Running Around Again! Hooray!

I turned THREE, you guys! Can you believe I'm all grown up now? For real. Mom and Dad are so proud of me. I'm still gorgeous, as you can see from my new userpic, and the photo of Violet and myself by the walnut tree (that's what all those green things are, and they fall from the sky like heavy, non-bouncy superballs. ow).

Yes, I am definitely gorgeous, but...are you ready for a confession? The Big Lady (that would be me) ended up getting a little TOO big. Girthy, as it were. Well, how does something like that happen to a girl like me? A confirmed beauty queen, whether or not my parentage is questionable. Everyone prefers unconventional beauty, anyway. Well, they do. I'm not just saying that. Anyway, do you want to hear about how I got fat?

Okay, here goes.

So remember my bad wheel, you guys? It stayed bad. The Big Lady had a Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (a TPLO). That's right. Turns out, it WAS my cruciate ligament, and it was bad. We had an x-ray, and they sent it to a radiologist, and that guy said I tore that ligament. I'm all healed up now, though, you guys. My hair's even grown back over my surgery site, and I can romp again. It was a boring few months there, where I had to say down and be lazy all the time. I ate chewies, and dog food and everyone felt bad for me and gave me extra treats, and now I'm a fatty, and I'm working it off. You can't tell in my photos, though. Mom chose the flattering ones. I ended up with a little arf-ritis, which we're treating with some glucosamine biscuits and good playtime supervision. It doesn't really bother me now that my leg has healed and I can be more active.

So that's been my year. Pretty crazy, although I'm grateful for this surgery which seems to have worked wonders for me! Three years old. Violet turned one! That makes me feel so old. LOL.

Mom and Nero had their birthdays too, on the same day as mine. August 18 sure is a festive day around here. Again, I got to be the birthday girl, and yes, I admit I indulged in a piece of McDonalds hamburger, but I'm sure I worked that off at Grandma's house, playing with Chet the next day. Collies are fun!

Well, it's time to go outside! Hope all my dog friends are doing great!

Delphi*

Goo-Roo-Roo!

Well, Violet and I have got some new nicknames around the house. I got mine because I've added a new syllable to my 'ROO-ROO!' routine. You're gonna love it: 'GOO-ROO-ROO!' Whaddya think? Well, Mom and Dad sure like it. Now I've got all kinds of 'GOO!' related nickames like, Goobs, Goobie, Goobalore, Goobaby, and of course, Goobot. Violet only has one new one, but it's way cuter than mine: Bluebird. Jeez, you guys.

I have also noticed that when Mom and Dad make an impersonation of what they think we would sound like if we spoke People, my voice sounds like a big dummy, and Violet's just sounds like Butters from South Park. What's up with that? Mom says it's just 'cause I'm big and Mastiff-like; I tear it up sometimes, you guys; but at other times, I'm the most gentle, slow-moving companion you ever had. Violet just runs on all cylinders at all times, so she has a faster, higher speaking voice. Whatever, I sound like a dullard, and Violet sounds like a popular TV star.

But who even cares, 'cause at least I'm not the one with stitches and a shaved belly! HA! Yeah, Violet got spayed 11 days ago. Today was her first day out for a walk with Mom since her surgery, and she was worse than ever, I guess. I got a separate walk because Mom couldn't go more than one step without Violet trying to pull on the leash. Then they have to stop and Violet has to sit, and Mom won't take another step until Violet is being calm again (This method worked for me, but I'm not so sure it's gonna work for that crazy puppy). It took them almost a half-hour to walk 4 blocks! That Violet has LOADS of energy all built up from her post-surgery confinement. From what I gather, it was a pretty stupid walk.

This is good, though, because I just made sure to walk real nicely when I got my own walk, and I got TONS of liver treats for obeying my commands. Mom was impressed with me, for sure, although she's not all that impressed with the moist pile of 'stinky' liver treats in her pocket. Mmmm....liver treats....

