I miss my grandma

Dear Diary,

Many things have happened since I last wrote. Mommy and I had moved to New York (stinky Staten Island to be exact). Grandma got very sick after the holidays and I helped mommy take care of her. Mommy said that Grandma had to go live in the clouds and become an angle like my Uncle Winston. I was not happy about that and when grandma became very ill I sat by her side until she went to sleep. Everyone wanted to be near her but I didn't want anyone to bother us so I would get cranky and yell at everyone to stay back. I loved my grandma very much and she loved me. We understood eachother and now I am very sad that she is not here anymore. Gus-Gus is now my little brother. He was very scared when his mommy went to be an angel and I decided to start being nicer to him because I know that if my mommy went away I would be sad too. Gussie is getting better now and at times we talk about his mommy/my grandma going away. He understands that it was not her choice but knows now what it means to die. I remember when Uncle Winston died. I told him about it and that when they become angels they are no longer sick and very happy. We also lost our best friend Cinci and Bogie. Savanah is sick too and they all have/had the same thing that made grandma sick. Cancer. I don't like Cancer and I am making sure that it doesn't get me sick so I am being careful not to catch it.

When I moved to NY I had to leave my old home behind. I spent a lot of time marking my new spots but it was increasingly annoying because mommy couldn't take me for as many walks as I would like but also Gus-Gus seems to always want to mark the same spot I mark immediately after I mark it. So I do the same again. I mean, there is only so much pee pee a little body like mine can hold so now I make sure I drink up all my water so I can go out and out mark him. We get along like brothers, we sleep and cuddle and play and even go to doggie day care together now BUT we always compete. He doesn't like my big dog friends though so I at least have some freedom since I love to play with the big guys.

Mommy said one day soon we will be leaving New York and going back to Connecticut. I miss my home and my parks but mommy said we will not go back to the same 'house'. She said sheis looking for a nicer place. Mommy broke it to me in her momish way that we will be having another baby brother soon! I looked all over for him... under bed, under tables, on the couch and outside when she told me. I couldn't believe it! Not again! However, mommy said this baby is in her belly. I asked mommy if I was in her belly but she told me that the puppy stork brought me to her. This one was a people baby. I don't know how I feel about this. Another bossy people person telling me what to do? Well as long as he stays away from my treats and bones and toys I think we will be OK. Gussie seems to not be phased by this change and I think its because he will be a big brother too now like me. He idolizes me. :)

Well that is it for now. I'm sure all my friends forgot who I am and I surely miss them on Dogster! I need to get back into the swing of things... soon mommy will have this 'kid' running around so I will need my outlet to vent again. Just when I thought I was getting used to a little brother, another one is coming. Hmm. Well at least Gus will be the middle child now. He fits the mold anyway... he is psycho!

Woof WOOF!
Cujo

Chhhh Chhhh Chhh ....Changes!

Dear Diary,

It's been a long time since I have written to you. I am sorry Diary! There has been so much that has changed since my last entry that I am not quite sure where to start! For one, I am no longer living in Connecticut and now live in Staten Island NY. I dare bring this up in front pf mommy because she will cry. She doesn't like Staten Island very much. I think it's "eh OK" (the best part is seeing Grandma more) but this island is very very NOISY!

Let's see, the last I wrote I believe we were getting ready to celebrate the holiday season. Grandma, Aunt Daniela and my PITA friend Gus-Gus came over to mommy's house and we had a nice holiday dinner together as a family. My Aunt Daniela brought us back toys , treats and (yuck!) clothing from England. My grandma brought me my favorite cookies and toys as well. Santa was good to me too.

After New Years Grandma started not to feel good, so mommy and me would visit her on the weekends. On Valentine's Day Mommy sat me down and told me that we would be moving to live with Grandma. At first I was estatic, I ran to grab my suitcase and buddy but then as the days started to pass I watched mommy start to pack up our stuff in big boxes. This reminded me of the time we left one my first home and I never saw it again. So I started to worry a little bit about what this meant. I started to ask mommy if I was going to see my friends and Carol anymore. She told me yes, but not as frequent as I do now. She told me that Grandma was not feeling good and we had to move with her to take care of her and Gus-Gus. I was happy about Grandma, but NOT happy about Gus-Gus. Mommy explained that one day we would come back to CT but for now it is important we do this. She promised we would visit our friends in CT once a mnonth (mainly so that I could keep my groomer - in staten island mommy said they have a truck that drives around cutting dog hair with a Floabie Machine - whatever that is! OUCH!)

I am happy to go wherever mommy goes. So we moved into Grandma's house and since then I kept my word and have stayed by Grandma's side. Literally stuck like a glue. I noticed that Grandma had days that she didn't feel so good so when we are downstairs playing, every so often I make my way upstairs to her bed to check in on her. I bark to wake her up and she puts me on the bed with her where I lay down next to her and lick her arm until she sleeps again. When I see she is OK I find my way downstairs again to resume playing.

