How exciting! I'm a Daily Diary!!!!

OK, so I may not be Diary of the Day, I but I suppose that would have required me to post a liiiiiiittle more frequently, bol. At any rate though, I'm sooooo very excited to be one of the DDs!! I think this should be motivation to post a little more often!

So lets see here, I want to thank, well, my momma...since she makes all typing possible. And, well...can I thank technology? I'd like to do a blanket "thank you" to technology, bol, for without it, we wouldn't even have computers or internet or even Dogster!!! Oh! So on that note, I want to thank the wonderful pawple and their pups (and cats!) that make Dogster possible! And, I want to thank all the cows and pigs and chickens for providing delish food for me to eat, so I have energy to nag my momma till she posts...oh my, is my five minutes up?

Okie doke, well this was truly a great way to start out the day! Thanks every pup and Kota Kisses to you all!!

~Dakota

A New Game!!

There is a new game on Dogster...
My buddy *Webster* picked ME. How cool is that!?

Okie doke, I'm supposed to give you 4 answers for each category. Here I go!!

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Name Four Jobs You Have

1. Keeping the couch/recliner/carpet safe and warm for when my momma returns home
2. Thanking mom after each raw meal with a big, sloppy kiss. Unfortunately she doesn't always let me...
3. Teaching people that I like STANDING belly rubs. Its really not that hard to understand, but I suppose a new concept like this takes a little extra tutoring.
4. Performing my tricks in public...maybe one day I'll be so good I can do them all under even the most difficult distractions!


Name Four Places You Have Lived

1. My forever home in the Outer Banks, NC
2. My temp home with Pound-Pet Rescue
3. Some horrible place, without a family.
4. My momma's womb!


Name Four Places You Have Been

1. Occoneechee State Park in Clarksville, Va
2. Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head, NC
3. Other awesome beachy places, in and around the Atlantic
4. Raleigh, NC


Name Four Places You Would Rather Be:

1. Any place that requires the presence of other dogs and the use of the word "play date"
2. Hiking...I loooove to explore!
3. The sound...I love zooming through the water
4. Why would I want to be anywhere else than with my momma!?

Now I'll ask four friends to do the same.
1. Sako
2. Manny
3. Kaiser
4. Rosie

Entering the world of RAW!

So, after the whole TWO fiasco, I convinced momma that maybe eating a little more raw, a little more frequently, wasn't such a bad idea after all! She agreed, but was still very hesitant to jump into a 100% raw diet. She did some researching and decided upon a dehydrated raw diet from THK. She chose a high protein, no grain formula (Embark). From what she read, the THK was the "next best thing" to a true raw diet. She liked the ingredients and I loooove the taste! In fact, I follow her around the house and give her "the face" until its done hydrating. Ooooh its so hard to wait sometimes!

Momma also decided to feed more raw, so that means I'll get 1 meal of THK and 1 meal of something else (unless I'm being puppysitted...puppysat? bol Then its just THK). I usually get chicken (back or quarter, depending on what she can find at the grocer) but the other day I had my first experience with pork! Momma said its very hard to find meat at decent prices out here (it IS the beach, after all...) but she found a pork butt for just under $2/lb (believe me, that's a good price). She's never heard of a pork butt before, and I wasn't so sure of the lump of meat sitting in front of me when it came time to eat. After she seared the pieces, I gobbled them up right quick! But, I wasn't interested in eating anything else. The next day (today) she decided to carve off most of the fat (and, there was a LOT of it) as well as chunks of meat. I wouldn't touch the bone that was left until she threw me out on the porch with it. Then I went to town! Momma left just enough meat on it for about 1 meal, and I got most of it off (yay for me!) but when I started to crunch the bone mom decided it was time to stop. She didn't know pork butt's had bones in them, bol, but she figured part of the hip (which is what it looked like) was still probably a little too dense for me to knaw on.

Momma and I are both very excited about my new diet, though we haven't gotten to the organs part yet. However, momma told me quite matter-of-factly this morning that I'd better get over my prissiness if I expect her to continue to give me hunks of meat! You see, I'm a dainty lady. And I'm a very particular lady. Ladies don't like to walk on dewy grass or potty in front of strangers. Ladies also don't like to get their paws stinky nasty when they eat raw food. I much prefer to drag my meal all over creation as opposed to touching it with my paws to hold it down. No way. Not gonna do it! I'm also going to only use my front teeth, if I can help it. Ladies don't chew with their mouths agape, dontcha know.

