Super-Pup

Yappy Birthday to Me!

Today I'm 5 years old... WOW! Can you believe it? So much has changed since I was a pup. I moved from Georgia to New Jersey and found a home. I've been to all sorts of classes, on lots of long walks and hikes, taken a vacation or two, learned some agility, and got a baby brother.

I also found Dogster, and have made so very many wonderful pals. Thanks to all of you for your friendship, love, support, and for sharing your knowledge, experience, joys, and stories with me and my mom.

Here's hoping the next 5 years are as wonderful as my first. I look forward to spending them with you all!

Wags,
- Sydney

PS - if you're wondering, mom and I had fun at the race on Saturday. We finished in the middle of the pack (mom's slow) and the weather was perfect: cool, with no sun, so I didn't overheat and didn't have to wear any stupid sunscreen. There's a photo of us from the race... you can barely see me b/c I'm behind the other lady's leg, but that was me and mom "making our move". As they took that photo we were passing the other lady - we zoomied past them and sprinted the rest of the way to the finish line. WHEEE!!!!!

RACE DAY!

Well, we haven't been training as much as in years past, but tomorrow is... RACE DAY! Mom and I will be running in the annual Hounds and Harriers 5K race, raising funds for St. Hubert's Animal Shelter.

Each year this race raises over $10,000 to help homeless animals, promote animal welfare, and perform animal-related community outreach. Plus it is lots of fun! They have a Paws From The Past race, for senior pups who can't run the whole race any more, and special awards for different categories including small dog, large dog, rescue/shelter dog, etc. And hoomans can't run in the race unless they have a doggy running partner. How cool is that?!?!

And this year (for the first time!) Daddy is going to come watch us race, along with baby Colin! The only downer is that there's a good chance it will be raining tomorrow. Mom and I don't care, but that won't be much fun for daddy and Colin.

Here's hoping for no rain tomorrow, and another successful fundraising event.

Gotta run (BOL!!!!!)

Wags,
- Syd

Better than Lassie

This morning mom was up, rushing around as usual, trying to do three things at once. She got up, emptied the dishwasher while making coffee, got dressed while coffee was brewing. Took me outside while the toast was cooking. Held and comforted the baby while setting out her vitamins... all the usual chaos. Then she sat down to feed the baby and eat her breakfast.

Mom's breakfast was coffee and toast with soybutter, plus her vitamins. (Soy butter is like peanut butter, but safe for my daddy who is allergic to peanuts.) The baby was nursing, and mom had taken about 2 bites of her breakfast when... *gaak* *gaak-gakk* *GAAAK* ... mommy was choking. Not just a little sputtering and coughing, but really truly choking. She could cough out a teeny bit, but a blob of soy-butter-toast was stuck in her throat and she couldn't get any air in. None at all.

I ran upstairs as fast as I could and did my best to wake daddy up. I made sure that I let him know how urgent it was... not my usual "I kinda have to pee" way of waking him up, but frantic. I couldn't get daddy to wake up, but thankfully mom made it to the kitchen and was able to get some water and clear her throat. But she was scared. Really, truly terrified.

It wasn't until mom went upstairs and explained what happened to daddy that he realized what I had been trying to do. I was trying to get daddy to come and help save mommy! Mom was so impressed she said I was like Lassie, but daddy said "No, Syd is better than Lassie!"

So just in case you were wondering... I"m better than Lassie. WOW! That is the best compliments daddy has ever given me. I'm so proud!!

Wags, from the pup who is "better than Lassie"
- Sydney

Dairy of the Day!!!

What a great week... my furless brother Colin is doing great after his surgery, I got to go down to Philadelphia on Sunday, and now... dear readers... I'm a DAILY DIARY PICK!!! WOOO HOOO!!!!!

A little more detailed info: Baby Colin has pretty much been his usual self since the surgery. If it weren't for me not being allowed to lick his face I'd never remember about it!!!

Although we did have a little scare on Sunday. We were down in Philiadelphia, and Grammy Lulu was watching the boy while mom and dad went for a run. (They kindly left me home in the air conditioning, as it was 87 degrees out. Too hot for me!!!!) It all started out so perfect, especially since they have.... *SIGH* wall to wall carpet. I just LOOOOOVE carpeting. I was running back-and-forth and back-and-forth, and stretching, and luxuriating in the lovely springy bounciness of it all.

Anyway, after their run mom took a shower and was about to come back downstairs when she heard crying. Baby Colin had bumped his lip and it was bleeding. Just a teeny bit, but everyone was panicking. Grammy Lulu was nearly in tears b/c she was holding him when it happened, Grandpa was reassuring everyone that "blood has clotting factors" (he's a scientist... and brilliant, but silly sometimes), mommy just held the baby trying to calm him down, and daddy finally told everyone to STOP panicking. Which was really good b/c I was freaked out about how everyone was behaving. It was so upsetting that I hid under the buffet in the dining room, then moved under the desk. There was just too much chaos and anxiety for my taste! They called the doctor, b/c the hospital said to call if they saw any fresh blood, but when the doctor heard what happened he reassured everyone that there was no reason to worry. PHEW!!!!

So then we got to relax, and I was able to come out from under the desk and denjoy the carpeting for a few more hours which was really the highlight of my week. Until today. When I found out I was diary of the day. WOO HOO!!!! Thanks Dogster HQ for picking me!!!!

Gotta go celebrate - happy diary day to y'all!!!

Wags,
- Sydney

My Baby (furless) Brother

Just a short note... my baby furless brother Colin had surgery today to fix his lip. Mom says the surgery went well, but... can you believe it... I can't give him lickies for a while!!!!!!!!!!!!! The poor little guy - no wonder he keeps crying!

I don't know how long mom is going to enforce the "no lickies" policy, but I guess if baby Colin has to heal for a while I can try to be patient.

Thanks to everypup who said pawrayers for us!!!

Wags,
- Syd

CLUNK!!!

So, in case I haven't mentioned it, I LOVE being a big sister, and I adore my new little furless brother. I keep a close eye on him, and if he cries I run to check on him. If mom doesn't respond quickly enough I run back and forth from mom to baby Colin until she gets the hint. And when he is in his little chair and cries I run over to him and lick-lick-lick him until he's fixed!

Well... this morning mom got up and went into the bathroom and I followed as usual. I'm not getting as much sleep as I used to, so I laid down on the tiles. Seriously - I wasn't being lazy, just catching a quick nap. We weren't in there 2 minutes when the baby started crying... and... I jumped up so fast I hit my head on the bathroom cabinet - CLUNK! But I was so focused I didn't stop for a moment, just ran to the door and waited to be let out so I could go check on the little baby to make sure he wasn't broken.

Mom gave me extra pets, which made me feel a little better, and then we both went to check on the baby and helped him to stop crying.

You just have to love a story with a happy ending!!!

Wags,
Sydney, the tired but happy big sister.

I rescued a human today

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more need to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

=======
Thanks to my pal Daisy (http://www.dogster.com/dogs/933782) who shared this lovely thought today.

I HAVE A LITTLE BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mom will provide more details later, but for now I just wanted to tell everypup that my baby brother arrived on Sunday afternoon! His name is Colin. More details to come.....

I overheard mommy saying...

If I Didn't Have a Dog... or Cat...

I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.

My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.

All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair. It wouldn't sound like a kennel.

When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me there.

I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies needs to be comfortable.

I would have money and no guilt to go on a real vacation.

I would not be on a first-name basis with 6 veterinarians as I put their grand kids through college.

The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no and stay.

My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.

I would not talk 'baby talk' 'eat your din din' 'yummy yummy for the tummy'..

My house would not look like a day care center with toys everywhere.

My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.

I would no longer have to spell the words B-A-L-L, F-R-I-S-B-E- E, W-A-L-K, T-R-E-A-T, R-I-D-E?

I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.

I would not look strangely at people who think having one pet ties them down too much.

I'd look forward to spring and the rainy season instead of dreading 'mud' season.

I would not have to answer the question 'Why do you have so many animals' from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get.

How empty my life would be.

=======
Isn't she a good mommy???

Wags, from an appreciated pup
- Sydney

Sooooo tired...

What a fun day today was!!! Mom took me for a 4-mile walk, and on the walk I saw three other doggies. The first one was a 4-month old GSD, who was exactly my size and just wanted to play-play-play! Then we walked some more and I was kinda stressed out (just my usual freak-out because there were people around that I didn't know). Then I got to see a miniature Yorkie, who probably weighed about a pound and barked and barked at me, but was kinda cute and fun. Then after that I got to meet a doggy who was rescued from St. Maarten and brought here to have a wonderful life in her fur-ever home. She was really timid at first, but eventually wanted to play.

Then when we got home I thought I would just snooze the rest of the day, but mom and dad went to go look at houses and I got to go along for the ride. Which was fun 'cause I love the car, but still tiring.

Now I'm so exhausted that when mommy went upstairs I didn't even follow her. Daddy was worried that there might be something wrong, but there isn't... I'm just sooooo tired.

In fact, I'm so tired I have to go to bed... right... now...

sleepy wags,
- Syd

Today is my 4th Gotcha Day!

Amazingly... it was four years ago today that I found my furever home. In the past four years my life sure has changed a lot. I have graduated from two obedience classes and an agility class. I forged a truce with Seamus-cat. I've gone on many many hikes, I've run races, I've overcome (thankfully minor) injuries, I've taken hundreds (maybe thousands) of walks, and I've made very many wonderful friends - in person and here via Dogster.

I'm dictating this to my typist as I chew on my GIANT marrow bone (nearly a whole pound!), and wanted to take a moment to thank all of my wonderful Dogster pals for making the past four years so wonderful for me, and for my mom. You've been a font of wisdom, provided fun recipes and suggestions, offered brilliant training tips, and always, above all, have been a supporting loving group of friends. For this both mom and I are eternally grateful.

Thanks, wags, and yappy wishes for another 4 years of joy!

Wags,
- Sydney

CATCH!

Alright Pal! You made it here. I see you caught my foot ball pass. Here is what you should do next...
Hurry and pass the ball to 5 of your team mates so they can make a touch down (you can tell I went a bit overboard, but I wanted a full team)! Then write down 5 things about yourself that are funny. Also please leave me a bone and ask all those who visit your diary to leave you a bone so you will know they have been there! Ok…Here goes the play!

1. I have the amazing talent of being able to calm a hyper pup, and being able to get pups who are mopey to play.
2. I'm a sock thief. If there's a pair of socks left on the floor I pick them up and carry them around... and snuggle up and sleep with them! And yes, I prefer to always take them in pairs.
3. Daddy taught me to be a beggar: when he is making anything in the kitchen I wiggle my way between his knees and the cabinets and wait for "samples". (I try this with mom but she doesn't like it at all.)
4. I have a nice, soft bed but usually fall asleep with my head resting on a hard step-stool that mom has next to Seamus-cat's perch-bed. No one knows why.
5. I snore. 'nuff said

Here is who tagged me:
Furio

Here is who I tagged:
Chance
Gibbon
Jackpot
Mia
Priscilla

Ok, team, go get ‘em!

An aspiration...

If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when, through no fault of yours, things go wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend’s limited education and never correct him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed, color, religion, or politics...

Then, my friend, you are as good as your dog.

Anna-whaa????

So last week I had to go to the vet. I don't like it (of course!) but I tolerate it. The vet-man checked out my teeth (and complimented me on how white and clean they are), my ears, my eyes, listened to my heart and lungs, and even peeked under my tail! He's nothing if not thorough. Then he had mommy hold me and he drew some blood for my annual heartworm test. After that I was FINALLY allowed to get down off the awful metal table, mom put my leash back on (HOORAY!!!) and we were able to leave. PHEW! Talk about a yucky Monday!!!

But... apparently all is not well. The vet called mom on Thursday and told her that I have anaplasmosis. Anna-whaa???? So the vet said it again: anna-plaz-MOW-sis. It is a disease that I apparently got from a tick (ICK! ICK! ICK!). Symptoms are similar to Lyme disease and can include fever, depression, anorexia, lethargy, painful joint inflammation, and possible neurological signs including seizures and neck pain.

I thankfully don't have any symptoms, and it isn't contagious (to people, cats, or other dogs) but it is a really icky disease. Momma nearly fell out of her chair at work when she heard this!!!! And she was even more embarrassed to admit that she didn't know the vet was testing for this... she thought it was just a heartworm test but thankfully our vet uses a "SNAP 4Dx®" test from Idexx Laboratories which tests for heartworm, Lyme, Anaplasmosis AND Canine ehrlichiosis. YIKES! Anyway mom started doing homework and is so grateful for this amazing test - with just a teeny little blood sample the vet was able to test for all four of these horrid diseases.

If anyone wants to see the SNPA 4Dx website it is here:
http://www.idexx.com/animalhealth/testkits/4dx/

Th e GOOD news is that I haven't shown any symptoms, so I'm not in pain or anything, and I'm now going to be on antibiotics for a month which should make all the nasty bacteria go away. It upsets my tummy, so mom is giving me plenty of rice and a little pumpkin with every meal, but we're just going to have to deal with it because the alternative is MUCH worse. *sigh*

But more impawtantly I wanted to tell all my pals. Apparently Anaplasmosis is a rapidly growing/spreading disease, and if undetected the symptoms can be bad. There's no vaccine, and there's no immunity, which means you can get it again and again and again. You get Anaplasmosis from a tick bite so the ONLY way to prevent it is to keep the ticks off you (or remove them ASAP if they get on you). In other words, our pawrents have to do REALLY thorough tick checks any time we're outside. I realize that some of you live in areas where there aren't as many ticks, but wherever you are PLEASE... remind your pawrents to be super careful to check for ticks. And ask your vet if they do the Snap 4DX test (or something similar) to ensure that you're being tested. I'm going to be fine, but I want to make sure all my pals know about this so no one else gets it.

If you want to read more about Anaplasmosis here's a few good websites to check out:
http://www.critterology.com/canine_anaplasmosis-203.ht ml
http://www.capcvet.org/?p=Guidelines_Ehrlichia&h=0&s=0
http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/Medicine/An-upda te-on-anaplasmosis-in-dogs/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/50 6867

Hope you all have a tick-free holiday, and a tick-less 2009!

Recuperating wags,
Sydney

Captain Bad and Little Miss Naughty

It was the dark of night, and it was cold and raining.
Mom was still in bed, and then I heard...

CRINKLE-CLUNK!

I snuck downstairs and... MANNA FROM HEAVEN!!!! Mommy had left the bag of holistic doggy biscuits on the dining room table overnight (a gift from Sadie Boo, Sophie Bean, Klemy and Kira). Apparently Seamus-cat got hungry and knocked it over... and the bag BURST OPEN!!! I walked over and... *sniff* *sniff*... OH MY GOSH. YUMMY-YUMMY-YUMMY!!! I began wolfing down those treats as fast as I possibly could. They were phenomenal. Not only were they yummy, they were sneaky treats... I've never stolen food like that. It tastest SOOO much better that way!!! (OK... I did steal a block of cheese once, but daddy caught me right away so I never got to enjoy it and that just doesn't count!)

Then suddenly mom was there... so I tried to eat the treats even faster. Seamus was cleaning up all the little pieces and crumbs while I dove from spot to spot eating every biscuit I could find! Mommy tried to get in between me and the treats, and normally I'd let her but NOT TODAY! They were just too darned yummy... I kept crunching as fast as I could!! Mom finally realized she wasn't going to win so she took the rest of the bag and put it away (in a container. in a cabinet. *sigh*).

And now mom has renamed us, Captain Bad and Little Miss Naughty. WOO HOO! Sure hope Santa Paws likes my new nickname!

What an exciting morning!!!

I'm a Naughty Noodler

Well, um... I hate to have to say this, but mommy things I was naughty last night. Not actually bad, but definitely naughty. I don't entirely agree, so I'll tell you the story and let you make your own determination.

So... last night Mom got home from the gym around 8:00. She popped her leftover pasta in the microwave to heat up and took me out to go potty. It was raining (pouring), and about 37 degrees. But I decided I wanted to sniff around and refused to go potty. After a few minutes mom decided I wasn't going, and she was as cold and soggy as she wanted to get, so we went back inside.

Mom ate dinner, then started cleaning the house. She cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. (Last weekend she and daddy were the naughty ones, and they didn't do their chores. And daddy's friend was coming from out of town to spend the night, and daddy and the friend were out playing tennis, so mommy drew the short straw and got to clean the house.) She cleaned the bathrooms. Then she put fresh sheets on the guest bed. And threw a load of laundry in to start. Then she cleaned the kitchen. Then she dusted. Then she vacuumed-vacuumed-vacuumed the whole house (took about an hour). When she finally finished it was after 11:00. WHEW!

Mommy was really tired, but she knew I had to go potty. So on with her coat, and her really old sneakers... and out we went. Into the still pouring rain. (I still don't know how it was raining and not snowing, 'cause it was DARNED cold. But it was definitely pouring.) The water was pooling all over the sidewalks, and the streets were like streams. Mom and I walked through inches of water everywhere we went! I thought it was pretty fun (although a bit chilly) but mom didn't seem to be enjoying herself at all. Isn't that odd?!? Anyway, we continued on our little walk, I finally went potty and we could return home.

