Just a Dog

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand."

--Richard A. Biby

Tagged Once Again.

I’ve noticed - and I’ve informed Mom - that the only time I seem to write in my diary is when someone tags me.

As you can see, today is no exception. A little cutie by the name of Heidi tagged me! Apparently, I am to list seven things about myself that others may not know, and then I’m to tag 7 of my FurFriends. I’ll have to think about that part.

For now, here are my seven newsworthy tidbits:

1. I am not all greyhound. Nor am I a cross-bred with a deer, much to Mom’s relief and the misperception of several other Skinfolks.

2. On several recent occasions, while chasing my tail in a most undignified manner, I have actually caught it and bitten it. It hurt, so I cried. Enough said.

3. If I could, I would hide inside Mom’s clothes so she would put me on in the morning and carry me around with her all day.

4. I’m tired of doing Pet Therapy. I just go because Mom wants me to.

5. I’m always happy when Tim decides he doesn’t want to go on a walk. I prefer walking with Star and Mom. Tim stops and smells things way too much, and he always tries to tangle me up in his leash. He is a little brat.

6. When Mom is late coming home, I get nervous. Is she dead and lying in a ditch somewhere? Have gremlins kidnapped her? Did she stop for dinner somewhere and forget to bring some home for me? All of these are high on my list of dreaded possibilities.

7. When Mom does come home late, I hug her when she comes in the door. I plant my head in her legs, and wrap one of my front legs around one of her legs. That way she can’t escape until she has reassured me that she wasn’t involved in any of the dreaded possibilities listed in number 6.

I’m still thinking about 7 victims. I’ll let you know when I choose them.

Winnie.

Tag! I'm It!

Well, when I woke up this morning, I found I’d been tagged by my Bully Buddy, Ben the Bruiser!

If I read the instructions right, that means I am required to answer the following questions:

Name 4 jobs you have:
1. Beautifying the Couch
2. Beautifying the Settle
3. Correcting Star and keeping her in line
4. Giving the neighbors something to talk about.

Name 4 places where you have lived:
1. My First Family (who I hardly remember anymore)
2. The Capital Humane Society
3. My current home - Chez Winnie
4. Anywhere Mom and Dad go (they take me everywhere)

Name 4 places you have been:
1. Colorado/Wyoming
2. Kentucky
3. Idaho
4. Oregon

Name 4 places you'd rather be:
1. On Mom’s lap
2. The Settle
3. The Couch
4. My lounge chair outside in the sunshine

Now, I’m supposed to tag four other pups. Let’s see.... My victims will be:
Handsome and rugged Sergei,
Brave, outdoorsy Rupert,
Beautiful little Maebe,
and that little cutie, Milo.

Sincerely yours,
Winnie.

My friend, Finlay tagged me!

The Rules
(Hint: Copy and paste the rules so you don't have to type them again):

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 7 dogs to tag and list their names. Don’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!

My Seven Random Facts:

1. I am expert at spitting out pills. If Mom shoves one down my gullet, I throw it back up. I can find a pill in any substance; and if someone tries to hide them in treats, I will refuse to eat treats. Mom hopes I never get truly sick, because if I do, there will be some real trouble treating me.

2. I’m not as snobby as I seem. To me, there’s nothing better than shoving the top of my head into the crotch of my loved ones, so they can fondle my ears and rub my neck. Well, okay, I may SEEM snobby, because I lay on the couch with my legs crossed, and can’t usually be enticed to play or do tricks or anything undignified, but I’m truly not as snobby as I seem.

3. I will follow my Mom anywhere. Even into that disgusting Branched Oak Reservoir. I don’t like swimming - it isn’t Dogly. I mean, swimming is for fishes, not Greyhounds! Besides, it musses my fur.

4. I don’t lay down. I fold up.

5. I love cold weather. Well, not COLD weather, but “light jacket” weather. I also love my Winter Coat. It makes me feel pretty.

6. Pointy-eared dogs scare me.

7. My final fact: don’t let Star know this, but I’ve gotten to the point where I really like her. Sometimes I play bow to her, and ask her to chase me. I love getting her in trouble, too. She seems smart, but when it comes to me duping her, she’s dumb, dumb, dumb!!

Let’s see - I think I’ll tag:

1. Smudge
2. Sergei
3. Dan
4. Boo
5. Floyd
6. Rigby and
7. Roxy!

Years of Training, Lost Forever

“Sssssstar, ssssometimes I really do HATE you.” Winnie was actually hissing softly from underneath her baby blue blanket. All I could see of her was that long graceful neck and long, pointy nose as she swayed back and forth, eyes narrowed. She reminded me of that possum in the trash can I saw awhile back.

