can see
That you really wish to sleep ‘til three
And your blood is sure a mixed up lot.
A Slytherin you truely are not.

Creative and clever makes me think
That Ravenclaw would be”in the pink.”
But a lazy mind just will not do
And knowledge you refuse to persue.

Determined and stubborn is what you are
And protective of both the house and car
Mighty Gryfindor selects the brave
But you, my dear, are truly a knave.

You bully, and scold, and demand your way
And never listen to what your Mom may say
But underneath beats a heart true gold
And a fairness that’s a delight to behold

You befriend them all whether dog or cat
You even hugged this Sorting hat!
Your gruff exterior is all a bluff
And so I can safely say you’re

HUFFLEPUFF!

*knave: a tricky deceitful dog.

I believe there is one reason, and one reason only, why the sorting hat put me in Hufflepuff. Their dormitories and common room are located near the castle's kitchens.