Momma also said that she's not so sure about my new breath. She claims I smell like raw meat now. Eh, I don't see a problem?

Ah, well we are still new at this whole thing, but be sure to check back for updates once I've been on the food for a while.

Till then,

Kota kisses!!!

A Doggy Dictionary

LEASH: A strap which attaches to your collar, enabling you to lead your person where you want him/her to go.

DOG BED: any soft, clean surface, such as the white bedspread in the guest room or the newly upholstered couch in the living room.

DROOL: what you do when your persons have food and you don't. To do this properly you must sit as close as you can and look sad and let the drool fall to the floor, or better yet, on their laps.

SNIFF: A social custom to use when you greet other dogs. Place your nose as close as you can to the other dog's rear end and inhale deeply, repeat several times, or until your person makes you stop.

GARBAGE CAN: A container which your neighbors put out once a week to test your ingenuity. You must stand on your hind legs and try to push the lid off with your nose. If you do it right you are rewarded with margarine wrappers to shred, beef bones to consume and moldy crusts of bread.

BICYCLES: Two-wheeled exercise machines, invented for dogs to control body fat. To get maximum aerobic benefit, you must hide behind a bush and dash out, bark loudly and run alongside for a few yards; the person then swerves and falls into the bushes, and you prance away.

DEAFNESS: This is a malady which affects dogs when their person want them in and they want to stay out. Symptoms include staring blankly at the person, then running in the opposite direction, or lying down.

THUNDER: This is a signal that the world is coming to an end. Humans remain amazingly calm during thunderstorms, so it is necessary to warn them of the danger by trembling uncontrollably, panting, rolling your eyes wildly, and following at their heels.

WASTEBASKET: This is a dog toy filled with paper, envelopes, and old candy wrapper. When you get bored, turn over the basket and strew the papers all over the house until your person comes home

SOFAS: Are to dogs like napkins are to people. After eating it is polite to run up and down the front of the sofa and wipe your whiskers clean.

BATH: This is a process by which the humans drench the floor, walls and themselves. You can help by shaking vigorously and frequently.

LEAN: Every good dogs's response to the command "sit !", especially if your person is dressed for an evening out. Incredibly effective before black-tie events.

BUMP: The best way to get your human's attention when they are drinking a fresh cup of coffee or tea.

GOOSE BUMP: A maneuver to use as a last resort when the Regular Bump doesn't get the attention you require.....especially effective when combined with The Sniff. See above.

LOVE: A feeling of intense affection, given freely and without restriction. The best way you can show your love is to wag your tail. If you're lucky, a human will love you in return

TAG!!

OMD! So I thought I was super duper fast, but apparently Peanutty is faster! I'm "it"!!!! Here are the rules for this new game of tag:

-Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves
-Dogs who are tagged need to post in their Diary both 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, or, send them a fun Rosette announcing they've been Tagged!

Here are 7 fun facts about me - Dakota:

1. I'm a fan of standing belly rubs...and I only like "true" belly rubs in the morning when I'm acting adorable to try to wake momma up.

2. I actually have a few different types of hair...long and crimped (think 80's crimping) near my ears, fluffy around my neck, long and wavy at my shoulders, shorter down my sides, gsd-fuzz on my tush, and loooong strands on my tail!

3. I was born with only one spot on my tongue...but now, I have tongue freckles all over the place!!

4. I don't whine! And I don't even bark unless I see someone acting sketchy or if I'm pretending I'm protecting my momma.

5. I reeeeally don't like the heat of the sun...I get too hot! I stay far away from those sun spots my bro Duffy used to love so much. For me, the cooler the better! I don't even sleep on momma's bed because its too warm for me!

6. I love the sound, but the ocean? Not so much a fan of those waves.

7. I am the kissing queen. I kiss everything and everyone and everypup. I've got all kinds of love to share!

*Kota kisses*
Dakota

I pick:

1. Vincent
2. Dale Bo
3. Kaiser
4. Manny
5. Gromit
6. Harley
7. Keefer

My 2nd Agility Class!

Whoohoo talk about my new obsession!

Last week we were introduced to what momma called the "safe" obstacles. Basic jumps, straight tunnels...you know, anything that isn't very difficult to convince a pup to do.

THIS week we took a step up in the agility world and added some nifty new obstacles!