“Oh, come on, now, Winnie. You don’t really mean that,” I said, practically. “You’re just mad at me right now. And you really should stop that hissing stuff - it isn’t flattering at all. Makes you look like a fuzzy cobra.”

“I had them wrapped around my paw! You little creep! Why did you have to go and ruin everything!” Winnie was truly angry, and that was a little scary. I could almost see sparks flying from her eyes, and little tendrils of smoke coming from her ears. Too bad Howl-o-ween is over.

“Well, you’re the one that started it. You were the one that was barking at me and challenging me to race you around the yard. And you didn’t stop, even when Mom came out of the garage to see what all the noise was about! You were showing off - don’t deny it!”

(Segue to Winnie)

Winnie thought back to the chase. She could still feel the frisson of excitement in her bones, the way the wind had blown through her ears, the smell of the chase. Last night, she had felt like she ruled the world! She was tall and strong and graceful, the Quintessential Sighthound, and she was consumed with desire for the Hunt. Tim had seen her in this mood before - maybe that’s why he was hiding under the dining room table with a rawhide. But Star...yes, Star could make a worthy adversary. Sure, Star outweighed her by 30 pounds, but Winnie was sure and fleet of foot, and Star wouldn’t have a chance against Winnie. Not tonight.

As the wild wind whipped the bare branches of the Dogwood, Winnie stalked Star in the moonlight. She barked, authoritatively - once, twice, three times. Then they were off and racing - and Winnie was right on Star’s heels, growling at her, showing her teeth like the Dangerous Sighthound she is.

(Star breaks into Winnie's thoughts)

“I said, Winnie, are you okay? You look kind of funny, squinting like that.”

Winnie groaned and stretched out her legs. “Yes, I’m fine, Star. Go away.”

“You’re brooding again, aren’t you? Sheesh. Sighthounds.”

“Star, just shut up and go away before I bite you. You’re ruining my reverie. I’m Meditating.”

Winnie returned to her thoughts. Where was she? Ah, right. She had been right next to Star’s neck, ferociously snapping at her throat, when Star spun around, whirling like a top, and the chase was on, with the tables turned. That’s when everything had gone wrong. As Winnie thought about it, she growled, deep in her throat, and she peered through slitted eyes at Star, who, showing basic good sense, was leaving the bedroom.

Winnie didn’t even want to contemplate what had happened next, but it seemed she couldn’t stop the images from coming. Star had chased her, and then Winnie had chased Star, and everything had been going just great until Winnie had tripped on that stupid little fence Mom had put around the Dogwood in a vain attempt to keep the Jack in the Pulpit alive. Dang! Who knew a stubbed toe could hurt so bad! The entire neighborhood had rung with the sound of Winnie’s wailing. Her cries echoed off the buildings, rising to a crescendo of sound that brought Mom right out of the garage, earmuffs in hand, a horrified expression on her face.

Of course, Star would be blamed. That’s the way it had always been - Winnie had made sure of that from the first time the rotten pup set paw in the house. Winnie assumed her position of injury - standing stock-still, waiting for Mom to come and ease the pain, to gently massage her all over and throw accusing looks at Star, who waited in the shadows, apologetic wiggle in full evidence.

But what’s this? A pained look appeared on Winnie's lovely face, where she lay swaddled in her blue blankie. Mom just stood in the doorway, hands on hips, and - horrors - she was laughing!!! Even now Winnie was aghast - this could not be happening! Star would not be blamed? Mom called out, “Come here, Winnie-girl. What happened?” Winnie had unthinkingly trotted over to Mom before she had even given a thought to putting on a limp or dragging a useless leg behind her. Drat! Ruined! All those years of training, lost!

Winnie had been moping about it ever since.

Mom sat down next to Winnie and ran her fingers through the silky fur on Winnie’s neck. “You okay this morning, Sweetling? That was some exhibition you were giving in the back yard last night...” Winnie drowsily relaxed into the gentle massage - so what was the difference if Mom now knew the Truth? Mom loved her anyway - and Winnie was smart enough to figure a New Plan to get Star in trouble.....

I Must Say....

Usually, it's Star's job to do the journal entries, but I feel I simply must put my two cents worth in about the herbal remedy Mom makes me take. I just feel I need to share it with my fellow Dogsters!

I have to say, my life has been totally different since Mom started forcing me to take that horrible DGP stuff. Don't get me wrong - it's not that it's just so yummy you won't be able to resist it: I hate it. It tastes awful. No matter that Mac the Thundering Slobber Dog just munches his down in his food - he is just not very discriminating when it comes to anything edible. Now, if Mom would wrap the pill in caviar or something actually edible, I might not make her wrap it in cheese or a piece of hot dog before she has to force it down my throat.