When we got there... Daddy was there (hooray!) but (WHAT?!?!?) so was some other man (GAAACK!!!). I wanted to bark at him, but mommy wouldn't let me do anything until she dried me off. Finally I was dry, so mommy got to go upstairs and change out of her soaking wet and icy cold clothes.

Then I had to try and be good and not bark at the man, who daddy insisted was his "friend." But it was tough. Really really hard. So I sat by mommy and just watched him veeerrrry closely, to make sure he didn't get any funny ideas.

A little after midnight mommy finally gave up and said she had to go to bed because she was exhausted. She went upstairs, brushed her teeth, brushed my teeth, and we both flopped into our beds. Ahhhhh...

Then I heard daddy and the other man downstairs, so I barked to let mommy know they were still there. Fifteen minutes later they were still downstairs so I barked again as another reminder. And I barked again about 20 minutes after that because those boys were STILL downstairs. I knew it was my obligation, you see, to keep mommy informed about where everyone was.

Eventually daddy came to bed, and I barked at him for good measure to let him know that he should have come to bed with mommy. Then... HORRORS... daddy's friend stayed up watching TV. (He lives in Seattle, so for him it still felt early.) So I had to stay vigilant, because the "friend" was still downstairs. I figured to play it safe I would bark, just once, about every 20 minutes. That way mom and dad would know for sure that I was doing my job as a guard, and they wouldn't forget that this person was STILL in our house.

For some reason, which I really don't understand, this did not make mommy happy. She kept telling me to be quiet. But I was only doing ONE bark, so I figured that was as quiet as I could be an still keep her informed.

Well... around 4AM mommy snapped. Really - I think she went a little crazy. The next thing I knew she ushered me into the master bathroom... threw my bed on the floor... and SHUT ME IN! I was locked in. AWAY FROM MOMMY!!!! NOOOOOOOO!!!!! It was terrible. Horrible. Awful. A tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. I had to stay in there, ALL BY MYSELF. And I was a very sad, very quiet little doggy.

[interjection from the typist (aka mommy): After an excruciatingly busy day at work, and a very hectic night, at 4AM I just lost it. I did lock Syd in the bathroom, but she had her bed and could be comfy if not happy. I then went back to bed, adrenaline pumping through my veins preventing me from sleeping, and felt horribly guilty for the next 30 minutes for locking the poor girl up. *sigh]

In the bathroom I was quiet. Very very quiet. And very sad. But then at about 6:00AM daddy, my HERO, came into the bathroom and let me out. I thanked him (quick lick) then ran over to mommy to apologize. I jumped up and put my paws on her side of the bed, and licked and licked her face. And she gave me pets and told me I was a good girl. And all was well in the world again, so I curled up on my bed for a nap. But then I had to make sure mommy still wasn't mad at me, so I came over for more lickies and pets. I did this a few times, because mommy has never ever locked me away before and I had to be sure she wasn't still mad.

Eventually (around 6:45) Seamus-cat started purring and pawing to wake mommy up because she was over-sleeping and we needed our breakfast, so mommy got up and made our breakfasts and took me for my morning walk. :-D

So pals, that's my story. As you can imagine I'm pretty tired after such an eventful and stressful night. I'm going to go take a nap and see if maybe I can figure out why mommy thinks I was so naughty last night. I don't get it - I was just doing my job. Why would she be upset??? I sure hope this doesn't get back to Santa Paws as I'm sure this was all just a big misunderstanding.

Sleepy wags,
- Sydney

PS - if anyone can figure out why mommy was so groggy and crabby-sounding this morning please let me know. I just don't get it.

What a very truly amazingly wonderful day!!

So on Saturday... it looked like just another day. Mom got up early, fed me and Seamus-cat, took me outside for a quick potty trip, then left for the gym. But when she got back.... BOY did my day ever get better!!!!

After mom ate a little lunch she took me in the car. (HOORAY)
We drove for a while, and it wasn't hot at all. (LOVE IT)
Then... could it be??? We went to one of my favorite hikes! (JOY!)
(you can see it here: http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/activities/parks/sourland _mt.htm)
And it wasn't hot and sunny, so I didn't feel like I was melting. (YIPPEEE!!!)
And mom let me romp up the mountain and in the woods with no leash. (AROOO!!!)
And mom kept giving me lots of little reward treats for coming back to her. (YUMMERS!)
And lots of people admired me (but didn't pet me). (WHEEE!!!!)
And I met a new pal - a miniature sheltie. (FUN!)
And he and I got to sprint up and down the hill off-leash. (RAPTURE!!!)
Then mom rubbed me down with a towel. (AAHHHHH)
Then another car ride. (STILL LOVE IT)
Then when we got home daddy was there. (HIP-HIP-HOORAY!!!!)
And daddy gave me a really nice massage. (SOOO GOOOOD!!!!)
Then I got a few scraps of steak after mom and dad ate dinner. (SLUUURRRRP!)
Then I got my own marrow bone to chew on for the evening. (HEAVEN!)
And mom and dad stayed home with me all night. (BLISS)

And that, my friends, was my very truly amazingly wonderful day.
May you all have days as filled with joy and love, during the holiday season and always.

Wags,
- Sydney

WHY "O" WHY

I read this on my pal Priscilla's page (http://www.dogster.com/dogs/573774) and couldn't agree more. So, without further ado...

===============
A CHRISTMAS LAMENTATION or...

WHY "O" WHY

{ December 19th 2007 8:49 am }

Dear Diary,

What do I want for Christmas??

My bowl is always full of food and drink,
There is always a hand ready with a tasty treat,
Dozens of toys to chew and to shake,
A couch or a bed with blankets, no floor for me,
I even came with a health guarantee,
My limbs are able from walks and from runs,
Lots of collars and strong leashes because I don't always "come",
A cuddle, a kiss, a pat or a stroke,
I never have to ask, "Is that all she wrote?",
I want for nothing,
You can see that is true,
All that I want is: "THE SAME FOR ALL OF YOU!"
So Santa, if you read this,
When you are high in the sky,
Go over my house,
Please, pass me by,
Take all of my gifts wrapped up so bright,
To a pup who has naught,
It is really alright,
This is my wish and if only you could,
Give him a guardian, kind and good,
Stop the abuse,
Right now and forever,
To us pups all over,
and kitty cats too,
oh~ hell, why not all of Gods' creatures,
if you could please include,
In this, my wish, for CHRISTMAS

What are Dogs Good For?

(This is copied from the monthly SitStay Newsletter - www.sitstay.com - and was so timely and well written that I just HAD to share!)

Yappy Howlidaze everyone!
Wags,
- Sydney

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What are dogs good for? Now, that’s a silly question to those of us who love dogs. But maybe not so silly to the dog uninitiated.

Let me start with what dogs are not good for: Christmas presents! Never give a puppy or a dog as a surprise gift. The people who are getting the dog need to know that dogs can live up to 20 years and older, that’s a big, big, big commitment. Our kids don’t even stay in the house that long. I was long gone from home by the time I was 20. And dogs aren't cheap. Dogs are like children, they need room, they need play and walks, they can be loud, they can be teenagers and they can be old timers. They poop, they pee, they make messes, they eat a lot of food. They chew stuff. They take time. Just like with human kids, if you’re not ready, you’re really, really not ready to have one.

Every once in a while someone will suggest to me that, "It’s only a dog, what’s the big deal?" Until a person has loved a dog, they’ll never really know what is the big deal. Here’s the big deal.

Dogs keep us company and protect our children. They protect us. Dogs lower our blood pressure and keep us healthy simply by touching them, that’s scientifically proven. They protect our homes just by being dogs. Homes with dogs are most often passed over by burglars for homes without dogs, no protection training needed. Dogs help us get our exercise. It’s easy to sit on the couch and veg until your wonderful dog wants to go for a walk. No matter the weather, up and out we go. Dogs are the best exercise machines ever. The love of a dog is the best motivator to stay in shape.

Dogs love us back. Until a person has loved a dog, they won’t know the beauty of total and unselfish acceptance. The beauty of a dog’s love is in the evening when our dog has been walked and fed and wants to sit close. The look in their eyes tells it all. We are their people and they like being near us.

Dogs are attention getters and they get us out of the house. We meet men, we meet women, we meet children, and we enlarge our circle of friends. You’ve never walked your dog when someone didn’t wave or smile or say, “Hey, a dog!”

Dogs teach us to play. They teach us patience. They teach us compassion. Dogs teach us to rest.

Our love for dogs can make us miss them desperately when they have to leave us. It breaks our heart to let them go. We cry and we should, they were good dogs. And we’re sad. Then our hearts start to heal because we think of them and what they gave us. We smile and laugh and remember the great and funny things they did when they were still here. And then pretty soon we get another dog and it starts all over again. Nature knows what’s best. And that is a dog needs people and people need dogs.

There are lots of great and happy things in the world, but there’s no such better happiness in the world than being loved by a dog. And loving one back. I consider myself one of the luckiest people in the whole world to understand the honor I have to live with my dogs.

Tired, but EXCITED... because I'm a DOGSTER DIARY PICK!

So this morning I was pooped. Last night mom took me on another long run, 'cause she's getting ready to run her half-marathon this weekend. And while I love to run I do need some serious nap time after our runs.

This morning I was still sleepy, but mom got me up anyway for our morning walk. It was a nice brisk morning, and we had a pretty uneventful walk. Just before we got home I saw a pal of mine (his name is Meatball), but I was a little tired so I didn't want to play. While mom talked to Meatball's person I just laid down and chilled.

We got back home, and once mom finally finished showering I got my breakfast... with a little extra yogurt in it. YUMMERS! Then... GASP! Mom checked her email and saw a few notices from our pals... I was selected as... are you sitting down...

DIARY OF THE DAY!!!

WHOOOPPEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Tired? Me? NO WAY! Today is a day to celebrate and pawty!!
Mom has promised to share some of her lunch (whole wheat pasta and sausage) with me, since I'm such a special girl. Isn't that pawsome?

I'd love to stay and chat, but I think I need to zoomie-zoom-zoom for a while.

Thanks Dogster HQ! It feels PAWSOME to be a diary pick.

Wags,
- Sydney

THUNK!

So last night we were taking our usual end-of-the-night walk. Mom and dad and I headed out into the beautiful brisk evening. It was approximately 11:00, dark with a few stars out, and generally a lovely night.

We made it about 100 yards when this man started jogging by. He was dressed in all dark sweats, with a hood over his head, and what looked like a wooden broom-handle which he had behind his back with both arms crooked over it. Dad and mom thought he looked odd (and he isn't someone from the neighborhood... they didn't think) so we crossed the street and stayed on the other side. He just kept jogging so we decided it was just odd.

Then we were a little more than half-way around our loop when... Mr. Weird came jogging by again. This time his stick wasn't behind his back - he was twirling it like the leader of a parade. I'd never ever seen anyone doing this before. It was really bizarre, and really interesting. So fascinating, in fact... that... I... well... THUNK I walked face-first into a tree. Hard.

WHA??? Am I in trouble? *tail between legs* Is someone mad at me *cowering slightly* oooh.... my head hurts...

Mommy sat down and called me, and I sat between her legs where I knew I was safe, and she checked me all over to make sure I didn't have any external injuries. Ears, eyes, teeth, nose... all still thankfully whole and in the right place. But the whole time mom kept telling me that I needed to pay attention to where I was walking. I know she was concerned, but really... that's the definition of adding insult to injury.

Mom watched me closely for the rest of the night, and I didn't seem to be acting any different so she assumed I didn't have a concussion. Too bad they don't make aspirin for the doggy headache I had!

So... doggies... next time you're walking and there's something distracting... make sure there aren't any big bad trees sneaking up on you. I can say from experience that they're bigger and stronger and harder than you might think.

Wags (with a bag of ice on my poor head)
- Sydney

When I am old...

When I am old

I will wear soft gray sweatshirts
and a bandanna over my silver hair,
and I will spend my social security
checks on wine and my dogs.

I will sit in my house on my
well-worn chair and listen to
my dogs breathing.
I will sneak out in the middle
of a warm summer night and
take my dogs for a run,
if my old bones will allow.

When people come to call,
I will simle and nod as I show them my dogs...
and talk of them and about them;
the ones so beloved of the past
and the ones so beloved of today.

I will still work hard cleaning after them,
moping and feeding them,
and whispering their names in a soft loving way.
I will wear the gleaming sweat
on my throat like a jewel
and I will be an embarrassment to all...
especially my family...
who have not yet found the peace in being free
to have dogs as your best friends.

These friends who always wait,
at any hour, for your footfall...
and eagerly jump to their feet
out of a sound sleep,
to greet you as if you are a God.
With warm eyes full of adoring love and hope
that you will always stay,
I'll hug their big strong necks...
I'll kiss their dear sweet heads...
and whisper in their very special company.

I look in the mirror,
And I see I am getting old.
This is the kind of person I am and have always been.
Loving dogs is easy, they are part of me.
Please accept me for who I am.
My dogs appreciate my presence in their lives...
they love my presence in their lives.
When I am old this will be important to me.
You will understand when you are old...
if you have dogs to love to.

- Author Unknown

(The SB Gang shared this beautiful poem with me.)

I had a bad dream

On Sunday night I was tired. Really really tired from an extra fun long hike we took during the afternoon. And mommy was putting together a new table (don't ask - she ordered furniture that came in pieces) so there were drawers and stuff all over the living room. This stressed me out a little too, 'cause I don't like my house to be a mess.

So I decided to take a nap. I laid down on the floor and tucked my head under the ottoman (to keep the light out of my eyes).

Mommy moved her project into the kitchen as the night wore on to have better lighting. Meanwhile... I was in the living room with daddy. Sleeping. Then... I started to have a dream. A bad dream. Really bad. Daddy said I was whimpering pretty loud, and as he went to come over to me I woke up. I was still groggy from sleep, but was really scared so I went to look for mommy.

I eventually found her in the kitchen (sitting on the floor with her furniture pieces parts). I leaned into her, curled up right between her legs, put the top of my head against her chest, and snuggled in. Mommy put her arms around me and petted me and made me feel all better, and I fell asleep again in her arms.

I sure hope I don't have any more bad dreams, but if I do it is good to know that mommy can make them go away.

Doggy Thoughts - Why the hoomans love us

(Borrowed with thanks from a post in the Honest Kitchen blog: http://blog.thehonestkitchen.com/dogfood/the-character-of-do gs/)

==========
“I love dogs because no matter how badly they smell, they still think they smell terrific. In fact, if your a dog, the worse you smell the more attractive you feel to others.”

(hmmmm.... mommy thinks I smell bad sometimes? REALLY???)
==========
“I also love dogs because they allow humans to do silly things with them like paint their toe nails or dress them up like little hot dogs. Have you ever watched dog free-style dance competitions? Dogs will participate fully in all our silliness, and often, they just smile and bounce along gleefully in return.”

(I keep telling mom - "serious" is seriously overrated.)
==========
"I love dogs because they recognize a family unit. they know that the people who take care of them love them. They are often loyal to those people until death and perhaps, if you’ve heard of John Edwards or Sylvia brown, the psychics, even beyond death. Dogs have known for years that one makes his/her own family. A being need not be blood related to be part of you-happily; he/she doesn’t even need to be of the same species.”

(DUH! Of course you're my family. We're a pack. We stick together, live together, and we all sleep in the same room. What could be more "family" than that???? Hoomans are craaazy to think that family is predicated based on birth or blood.
==========

WHY?!?

Every time Seamus donates a hairball to me I roll in it to show my gratitude. And every time mom gives me a bath. Why does she DO that?

WHY?!? WHY?!? WHY?!?

Sydney, unhappily sparkling clean again.
*HUMPH*

Slowpoke Mommy

Well, a week ago mom and I ran a race, and I have to say... she's really dragging me down!

First of all, as my typist she should have posted this entry LAST WEEK. I mean, does a pup have to do everything???? Second, she still hasn't figured out how to load photos from our camera onto our new computer. DUH - how hard can it be???

But the big problem is... mommy is slow. Seriously - really truly S-L-O-W. The race we ran was two laps, and I had to drag her the whole first lap. I pulled as hard as I could, and thanks to my Herculean efforts we passed a whole lotta people. Then right near the end of the race... mommy ran out of gas. She was just so very very tired. We were running, and I heard daddy yelling for me to come to him. Mom swears she didn't hear anything until there were pounding footsteps behind her, but I know daddy was encouraging us from the finish line. But when mommy heard those footsteps she knew someone was coming... and somehow... she found a little energy... and sprinted... and we managed to finish just ahead of the racer behind us (who was gaining speed and coming on like a freight train!).

So, thanks to my efforts we finished 7th overall and mommy was the 2nd lady. (Don't worry - we're not cut out for the Olympics. This was just a small local race, so there weren't any crazy-fast times!) And... we have another race this coming weekend, and I'm planning to have to drag mommy again. I think this is her strategy now - just hold onto the leash and let me do all the work.