Until Next Time,

Delphi, The Big Lady

Winter Camping!!!

Guess what, you guys! Mom is taking me Winter Camping next Friday! We are totally going to sleep in a tent, too. Did I mention we live in Minnesota? It's cold. But camping is always AWESOME! We're gonna drive across a lake until we get to The Island. I usually ride in a boat when I'm on a lake, but this time, it's cold, so we ride in the car, which is weird. It makes me nervous, driving on the lake. I can tell it makes Mom nervous, too, even when there are big trucks and vans out there, and we're in a tiny little car. She doesn't like that there's no road, and frozen lakes can sometimes make this terrifying NOISE even when you're not going to fall through. Maybe we'll just walk across this time...

Anyway, Winter Camping is a pretty big deal. We needed to make sure that all the dogs in the Bully Pack would be able to handle it. Not having a whole lot of fur is a disadvantage to a Minnesota dog, and even if you're a sweater dog (which I SOOOO am not), no sweater's warm enough for February. So we had a practice day. The ENTIRE Bully Pack got to attend a special bonfire dog party, just for us! AWESOME! There was a ton of fire wood laying around to chew, and yet big old Hatchimon was jumping as high as he could, to bite at tree branches instead. HILARIOUS!

Violet and Emma were eliminated from the Winter Camping Eligibility List almost immediately. Emma's a purebred Staffie, and Violet's a purebred Pit, and they totally hated it. Within minutes, they were pathetic, and had to be let in the house to warm up. Violet also lacks a critical camping skill: sitting by the fire to warm up. She's pretty scared of it. Mom had to wrap her in a blanket and hold the entire bundle in her lap just to keep Violet near the warmth. She'll get another shot at camping this summer, when the weather's a little more bully-friendly. You have to be willing to sit by the fire, you know. Even in the summer, that's where the people are (and campers are generous with hot dogs that fall in the dirt). I'm scared of a lot of stuff, you guys, but not sittin' by the fire.

By the way, Winter Camping is the ONLY time that EVERYONE in attendance wants at least one dog in their sleeping bag. Think about that, dog friends. Wouldn't YOU want to go Winter Camping, too?

Until Next Time,
Delphi

Lame in More Ways than One.

I got a bad wheel, you guys. It's no good at all, and I've been fussing and babying it, and generally feeling pretty sorry for myself ever since. I was running around outside, just tearin' it up like I always do when I know I've got acreage, when YIPE! Something just started hurting real bad in my leg, and I got all depressed and stuff.

It's nothing serious, I'm walking better every day, and I'm really glad I didn't have the cruciate thing everyone was so worried about. Now, I'm kind of wishing I would've milked it longer. I got to lay on the couch whenever I wanted, and everyone felt all bad and gave me extra love. So I still limp around all pathetic-like sometimes, and Dad falls for it every time.

I have to hand it to all you tripod dogs out there! You've got a tough row, you guys, and I admire you all the more now that I see how coordinated and adaptable you have to be.

Well, I'm gonna go limp through the kitchen and see if I can get some salami out of the deal, so I'll bark at you later.

Until Next Time,
Delphi*

Haha! Ahem.

I have never seen anything so ridiculous in my life as watching Violet learn how to walk on a leash. How hard could it possibly be? Stay right next to Mom or Dad, and you won't get tugged on or nudged with a knee. Easy peasy...or so I thought.

It is not nearly so easy a concept for Violet to grasp. Today I saw her do some freaky puppy gyrations. Ho-HO, you should have seen it! I wanted to laugh, but you're not supposed to, you know. Instead Mom and I just stayed real calm and she eventually figured it out, sort of. In between bouts of wild, interpretive puppy-dance, she walked nicely; a good addition to our pack.

She shows promise, even though she's super-annoying. I never thought I could get tired of wrestlin'. But this one? She DEFINITELY never gets tired of it. And I definitely do. For the most part, though, we're the best of friends. I just can't wait until she grows up a little and stops being so dumb. Then we can have a normal walk again.