Chute, WITH the chute: Bol last week our "chute" was just the short tunnel part. This week we actually got to run through the chute with the parachute material attached. I had so much fun that when our trainer called us in to try a different jump, I just couldn't help running through it one last time!

Pause Box and Pause Table: No problem here! Sit? Check! Down? Double check! Only problem is that I just don't quite fit comfortably in a "down" inside the pause box...I think my bum might be too big!!! bol I kept readjusting myself trying to fit!

Curved Tunnel: For a second I was a little concerned because I couldn't see the other end, but after I went through a time or two I didn't have any other qualms about it. Unfortunately somepup marked a few of the tunnels so I got distracted sniffing the smells...hmm...bol can you really blame me!?

Bridge: This was an interesting obstacle...it made a lot of noise and was all wobbly when I went over it! Its a good thing momma took me to the park a week or so ago because she taught me to go over the BIG bridges there! Thus, I had an idea how to conquer this little bridge, however I did forget how BIG I was! My back feet had a bit of a mind of their own, and at one point my rear left paw reeeeaaallly wanted to slip off, but I hung on will ALL the might in my toes and I did it!!

Crawl: This is an obstacle? You're kidding me, right? bol...actually we were just introduced to it so it wasn't low enough to actually require a crawl, but we kinda got the idea. This was a breeze.

Plank: Ok, so this really isn't an obstacle, but rather an introduction to the dogwalk and teeter/see-saw. It was just a length of the same material we have to walk on for both the aforementioned obstacles. Again, I forgot where my rear paws were, but momma is working on that with me at home using a ladder-type wooden thingy. Its pretty cool and I take great care to step carefully through each rung!

Weave Poles: Whooooo who said this isn't normal for a pup? Ok, so maybe it isn't, but I kinda got the "weave" idea after 3 or 4 go's through the poles. In fact, the last time I did it momma didn't even have to guide me (and wasn't holding onto my leash). I did it just perfectly and momma made SUCH a big deal over it I went into ZOOMIE MODE!!!!! Everyone laughed because I was just so proud of myself! bol Momma apologized for not having control of me, but I don't think anyone was mad!

Hmm I think that's all the new stuff we tried...but of course we were able to practice on all the "old" obstacles too.

As we did last week we had a mini "trial" at the end of the evening. Here was the set-up:

JUMP (straight) TUNNEL (right turn) BRIDGE (right turn) CRAWL (straight) JUMP (straight) A-FRAME (straight) CHUTE (straight) PAUSE BOX-SIT (right turn) WEAVE (straight) TIRE (right) JUMP (straight) JUMP (straight) JUMP

Ok, I think I remembered all that...

At any rate, I did ALL that in only 43 seconds! In fact, I came in first by almost 20 seconds!!! Whoohoo! Everyone said I'm a natural and that they couldn't believe this was my first go at agility! Yay for my fuzzybutt!

After a quick play session with 2 of the pups momma told me it was time to go home...and boy was I ready! I happily munched on my super extra large cookie prizes in the back seat before passing out the rest of the drive home.

Momma told me she was going to drive me up to play on the equipment this Saturday...I can't wait!!!!!

A-G-I-L-I-T-Y!!

OMD...I think I've found my calling in life! Momma took me to an open house at an agility club in Virginia. So, maybe it IS an hour drive there (and another hour ride back) from the Outer Banks. Hey, it was the closest place she could find! Good thing I behave myself in the car!

So anyway, we rode up there and a nice lady took us out onto the course. Here is what I was introduced to:

Hurdles: I already knew "over" (sometimes momma says "hup"), so these weren't any trouble at all! I can actually jump over a hurdle that is higher than I am at the whithers. I've got a spring in my step!

Tire: This was new, but after realizing I couldn't go between the stabilizing lines (boy, did I look silly getting all caught up in them!) it became just another jump for me!

Chute: I didn't blink going through the chute. Of course, it didn't actually have the chute part attached, but that comes later I suppose!

Tunnel: I realized how much FUN the tunnels can be! In fact, momma was able to let me off leash and I followed her directions through 3 of them in a row! Wow! Its like I already knew the commands!

A-Frame: Pups are nervous on this thing? No way! I ran right up (perfect form, might I add) on the first go. In fact, I was headed up and over before mom even gave me the command! Contact points? No prob!!