Mommy's all excited about this next race because it starts and finishes at a local winery. Personally I'm just looking forward to seeing lots of pups and getting to run, but she thinks this wine thing is a big bonus. Humans - you just can't figure out what motivates them!!

Wags from your running pal,
- Sydney

Hope, Love and Elvis

Yesterday my dear pal Elvis lost his battle and passed over to the Bridge. Hope, Love, and Elvis. It isn't just a group or a thought - it is truly something that changes you.

Elvis demonstrated how important it is to NEVER give up hope. In spite of what the first vet said his momma Colleen kept trying, kept asking, kept investigating... until she finally found the real answers. She helped him fight his disease so he could spend a few extra months with his family, and was rewarded with the great joy of all the little successes along the way.

He showed us love - his love for Priscilla and his family, and the love that comes from the Dogster community. If you ever, EVER doubt that there are still good loving people in the world just look around you here on Dogster. I don't know how how it happens, but strangers who have never met magically become family. We celebrate our joys together, pull together during the tough times, and comfort one another through our losses. We are here for one another - without question and without doubt. This is a blessing beyond words.

And Elvis himself... he was an amazing character, and his loss is felt by all of us who had the privilege to call him our pal.

In honor of you, dear Elvis, I bow my head in sorrow. But at the same time I'm wagging just a little, knowing that you are now at the Bridge, happy and healthy again, playing and looking down on us.

Elvis, gone but never forgotten.

Thank you

This is a cross-post from my pal Loomis.

Posted in gratitude to NJ Collie Rescue and Referral, and all the other rescue organizations, without whom I would have been euthanized in Georgia more than three years ago. Instead, thanks to their tireless efforts I was saved, transported from Georgia to NJ, and eventually found my loving furever home.

I will forever be grateful for the beautiful and selfless work done by rescues and foster groups around the US and the world, who make this a better planet one wagging tail at a time.
=====================================
I want to quit!!!!!

I want to quit!
My health is bad. There are days I feel so terrible that I can barely move. My phone bills are outrageous, and I could have replaced my van with the funds I have spent these last 3 years---on animals that were not my own.

I want to quit!
I spend hours and hours emailing about dogs. There may be 500 messages when I start---and at 4 AM, when I finally shut down the computer, there are still 500 emails to be read.

I want to quit!
Gosh, I haven't the time left to email my friends. I can't remember the last book I read, and I gave up my subscription to my local newspaper---I used to enjoy reading it, cover to cover, but now it often ends up in the bottom of the squirrel's cage---unread.

I want to quit!
I've spent days emailing what seems like everyone---trying to find a foster home, help for a dog languishing in a shelter---but his time has run out, and the shelter has had to euthanize to make room for the next sad soul.

I want to quit!
I swear, I walk away from my computer to stretch my legs---let the dogs out---and come back to find another dog in desperate need. There are times I really dread checking my email. How will I find the funds, the help, to save yet another dog?

I want to quit!
I save one dog, and two more take its place. Now an owner who doesn't want his dog---it won't stay in his unfenced yard. An intact male wanders... This bitch got pregnant by a stray... This 3-month-old pup killed baby chicks... The dog got too big... This person's moving and needs to give up his pet. I ask you, friends---what town, what city, what state doesn't allow you to own a pet?

I want to quit!
I just received another picture, another sad soul with tormented eyes that peer out of a malnourished body. I hear whimpering in my sleep, have nightmares for days...

I want to quit!
I just got off the phone. "Are you Pyr Rescue? We want to adopt a male to breed to our female." How many times do I have to explain? I have tried to explain about genetics, about health and pedigrees. I explain that rescue NEUTERS! I usually end up sobbing, as I explain about the vast numbers of animals dying in shelters across the country, as I describe the condition many of these animals are found in. I wonder if they really heard me...

I want to quit!
It is not like I don't have enough rescues of my own to worry about---but others have placed dogs improperly and aren't there to advise the new owners.

I want to quit!
I have trusted the wrong people--- had faith and heart broken...

I want to quit!
AND THEN...
My dog, lays his head in my lap, he comforts me with his gentle presence---and the thought of his cousins suffering stirs my heart.

I want to quit!
AND THEN...
One of those 500 emails is from an adopter. They are thanking me for the most wonderful dog on earth---they cannot imagine life with out their friend---their life is changed, and they are so grateful.

I want to quit!
AND THEN...
One of my adopted Rescues has visited a nursing home. A patient that has spent the last few years unable to communicate, not connecting---Lifts his hand to pat the huge head in his lap, softly speaks his first words in ages--- to this gentle furchild.

I want to quit!
AND THEN...
A Good Samaritan has found and vetted a lost baby, "I can't keep him, but I'll take care of him until you find his forever home."

I want to quit!
AND THEN...
"Jamie took his first steps holding on to our Pyr." "Joan, you should see this dog nursing this hurt kitten!" "I was so sick, Joan, and he never left my side..."

I want to quit!
AND THEN...
I get an email from a fellow rescuer, "Haven't heard from you in a while---you OK? You know I think of you..."

I want to quit!
AND THEN...
A dozen rescuers step up to help, to transport, to pull, and to offer encouragement. I have friends I have never seen, but we share tears, joys, and everything in between. I am not alone. I am blessed with family of the heart, my fellow Rescuers.

Just days ago it was a friend who shared her wit and wisdom, whose late night email lifted my heart. Sometimes it is friends who only have time to forward you a smile. Often, it is my friends who forward me the notices of dogs in need.

There are Rescuers who see a flailing transport and do everything they can do find folks to pull it together for you. Rescuers who'll overnight or foster your Dog while you seek transport. There are Rescuers not used to or comfortable with your breed, but who put aside their discomfort to help. There are Rescuers whose words play the music of our hearts. Foster homes that love your Rescue, and help to make them whole again---body and spirit. Foster homes that fit your baby in, though it may not be their breed. Rescuers whose talents and determination give us tools to help us. Rescuers we call on for help in a thousand ways, who answer us, who hear our pleas. Rescuers who are our family, our strength, our comrades in battle.

I know I cannot save every dog in need. I know my efforts are a mere drop in a sea. I know that if I take on just one more---those I have will suffer.

I want to quit!
But I won't.
When I feel overwhelmed, I'll stroke my dogs head while reading my fellow Rescuers emails. I'll cry with them, I'll laugh with them---and they will help me find the strength to go on.

I want to quit!
But not today.
There's another email, another dog needing Rescue.

This piece is dedicated, with love and gratitude, to all my fellow Rescuers.
The author is unknown.

Alone in the dark

So the other night daddy came home (late as usual), and we went on my "last walk of the night" potty trip around the development. When we got back mom went upstairs to get ready for bed, and I followed her. Of course.

Then she remembered that I'd been acting a little hungry (good observant mommy), so she went downstairs to fill up my toy with kibble. She went into the garage, filled the toy, then went back upstairs and brushed her teeth. When she was done she looked for me, but I wasn't there. This is unusual, because I know my teeth get brushed right after hers, so I normally wait right outside the bathroom.

But daddy was having a snack (turkey - yum!) so mom assumed I was with him. She called me, but I didn't come. She called again - still no Sydney. Then she yelled down to ask daddy if I was with him... nope. She was surprised, 'cause I'm always with someone. She checked my bed upstairs... no Sydney. Then she thought maybe I was in her closet, but the door was open, so... no Sydney.

Mom then figured that I must have gotten closed in the guest room when daddy went in there. She opened the door expecting to see my little face and wagging tail, but... no Sydney.

Mom finally figured out that something was really wrong (DUH) so she and daddy went into full-high-gear-search-mode. Mommy handled the upstairs, and was even checking under the beds while daddy scoured the downstairs. Then... finally... daddy opened the door to the garage.

And there was poor me. Alone. In the dark.
Did I mention I was ALL ALONE???

I was so sad, I couldn't figure out what I'd done to be locked out and punished... so I never barked, or scratched, or whined. I just sat there alone in the dark, hoping that someone would come and get me. When they finally found me I was so very happy to be back inside with my family that I did my best happy-wiggle-lick-lick-lick routine. And mommy and daddy gushed over me, and gave me extra treats, and extra pets... and more pets, and hugs...

I keep hearing daddy tease mommy about locking me in the garage now... but I really don't think it is very funny, and from her reaction apparently neither does mommy.

P.S. No, mommy doesn't keep anything toxic in the garage, so I was perfectly fine... just sad about being alone in the dark.

An Ode to Mud

An Ode to Mud
-- by Sydney

It rained and rained
It poured all day
A real monsoon?
I hope, I pray!

After the flood
Mom already knows
She'll find the mud
Between my toes

I run and run
And then I slide
So very much fun
To roll on my side!

A field of dirt
A cloud of rain
I don't exert
I zoom... fast lane!

So if you wonder
Why I love mud
I couldn't be prouder...
It's in my blood!

Wakee-Wakee

So... last night... at about 4AM... it was time to wake mommy up. I jumped and put my paws on her side of the bed and panted real loud: Wakee-wakee mommy!

This was not my the usual "hi-hello" breathing that I use when checking on everyone during the night, it was my HEY-I'M-TRYING-TO-GET-YOUR-ATTENTION-NOW pant. Daddy gets the midnight hello, and the 3AM how-ya-doin but I save my "wake-up-NOW-'cause-I-don't-feel-good" greetings for mom. (Isn't she lucky?)

Mom managed to pry her eyes open... even though she is developing a whopper of a cold, and it was freezing out, and she was nice and warm in bed snuggled under the covers in a cocoon of sleep... and tried to wrap her brain around what was going on.

As soon as I saw her eyes open, just a teeny bit, I ran to the bedroom door. Mom's groggy brain registered an "uh-oh" and she moved into gear. Warm-up pants, socks... head for the hallway. As soon as she got in motion I ran to the top of the stairs, then looked back to make sure she was coming. Meanwhile somewhere in the back of her brain mom was realizing that this was a matter of no little urgency.

Mom headed for the stairs and I sprinted for the front door, then I rang the bell a few times to remind her to hurry. She managed to get on a coat, gloves, hat and scarf in record time, slipped into some shoes, grabbed my leash, then we were *WHEW* outside.

I kept walking, at high speed, with extra-quick teeny little steps. Mom was hoping I'd just take care of business quickly on the tree-lawn so she could stay half-asleep. Nope! Instead I headed for the end of the street and demanded a full lap around the neighborhood. And about 2/3 of the way through our little frozen stroll I deposited a... well... let's just say that mom was really glad she had a nice vanilla-scented garbage bag to use when picking up after me 'cause it was NOT pretty. Mom was not happy, but kept telling me what a good girl I was for waking her up... 'cause a mess outside in the cold may be unpleasant, but it is WAAAY better than having a whoopsie in the house!

We finished our little loop, then headed back into the house where I went straight to bed and back to sleep. Mom, on the other hand, had to remove her 17 layers of clothing, put away my leash, defrost her hands and feet, and then got to deal with Seamus-cat who decided that since I got a walk he deserved a whole lotta pets.

PS - daddy, who usually wakes up if someone drops a pin 6 miles away, managed to sleep through the entire episode. Go figure.

Gotcha Day - 3rd Anniversary

That's right... it was three years ago today that I found my fur-ever home. At this time three years ago I was 16 weeks old and already had a pretty eventful life...
==> I lived on the streets in Georgia, homeless (and possibly abused)
==> I was found by some people, who tried to see if I had an owner
==> I was turned into a shelter, where I was shy and no one wanted to adopt me
==> I was scheduled to be put to sleep, 'cause nobody wanted me
==> I was saved by NJ Collie Rescue and Referral
==> I was spayed and microchipped, then made the big journey from Georgia to NJ
==> My photo was posted on PetFinder.com... and that's where mommy found me!

When she saw my photo that was IT. She convinced daddy that I was "the one" so they filled out an application. Mommy spent about three hours, agonizing over every answer, making sure that she let the rescue org know that she'd take extra super good care of me. Then she emailed the application... and waited. And waited. And waited. Mommy's not good at waiting. Not good at all... so she emailed the rescue organization again, just to make sure they had our application, and letting them know how much she was looking forward to adding me to her family. But there was no response. So she waited... and waited... and emailed again. This time she got news... they were down to the final three applicants... and mom was still in the running!!!

Mom called all the references she had listed on her application... and put them on high alert. After coaching them on exactly how to answer any potential question she could think of. And then... she waited... and waited... and got impatient again and sent another email. At this point mommy felt like an email stalker but she just couldn't wait. She felt like she'd been waiting forEVER to hear about me... even though it was only about 10 days. Then... finally... the lady sent an email... and it was GOOD NEWS!!! Mommy was so happy her head nearly exploded!!!!

She and daddy were supposed to pick me up that Saturday... so daddy rearranged his whole work schedule, and moved a bunch of client appointments from Saturday to Friday. But the rescue called and they had another shipment of dogs coming in from out of state... and she needed mommy to pick me up on Friday. A day early?!?!? OF COURSE!!! Mom knew she'd be too excited to drive, and daddy couldn't come (cause he'd made all the arrangements to have Saturday off work... and couldn't reschedule everyone again!) so she had a friend drive her after work.

After getting lost a couple of times they found the house... and the nice lady came to the door. She had three big collies in her house, all of whom she had saved from puppy mills. (Don't even get me started about how awful those are.) Mommy had to fill out some paperwork, and pay an adoption fee... then... the lady went to the barn... and came back... with me! I weighed about 20 pounds, and as soon as she handed me to mommy I just kinda went limp and snuggled a bit. I was still so scared... there had been so many changes in my life. But somehow I had a feeling that things were improving.

Mommy's friend drove, and we all stopped at the pet store to get me bowls, and a crate, and some toys. Then we got home... my first time ever at home. The rescue lady had warned mommy that I'd never had a home... and she would have to be very patient with housebreaking, and walking on a leash, and everything else. But I wanted to make sure that I didn't lose my home... so as soon as we got out of the truck I went potty in the front yard.

When we came inside mommy went to wash my toys and bowls... but I wanted to stay as close to her as possible. So I laid down at her feet. I was so very very tired... but I didn't want to fall asleep. So I laid down but kept my head up and alert... but it started nodding... every time my little head nodded a bit I'd jerk myself awake... nod-jerk... nod-jerk... nod-jerk... mommy's friend was laughing hysterically at me, even though it really wasn't too funny.

Eventually daddy got home from work... and while he tried to act all tough and uninterested I knew I'd have him wrapped around my little paw in no time. Mommy played with me until I was so tired I couldn't stay awake no matter how hard I tried. Then she let me fall asleep in her lap so I'd feel safe. Eventually our friends left, and mommy and daddy took me outside (where I went potty like a good girl), then we all went upstairs and went to bed. And I knew I was warm, and safe, and loved, and that I had a home... furever. It was the best day of my life.

And that's the story of how, three years ago today, I found my furever home.

Valentine Tag: Part 2

My pal Loki-Doo "got me" in a game of Valentine Day... so here I am playin' again!

Here's the rules:

In Valentine Day Tag, you write your five Valentine Day wishes in a diary entry, then choose five of your pup pals and have them write down five of THEIR wishes. Then they choose five pup pals... and so on and so on.

You can let your five pup pals know that they have been tagged by paw mail, or rosette. Have fun and I hope all of your Valentine Day wishes come true!

My 5 NEW Valentine wishes are:

1. A safe and loving home for all pups and kitties everywhere (yes, this is a repeat... but it is so very impawtant that it deserves 2 wishes!)
2. For Seamus-cat to not beat me up anymore... and for him to not guard my toys 'cause that's not nice!
3. More treats!
4. Wall-to-wall carpeting... everywhere
5. More visits from doggy pals, 'cause I love to play

That's my 5 wishes, and my 5 Valentine tag pals are

1. Dos Rio (226802)
2. Sadie Bug (552612)
3. Willie (98637)
4. Furio (245851)
5. Tyson (381080)

How to turn a Dinner Disaster into a Big-Win Breakfast

Last week I had, hands down, the BEST breakfast ever! You see, on Thursday mommy made an extra nice dinner... broiled rainbow trout, fancy multigrain rice, broccoli with cheese, and a salad. And she told daddy about it, and he promised to be home in time for an 8:00 dinner.

Well, at 8:00 mommy sat down to dinner... alone. Around 9PM daddy got home from work, and decided he wasn't hungry so he only ate his broccoli. This is the part where mommy pouted, but I'm going to leave that out since it isn't the GOOD part.

You see... the next morning... for breakfast... in my bowl... was...
RAINBOW TROUT
FANCY MULTI-GRAIN RICE
and...
ROASTED CARROTS AND POTATOES (from the night before)
YUM-YUM-YUMMERS!!!

Mom said she thinks I inhaled the entire bowl in about 45 seconds, but I'm confident I was faster than that. Then I ran to mommy to thank her (which I do after any especially yummy or nice treat). Then I ran back to my bowl to lick it again for a while, just in case there was a molecule of food that I might have missed. Then I thanked mommy again! Then more bowl-licking, 'cause with a meal like that you just cannot be too careful.

Mom was so happy that I had such a yummy breakfast that she called daddy and told him she wasn't mad about him missing dinner anymore because him missing out gave me the BEST BREAKFAST EVER.