Mom always says thank you when I help with the puppy's education. She says she appreciates my help, and that I'm a good example for Violet to look up to. I don't mind this role-model gig. I get lots of treats, and even more attention than before (if that's even possible).

I have to admit, though, Violet's been a big help for me, too! I'm not as nervous to meet new people or try new things when I see Violet getting all the attention and having all the fun. I guess I never knew how fun it could be to make new people-friends! Well, you can't blame an abused puppy for being cautious.

Life is grand with this new pup! I hope all my dog friends are doing well too!

Until Next Time,
Delphi*

Jailbreak!

So, I totally busted Violet outta jail today while Mom and Dad were at work. I'm not gonna say how, or Mom and Dad will figure it out, find some way to stop me, and ruin the whole thing. Trust me, though; it was AWESOME.

I was real smart about it, too. I waited until Dad came home for lunch. We played, we ate, we went outside, the usual. I played it all innocent-like until he went back to work; then I used my Houdini skills.

What fun is a puppy in a kennel, anyway? Okay, so it's a BIG kennel, with toys and food and even a smaller kennel to sleep in, but I figured it'd be more fun if she could be wrestlin' around with me in our room. And it TOTALLY was.

Violet was pretty good, too! She didn't even pee on the floor! Mom looked worried at first, but as soon as she realized there was no damage to the room, I could tell she softened up a lot. Plus, who could resist 2 adorable bully faces, giving you an enthusiatic greeting after a long day at work?!

I'm SO doing this again tomorrow.

Until Next Time,
Delphi*

Apologies to all the Sweater Dogs Out There...

So, as you probably know, I got my very own puppy! Mom and Dad call her Violet, and she....ahem...wears a sweater. Heh-heh. Not that there's anything wrong with that. My best friend Emma wears a sweater. Ha HA! I mean, uh, there's nothing wrong with being a Sweater Dog. Ha! No, I'm serious. For real.

Emma and Violet are both pit bulls, and I have never seen anything so pathetic as a pit bull on a cold Minnesota night. Okay, so I'm half pit bull myself. It's just that the cold has never bothered me. And thank HEAVENS it doesn't. There's NO WAY I'd ever be a Sweater Dog. I mean, not that there's anything wrong with wearing a sweater...you know, if you're into that sort of thing. HA! Erm...

I digress.

Violet's pretty cool. She, of course, thinks I'm AWESOME, which isn't far off the mark. Mom and Dad suddenly think I'm a complete angel because of this puppy. Hey, I don't pee on the floor, I don't chew everything I shouldn't, I don't holler and make a fuss in the middle of the night, waking everyone up just so I can go outside. Compared to this puppy, I'm Marie Osmond!

Every day, we work on basic obedience with Violet. And she's totally bad at it. I demonstrate the proper behavior after Mom's command, and then I get a treat. Violet gets the same command and wobbles into position. Then she gets a treat. I get special treats, though, ' cause I'm so good. Those new Nutro dog desserts? Simply Divine!

Suddenly, I get praised again every time I go potty. I'm 'being a good example', according to Mom and Dad. I haven't said anything, but I could totally do without the praise when I'm tryin' to...you know, GO. It always catches me off guard, and at that moment, I'd rather not be observed. But whatev. I get way more treats than usual, just for being a good example. It's not so bad.

Violet sleeps in the kennel. I sleep in bed with Mom and Dad. Violet plays when I feel like playing, and when I don't want to play, she's easy to pin down with a big ol' paw until she either gets the hint, or falls asleep. All in all, this 'good example' stuff is a pretty cake gig. I'd even go so far as to call it...AWESOME!

Until Next Time,
Delphi*

OMG YOU GUYS!

You will not even believe this! I'm getting a PUPPY of my VERY OWN, maybe. This WEEKEND, maybe! AWESOME! I know I haven't barked at you in a long time, but I'm too excited to tell you all about my SECOND birthday (which was AWESOME, by the way). I have no time to discuss how I'm such a big girl now, and not a puppy anymore, and how I weigh a ton and stuff. It's awesome, but I'm too excited.