Anyway, it has been about six months since they started forcing me to take this stuff, and I'm having so much fun playing these days that it makes Mom and Dad marvel. Instead of just hanging back, glued to Mom's leg, I ask other furkin to play with me, and you should see me hunt! Okay, I'll admit it: Tim is much better at CATCHING things - but you should see me HUNT them! Why would I want to catch them, anyway? Then all the fun is over!

So, if your joints are achy and you just don't feel like facing another day, you should check it out! This is where Mom buys it: Where to buy DGP. But check it out on the Web yourself - maybe you can find a better deal yet!

Sincerely,
Winnie.

PS: Before getting the first bottle of the stuff, Mom took all the advertising blurbs and things to my vet, Doc Eddings, and asked him to check it out. He says he can see nothing in it that could hurt me, and that all the ingredients that they disclose are natural anti-inflammatories. If you have troubles with your blood coagulating, or if you are on other medications, you should run it by your vet before starting on it!

Tim May Be On to Something...

I'm not entirely sure what happened to Mom, but this Doggy Devotion thing, which I'm sure is very sincere and heartfelt, is downright uncomfortable. I mean, really. Stop groveling and stand up on your two legs, you silly Skinperson! I know I deserve the adoration you obviously hold for me, but try to keep it down a little, okay?

Oh, and how about a Frosty Paws while you're up?

Thanks!

Winnie.

My Tail of Devotion for Winnie

This is a special Tail of Devotion

See All Tails of Devotion

Winsome Winnie's Beauty Tips

Winsome Winnie’s Beauty Tips:

1. Point your nose down, and look up at people. This may be difficult for Pugs and other short-nosed breeds, but it can make you look particularly fetching.

2. Always cross your front legs when you lay on the couch. Please note: experience allows me to tell you that you may also cross your back legs, but if you try to get up too quickly, they can become hopelessly tangled and then people may laugh at you.

3. Use your ears. I have trained my Mom and Dad to respond to a total of three ear positions: flat back against my head (which indicates that they are welcome to caress me), straight away from my head (which indicates that I am alert and aware of that bit of bacon they may be trying to keep from sharing with me), and fully erect (which indicates that I am engaged in tracking prey and will not be dissuaded). Once again, there are a few breeds such as the basset hounds and spaniels who may have some troubles with these ear techniques, but I would encourage those individuals to practice, using popsicle sticks and masking tape, if necessary.

4. Refrain from allowing anyone to put any kind of doggy costume on you. A classically tailored fleece jacket in the cold Winter months is perfectly acceptable, but leave the Halloween costumes to silly Labrador retrievers and the smaller breeds who cannot defend themselves.

5. Playtime antics are best reserved for times when they can be truly appreciated by an audience. Try to wait until you have at least one witness before racing around the back yard, leaping gracefully over tall blooming iris, or pouncing on unsuspecting prey. If you have no prey available, a house-mate (in my case, Tim, the terrier - or Star, although she's a bit trickier) can serve nicely. When wrestling with a house-mate, growl menacingly at him or her, and gnaw gently on his or her neck and other extremities. This lets everyone around you know that their safety is only due to your extreme good nature and practiced gentleness, and that is what keeps them from being savagely mauled if you happen to be in a bad mood.

6. When begging, never drool. If your skinfolk are eating at the table, quietly lay your chin on the edge of the table and look longingly at them. Never snatch or grab food - you will only get in trouble that way, and you may not be considered quite as beautiful as you were previously (as well as possibly being banned from the dining room, which would put an end to all begging in the future). I’ve found that focusing on the food instead of the people doesn’t work quite as well, although you can get them to laugh if you want to, by following the food with your eyes as they wave it around.

7. Last and not least, when your skinfolk sit on the couch with you, be sure to lay your head in their lap while taking up as much of the rest of the couch as possible. This makes it nearly impossible for anyone else to steal any of the attention you so richly deserve.

New Photo!

Good morning, all! Mom added a photo this morning, and I wanted to tell you about it. As you can see, Mom and all three of us furkids are in it. This photo was taken in front of the Humane Society, where Mom adopted all three of us, and is going to be published in the Capital Humane Society newsletter next month, because we were the Top Dogs in the PetWalk this year (that means we raised the largest amount of money to help the Humane Society). Mom says it was tough this year, because their fundraising campaign began just right before that big hurricane hit, so people were giving all they could to help the skinvictims and furvictims of the hurricane, so money was scarce. Still, we did all we could, and it looks like we're going to be famous! Well, more famous than we ever really expected, anyway.

Love,
Winnie.