Mom was SO proud of me. Our helper lady even said I was gonna be the club's next agility dog! Well, I'm sure they tell everypup that, but I'm gonna take it to heart! She was so impressed, she said we didn't really need her help! She said I was gonna be FAST too!

We played around for about 1.5 hours before heading home. I was sooooo worn out, but it sure is great to have a job!

Now, my doggie-ADD did kick in a few times, but can you blame me? There were sooo many new smells to smell! And to think, all those doggies to meet and play with? Ok, well so momma didn't let me play, but that didn't stop me from trying! Good thing she brought some super yummy treats to get me back on track...mmmm...

So, right now I'm trying to convince momma to get me in the next beginners class! I hope they have space for lil 'ol meeee!!

:o)

Eventful mornings...

SUPPOSEDLY lead to tired pups.

But I beg to differ (and I'm a darned good begger, at that!).

It all started after I finally pawed momma outta bed. I had a lot of energy, so I convinced her to set up my neeew favorite pasttime, jumps! Its kinda silly, really. See, momma uses a wooden drying rack (that is normally used for clothing) and a big plastic square (that is normally used under a washing machine). I LOVE to jump over these, and I got sooo excited I went into zoomie mode. By the time I was done I was panting fairly hard so momma decided to add in a little obedience.

As you would expect, I was darned thirsty after my little workout so I drank up most of my water. Mom, knowing my bladder, took me out to potty soon after I settled down to rest.

Her mistake was thinking I was too tired to run off.

I went straight to potty. Got a cookie.

Momma told me come. I came. Got a cookie.

Momma told me to wait. I waited. Got a cookie.

Momma told me to down. I lay down. Got a cookie.

Momma told me inside. I bolted.

Didn't get a cookie.

So, there is this super cool wooded area behind our place. Its kinda hard for a human to wander though, but its a top notch playplace for a pup! I headed straight for it and disappeared for about 15 minutes.

Momma was quite upset, but she knew she couldn't be mad at me because it was really her fault I ran off. I mean honestly. I'm a princess. I don't do ANYTHING wrong and I turn my nose up at the thought of being called disobedient! Hrumph...you silly humans...I will do what I want, when I want. If I listen, its probably because I have nothing better to do. It was quite OBVIOUS, at least to ME, that I had things to do. In the woods. And the muddy creek.

So anyway I come sauntering back to mom some time later, muddy from my snout to my toes to my tail. I looked like swamp pup. For some reason I wasn't allowed back inside...momma said something about smelling like rotten fish? Well heck, I didn't see a problem!

Momma gathered her things and told me we were going for a car ride. OMD. Rotten fish smell or not, I must have done SOMETHING right! Straight into the car I went. Windows? ALL the way down. Momma was mumbling something about needing to purchase some Febreeze...

We drove to the beach, where momma put me on my 50ft rope. I got wiggle-butt excited...I REALLY must have done something right! Momma said something about a dip...something about water...I guess she read my mind, because even though it was 40 degrees out, I headed straight for the waves! We played for about 45 minutes until I decided that her commands weren't interesting anymore. Unfortunately we tend to leave when I stop listening. So, back home we went. Good thing we only live 3 mins from the beach.

All that excitement, and I STILL have energy! Momma said something about wishing I had a retrieval drive, or, any drive at all...Well, I say I do have drive. And I told you before that its only on MY terms! Geez, now momma doesn't even listen to me! Anyway, she started telling me how she wished there was an Agility school here and how great she thought I'd do with a "job". Then she started rambling about wishing we had a bigger place, with a fenced yard...and more money so that I could have a friend! But she looked kinda sad, so I suppose that's out of the question.

Ok, well maybe I'll give in just a smidgen and go curl up at her feet, even though I'm not tired. She always likes when I do that...

PS. I personally consider my romp in the waves a bath, so a "real" bath won't be necessary...

How time flies!

Ladies and gentlepups, somewhere between September and October,2006, I officially turned ONE year old!! Whoohoo! My furever home annifursary isn't until December, but that just means I get ANOTHER pawrty! This is great!

For my b-day I got a totally rockin' bright green, 8 legged-octopus (is there ANY other kind??) that has a rattle and [had] a squeaker. I promptly killed the squeaker. I love all the legs though because when I shake the body all the legs smack up against my nose. It drives me bonkers I just do it even harder! I also got some yummy dried chicken breasts and some new cookies and a BACKPACK! Mom can't wait until my annifursary though...and neither can I! I get MORE presents and lovies from my momma!!!!!