'Cause I'm prolly getting a PUPPY of my VERY OWN, maybe!!!

I've been wanting a puppy forEVER, and I'm finally getting one, maybe. I'm totally going to teach this puppy all sorts of cool stuff. It's gonna learn how to run around super-fast, how to get treats just for looking real sad, and how to bug Mom and Dad so they let you under the covers at night.

But that puppy has to sleep in the kennel for a while, though. I did, so that puppy does, too. The kennel's not so bad, especially for a wee little puppy who doesn't weigh a thousand pounds and have a gigantic dogbody yet. Like ME. Who does.

What was I saying? Oh, yeah! The AWESOME PUPPY! Well, I'm sure the pup will have a Dogster page soon enough, and you can see just how AWESOME she is! I've seen pictures. She's pretty adorable. Not as cute as me, you know, but pretty cute.

Emma's here! Has been all week, but suddenly I feel the need to go bite her face real quick (not hard, or anything, JEEEEZ).

Until Next Time,
Delphi*

Las Where?

Mom went away for a long time. Dad said it was a whole 5 days. We. Hated. It. All of us. It was rainy the entire time, and I rolled in manure and had to be bathed. Twice. Okay, so I had SOME fun. Dad took me up to visit Grandma and my new uncle, Buddy (he's just a pup, so I don't think I should have to call him 'Uncle', though). We had a blast romping in the mud, and I didn't even mind the rain when I was running through the field as fast as my legs would carry me, with the wind flapping crazily at my ears.

And BINGO! We found manure in the field just across the property line. I found it, really. Mmmmm...manure. I rolled all up in that manure, and it was AWESOME. Dad wasn't too crazy about it though. His face looked like he ate some bad squeakers or something. I was a real good girl in the bath, though, and didn't even freak out about the shower head.

So where was Mom through this whole big adventure? Dad said she was somewhere he called Las Vegas, visiting her sister and the Mickey Mouse Club. Really. The Mickey Mouse Club. See, mom's sister has rescued some pets who were in real need of help. A little Chihuahua named Mouse, and a Miniature Dachshund called Mickey. They also have a gold fish named Club!

I don't know who Mom thinks she is, going out of town and hanging out with a Wee Little Dog Pack without letting me come along, too! I would have LOVED hanging out with some tiny dogs like those two.

Anyway, Mom came home, just like she always does, and promptly got SICK! AWESOME! 'Sick' means Mom stays home from work and I don't have to go in my kennel at all. It's true, Mom is pretty lame, and not much fun when she's sick. But it's not as though I do a whole lot in my kennel, either. I'm mostly content to lay with Mom on whatever couch or bed she's laying on. Sometimes I get up and entertain her by chasing the cats or being super-cute.

Yeah, it's boring when Mom gets sick. I didn't have to be bored for long, though, because EMMA, my best friend in the WORLD, and fellow Dogster (go check out her page), is staying with us for a few days! How cool is that?! We've been rasslin' and snuggling and eating lots of food.

Speaking of Emma, I'd better get going so we can start rasslin' again!

Until Next Time,
Delphi*

New Photos!

Holy crap, look how sophisticated I am! I had absolutely NO idea I was this gorgeous. First, I must thank Cat K. Lee (the AWESOME photographer, who took all the black and white photos you can see on my page) for being so patient with me as together we discovered my gripping and fierce terror of cameras.

It took a lot of tortilla chips to keep me from fleeing to my kennel, but I'd say it looks like I handled it pretty well.

She was even nice enough to take a picture of Nero, and oddly enough, HE looks handsome in it! You can see it on his page.

Thanks Cat K. Lee!

And now, a shout-out to my best buddy, Emma, who has just started her own dogster page (it's about time)! Please go check her out. Leave her some treats! Send her a friend request! She's AWESOME!

Until Next Time,
Delphi*