And that's how I turned a Dinner Disaster into a Big-Win Breakfast!
Now I just need to figure out how to get daddy to come home late and miss dinner more often!

hmmmm.................

Valentine Tag: I'm it!

My dear sweet pal Tyson "got me" in a game of Valentine Day.
Here's the rules:

In Valentine Day Tag, you write your five Valentine Day wishes in a diary entry, then choose five of your pup pals and have them write down five of THEIR wishes. Then they choose five pup pals... and so on and so on.

You can let your five pup pals know that they have been tagged by paw mail, or rosette. Have fun and I hope all of your Valentine Day wishes come true!

My 5 Valentine wishes are:

1. A safe and loving home for all pups and kitties everywhere
2. Warmer weather so mom and I can go for runs together again
3. A doggy brother or sister (someday) for me to play with
4. An endless supply of squeaky I-Qube balls
5. Lots of long hikes with mom and dad!

That's my 5 wishes, and my 5 Valentine tag pals are

1. Sadie Boo (http://www.dogster.com/dogs/134888)
2. Stormy B. (http://www.dogster.com/dogs/134896)
3. Sophie Bean the Flying Schnoodle (http://www.dogster.com/dogs/544478)
4. Hi-Jinx Herder of Hearts (http://www.dogster.com/dogs/305085)
5. Jackpot (http://www.dogster.com/dogs/227706)

Remebering When: A scary day

One time when I was only about a year old mom was walking me in our neighborhood. She crossed the street and was about to start walking along a path behind the development. Then mom saw a teenage boy standing by a house, and another one walking toward the first boy. Suddenly... this dog was charging at us from where the first boy was standing, running full-tilt, snarling and obviously intending on making a meal of me. EEEEEKKK!!!

I cowered on the ground immediately to let the dog know I wasn't a threat, but he didn't slow down at all. Mom was screaming at the dog's owner (saying a few choice words that would have made a sailor blush!) indicating in no uncertain terms that the boys needed to get their dog on a leash NOW. The boy was running after his dog, but the dog was faster and was still charging at me... and I was pretty sure I was a goner.

I don't know how mom did it, but right as the dog got up to us mom stomped her foot on the ground right in front of me, between the dog and me. Thankfully her desperate "I'm in charge" move slowed the dog for a moment and that was just long enough for his STUPID owners to grab his collar. Then he was up on two legs, still snarling, but the boy had hold of him.

By then I was so terrified I couldn't even walk... I was even afraid of mommy! I just cowered on the ground, so mom picked me up and carried me half way home. Then she had to stop and sit down (on the sidewalk) 'cause she was shaking so badly. Eventually we made it home, and mommy had a big glass of wine!

The dog that almost attacked us is a rather large Golden Retriever/Chow mix, and is known to be unfriendly toward everyone and everything (dogs, people... heck, he probably would attack a tree if he thought of it!) and yet the owners had it OFF LEASH! (Yes, mom tried to report this incident to the police. But since the dog has not (yet) mauled a human they couldn't do anything.)

Now mom takes me outside our development for our morning walks, and once in a while if we go for a run in the development she watches very very carefully to make sure that we don't have another run-in. She figures one close call is enough!

Our Christmas Trip

Well, I sure had a busy week! For Christmas mommy and I drove all the way to Cleveland. I was kinda sad that daddy couldn't come, but his mom was sick so he had to stay home, and mommy said it was the right thing.

So... mom and I made the drive in about 7 1/2 hours (including a couple of really quick potty breaks). I slept most of the time, so that was fine with me! Then when we got there... WHEEE! My pal Sundae was there. She's about a year older than me, and a little bigger, but we just love-love-love to play. Mom talked to the hoomans while Sundae and I played for just a bit, then it was bedtime for everyone.

But in the morning... bright and early... Sundae let herself into our room and it was WRESTLEMANIA '07!!! Sundae and I were wrestling and pouncing and playing, but for some reason mom was still in bed. I had to make sure Sundae knew that mom belonged to me, so I hopped up on the bed, stood over her head, and continued to wrestle from there. (mom didn't like that... I just don't get it!)

Anyhoo... pretty much every day involved me playing with Sundae all day long, unless I was letting all the little kids pet me (and lick-lick-licking them back!). Plus mom took me on 2 walks a day... that's 6 miles of walking. WOO HOO!

Then one day I noticed that mom was starting to organize her clothes and bags... so I stayed REAL close to her... just in case she was thinking of escaping. Thankfully she didn't - she packed me in the car with everything else, and away we went back to NJ.

Now we're home and settled in, but I'm still teasing daddy. I'm pretending like I don't like him as much as I used to! It isn't that I stopped loving him - c'mon, the guy sings me a different song every time he comes in the house!!! But I'm really getting in his head. Yesterday was the ultimate. Mommy was at the gym, and daddy came home... and instead of sitting with him I sat by the window and waited for mommy. Yep. Then when he called me I wouldn't come. Next thing he knew I had gone upstairs! he he he It is driving him CRAZY! I guess I should stop before I give him a complex. But in a way he deserves it... sometimes he pretends like he didn't want to have a doggy in the house. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!? I know he's not serious, 'cause he adores me, and sings to me, and pets me lots, and even comes and lays down with me sometimes at bedtime and pets me. So this is my way of making him realize (and admit) that he adores me and can't live without me!! he he he

Sneaky Sydney, still pretending to pout

Mom says I can recite this to all visitors...

My Dogs Live Here

My dogs live here, they’re here to stay.
You don’t like pets? Be on your way.
They share my home, my food, my space.
This is their home, this is their place.

You will find dog hair on the floor,
They will alert me you’re at the door.
They may request a little pat,
A simple ‘NO’ will settle that.

It gripes me when I hear you say,
"Just how is it you live this way?
They smell, they shed, they’re in the way."
WHO ASKED YOU? is all I can say.

They love me more than anyone.
My voice is like the rising sun,
They merely have to hear me say,
"C’mon now, time to go and play."

Then tails start wagging and faces grin,
They bounce and hop and make a din.
They never say, "No time for you."
They’re always there, to GO and DO.

And if I’m sad, they’re by my side.
And if I’m mad, they circle wide.
And if I laugh, they laugh with me.
They understand, they always see.

So, once again, I say to you,
"Come visit me!" But know this too…

My dogs live here, they’re here to stay.
You don’t like pets? Be on your way.
They share my home, my food, my space.
This is their home, this is their place.

Author Unknown

Here in this house...

My Christmas wish to all Dogsters, and animals everywhere,
is that they may find a peace, kindness, and a loving fur-ever home.

Merry Christmas!
================
================

Here in this house...

I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs "out there."
I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake my world will not have changed.
I will never know hunger or the fear of not knowing if I'll eat.
I will not shiver in the cold or grow weary from the heat.
I will feel the sun's heat and the rain's coolness,
And be allowed to smell all that can reach my nose.
My fur will shine and never be dirty or matted.

Here in this house...

There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level.
I will be talked to and, even if I don't understand,
I can enjoy the warmth of the words.
I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among many.
My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound of it!


Here in this house...

I will never be a substitute for anything I am not.
I will never be used to improve peoples' images of themselves.
I will be loved because I am who I am, not someone's idea of who I should be.
I will never suffer for someone's anger, impatience, or stupidity.
I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all.
If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to my teacher for blame.

Here in this house...

I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch...
Knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me.
If I am ill, I will be doctored.
If scared, I will be calmed.
If sad, I will be cheered.
No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and thought to be of value.
I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, too unruly, or not cute enough.
My life is a responsibility and not an afterthought.
I will learn that humans can almost, sometimes, be as kind and as fair as dogs.

Here in this house...

I will belong.
I will be home.

Author unknown

On Christmas Morning...

I wish, for every dog searching trash cans for breakfast,
a filled bowl with his name printed in bright letters.

For every dog who slept cold last night, chained in a frozen yard,
a soft, warm bed with a person snoring gently nearby.

For every shelter dog, spending Christmas in a soiled run,
a forever home filled with sounds and smells of family.

For every "Christmas" pup given today,
a tolerant, caring owner who won't abandon you as you grow into a real dog.

For every ailing pet,
enough money for your owner to pay the bills to make you well.

For every lost dog,
a clear, safe road and well marked path to lead you home.

For every old and tired friend,
a warm fire and soft bed to ease your aches and pains.

For every Heart Dog at the Bridge,
a moment when you know that you are remembered today,
missed again and loved forever.

I was really naughty

Santa is going to pass our house right on by. He isn't even going to look in my direction... 'cause I was really naughty.

Yesterday mom left for work, and dad left for work, so (as usual) it was just me and Seamus-cat. We typically nap most of the day, and that was all I had planned. Honest!

But then... well, rumor has it that a certain item might have been knocked to the floor, or fell off a dresser, or might have been snatched up by an unnamed creature of the canine persuasion. And this incredibly sweet and innocent little doggy... she might have taken that certain item... and chewed it.... until the little arms popped off and the lenses popped out. sigh
Yes, I chewed up mommy's glasses.

Fortunately mommy only wears them once in a while (like when she goes to the movies, or is driving at night) so she's not totally blind. And they were 3 years old. And she needs to see the eye doctor for a checkup anyway... so I wasn't really that naughty... was I???

When Mommy found the pieces she made me look at the chewed up glasses parts and said "NO-NO-NO!" and I was really really really sad and sorry. Mommy never yells at me, so I knew she was really upset, but I wasn't completely clear why. Thankfully she forgave me after a very short time (I'm pretty irresistible).

Do you think Santa will understand and forgive me too?

very sorry,
Sydney Naughty-paws

Being Lost -- From A Dog's Perspective

Thanks to Badger for this wonderful poem. As a formerly "stray" pup I'm just so thankful to all the people in the shelters and rescue society who helped to find a furever home for me.

This also serves as a reminder to everyone: please PLEASE PLEASE make sure us pups have a collar on with tags at all times... and consider a microchip as well. (I have both... 'cause mom wants to make sure that I'm never ever ever lost again.) And hopefully some day all lost dogs will find their way home.

BEING LOST -- FROM A DOG'S PERSPECTIVE

The gate was left open
one bright sunny day
So I thought I would go,
explore, run, and play.

Seeing new things,
this is such fun!
But where do I go,
now that I’m done?

Was it back this way,
or maybe that
Where is my home?
I want to go back.

I have on my collar,
it’s red, white and blue
But, I don’t have my tags
to give someone a clue.

A man comes and gets me,
puts me in his truck
He’s taking me home,
Oh, what luck!

Wait a minute,
this isn’t my home
I’m stuck in a cage,
scared and alone.

People come see me,
so I wag my tail
I love the attention
I get in this jail.

The food is okay,
and the bed is too
But I really miss home,
yet what can I do?

I miss my yard,
my bed, and my ball
But, I miss my master
the most of all.

Where is my master?
It must have been weeks
I know he will come.
He really loves me.

Then someone takes me
down a long hall
I’m confused and uncertain,
I stare at the wall.

I feel a prick,
things start to go dark
I think of my master
and me in the park.

I’m going to sleep now
with him on my mind
Little do I know,
my fate has been signed.

I pray when I wake,
he will be there
Holding me close,
stroking my hair.

I’m sorry I strayed,
who knew the cost?
But it doesn’t have to happen
when dogs get lost.

Lisa Williams
This poem is dedicated to the "stray" animals that do not get reclaimed.

One By One

One By One

One by one, they pass by my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, NO WAY!
Way past his time, he can't run and play,
Then they shake their heads and go on their way.

A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm and where I was fed.

Now my muzzle is gray, and my eyes slowly fail,
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?

My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong,
Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can't justify how they left me for dead.

Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.

When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw through the gray, and the legs bent with age,
You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.

We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.

I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person, for as long as I live.

I may be with you for a week or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed some tears.

And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve;
And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart, will still be with you.

And I will brag to all who will hear,
of the person who made my last days so dear.

Thanks to Willie who sent this, and to everyone who has adopted a senior dog or cat.

I'm IT!!!

Wow... I got double-tagged! So I sent some bones and love to my pals Stormy B. Nice and Loki-Doo! I guess I'd better learn how to run faster (BOL)... or maybe I should just admit that I like getting caught. he he he But since I'm "it" here's my letter to Santa:

Dear Santa Paws,

I think you should take note that I've been really good all year. I went running with mommy, and always played nice with my friends and with new pups I met (even the ones who weren't nice to me!). And even though that baaaaad cat keeps biting my tail I never did anything back to him. And I kept mommy company, and gave her and daddy lots and lots of lickies!

Since I was such a good girl here's my list of 5 things that I'd like for Christmas:

1. New balls for my I-Qube (I squeaked my old ones so much the squeaky died)
2. Boots for my feet so I don't get ice lumps between my toes when the weather is extra cold and yucky out
3. Twin hoofers (so icky to people, so yummy to me!)
4. Make mommy cook for me more often
5. For all my pals on Dogster to have a beautiful holiday and a happy, healthy and treat-filled new year!

Oh - and mommy PROMISED to help me set out some carrots for your reindeer if you come to our house. I'll sample a few of them for you, just to make sure they're OK. ;-)

Lickies and wags,
- Sydney

My 5 pup pals (for each game of tag) that I am tagging are!!

1. Odie (24265)
2. Tinkerbell (336364)
3. Jinxy (305085)
4. Rambo (279526)
5. Loomis (227840)

1. Bailey (182093)
2. Furio (245851)
3. Gibbon (238846)
4. Mia (574824)
5. Jackpot (227706)

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

Each player must write a letter to Santa and post it in their diary. Then give the doggie 5 bones that tagged you. Then, tag 5 other doggies and you must let them them know they've been tagged by either a p-mail or a rosette. This is a fun game so please play along. It also gives Christmas ideas for the "Secret Santa" (if you're involved in that.) HO! HO! HO!...

Merry Christmas and Yappy Howlidaze to all!
- Sydney

BAD CAT!

Yesterday mom came home for lunch like always. After taking me outside for a quick potty break she sat down to eat her lunch, and I laid down on my bed by the sofa. I was there with my (super stinky wonderful yummy) hoof, and was happily chewing while mom was eating.

Then I growled, just a little. Verrrrry very quietly. Unfortunately mom heard. She looked over and saw that Seamus-cat was on the floor by the arm of the sofa, which is kinda behind my bed (between the sofa and chair), and mostly hidden from where mom was sitting. And she told me, in her I'm-very-disappointed-in-you voice, "Sydney, NO". I guess she thought I was growling to tell Seamus-cat to leave my hoof alone.

So Mom went back to eating lunch, then she heard me growl again.... real super quiet. I think she was about to get mad at me... then she saw... Seamus cat had just spit my tail out and went in for another CHOMP. Yes, that's right. The big bad cat was CHEWING ON MY TAIL. That's why I was growling - I was telling him to cut it out! Can you believe I nearly got in trouble for that?!?! I didn't jump up, or chase him, or do anything drastic. I was just letting him know that I didn't appreciate him using my tail as a chew toy. Seamus-cat thought he was sooo sneaky, but FINALLY Mom saw what was going on!

Mommy felt so bad that she apologized to me, and gave me lots of pets, and the naughty cat got in trouble and had to leave me alone. HA! Maybe next time mom will check to make sure I'm OK first instead of instantly blaming poor little me for everything.

You can just call me
Poor Innocent Sydney Chompy-Tail

Christmas at the Shelter

T’was the night before Christmas
And the Shelter is dark,
The whole place is silent,
Not even a bark.
The dogs are all locked in their pens for the night,
The staff has gone home and turned out the light.

As I lay my head down on the cold, concrete floor,
I fondly recall my home from before.
The family I loved, who loved me right back,
We’d share everything – from secret to snack.
Things couldn’t be better this time last year,
But that has all changed and now I am here.

I won’t see the tree, the lights, or the snow,
I’m scared and alone, my spirits are low.
Maybe someday soon I'll be chosen for adoption,
A new family and home would be a great option.
But for now I'm locked up in a cell like a crook,
And no family yet has given me a look.

While families celebrate holiday cheer,
I fear in my heart that my end is near.
The vet will arrive, the lights will go on,
By the time you awake, my soul will be gone.
A stranger will come and take me away,
I’ll never wake to see another day.
As I close my eyes I’ll shed you a tear,
The fondest of memories I’ll always keep near.

The only thing I’ve ever asked of Santa Claus,
Is to help families love those of us who have paws.
You said without me, your life was not rosy,
So how, when I'm gone, can your home still be cozy?
In my dream, Santa shouts as the skies he does roam,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good home!”

==========
Christmas Thoughts:
- Please spay/neuter your pets!
- Remember that adopting an animal is a lifetime commitment.
- If you're looking for a pet, consider adopting a shelter animal.
- Try to love your pets as much as they love you.
- Donate to a local shelter if you can - food, blankets, towels and other supplies are always needed. If you can't afford to donate items give your time - walk a dog, pet a cat... and share the love!

As a former shelter pup I know how scary and sad it can be, and how joyous it is to get a little extra kindness and love while waiting for your furever home.