So not only am I one year old, but I'm getting to be a big girl, too! I weigh between 70 and 72 pounds!! Mom loves it because she's always been a fan of large dogs. She's excited because originally I was only predicted to be 50 lbs. Hehe, did I surprise everyone or what!

I also have the most glorious coat now. Well, I always did, but it just took some extra special care to help it grow to its full, poofy potential. Everyone that meets me says I'm so pretty and soft. Look, its not easy being beautiful! ;o)

I haven't learned any new tricks because mom is such a slacker! OK, maybe she isn't quite a slacker...I know she's been busy...but I am walking better on a leash! I still get excited and tug a bit, but now its only a sometimes-thing as opposed to an all-the-time-thing.

I also learned some valuable lessons:

-Why chase a cat when you can chase a seagull? Or a crab. Or a child.

-Do unto other pups as you would have them do unto you. That means kisses. Many kisses. And don't forget to smile.

-If you did something wrong, just give it up. You already look guilty. And the shredded plant on the floor is evidence enough. Especially considering the dirt all over your face. And in your mouth. Along with that plant fiber jammed in between your pearly whites.

-Stick with the chewies mom gives you. At least you're ALLOWED to eat those...

-While the stare down works well, if you REALLY want something then head straight for the 70 lb cuteness factor. Jump up on the bed, throw yourself against your mom, grunt and groan as you roll over on your back, legs splayed for all to see. Smile. Don't forget the wiggle. Then throw your head back and look at mom as if to say, "Well, is it working!?"

-By golly you're growing up! Find yourself a job that doesn't involve digging up plants, eating leather shoes (or pulling the insoles out of those that aren't real leather), destroying remote controls (and sunglasses), eviscerating pillows, pulling up carpet, shredding wicker baskets, and terrorizing the bird. Yes. I know they are fun. RESIST THE TEMPTATION.

-Don't chase deer. Its a lost cause. Believe me.

-Act like you haven't seen your mom in months when she comes home. That means shower her with kisses, be a wiggle butt, wag that tail like its a propeller preparing for take-off, and grunt in pleasure when she gives you lovies. Do this everytime. People need reassurance, those silly humans.

-Yes, zoomies are still ok.

-No, eating poop is not. And yes, that includes the stuff the bird leaves behind!

-The vet is your friend. And they offer cookies!

-Take long walks on the beach with your mom. Watch sunsets together. Take in the moment. And don't forget to drag her into the water.

OK everypup, that's all for now! My paws are getting sore from typing on this little keyboard! Wuff atcha later!

*kisses*

I'm 7 months old!

Wow, I keep telling myself that I'm going to do a better job of writing in my diary...but alas! *pout* I'm not very good at typing (fat paws) so I'm gonna blame this one on my mommy! I thought I had her trained...

So, what news can I share with you pups? I am 58.4 pounds (whoo!!) and currently recovering from being spayed a week and some change ago. I was quite irritated with mom when she picked me up from the man in the white coat's office though. How dare she leave me to get poked and prodded without her there to take care of me!! Hrumph! Well, don't tell her, but frankly I WAS thrilled to see her! I just had to pretend I was upset...you know I can't let her get the upper hand!

By the evening of my much anticipated trip home, I swore up and down that I was all healed up! Mom kept telling me to calm down, but when the zoomies came a-callin, I couldn't resist! Mom actually spent the next week chasing me down and trying to get me to relax. Look mom, you try sitting all cooped up day in and day out for 7 days straight. I'd say you'd develop a little pent up energy too, right?

Aside from a little swelling reaction to my sutures (ok, it was the size of a golf ball!) I'm doing quite well. Mom still won't take me to the beach or let me run full tilt, but I'm sneaking in a few more zoomies now then I was able to a week ago!

I also had quite a surprise yesterday! When mom took me out for my morning potty break, I saw my new boyfriend Bailey! Mom took me off leash and I chased Bailey right up the stairs and THROUGH his doggy door into the house! OMD! I've never been through a doggy door, and this momentarily shocked me! One minute, outside...the next, inside! And no human trained to open or shut a door required! Well mommy came running after me going "oooh no, I'm sorrrry", but Bailey's people were just laughing and invited her right in also.

Good times my friends, good times!

Well, I think its about time to go tear up a squeaky! Bark atcha later, my pup pals!

~Kota