When Grandma gets better I am hoping we can go for walks again and play in the backyard. I don't mind living here (give or take a Gus-Gus or two) but I find having my entire family under one roof makes me feel less anxious. I miss Carol and Cinci.....and Lobster, Rigby, Coffee, Lolly, Bogey, Savanah, etc etc... so I cannot wait until the weather gets better so I can go visit them and RUN RUN RUN at Taylor's Farm. I miss running. every thing here is on leash and their parks / stores are not very dog friendly. Maybe Grandma will come with us too. She needs to get better soon. We have a lot of summer time things to do together.

Anyway - that is really it for now. I promise I will be better about writing to you Diary. Besides, I need some advice about this pain in my rear Gus-Gus. He is driving me CRAZY Diary and I swear I am going to shove him in a closet soon.
The one plus I have this week is he is sporting a cone hat. He was neutered last Monday! Woo HOO! Give him pain meds to make him sleepy- I say! :)

Arf! ARF!!
Cujo

“Santa Claus has the right idea: visit people once a- year!” - V.B.

Dear Diary,

I wrote my letter to Santa this year. I am hoping that he will be able to accommodate as last year he was not very generous! I mean granted I requested Cashmere bedding, but I did thoroughly enjoy the rubber soccer ball instead.

Therefore I felt I should be a bit more specific and try to point him in the right direction... less hints... more facts.

------------------
Dear Mr. Santa Clause.
This is Cujo. You may recall who I am. I pee pee'd on you twice last year during our photo opportunity. I was quite embarrassed, however... you were quite large and quite hairy and quite scary because you keep laughing strangely and it scarred me for life. BUT... that is beside the point.

I write to you today to discuss and negotiate my gift list. I feel that I have put forth much thought and energy into this listing. I do hope that you find the time to (eagerly) read through it and ensure that I am provided everything. I mean... Santa - we can't argue the fact that I have had a year of patience and have expressed much good will against all trees and hydrants alike. I do not poo poo in the house anymore. I only bark when I feel I must protect my mommy and myself (which is , yes, all the time... but the world is a scary place and I am sure you would agree!) I have been a good boy when it comes to eating my food, only my food and not stealing mommy's. I no longer rip her rugs, eat my toys and I am quiet when I need to be. I understand everything my mommy says now, I know what sleepy means (and close my eyes for mommy when she asks if I am). I make sure that when it rains I do not want to go outside as often, because I don't like to get wet - and mommy likes this trick because then I am not a wet doggie on her couch. :) I sit still when I get brushed, I have learned this year how to 'embrace' my toothbrush and I hardly EVER go do wee wee oon my pad. I hold it in now, all the time! I share my food and toys with other animals, when I am bullied for toys I give the toy to them too.

I AM A GOOD BOY DAMN IT! A GOOD BOY!

So it is for these arguments Santa that I give you this list today. I am hoping that you will ablidge. (....and I am sorry to tell you that if I do not receive these items, I will have no choice but to leave you lunch meat in lieu of the oatmeal and gingerbread cookies mommy will be baking. Figured I'd just let you know just in case you think I am all bark and no bite Santa. I have this name for a reason!)

Item:
1. I would like Gus-Gus to go live with Aunt Daniela so I can have grandma back.
2. I would like my best friend Coffee to come live with me so she can have my babies.
3. I would like regular chicken and rice and mommy to throw away the food Dr. Neiman gave her for me. I LIKE ROTISSERIE SANTA!
4. I would like Dr. Neiman to move far away. I don't like going there Santa.
5. I want my sweater collection to suddenly disappear. As a matter of fact I would like to give the to Gus-Gus so he can wear them all... at the same time.
6. I would like Rigby to come live with me too, so she can have my babies too. (hey... it aint a law in my world Santa!)
7. I would like mommy to stay home every day and take me for walks every half hour so that I may require she sit on the benches with me and people watch... yes, even iwhen it is 17 degrees out.
8. More COOKIES Santa. More TREATS. More GREENIES... MORE never hurt anyone... well maybe you. You are getting a bit big around the belly there.
9. I would like a roller skate for my stumpy Santa. As a matter of fact I would like a back scratcher attachment while you are at it. I cant reach SANTA! Help!
10. Finally.... I would like all BURS destroyed. Why do they always attach themselves to me Santa? I walk to the bushes... I go pee peee and next thing I know I have these bally things stuck to me and I cant get them off. They are an insignificant added element to the world Santa... maybe they can be recycled and given to cats for toys? There is a thought! ...and world peace wouldn't be such a bad idea too.

With love and the utmost respect,
Your GOOD BOY Cujo.
---------------------------------------------

So there you have it Diary. I am sure that he will greatly appreciate my honesty. Me and him... this is how we roll.

