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A Day with Gus

Almost Eight

A lot has happened since my last entry. I will be eight years old on Sunday. My humans and I have established a regular routine, which I like. We get up at about 7:00 a.m.; Mom let's me out to go potty; if there's a squirrel, I'll chase it up the tree; then I either have breakfast, rest, and go for a walk, or vice-versa. It depends on what the humans have on their agenda for the morning. Usually Dad takes me for my walk, which is fun because he lets me run as much as I want. When Mom takes me, I really have to mind my manners. She doesn't let me get away with anything!

Then I go downstairs to the family room where it's cool and sleep for awhile. I usually go back upstairs after about 11:00 a.m., so I can bark at the mail carrier and also any delivery trucks or anything out of the ordinary. I sleep in between barking episodes. During the school year, I bark at the kids getting of the bus at about 3:00. Mom says she knows what time it is based on my barking schedule. What can I say, I bark a lot. My humans need to know what's going on, and I'm just trying to tell them. They don't get it sometimes.

So, I'm moving a little slower now that I'm almost eight, and when I've been asleep for a while, my left hip feels a little stiff. I'm going to discuss it with the vet today when I go in for my checkup. I think I have to get shots, too. I'm not too sure about that lady doctor, though. She's nice and everything, and I like the way she talks, and she gives me treats, but then she pokes me with sharp things. And I'm not too crazy about that stethescope thing even though it doesn't hurt. It's just weird. I'm not big on being touched by strangers (or almost-strangers).

The best part about going to the vet is riding in the car. I love that! The ride home will make me forget all about getting a shot. Maybe my humans will take me for a ride on my birthday -- that would be great!

Gus -- July 15, 2011

Gus's New Year

Hello! I haven't written since my second birthday, and now I'm already 3-1/2 years old. The new year started off really good because my humans got to stay home with me a lot over the holidays. I love it when my humans are home with me, but I get sad when one of them has to travel and be away overnight. I am a sad pumpkin now because my male human ("dad") is away for two nights. I sort of lost my appetite because I miss him so much. My female human ("mom") gives me lots of extra attention, though, to try to make up for it. She takes me on extra-long walks, which I love. I have to behave more when she walks me, but that's okay - it's all about getting to go. (They always spell it "G - O", but really, I know what it means. They also speall "W-A-L-K", but I'm on to that one, too!)

I pretty much have "mom" wrapped around my little finger (well... toe). Also, I still have both of them scammed on trimming my nails. I make out like it's this big, painful, awful thing, then they give up and don't do it. I have a feeling, though, that nail trimming is all going to change this year.

I got a new bone and squeaky ball for Christmas. That squeaky ball is really fun, and the more I squeak it, the louder it gets. It's really great to squeak, and to play fetch with, too. I'm getting really good at grabbing it on the first bounce. I like my new bone, too, but I think they just gave me that to help keep my teeth clean. The teeth and the nails are always an issue with my humans. Oh well, I guess that's what humans do.

I hope all of you had happy holidays and your new year is off to a good start. I have to go take a nap now, so I'll be well-rested for barking at Ernie-the-Mailman later today! WOOF!

My Second Birthday

Sunday, July 17 -
I had my second birthday and was it great! I got to sleep in, play with my toys and I got a new rawhide bone, which I immediately hid to save for later. This time, I "buried" it between the couch cushions and covered it with a blanket. Those nice people I live with didn't find it for hours! I have chewed on it a little, but I'm saving it for later. It's been really hot lately, and I would rather lay on the cool floor downstairs instead of chewing my bone. I am also shedding a lot lately. Oh well...these are the dog days of summer!