IT'S A CONSPRIACY!!

So last night while mommy was sleeping Seamus-cat had a whoopsie. I think he tried to use his litter box and something (solid) got caught on his fur. Since mom and dad were sleeping he tried to take care of it himself... on the carpeting. So there was something beautifully stinky on the floor.

Mom got up this morning and took me for my walk just like always. But when we got home and she was about to take off my leash she noticed that I did some self-decorating. You see, I rolled in the lovely "perfume" that Seamus-cat left on the floor. I mushed it all over my nice white neck and chest and on my face too. I was so glad that mom FINALLY noticed, 'cause I was so proud. Man, was THAT a mistake!

Mom went upstairs like always... and went into the bathroom like normal... and turned on the water as usual... then... you won't BELIEVE this... she put ME in the shower. NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it... I don't get wet in the morning unless it is raining outside. NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! And then *GASP* she proceeded to scrub away all my lovely perfume. Meanwhile Seamus-cat sat on a towel on the floor, purring and taking a bath.

I'm telling you, I think Seamus-cat and mommy are in cahoots! He makes this lovely stinky perfume which he KNOWS I can't resist... then mommy goes and throws ME in the shower. That's just not right.

I would have pouted, but once my horrible bath was over and I was clean mommy toweled me off (which I looooooove) and then I had so much fun zooming around the house I forgot to be mad. But next time.... next time I'm going to remember!

*humph*
- Sydney

Yucky Wednesday (for mommy)

So yesterday mom wasn't feeling well. She has been sniffing a lot (and not just at yummy-smelling things like poop and rotten leaves), and she just didn't look good. Seamus-cat and I decided to help her find things to do for the afternoon since she decided to spend it with us, and here's how mom's day went:

1. Leave work after frantically completing client deliverables, drive home. Call husband and explain plan to stay home for the afternoon and rest. Receive sympathy as expected.
2. Open can of soup, pour into pan, add milk and turn on burner to heat.
3. *sniff* *sniff* Nose is running, making recent NYC Marathoners look like complete slackers.
4. Grab tissue from bathroom and blow nose.
5. *sniff* *sniff* - hmm... something smells funky
6. Open garbage can - *sniff* *sniff* - ewww....
7. Take garbage out, spray can with Lysol, insert fresh bag. (Things still smell a bit off, but assume that is just lingering stinky-garbage particles and it will go away soon.)
8. Stir soup
9. Take dog outside for quick potty trip.
10. Notice leaf on dog's butt.
11. Upon closer inspection, notice that "leaf" on dog's butt is actually diarrhea, and is not just on butt but covering most of backside including tail.
12. EEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
13. Resign self to need to bathe dog immediately.
14. Wonder how you missed the giant mess on dog's backside. Realize you must have been totally asleep during dog's morning walk.
15. Turn soup down to "warm" since lunch is now unavoidably detained.
16. Head upstairs to change clothes and prepare bathroom for dog-washing.
17. Stop on stairs horrified as you see the diarrhea explosion covering both the carpeting and the walls.
18. *sniff* *sniff* *gag* Origin of funky smell is no longer a mystery
19. Grab large bucket of warm water and bag of rags. Clean layer of runny excrement off walls and carpeting. Periodic gagging.
20. Throw all used rags into garbage bag and take immediately out to garage.
21. Oxy-clean carpeting
22. Wash dog
23. Reapply Oxy-clean to carpeting
24. Turn off heat. Open all windows and doors to air out house.
25. Attempt to eat soup.
26. Put on 4 layers of clothing and burrow under 2 blankets to try and stay warm despite chill breeze blowing through house.
27. Finally fall asleep
28. *gaaaack* *gaaaack* *gaaaack*
29. Leap up from deep sleep on sofa and echo-locate vomiting cat
30. Shoo dog away to allow cat to vomit in "peace"
31. Wait for second vomit-pile to appear. Cat graciously complies, as usual.
32. Clean up vomit/hairball piles
33. Sit back on sofa and wonder where the day went wrong

Seamus-cat and I are trying to figure out what fun thing we're going to do with mommy next time she stays home from work. Suggestions are always welcome!

Lickies and wags,
- Sydney

tagged

I've been tagged by Misty (363517), a little pup with a giant wonderful heart!

Here are the rules:
I have to pick and list 10 fellow members and say something nice about them, as well as the person who tagged me. Then send a p-mail or rosette to the 10 dogs I picked!

1. Furio (245851): a fellow Browns and Buckeye fan... need I say more?
2. Molly (481547): she found the purfect furever home on a farm, and plays with cows and horses!
3. Sadie Boo (134888): For being so incredibly sweet all the time. Period!
4. Stormy B. (134896): 'cause she's had a rough year, and is a darling girl.
5. Sophie Bean (544478): for being so perfectly naughty (and still doggone cute!)
6. Sadie Bug (552612): she's the most adorable Caweegle EVER!
7. Dozer (335567): He's so handsome, and I'm totally addicted to Dozer's Dogsterholic Daily Trivia!
8. Gibby (238846): he has a great name, and comes up with super-yummy recipes at HCFR!
9. Mia (574824): 'cause she just graduated from obedience school - CONGRATS!
10. Morgan (540549): for having the sweetest little snooter out there!

Okay, I hope I did this right!

A tribute to Morgan and those who cared enough to give her a- second chance

ONE BY ONE…

One by one, they pass by my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past her time, she can’t run and play.
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way.

A little old lady, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.

Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn’t belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.

Whatever excuses they made in their head,
Can’t justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.

When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had a life beyond this cage.

You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.

I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person, as long as I live.

I may be with you for a week, or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart… it will grieve.

And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.

- Leslie Whalen

To read Morgan's story please visit: http://petloverstips.com/ForTheLoveoftheDog/news-updates/upd ate-on-16-yr-old-blind-chow-at-ga-high-kill-shelter

ew! ew! ew! ew! EWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

OK, so my buddy Seamus (the dog, not my brother Seamus-cat) and I were joking around last week here on Dogster. Ha ha very funny. Joking about slugs, and slimy but satisfying, and all that hakuna matata stuff.

Well, on Tuesday night I was kinda tired. But it was time for my nightly go-potty-so-we-can-all-go-to-bed walk. Mom and dad and I headed out. Daddy had the flashlight, mommy had a baggy (of course), and away we went. We walked to the end of the street, then through the playground. I sniffed trees, and calling cards (that's what mom calls it when I piddle to let other doggies know I was there). I sniffed blades of grass and left my own calling cards. All my usual stuff.

We continued on our little walk. I continued my signature moves, including lots of sniffing and my patented "back up to a tree to piddle on the trunk" move. Sniff-sniff-sniff. Piddle-piddle-piddle. Then...

I went to back up and piddle on a tree. And I felt something on my back leg. I went to sniff-lick and... something was stuck to my tongue. I kept trying to turn and get to my leg to figure out what was going on. Then mommy started to worry 'cause she didn't know what I was doing. And I could feel she was worried so then I got worried.

She ran me over under a streetlight and got right down in my face. I didn't know what she meant but she sounded scared when she said the word "poison". She yelled over to tell daddy (who was still in the same spot where it all started) that there was foam around my mouth. She kept getting more and more worried wiping the bubbles away from my lips. So I sat down and gave her my paw, and then my other paw. Finally she saw that the bubbles had stopped, and that I didn't seem like I was having any trouble breathing or anything. Actually I was acting pretty normal 'cause I wanted to go sniff stuff. So when she stood up I got ready to continue on our walk (my problem was over, she just didn't realize it yet).

She and I walked back over to daddy... and the cause of the whole thing was right there. On the ground next to my piddle tree. A three inch long slug.

You see, I had backed up to piddle on the tree... and there was a slug on the tree... and I must have brushed against it... and the slug got on my leg... and then I tried to lick it off but didn't like having a slug in my mouth... so I tried to spit it out but wasn't successful the first couple of times... and I foamed a teeny bit 'cause the slug tasted bad and/or 'cause it was sticky.

The worst part is that after we finished our walk I got ANOTHER bath (that's 2 in a week) 'cause the slug-slimies were still on my leg. And my teeth got brushed twice!!!

So take my word for it pups... leave the slugs alone. They taste bad, they scare your peoples, and they cause baths. Now I hate them just like mommy!!! I guess she was right all along. Remember pups: slugs=EWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

What a weekend!!!

So Saturday started out like any other Saturday. Got up, breakfast, mom goes to gym, mom comes home, takes me out again, then we usually go on a walk/hike/run. It took daddy an extra long time to get home from work, but he finally showed up, and we all packed into the car. I figured maybe we'd go for our "usual" hike... but... ooooh! A NEW hike! WOOHOO!!! Mom called the place "Prihn-ston".

We went on a nice long hike, with lots of different things to sniff... woods, and tall grass, and giant rocks, and a pine forest... all in one walk! WOW! But then... when I was ready to have a nice long nap in the car on our way home.... OH NO! They took me out, and we had to walk around where there were lots of people. I'm scared of people, and even though they're always really nice to me I just can't seem to get over it. Mom called this walk "dee-sensuh-ti-zay-shun" but all I know is I had too many people to try and watch. At least mom and dad walked on both sides of me, so I knew where they were. But there were other people EVERYWHERE. Big ones, little ones, slow ones, fast ones... and even some who had pups! I got to sniff a hello to a 2 pound puppy, and a huge white Komondor and a Puli... but I couldn't really concentrate on them 'cause of all the people. At one point two little girls wanted to pet me. I was too scared to go up to them, but mommy picked me up so I felt safe and let them pet me. But it was still SCARY!

FINALLY... I saw it... it was so beautiful... it was... our car!!!!! Oh, wonderous car. My dearly beloved! I hopped right in and fell asleep IMMEDIATELY. Mommy and daddy got me home, gave me some extra treats for surviving the ordeal, and then it was off to bed for us all.

But the next morning... it was soooo early... and they had me get up. NOT FAIR. Don't they know that after a traumatic afternoon like that I need some extra ZZZZs? Well, there I was, back in the car again. We drove for a looooong time, then daddy got out and said bye-bye. ??? Why was he leaving us??? Oh, but I was too tired to get very worried. And mommy was still there.... zzzzz....

We drove for a little while longer, then when we finally stopped... *sniff-sniff* Hmmm... this place smells familiar... *sniff-sniff* that lady over there smells familiar... *sniff-sniff* I've been here before! This is the place where the lady gushed about me almost as much as mom... the man didn't gush out loud, but he did all the little things that let me know I have him wrapped around my pretty white paw. he he he

The lady's name is auntie Brianna and once we were in the house she even gave me a treat. Yep - I remember liking her a LOT! We left the house, and then we were at some pawsome new woods. While the 2-leggers looked at a sign I went and said "hi" to a couple of big pups. Then we were on our way... a long walk through the woods. Up and down, through fields, and big trees, and little trees, and along the edge of a lake. It was hot, and mom stopped to give me water a bunch of times, but I was STILL hot. Then... we came to a spot where the water was right there... the beautiful cool water... with all that yummy mud beneath it... I LOST MY MIND!

I got the zoomies and started racing around. I went into the water and hopped around like a bunny. I bit-bit-bit at the water like an alligator. I splashed the side of my face in the water like a bird in a bath. I laid down in the mud like a froggy. Then I sprinted in circles as fast as I could. Then I did the bunny-alligator thing again, then more racing. And more racing... then more hopping... bounce-bounce-bounce I'm a bunny! chomp-chomp-chomp I'm eating the water! For some reason mom and Auntie Brianna thought this was very funny. Eventually I was cooled off so I went and laid down in the shade, then we finished our hike.

After our hike it was back to the house, where I laid down to nap... and Mark-man kept saying how good I was being. I'm not behaving myself silly - I'm just TIRED!!!!! We spent the rest of the day there, and between naps I got to play with my toys, they all threw my squeaky ball for me, and I even got some treats.

Then, the cherry on top of this beautiful day... I went to lay down under the coffee table... and... OH MY GOSH... it was the softest most snuggly... well... it wasn't exactly a rug... but it wasn't hard... and it smelled so good... they finally told me it was a real cowhide. I WAS IN LOVE! If you ever, EVER have a chance to lay down on a cowhide do it RIGHT away if not sooner. It is amazing. I slept there for the rest of the night until eventually mommy started to head toward the door.

I wasn't taking any chances so I raced her to the door and sat waiting to have my leash put on. Another long nap for daddy and me while mommy drove home, and then I was finally in my own little bed.

WOW - What a weekend!!!

A new adventure?

Well, mom told me this weekend that she sent an email to a trainer and I guess I'm going back to school.

You see, when we went for our run on Saturday night there was a little boy... and he was SOOO excited to see a doggy. He was across the street, but squealed from excitement, and was all happy. I got nervous, so I barked to tell him to stay over there... and he started making this loud noise that mommy called crying. She felt so bad that she picked me up and carried me over to the little boy. (I only let other people pet me if mommy is holding me – then I feel safe and it is OK. And don’t tell me I’m too big for that – she works out and I know she can pick me up. No excuses!!!) She offered to let him pet me but he just kept making those sad noises and refused to touch me.

Mommy said that I've been getting better about strangers, and it is true. My first summer I was so scared of people I would run upstairs and hide under the bed whenever mommy got the leash to take me outside. Sometimes it would take me an hour to go potty because I would see a person and get so scared I couldn't go. Now I can go outside, and go for runs and walks when there are people around, but still don't like them to touch me. And I tried barking at a lady once and she went away so I use that trick a LOT. I even do it in the car!!! But mommy started carrying a stupid squirt gun in the car and threatened to squirt me when if I barked at every person we see, so I'm trying hard to control that.

Anyway, mommy says she thinks I've made very good progress, and I should be ready for the next step... Canine Good Citizen. I’m not sure what that means, but she says it will help me be better around other people, and will make it so she can take me more places with her. I don’t know what I’m going to have to do, but if I can go more places then I’m ALL for it!!! We're going to meet with a trainer to see if I need some private lessons first before I can start a regular class with other pups. But one way or the other I guess I'm going back to school!!! I’m a little nervous, but excited too. I love to learn things, and to show off for mommy so I can hear her tell me I’m smart. BOL!

So... everypup... wish me luck! I'll try to study hard, and hope to graduate as a Canine Good Citizen later this year. But for now I think I'll just enjoy my rawhide treat... chew-chew-gnaw-chewCHEW *ahem* Bark at you later!

Wanna trade?

Yesterday morning daddy was eating breakfast... and it was my kinda breakfast!! He was having some turkey and some cheese and some crackers... and it all looked SO yummy. I know I'm not supposed to bother the 2-leggers while they're eating, so I was trying really really hard to be good. I sat on my bed by the sofa. And I only looked at him out of the corner of my eye. I was really hoping mommy wouldn't notice 'cause she's very strict about this rule.

Well... mommy noticed. But she must have also noticed that I was trying really hard to be good. So she went to the garage... and into the magic box... and... WHEEEE!!!!! She had a rawhide in her hand for me. OH BOY! Look mom... here's my paw... here's my other paw... I laid down... I sat up.... now I'm waving.... *phew* She noticed all the tricks I was doing and gave me the rawhide. OH JOY!

I ran over to my bed, and laid down, and started to chew on my scrumptious rawhide. But then I smelled that turkey again. And I thought... hmmm... maybe there's a way to get me some of that yummy turkey. So I picked up my rawhide, and I went over to daddy, and I sat nicely next to him, and I spit the rawhide out at his feed. Wanna trade?

He looked at me all funny, then called mommy over to see. But darn it... no turkey. Then he took his plate and started to go into the kitchen. WAAAAIT!!! He must not have noticed that I gave him a precious, delicious, chewy RAWHIDE. So I picked it up again, followed him into the kitchen... and put it at his feet, then looked up at him to see if he finally got it.

I've decided that daddy might be really dumb, but I'm going to hope that maybe he just never learned how to trade. I think I'm going to have to keep working on him and see if I can teach him. 'Cause I think that would be a really great trick for him to learn. Don't you?

~The Meaning of Rescue~

Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed,
all nicely tucked in my warm new bed.
I'd like to open my baggage, lest I forget,
there is so much to carry - so much to regret.

Hmmm...Yes, there it is, right on the top,
let's unpack loneliness, heartache and loss.
And there by my perch hides fear and shame.
As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave -
I still have to unpack my baggage called pain.

I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,
but I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me.
Will you add to my baggage? Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things - and take me right back.

Do you have the time to help me unpack?
To help put away my baggage, to never repack?
I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see,
but I do come with baggage - Will you still want me?

~ Author Unknown ~

Daddy took a trip and I DON'T APPROVE!!!

Well, two weekends ago Daddy took a trip without mommy and me. And I have to tell you... I DON'T APPROVE!!!

He left on Saturday morning, as usual, to go to work. Then he came home after lunchtime, again... as usual. I was very happy to see him 'cause I knew that I'd have him and mommy all to my self for the next day and a half. And I figured we'd go on a hike together or do something fun. But daddy was hurrying like he does in the morning. hmmmm....

I didn't worry too much, though, 'cause Mommy was getting me ready for a hike. I knew because she was packing lots of water, and got my leash out (hooray!), and she put that yucky lotion on my nose. We all got in the car, but mommy dropped daddy off. hmmm... he's not coming on our hike? That's odd.

Mommy and I went on our hike alone, so I figured he must have been doing that "gowlf" thing that takes a lot of time. But when mommy and I got home from our hike... still no daddy. Dinner time came and went... still no daddy. Mommy read a book for a while... still no daddy. Then her phone rang and she talked for a while, but still no daddy.

I was trying to nap, but couldn't fall asleep 'cause I was hoping he'd come home. Then mommy's phone rang again... then I heard her say daddy's name. I thought he was home so I RAN to the door as fast as I could, wagging my tail and barking. I ran back and forth between mommy and the door (OPEN the door, silly mommy... daddy's here, remember????) but she didn't get up. I stood at the front door barking thinking she'd get the hint, but she still didn't move. Then I realized... still no daddy. Mommy eventually went to bed, but I couldn't sleep because I had to guard mommy. It was a loooooong stressful night for poor little me.

But then on Sunday afternoon... DADDY CAME HOME!! WHEEEE!!!! I was so happy... that I promptly took a giant nap. And that's why I say... Daddy took a trip and I DON'T APPROVE!!!

A pup in print?

Can you believe it… I was in the newspaper… AGAIN! Yep –this is now the second time I’ve made the paper. WOO HOO! You see, mom reads this comic strip called Mutts. It is really funny, and well written, and the artist is an animal lover/advocate who (among other things) encourages everyone to adopt shelter animals who need homes.

Earlier this year on the Mutts website (www.muttscomic.com) they mentioned a Shelter Stories contest. Readers were invited to enter a picture of an animal they adopted from a shelter and answer a few brief questions (background story, personality, how their life is better now). The entries would be reviewed, and a number of them selected for a book to be published called “Shelter Stories” which will be all about rescued pets. So mommy picked a photo of me (the one with me and my giant bone) and told a little about my story. She didn’t expect to hear anything, but she thought she’d give it a try anyway, just for fun.

Well, about a month later mommy got a call from a friend who said “WOW! Sydney’s famous again… did you see?” My mom doesn’t get the newspaper, so she had no idea… I was the feature photo and dog in an article about the upcoming book!!!!!! And not just a little picture, it was about a 4” square picture! Now Mommy felt really bad for not seeing the paper (or knowing about it) so she called the newspaper people and ordered three copies of the paper. *he he he* Isn’t guilt a wonderful thing?

Anyway, they’re in the process of selecting the pets to be included in the book and Mommy says they’ll let us know sometime this summer if I will be in the book. HOW COOL IS THAT?!?! Mommy promised to buy a copy of the book no matter what, and paste a copy of my article in the book as a keepsake.

So… everyone cross your paws and think good thoughts, and maybe you’ll see me in print!! WHEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Return of the Sweet Po-Tay-Toe

Borrowed with great thanks for beautiful humor from: http://littera-abactor.livejournal.com/7748.html

The following is the interaction between a loving dog and her person. Enjoy (and keep an eye on your sweeeeet po-tay-toes!)
=================

Dog: I am starving.
Me: Actually, no. You aren't starving. You get two very good meals a day. And treats. And Best Beloved fed you extra food while I was gone.
Dog: STARVING.
Me: I saw you get fed not four hours ago! You are not starving.
Dog: Pity me, a sad and tragic creature, for I can barely walk, I am so starving. WOE.
Me: I am now ignoring you.
Dog: STARVING.
Dog: Did you hear me? I am starving.
Dog: Are you seriously ignoring me? Fine.

[There is a pause, during which the dog exits the room in a pointed manner.]
[From the kitchen, there comes a noise like someone is eating a baseball bat.]

Me, yelling: What the hell are you doing?
Me: *makes haste for the kitchen and finds dog there*
Dog: *picks up entire raw sweet potato, which is what was causing the baseball bat noise, and flees for the bedroom*
Me: *chases dog, retrieves most of sweet potato, less the portion which has disappeared into dog's gullet*
Dog: See? STARVING.
Me: ...That can't be good for you. It's a RAW SWEET POTATO.
Dog: I had to do it. I haven't been fed. Ever.
Me: You realize you aren't normal. Normal dogs don't steal raw sweet potatoes.
Dog, sadly: I was badly brought up.
Me: Yes. Yes, you were.
Dog: By people who starved me.
Me: Oh, no. I am not doing this again.
Me: *exits the room, bearing sweet potato*

[There is a pause.]
[There is a noise like someone is trying to eat a baseball bat very very quietly.]

Me: Oh, for the love of GOD.
Me: *heads off to the kitchen*
Dog: I am not eating a raw sweet potato.
Me: You have sweet potato parts all over your snout.
Dog: But you don't actually SEE a raw sweet potato, do you? So maybe that's just - um. A birthmark.
Me: Did you seriously eat a whole sweet potato?
Dog: You don't listen. I told you, I wasn't eating a sweet potato.
Me, searching around fruitlessly: Look. NO MORE SWEET POTATOES.
Me: Oh, what am I saying? This is you we're talking about, here. *goes to hide all the sweet potatoes that are left - which isn't many - in the fridge, because some people cannot be trusted*
Dog: *attempts to look thwarted*
Dog: *does not succeed, because her tail is wagging so hard small cyclones are forming in the kitchen*
Me: *has a very bad feeling about this*

[There is a pause, during which I do not even bother trying to return to what I was doing. I just stand in the computer room, waiting.]
[There is, as I wholly expected, a baseball-bat-eating noise.]

Me, stomping back to the kitchen: OKAY. GIVE ME THE DA**ED SWEET POTATO.
Dog, looking up guiltily: What sweet potato?
Me: THE ONE IN YOUR MOUTH.
Dog: Oh, did you want this? I just, um. Found it. Lying here.
Me: *confiscates the sweet potato and deposits it in the locking trashcan*
Me: Let us say no more about this.
Dog: ...Nooooo! They be stealin' my sweet potato!

[I attempt to remember what I was doing before the sweet potato episode.]
[Some ten minutes later, I succeed, and return to it.]
[NOT ONE MINUTE LATER, I hear a noise with which I have become all too familiar.]

Me, bonking head on desk: Arg.
Me, arriving in kitchen: How did you even get another sweet potato?
Dog, smugly: I have my ways.
Me: Are you punishing me for being away for several days? I was at a FUNERAL, you know. It wasn't FUN.
Dog: How would I know? You didn't take me. You left me here with only one human to look after my needs. One human is NOT ENOUGH.
Me: *shuts dog in bedroom, conducts a sweep of the kitchen to track down all remaining sweet potatoes, wipes up random sweet potato particles from floor, eradicates all traces of sweet potato from house*
Me: *lets dog out*
Dog, sulkily: Oh, so you think you've won.

[I watch her go about her business with the same sense of overwhelming doom that heroines of Victorian novels get when they meet Count Sinistrus Grimblack for the first time.]
[Half an hour later, there is a wetter, juicier eating noise, as though someone was eating a very moist baseball bat.]

Me, wearily: What NOW?
Dog, hunched over the remains of a butternut squash: *says something garbled because her mouth is full*
Me: Okay. Fine.
Me: *stomps over, empties entire vegetable bowl into trash*
Me: WE JUST WON'T HAVE ANY ROOT VEGETABLES ANYMORE. THERE. ARE YOU HAPPY?
Dog: I'm not even remotely sorry. I told you I was hungry. And you went to a funeral without me.
Me: ARRRRRRRRG.

[A half-hour later, there is another baseball-bat-eating noise from the kitchen. The dog, who apparently does not know how to win gracefully, has found another sweet potato, or possibly caused one to materialize from the Rift.]

Me, hauling chewed sweet potato parts from the mouth of a dog very reluctant to part with them: Oh my god how is this my life?
Dog: Don't you think it would just be easier to feed me?
Me: EVERYONE GO TO THE BEDROOM AND STAY THERE. EAT NOTHING.
Dog: Actually, I feel...um...not so good.
Dog: *throws up* *vomit is very bright orange*

[Unfortunate details ensue.]

Some time later:
Me, attempting to rescue something from the wreckage: So. What have we learned from this?
Dog: Sweet potatoes are yummy!
Other Dog, looking thoughtful: I should pay more attention to crunching noises. Sweet potatoes are probably yummy.
Me: I need a lobotomy.

And that, Best Beloved - and anyone else who made it through that - is What Kind of Day It Has Been.

I've been TAGGED

I've been tagged by Ben, Furio (aka Mr. Handsome!) and Prince!!!

Here are the rules:
Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. Dogs who are tagged, need to post in their Diary the rules & 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!!!

And since I've been tagged three times, here's my three lists of seven...

BEN's LIST
1. Baby carrots are one of my favorite treats.
2. I was born in Georgia, and was in a shelter scheduled to be euthanized when I was about 9 weeks old.
3. I love to run in my yard, but ALWAYS in circles (must be the Border Collie in me).
4. I have two beds - one in the family room and another next to mommy's bed. A girl's gotta have options!
5. I've never eaten peanut-butter (daddy's allergic, so I have soy-butter instead).
6. Every time he comes home daddy sings me a new song, and I run around frantically to let him know how happy I am.
7. If I get wet outside (from rain) I'll wait when I get inside until mommy towels me off. If she forgets I go up to her and wipe my face on her pants until she remembers.

FURIO'S TAG LIST
1. In spite of my now-luxurious fur, I had mange as a pup and was kinda bald for months (and mommy called me Pinky-Paws - UGH)
2. I hate hot weather and the sun... and get sunburn on my nose if mom doesn't put sunscreen on for me.
3. The people in our neighborhood refer to me as "the quiet dog" because I never make any noise when I'm outside the house.
4. I'm terrified of basketballs (but mom is trying to help me get over it).
5. When I'm extra-extra happy I wag my tail in circles (for "normal" happiness I wag back and forth).
6. I ran in my first race with mommy in May 2007... and we finished 13th overall. (We would've been first if mommy didn't get so tired - I pulled as much as I could to try and help her hurry up!)
7. I love to give lickies to my favorite people, and sometimes to other pups!

PRINCE'S TAG LIST
1. My mom brushes my teeth EVERY NIGHT, and I don't mind it at all.
2. When I was in obedience class the instructor called me a Velcro-dog 'cause I ALWAYS want to be by my mommy's side.
3. I know how to ring a bell to go outside, but will only do it if mom or dad ask me if I want to go out (or if I'm REALLY desperate). Gotta make 'em work for it, right?
4. I'll chase another dog for HOURS but get bored in 2 minutes chasing a ball (unless it squeaks... that's a different story!).
5. I'm a good traveler, and have been on road trips to Ithaca NY and Cleveland OH.
6. When mom and dad leave I sprint upstairs and stand in the bedroom window to watch them leave.
7. I'm very shy, so mommy taught me to wave hello instead of getting pets from strangers so I don't have to be scared.


I've tagged:
Stormy B. Naughty (134896)
Sadie Boo (134888)
Grayce (298270)
Murri Rae (271941)
Kubbi (465871)
Brownie (242173)

Lola Pants (236522)
Pete (448200)
Ellie (446468)
Jack (424800)
Harold (440211)
Diesel (482143)

Baylei (195763)
Henry (356191)
Savanah (443372)
Mr. Littles (345542)
Chopper (345531)
Abbie (413048)
Seamus (195615)

The Case of the Cheese Bandit

Remember when...

Waaay back when I was a pup (at least a year ago!) I kinda got in trouble. Mommy was away at a meeting, and daddy came home late from work. He was real tired, so he was going to relax. He got a couple of blocks of cheese and put them on the cheese board, and got a bowl of crackers (daddy needed a nice treat after a hard day). He put the cheese and crackers on the coffee table, then went into the kitchen to get his wine. (Daddy can only use 2 arms at a time.)

Well... normally I'm really good about not taking food off the table. I don't counter-surf, I don't take food off the dining room table, and I leave the food on the coffee table alone. (OK, sometimes I look longingly, but I try really hard to be good 'cause then I'll get a yummy like a moo tube.) Anyway... there was this big block of cheddar cheese... just looking at me... and I swear to you it said "SYDNEY, I'M YOURS". What else could I do??? I grabbed it and started gnawing. Meanwhile daddy, completely unaware, was opening a bottle of wine in the kitchen and getting his glass.

Daddy came into the living room... and... well, he yelled at me. A LOT. Then he THREW THE REST OF THE CHEESE OUT! I thought that was really spiteful... if he wasn't going to eat it then he should have given it to ME!! But I was so scared ('cause daddy never yells) that I just went and laid down on my bed and tried to be very good and quiet.

Eventually mommy got home from her meeting, and I RUSHED over to say hi, and make sure she still loved me. Even though I was a bad girl. I wouldn't get anywhere near daddy - I mean, he yelled at me! *humph* So daddy told mommy the whole story, and she laughed at the both of us. She then told daddy that he shouldn't have led me into temptation by leaving the cheese there for so long. But I was still in a little trouble with mommy, and didn't get any treats that night. :-(

Eventually I went over and wagged and licked my way back into daddy's good graces, but they never leave the cheese out anymore. Go figure!

I'm the Cheesy-est!

Wednesday "Walk"

So Wednesday morning started out like any other. The thingy next to mom's bed made that annoying noise so she hit it. (She's not usually violent, except with this noisy thing... you'd think it would have learned by now not to make that noise... she whaps it every day.) Anyway, Seamus-cat sat on her for a few minutes trying to keep her in bed, then she got up. So I got up. I stretched and she scratched my belly, then she went and got dressed. And put on all sorts of extra fur. Two pairs of pants, three shirts, big puffy coat, two thingys on her head, a long piece of stuff wrapped twice around her face, big fluffy things over her front paws... the only thing you could see was her eyes and she put those behind some sort of plastic stuff. Plus boots on her back paws. FINALLY... she got my leash and we went out.

OK, so it was kinda cold. All right, it was very cold. But who cares? I have nice warm fur!! So we went on our usual walk. Out from the house, to the end of the street... *sniff sniff* walking out of the development *piddle* and to the left... *sniff sniff* ...more walking, now we're almost ready to cross the street... and SCHWOOP! I stood there trying to figure out what she was doing. One moment mom was walking next to me, the next she's laying on her back. *sniff sniff* She smelled OK. Mom got up, and I kinda heard her through all the layers saying something about "good padding" and "not hurt" which was good 'cause I needed my walk!

We continued on our nice walk... *trot trot* ...going on our usual route *sniff sniff* doing my usual doggy stuff. We were almost home and then... *limp limp*...HEY MOM! NOTICE ME! *limp limp* Mom looked back to see why I was falling behind (I usually walk right next to her or a little ahead if she'll let me). I made the saddest most pathetic face I could muster (and I'm REAL good at it!)... and held up my back paw which was hurting. Mommy felt so bad for me... my paw got frozen. POOR SYDNEY!!!! :-( So she picked me up (I have a well-trained hooman) and carried me while holding my frozen tootsie in her hand. I curled up happing in her arms - why not? OK, so I'm 40 pounds, but if a 4-pound Yorkie can be carried why shouldn't I get the same treatment?!? Eventually my foot was better and mom put me down so I could walk the rest of the way.

What an adventure... not exactly our best walk. I think mom and I need more practice!!! Maybe two walks a day...

Sydney, heading out to negotiate for more walks...

MOOOOOOOOOO

So the other night mom and dad were going to go eat their dinner. That means it is time for me to lay down on my bed, and sometimes I get a chewy (or crunchy) treat. Well, mom put the dinner on the table... and then sniff-sniff... I smelled something... sniff-sniff-sniff... something yummy... SNIFF-SNIFF... something really INCREDIBLY yummy... SNIFF-SNIFF-SNIFF!!!

I raced to my bed, laid down, offered paws - "C'MON MOM! ANY TRICK YOU WANT. JUST GIVE ME WHATEVER IT IS THAT SMELS SOOOOO GOOOOOD!!!!!" Ahh... ok, tricks are done. Now it is there, next to me on the bed... just have to (slurp-drool) wait a moment until mommy says it is OK... wait.... waiiiit.... (slurp-drool)... waiiit... OK.

CHOMP-CHEW-chew-chew-CHEW-nibble-CHEW-nibble-nibble-C HEW-CHEW-CHEW!

Oh the bliss! Have you ever had a moo tube? This was my first, and I am SO THANKFUL that there's a whole box of them in our house right now. You chew and chew and lick and chew... they're tasty and crunchy and a little chewy. And they last a good long time. ahhhh... moo tubes. My new most favoritest treat!

Well, I think I'd better go. I need to practice making my pathetic face so maybe I can get another one of those delectable delightful delicious devour-able moo tubes again soon.

ARF! - Syd

Grateful

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

~Beth Norman Harris
(Thanks to Rambo for this beautiful quote.)

Barky Growlington

Yep, that's my new name... Barky Growlington. I just got it yesterday. We were driving in the car coming home from spending a wonderful day at Big Man and Lulu's house (daddy's parents). I LOOOOOVE their house 'cause they have carpeting. Precious, comfy carpeting. mmmmm.... aaahhhh...

(ahem) Anyway, we were on our way home, and mommy pulled the car over in this place with lots of bright lights, and these little... well, I don't know what they were. But some man came up and asked mommy "fill 'er up?" I don't know who he was or what he wanted, but I wasn't taking ANY chances. ARF! ARF! ARF-ARF! Grrrrrrrrrrrr ARF! GRRRRRRRRRR This is MY mommy and daddy - you go away. ARF! ARF! grrrrrr

Mommy and daddy both told me to be quiet, and she made me lie down on the back seat, but I kept up my warning... grrrrrrrrrrr... (Sydney be quiet!) ARF Grrrrrrr (Sydney, SHUSH!) grrrrrr But the man just wasn't listening to me. He had the nerve to put his hand in and give mommy a piece of paper. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??? ARF! ARF!

WHEW! Finally mom got smart and closed the window and drove away. I don't know why they weren't proud of me... I made the man go away. But the whole rest of the trip they kept calling me Barky Growlington. So I guess that's my new name. Do you like it?

- Barky Growlington
(the pup formerly known as Sydney)

A day at the beach... in JANUARY!!

Today mommy put me in the car, and I figured maybe we were going on a hike. I was real excited - I just LOVE hikes!! We were in the car for a while, and then (sniff! sniff!) is that... (sniff! sniff!) WHEEEE!! I smell BEACH!!

We got out of the car, and mommy walked me away from the road, and then it was PLAY TIME!!! She unhooked my leash and I ran and ran and ran and ran! Back and forth, circles, sniffing... oh how I LOVE the beach. LOVE LOVE LOVE the beach!! I sniffed dead things (but didn't roll in them, 'cause mommy doesn't like that). I piddled on dead things and shells and pieces of wood, and pieces of sand. I sprinted back and forth and back and forth. I ran in circles. I ran toward the waves (but didn't jump in 'cause the water was too cold). I stuck my nose in the sand... but that was kinda dumb 'cause then I had sand on my nose and in my eyes. I found a good stick that mommy threw for me a bunch of times. Mommy and I did zoomie-sprints. I saw lots of people (but didn't get too close - you can't be too careful!) I even got to meet another pup - an Australian Shepherd who I played with for a while. After walking for a couple of hours we went back to the car, mommy toweled me off, and we came back home. Now I'm all sleepy and happy...

I think I'm gonna grab my rawhide (chomp)... and head to my bed... and chew for a while... then (yaaawn) maybe a nap... mmmm... naaaap... ZZZZzzzzzzz........

Yappy (belated) New Year

It has been a while, but I wanted to tell you all about my trip to visit Cleveland, where mommy is from.

I thought it was a little odd because mommy put my bed in the back seat of the car... not that I was complaining. I felt like a princess, piled on top of my pillows. But then... what's that? What is that giant plastic box? Hmm... it smells a lot like Seamus-cat... OH! He comes in the car too??? The next thing I know we're in the car for hours and hours. I curled up in my bed, Seamus-cat came out of his box and sat on top of the luggage, and mommy and daddy drove and drove. It kept getting later and later, and I was so tired (y-a-a-w-n-n-n) so I went to sleep. I woke up a couple of times to bark at these people who were standing in teeny-tiny little houses, 'cause I didn't know why they were reaching toward daddy who was driving. I must have done a good job too, because each time they went back in their mini-house and daddy started driving again.

Eventually we got to a new house. I LOVED IT!!!! There was beautiful wonderful pawsome carpeting on all the floors... so I could run and run and run and not slip or slide like on our wood floors. I sprinted and ran and played for a while even tho mommy kept saying that it was 3AM and would I please just go to sleep. Silly mommy - I slept for nearly 10 hours in the car. I'm ready to PLAY!!!

And I found out that I really like Cleveland. I met two other pups - Grandpa's puppy Samanth and another puppy Sundae who lives with... GASP five children. Mommy didn't know how I'd react at first, 'cause the little 2-leggers are so scary for me, but Sundae showed me that they're just fine. I still didn't want to be best friends with them, and spent a little time under the dining room table, but mommy kept telling me how proud she was of me that I was being so good with all the little 2-leggers around.

Then it was time to come home. So we packed ourselves up and got back in the car. Me on my bed, Seamus-cat wandering around, and mommy and daddy up front. There I was, peacefully trying to nap... and... Seamus-cat came over and laid down on MY bed. I didn't know what to do!!! Is he going to hit me? Is he going to be mad? I didn't even have anywhere that I could go to get away from him! OH DEAR! But he was nice to me - isn't that a nice surprise???? So I started to relax, put my head down, and tried to nap again. I was almost asleep when... MOMMEEEEEEE... help!!! Seamus-cat was WALKING ON ME. I was so scared - I was afraid to move. Mommy turned around (daddy was driving) and put her hand on me and told me to be calm and that I was a good girl, so I just held verrry still. Eventually he got tired of using me as a step-stool to look out the window, and just curled up and went back to sleep.

So all in all we had a good trip, but I'm not so sure I like Seamus-cat being in the car. DOGGIES ARE NOT LADDERS!!!

I have a Valentine!

WOW... I was readin my pal's diary entry, and can you believe that his sister was teasing him 'cause he didn't have a Valentine yet??? He's such a nice boy, and so sweet (and strong)... and... I don't know what happened. The next thing I know I was sending him a pmail asking him to be my Valentine. EEEK!!! What if he says no? What if he doesn't like me? What if he already has a Valentine (or two, or three)?? What if I'm embarrassed?????

Well, I figured the worst that could happen is he says that he wouldn't want to be Valentines with a goofy pup like me and I'd just sulk under the bed for a few hours, so before I could chicken out I sent the pmail... and guess what? HE SAID YES!!!!!!!!

I have a Valentine. WOO HOO! Me! Isn't that PAWSOME??? My first ever official Valentine is none other than... Loki We even both have B&W photos... he he he

Thanks for being my Valentine Loki!

The Official Dog Enthusiast's DON'T List

DON'T let your dog sleep in your bed. It will cause aggression problems down the road.
DON'T make your dog sleep in a crate. Crate is just another word for small cage.
DON'T let your dog sleep outside at night. If God had wanted dogs to sleep outside, he would have covered their body with hair to keep them warm.
DON'T let your dog sleep. You should be playing with him all the time.
DON'T keep more than two dogs. Each individual dog requires considerable time and energy, and it is impossible for a responsible dog owner to spend quality time with more than two dogs.
DON'T keep less than five dogs. Dogs are pack animals, and five dogs is the minimum number for proper socialization.
DON'T feed your dog kibble. Kibble is the invention of evil capitalists who want your money, and kibble has no nutritional value whatsoever. You might as well feed your dog sawdust.
DON'T cook your dog's meat or chicken. Cooking destroys all the nutrients.
DON'T feed your dog raw meat or raw chicken. Raw food contains salmonella, e-coli, and other harmful bacteria.
DON'T let your dog drink out of a plastic bowl. It will turn his nose pink.
DON'T post messages to a dog list. You will surely get bopped on the head for thinking that someone else cares about your silly little opinions.
DON'T poke your eye with a sharp stick. It has nothing to do with dogs, but it's a good rule nonetheless.
DON'T microchip your dog. A nearby cell phone can cause a microchipped dog to explode, or so says the lady running the tattoo booth.
DON'T tattoo your dog on the ear. A dog thief will cut off the tattooed ear.
DON'T tattoo your dog on the thigh. He'll be a tripod before you can say Ginsu.
DON'T keep a collar on your dog when unattended. He could get caught on something and choke.
DON'T leave your dog unattended without a collar. He could run away without any identification.
DON'T transport your dog in a plastic crate. Plastic crates don't allow sufficient air flow.
DON'T transport your dog in a wire crate. In a car accident, a wire crate transforms into a doggie skewer. On days you plan to have a car accident, it's acceptable to use a plastic crate.
DON'T let your dog drive. It's against the law in many states.
DON'T enter your dog in conformation. It's b-o-r-i-n-g for the dog.
DON'T enter your dog in obedience. It's B-o-r-i-n-g with a capital "B."
DON'T enter your dog in agility. The jumps will injure his joints.
DON'T send your dog out with a handler. Only a psychopath would send their beloved pet with a complete stranger.
DON'T handle your dog yourself. You've got a great dog, and he deserves a much better handler than you will ever be.
DON'T get a purebred dog. Too much inbreeding has produced dogs with temperament and health problems.
DON'T get a mutt. You don't know anything about their pedigree. In fact, if you're thinking about getting a dog, get a cat instead.
DON'T don't. That's right, you heard me, just don't!
DON'T leave your dog's dewclaws intact. He will rip one off jumping a log or something, which is quite painful.
DON'T remove your dog's dewclaws. Dewclaws are acupuncture points that are needed for proper functioning of the kidneys.
AND, the #1 DON'T ....
DON'T trim your dog's whiskers. Dogs use their whiskers to determine the size of their head, which is important when they are out shopping for a new hat.

Barky Christmas

Today I went to play at Camp Bow Wow, and had so much fun. They even took a photo of me. Which gave mom an idea... uh oh! As soon as we got home she took MY Christmas collar off and PUT IT ON SEAMUS-CAT! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?????? That's MY ringy-collar. HUMPH! She kept telling him how wonderful he was 'cause he sat all nice for the photo.

So I deicded I'd show them both a thing or two about taking pictures. So mom asked me to lay on my bed, and I did... all nice and pretty. Then she put my ringy-collar back on. Then she put my snakey around my neck. Then she made sure piggy was with me. Then she put this hat on my head - over my ears and everything. Then she added Seamus-cat's stuffed puppy. (Yes, the giant stuffed puppy is his... I don't know why. It should be MINE.) Anyway, then she decided that she should put my ringy-collar on the stuffed puppy. Then she FINALLY took my picture. I have to tell you, it was tough holding still and not moving the whole time, but... c'mon. I can't be out-modeled by a CAT!!!! SO I held super still and waited. And I have to tell you, I think it is pretty darned great! Me and all my toys, and my bed, and... ahhh... the life of a model.

What's that? I need a bath? OH NO.... gotta run!!!!

Yappy Howlidays and Barky Christmas!
- Syd

My quirky habits - a partial list

I sometimes take a mouthful of food, walk to another room, spit it all out, then eat it one kibble at a time.

I frequently refuse to eat unless mommy is in the same room with me.

I'm terrified of children, but will walk right up to the vacuum (including when it is on).

I sometimes will take a treat and carry it around in my mouth without eating/chewing. This can last for minutes or hours depending on my mood and how amazing I think the treat is.

I cannot go to sleep until I have completed the following ritual:
1. Seamus-cat must chase daddy's toes under the covers
2. I run over and stand on my back legs to get in on the game.
3. Seamus-cat tries to hit me (he usually misses).
4. Seamus-cat gets off the bed and goes downstairs to do important kitty stuff.
Only after all four steps have been completed can curl up and go to bed.

I voluntarily come to mommy every night when she says "tooth-brushing time" and sit down to have my teeth brushed. (Mommy thinks this is great, but my vet just shakes his head.)

I wake up at about 3AM most nights and have to say "hello" to daddy. Never to mommy. I walk over, he has stick his hand out so I can sniff a hello, then I go back to bed.

I sometimes wake up at 3AM and ask to go outside, then sit and look at the sky. (We don't have a fenced yard, so this means mommy or daddy have to get up and come oustide with me. I think this is good for their souls but they complain about this thing they call sleep deprivation.)

Once in a while I wake up at 3AM and have to go potty. If mommy and daddy don't figure out that I really have to "GO" in time, I'll throw up. (This can be a challenge for them, since they often think I'm just saying "hi" or that I want to look at the sky.) Mommy told the vet about this and he (again) shook his head and said I was an odd little pup.

I'm perfectly behaved when in the "ring" for an obedience class, but sometimes pull like a sled-dog in the Iditarod during our morning walks.

I have more quirks, but mommy says I should stop now before everyone thinks I'm a weirdo!

Pet Rules (as posted in my house)

Dear Dogs and Cats,

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate of food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is NOT a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, bark, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years--canine or feline attendance is not mandatory.

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough!

To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message for our guests:

To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets
1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. (That's why they call it "fur"niture.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted family member who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.

Rudyard Kipling

When the Man waked up he said, 'What is Wild Dog doing here?'
And the Woman said, 'His name is not Wild Dog any more, but the First Friend, because he will be our friend for always and always and always.'
- Rudyard Kipling (excerpt from The Cat That Walked by Himself)

A good Howl-o-ween

Last night was Howl-o-ween. Last year this night was really scary for me, 'cause I'm afraid of the little 2-leggers (especially when they yell), but this year mom got smart. Instead of keeping me home with the doorbell and the crowds and the yelling she took me for a run. Smart mommy!! I was a little afraid when I'd see big groups of them during our run, but since I didn't have to guard my house that made it a little better. And I know when I'm on the leash I'm supposed to act like a lady (stop at street corners, no pulling, stay next to mom). Plus the longer we ran the more tired I got. By the time we got home I was one tired little doggy, and most of the mini-2-leggers were done. I only had to survive through 2 doorbell-crowd-shouting episodes, and since mom gave me my calming biscuits (all natural, to help curb anxiety) I didn't freak out too bad. Then when dad got home and they sat down to eat their dinner I got MY Howl-o-ween treat... a bully stick that was about a foot long and 1" in diameter. WOO HOO! I chewed and chewed and gnawed and gnawed... non stop... for about an hour! Dad couldn't believe that I was so into my bully stick, but he just doesn't understand how YUMMY they are. When I was done I came over to both of them smiling and just wagged and wagged for a while to let them know that I appreciated the treat. (Aren't I sweet?)

Then today I got my first start today on Dogster. I'm smiling so big the top of my head may fall off!!! Thank you so much Rockie. Rockie is my new pal - he and his family are moving from NY to Australia, 'cause that's home for his mom. That's a really long trip - and I thought the drive to the beach took a long time. YIPE!

So... I was only slightly scared last night... then I got to go for a run... then I got a bully stick... today I get my first star... plus I have a ton of new Dogster pals... plus mom said that she's going to make me some cool doggy treats this weekend... yep, it is for sure: I'm one happy pup! I think I'd better go wag some more - catch ya later!

ARF!
- Sydney

The beach and New friends

Yesterday my mom took me to the beach again. It was grrrrreat! After mom buckled me in she opened my window a little so I got to stick my nose out the window and sniff-sniff-sniff. Then we got to the beach and I ran all over. Up the beach, down the beach, in the waves, in the dunes... and of course back and forth to my mom. When I'm running around I always run back to her every 30 seconds or so, just to make sure she's still there.

While I was playing a boy-2-legger started walking up to my mom, saying something like "that's the happiest dog in the world". I think he might have been saying something nice about me, but he was a boy-person that I didn't know so I got between him and my mom and gave one bark, just to make sure he didn't get any funny ideas. You have to protect your poeple, y'know!

It was pretty windy, though, and really cold, so eventually we turned around to walk back. We were most of the way back when... is it??? YEA!!! Another Border Collie!!! I ran over to him, and we sprinted and played for a while - it was so fun. I overheard my mom talking to his person. He's a rescue too - his person actually worked for a Border Collie rescue society. So I'm really glad that he found a good fur-ever home like me! Then we walked a little more, and a nice fisherman threw us a ball that he found. So my mom threw that for me a bunch of times... but eventually I stated getting tired. (That NEVER happens!) So she took me back and we drove home.

Then the yuck... I got a bath. :-( Mom said I was all sandy and dirty... so I got all scrubbed and clean. I don't really like taking a bath, but when mom is done she opens the shower door... and tells me to wait (so I have to stand in the bad old shower by MYSELF), then she gets a towel and tells me "OK" and I can come out. Then the fun begins - she scrubs me with the towel which I LUUUUV, then I run around the house as fast as I can. Who needs a hair-dryer when you have doggy-power?!?

I expected to just have a relaxing evening, but then... we got in the car again! We drove for a while and went to a new house... with a new person. I checked out all the rooms and then decided to just stay close to mom. Then I heard a door open, so I barked 'cause I have to guard the house. (If I'm in it, the house is mine to guard.) But it turns out that the lady who came in lives at that house, so I had to stop. We spent the whole night there, and I got to play in the back yard, and I showed off my tricks... and they were so very very nice and patient with my shyness. By the end of the night I was so comfortable with them that I let them pet me and even gave them lickies.

But it was just too much excitement... I was sitting up, but I felt my head nodding... and my eyes closing... NO, I won't sleep! Nodding... eyes closing... reallly, I'm not alseep... nod... AWAKE... nod... AWAKE... ahh.... I'm giving up... too... tired... zzzzzzzzzzzzzz I couldn't help it, and fell asleep. Eventually mom got me in the car and we drove home so I curled up in my bed and went to sleep for real. What a wonderful day!

Until later... ARF! - Syd

I'm a dairy of the day!

WOW - they chose me??? Aroooooooo!!! How about that?!? And here I was thinking this would be just another wonderful day.

I have to tell you all, confidentially of course, that Mom has been a real pain latetly. I have a bump on my foot right now, which I like to lick... and lick and lick and lick. I had one last year too - mom thinks it is a reaction to something in the leaves maybe. Anyway last year she put this white cream on my paw and the bump went away, so she's doing the same thing this year. But she doesn't understand... we pooches don't fix things with creams, we use licks instead. (Kinda like when guys use duct-tape instead of getting stitches... daddy, this means you!)

Well, she kept trying to stop me when I was licking. She even put a dumb bandage on my foot, which of course I licked off. Then she put me in her lap and held me for a while... I liked that so I didn't try to lick for a while. But eventually I just had to start licking again. LICK-LICK-LICK-LICK-LICK-LICK Mommy would move my head away from my foot, or put her foot in the way sometimes. So I'd try licking her foot lick-lick-lick-lick-lick. She started to laugh, though, and eventually moved her foot. HA - I win.

Then it was bedtime. Mommy cleaned my foot and put more white stuff on it. Then she sat on the floor with me and read her book, and wouldn't let me lick. Naughty mommy! I'll outsmart her... so I went and laid down... and put my head down... and closed my eyes... Mommy thought I was asleep (sucker) and crawled into her own bed. As soon as she got under the covers I JUMPED up and started LICK-LICK-LICK-LICK-LICK-LICK!!!!!

Mommy told me I was a real stinker, but she seemed amused too. So she sat on the floor with me again... for a loooong time. Not letting me lick. It was getting later and later and later... and I needed my beauty rest... and eventually I think I fell asleep. Darn that mommy - she outlasted me. But today is another day, and now that I know I'm a diary of the day I figure I'd better make this an interesting day. So while she's at work I'm going to... you guessed it.... LICK-LICK-LICK-LICK-LICK-LICK!!!!!

Gotta run - have some important paw-lickin' to do! ARF!
- Syd

Happy Birthday to ME!

Wow... today I'm 2 years old. Isn't that just great?!? My mom started off my big day with a nice long walk where I got to show off my NEW collar. oooh aaah The on our walk I got to see that really cute Boxer puppy who loves me so much (who wouldn't?), and I got to sniff, and then when I got home I ran around the house looking for Dad (he was still in bed, Lazybones!).

I came home and ate a big yummy breakfast and played with my toys... then mom told me that I got a special email from Dogster. Wow - an email just for me!!! :-) For now it is naptime, but I can't wait to see what happens next on my special day. I bet mom will come up with something really grrrrrrrrreat.

ARF to all my fellow birthday pups!
- Syd

Remember when...

When I was just a pup, I loved-loved-loved to chase Seamus-cat. It made mom mad, but it was just so fun. One night Seamus-cat ran up the stairs, so I went scampering to follow. But mom sat on the steps to block my way. Bad mommy!! Don't you know I'm playing chase???

I tried to push past her on one side, then on the other, then on the first side again, but she kept blocking me. Then I tried jumping over her but she caught me in mid-air. So I tried to stick my head through the railing, but it wouldn't fit. I tried jumping over her again - gotta get that cat!!! But she caught me again. Darn that mommy!

I was so frustrated... so I stopped, and turned my head to the side as I thought about what to do. Then I walked into the dining room under the table (where I knew she could see me), turned around, looked her right in the eye... and peed all over the floor. THAT got her moving. :-P Unfortunately then she was really really mad... so I forgot about chasing the cat 'cause she yelled at me and I don't like that. Yelling isn't fun.

Anyway, that was a really fun game, but after that day my mom got a nasty colorful thing that squirts water. Every time I went to chase Seamus-cat mommy would squirt me with it, and I REALLY didn't like that, so I decided chasing Seamus-cat wasn't very much fun anyway. Now I just get him to chase me, and everybody is happy. OK, mostly I run around a lot, and get near Seamus-cat, then sprint away. But it is our game and those are the rules - Seamus-cat doesn't like to run a lot, so I need to do most of the work, but that's OK 'cause I love to run.

Hmmm... maybe I should go start a game of chase right now...

ARF! - Syd

I just love to play!

This has been a cool month. Earlier in the month I got to go to Camp BowWow and play for a day. During the day I stopped playing with the other pups for a while, and they took me into this other room. Everyone made a big fuss over me, and the put this silly thing on my head and had me sit in a special chair. I wasn't sure what the big deal was, but decided to be my usual cute self.

Then this week I went back for another visit (yipee!), and everywhere I looked it was me... on the walls, on pieces of paper, just everywhere. Apparently they took my picture and used it to tell everyone about a special event, 'cause the camp has been around for a whole year now. And what a great day it was. I got to play with TONS of other pups, and my mom was extra happy b/c all the proceeds were donated to a place that helps animals that don't have forever homes yet. Just like me before I found my mom. How awesome!! Big sloppy licks to Camp BowWow for their wonderful acts of kindness.

My Tail of Devotion for Sydney

This is a special Tail of Devotion

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Memorable Memorial Day

My weekend started with a jog on Friday - I was very nervous, because I was afraid I might have to see some of those little people, but mom insisted that we finish our run and I secretly do love to run so maybe it wasn't too bad.

The whole family was together all day on Saturday when we went down to the fun place with the big fenced in deck. It is a long drive, but once we got there I could enjoy going in and out... and in and out... and in and out... 'cause they had this incredible door that was like a curtain instead of the other door that I can see through but is all hard. I went outside a lot to check on my mom, but spent most of the time inside 'cause it was SO HOT outside and the air inside was really really cool, plus I could curl up on the cool tiles. ahhhhh.... The only bad moment was when my mom went through this one door and closed it behind her. ARF!?! WHERE ARE YOU??? I ran from room to room looking for her, then I ran upstairs... ARE YOU THERE???? Then I heard her whistle to me and ran downstairs as fast as I could. Everyone was laughing at me - they claimed she had only gone in the "guh-raj" for a minute, but I don't believe them 'cause it seemed like forever!! I sat on her foot for the rest of the night to make sure she didn't try to escape again.

Sunday morning the three of us went for a run, which was nice but I was sooooo hot. I kept panting hoping I would cool off, but Mom decided it was bath time. I was all nice and clean and cool so I sprinted around the house for a while. But then they had to leave... and I realized... I was really really tired... so it was time for a power nap. The next thing I knew I woke up and there were all these people coming into my house. arf! ARF! THIS IS MY HOUSE! ARF! Oh - ok, my people are with them... and... is it? WOW - a big guy! My new buddy Drake came to visit. I wasn't too sure about him at first 'cause he was so big (twice my size!), but he was so nice and easy-going that I couldn't help but love him. The other people and my people stayed up very late - I was so tired but didn't want to miss anything so I tried to stay awake. But my eyes kept closing and my head kept nodding... finally they all went to bed.

When I woke up I ran downstairs... sniff... sniff-sniff... HEY! Drake is still here! woo-hoo!! My mom took me and Drake on a walk while everyone else was asleep, and he wasn't afraid at all. Hmmmm.... I thought that was pretty interesting... he just walked, and seemed so relaxed, so I tried to be relaxed too. Then we went inside and I pestered him until he played with me, then we all went on a hike! WOW! By the time we got home Drake and I were really tired, so we slept while our people ran around doing other silly stuff.

What an incredible weekend!! I hope I get to see Drake again soon. Well, I think my nap is calling me...

ARF!
- Syd

What a weekend!

What a great weekend... last week I got dropped off at my favorite play-place (think it's called CampBowWow). All my friends were there (the ones with fur and those without). I got to stay over for a couple of nights, then my DAD came to get me. That was real different since usually my mom picks me up, but I was super-happy to see him. He took me home, and then we both slept for the rest of the night! I was a little concerned because my mom wasn't there, but I was so tired I just couldn't worry about her.

Then the next day he took me for a drive. We were in the car for a while, then when we got out we were at a new house. There was one doggy who was more interested in sleeping, but the neighbor puppy liked playing with me (even though she was really tiny - smaller than my head!). I ran and ran and ran for hours - WHEEE!! Then we got back in the car again and drove for a while, but he got out and left me. So I barked a lot - I wanted to make sure every person I saw knew that this was OUR car, and that they left me alone. He finally came back (with a cup of something) and I was so relieved. He tried to tell me he only ran in for a cup of "cow-fee" but I didn't care (and what is cow-fee anyway???).

Then we kept driving past the same place over and over and over. I really got worried that maybe he was lost. Every time he'd get near this one building and stop, then some guy with a funny hat and a whistle would start waving his arms at us so we'd drive in a circle again. I'd bark at that guy (and all the other people I kept seeing), just in case they had any bad ideas about coming near us. We got to the building again and stopped. I saw more people with these weird square things walking behind them, and I didn't understand that so I barked some more (just for good measure). Then someone was walking up toward the car, and I barked a couple of times to tell them to go away... wait... is it??? IT IS! MOM! ARF! ARF! ARF! Look - hey - did you see?!?! She came BACK!!! WOW!!! I wagged and wagged and licked her a lot to let her know how happy I was to see her. We drove home and I was relieved that my whole family (including Seamus-cat) were all back together.

When we got inside my Mom went into her bag, and suddenly I saw it. It was the most beautiful amazing stupendous thing E-V-E-R. It was a rawhide bone that was HUGE - it was bigger than one of my legs. I ran over to my rug and did every trick I know (some of them twice) so she'd hurry up and give it to me. I tried to chew on the ends like I usually do, but they were too big for my mouth. So I chewed on the middle some, and ran around with it to make sure everyone saw me with my AWESOME new toy. As a matter of fact, I'd better go check on it again...

ARF!
- Syd

White-fluffy stuff... COOL!

Wow - all this white fluffy stuff! This is so fun!!! ARF! ARF! I can run around and bury my face in it, and mom smushes it together to make balls for me. I can dig it up without getting in trouble, and I don't overheat when I'm playing... this is AWESOME!!!

We went for a walk this morning with tons of the white fluff coming down, and mom let ME lead on the walk for once! I got to stop and sniff every tree, investigate anything that wasn't white, smell every bush... we even went back on the trails and I got to explore looking for deer and bunnies. WHEEE! (I think she let me lead b/c she couldn't see very well, She had all this crazy stuff on... big puffy black thing on her top, a green thing on top of her head, her front paws were inside these other green things... I don't know what she was doing, but she looked pretty funny!!)

We got back in the house, and I was so excited I ran and ran and ran... that is until Seamus-cat got mad at me. He hates it when I run in the house, so I had to stop or he was going to start chasing me. Spoil-sport. Maybe I'll get to play in the white-fluff again later... that was SO fun!

I'm learning new tricks too... mom taught me how to back up, and boy is that cool! I do it all the time now. When she has my Kong, I can back up instead of walking forward, which is GREAT because I can keep an eye on my Kong the whole time!!! I also tried standing on my back legs way up tall (like she does) and she got real excited. Guess that's a good new trick.

Well, I'd better get a nap now... have to get ready to play in the white-fluff again later! ARF!

My first Thanksgiving!

Wow... there were sure a LOT of people in my house this past week. I was a little nervous at first, but I was so happy that my friends came over that I forgot to be worried! While the humans all sat at that boring table with their bowls and their glasses, I played, and fought over treats, and ran up and down the stairs, and in general acted crazy with my two friends (Gaea and Helios). We all had so much fun, even though Gaea kept stealing whatever toy I had. But I was a good hostess and let him have the toy - I have others!

The best part was the big guy who stayed with us all weekend. My mom kept calling him "Dad", and he just adored me. He was really patient when I was nervous, but he gave me treats, and went in the car with us (and let me sit in his LAP! woo-hoo!), and gave me more treats, and went on walks with me, and gave me more treats, and kept telling me how beautiful I am. He's a smart guy!! I was really sad when he left, and I hope he comes back to visit real soon.

Until then I keep getting all this yummy turkey with my breakfast, so I'm a happy pup!

Hope you all had as wonderful a weekend as I did!!

Howl-o-ween

Last week was a rough one. You all know I'm a little cautious about the minature people... they're really really scary and when they shout I just want to run and hide. And I'm not crazy about people coming to my house and making that stupid bell ring.

Well, I was home last week with Dad, and that bell rang so I ran to the door to bark and make it stop. Then he opened the door... and there was a big group of people! EEK! To make it worse, they were all little people, and they all started yelling!!!! I was so scared, I barked and barked. He gave them something from a bowl and thankfully they went away. PHEW! But then it happened again - bell, door, crowd, shouting... and again... and again!! I don't know what was going on, but it was simply awful. He finally did something to make them stop, but I was still so upset.

Mom evenutally got home from the gym, but I was so upset I accidentally barked at her... alot... well, I'm embarassed to admit it, but I was so worked up I didn't recognize her!! :-( She sat on the floor with me for a while, though, and gave me one of my calming biscuits, and I was eventually able to go to sleep. But every time I heard anything I jumped up and barked... just in case those crazy crowds thought about coming back.

Later in the week we had fun, though. I got a new toy called an I-Qube... there are four (count 'em - FOUR!!!) squeaky balls, they're inside the cube, and I can reach in with my mouth and pull them out. I keep trying to pick them all up at once, but they keep rolling away. So I use my paws to keep them together, and chew on one, then the next, then the next. They're great!! Plus my people tossed them in the air, and got really excited when I started catching them. (They're so easy to please!)

Well, I think it is time for a nap. I got to go for a run this morning, and I'm all tired out again... zzzz.....

Back in School

Wow - I haven't written in a while. (Mom's been busy and didn't get the computer out for me!!) The weather has really cooled off, and I just love it. I may be originally from the south, but you can keep that hot weather! Plus all the leaves are falling, and I just love to chase them. A dry leaf blowing in the wind... IRRESISTIBLE!! :-P Plus Mom is feeling better and has been taking me running more often - I just can't get enough of that! Those are my favorite days... RUN RUN RUN!

Also, my friend Seamus-cat was gone for a while last week. He always picks on me, but y'know... I really missed him. I guess he was at the vet (ICK!), poor little guy. Now that he's back he seems to be feeling better, but he still gets mad if I run around the house too much. Guess I still have to use my "house manners".

A few days ago we started school again. There's only me and one other pup in the class, and I'm not sure who's more timid! Poor Masie, my classmate, was shivering when I got there she was so nervous. I still don't understand everything, but it is fun to try and figure out what I'm supposed to do. I know if I bump Mom's hand with my nose when she says "touch" I get a treat - and she seems so happy. (She's very easy to please... such a simple little thing!) I guess I'll keep trying to figure out what she wants. This learning stuff is fun, but it does make me tired. I guess I'll go take a nap... she makes me do homework every day, and I want to be well rested when she gets home from work tonight. Arf arf zzzzz.......

MY BIRTHDAY!!!

Wow - yesterday was awesome!! I think I like this whole birthday thing... its pretty cool! I got lots and lots attention, an extra-special meal, and my family gave me this really yummy new toy... it was HUGE!! They called it a "macho stick" but all I care about is that it tasted great and was fun to chew on. I chewed and chewed and chewed all night long, and there's still more than half of it left!! I think I'll call it a mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmacho stick. ARF! ARF! I even made a new pup pal yesterday (hi Dalbo!). AND this weekend I'm going play with my friend Spencer - what a happy girl I am! Even Seamus (my brother the cat) was kinda nice to me yesterday... and he's usually a big bully! What a wonderful day!

Sniff you later!

Another great weekend!

Wow - what an awesome weekend. I went to the dogpark on Saturday, and ran and ran and ran. I really tired myself out playing with all the other dogs. I chased them, then they chased me, then we all chased the ball... it was great!! But eventually I got pretty tired - to tired to play anymore. So I went home... and did some power napping while mom painted!

Then on Sunday I got to go to the beach again. That is so great - I played in the waves, and met a bunch of friends there too! It was a really fun trip. I was running and sprinting and playing, then I rolled over and over in the sand, just to make sure I was extra messy!!

On the way home I slipped out of my harness and crawled all the way from the back of the truck to the front passenger seat. My mom was driving, so she couldn't make me go back... so I curled up and slept there while she petted my head the whole way back. What a great ride! Maybe mom will let me ride up front with her all the time... (yes, Syd, you spoiled little girl - I loved having you up there with me. I've ordered a safety harness and seat cover for the front seat. You'll be riding in the front from now on!)

I'd better go check on my toy box... I think there's a bone with my name on it!

09/28/05 Almost my birthday!

In two weeks it will be my birthday... almost a year old. WOW! It seems like just yesterday I arrived at my new home all itchy. (That darned mange was MISERABLE, and my beatuiful fur kept falling out! I'm glad we took care of that and I'm all better now.) Then I had to learn about not chasing the cat, and obedience class, and how to walk nice on the leash, and hiking, and playing, and making new friends, and sleeping through the night, and how to bark at delivery men... it's been a busy year!

I went to the beach for the first time this past weekend. The waves were scary at first, but when my person started playing in them I had to go check it out. And what do you know?!? It was FUN!!!! I'd run around in circles, scamper into and out of the waves, dig in the sand... and my person seemed to think this was great. (She's so silly, but I like her anyway!) I hope we go again soon... it was so much fun.

Well, I think there's a rawhide calling me... gotta run!
ARF! ARF!