Arf! ARF!!
-CUJO

“You know what is annoying? Indian-givers... no, wait... I- take that back.” - E.Philips

Dear Diary,

So I came home and to my surprise mommy got me a very special present! A TREE. A tree that is all my own! It is not outside and in my house. She put it in this thing so it could stand.

She said it was thirsty and must always get water to drink. I told her that I would share my bowl with it but she insisted that she keep giving it a bath and filling up the thing it was standing in. I tried to take a sip but she scolded me!
......"HEY! I thought we are supposed to share!"

Then when I tried to cuddle with it to sleep, she scolded me again! She told me that I must not try to push up against it or it will fall and get hurt! ........"Give me a break man! That thing is SOLID. If anyone is going to get hurt, it will be me!"

She then started giving it presents! Lights, balls, toys, photos... all things that looked fun to play with and fun to eat, but when I tried to play with thenm too... she (you guessed it) scolded me one more time!......"This present is no fun Ma! What is the purpose of getting me a new toy if I can't play with it and enjoy it!?"

Then at night she told me that she was going to light it... I screamed telling her that is not nice but then she flipped the switch and TREE was so beautiful. However when i walked up to it to take a closer look... I hear for the 50th time "CUJO. No!". ....."What the heck did I do? LOOK AT IT?"

So... I started finding myself a little envious of TREE. I mean, it gets all the gifts, attention, special clothing and mommy and her friends sits there and stars at it all the time (THAT EQUATES TO LESS ATTENTION ON ME)... so I determined... If I am going to get scolded for doing something wrong, then I am justgoing to do something WRONG! So I snuck up to tree and decided I would teach it who is boss of this house. I started to lift my leg but as soon as I did... "C U J O!!!!!!!!!!!!! Baaaaaaad Cujo!". I tried to tell mommy to relax that I didn't do anything.

This gift is not fun anymore. If she was going to get me a surprise, she should have purchased me a rawhide!

Arf! ARF!!
-Cujo

“A gorgeous example of denial is the story about the- little- child who was notified that a baby brother was on the way”- - unkno

Dear Diary,

Well. A a month ago I inherited a living 'shadow'. His name.... is Gus-Gus. However, I would like to refer to him as annoying!

Mommy took it upon herself to 'assign' me training responsibilities for the lil'booger too! The good news is that Gus-Gus doesn't live with me, however the bad news is he lives with Grandma and has mistakenly come to conclude that all of my toys and stuff at grandma's are now HIS!

He likes to bite at me, follow me around...under my arm pit... literally. He finds amusement in running underneath me and trying to flip me over as I walk around the house. Mommy finds this amusing as well. Well... I don't! I would like to ask why I did not have a say in this decision making process. Thank you very much?

Mommy said that I am a 'big brother'... sorta.... and need to train Uncle Gus-Gus... TRAIN!?!?!? Wait.... UNCLE? Hold up one dog gone minute! Is this why they have dog therapy?

:::ring ring:::

"Hello? Is this the Dr's Newson's Doggie Psychiatric hotline?... yes, I'd like to make an appointment please...."

Arf !ARF!!
Cujo

Who needs a wikipedia when you now have a "Doggipedia"?!

Dear Diary,

So in trying to educate mommy on my language, I decided to come up with a doggipedia. Basically, I am making an effort to communicate with my mommy better but because she can't keep up with the times - I had to draft something in black and white so she can reference at a later time.

So here is my first draft. Let me know what you think.

1) ANNOUNCEMENT: I bark when mommy pulls up to the park because I'm letting everyone know I am there. I'm usually saying: "That's RIGHT! I'm here - so let's get this part'ay started! Let's get it started riiight! I'm mean, I'm bad and I'm ready to P - L - A - Y... Play!"

2) GREETING: I sniff because I no, we dogs don't give paw to each other... we don't have hands therefore we don't shake them. We sniff. We sniff short and sweet as if to say... "Hello I'm Cujo". If we sniff a little longer its to say "Well hello there. I am Cujo. Who might you be? You definitely flaunt it like it's hot , are you heading down to the hydrant?"... OR.... "Damnnnnnn, you are wayyyy to clean man! Who are you? What are you?"

3) SIGNING THE GUEST BOOK: I pee pee in the same exact spot that my walking buddy pee pees because, well.... I want to drown out his scent so everyone knows I was there too. I mean, I am an attention hog so I must overkill when it comes to this. I cannot just pass by without leaving a "Cujo was here" memo to the masses.

4) ASSISTANCE: I shake my stumpy leg and stare at you because I have an itch and you need to scratch it. I noticed that you are learning this now. Amazing how you know actually, that is why I close my eyes and let you just keep going. So great to have you at the snap of my paw beds!

5) VARIETY: Just because I get excited about walking one way yesterday doesn't mean that I want to do it everyday. Yes, dogs are OCD however when it comes to 'walk and explore' there is a key word there.... explore. I rather do it in new places, not the same grass patch. There is a whole neighborhood that needs to be discovered! Thing outside your element mom! Stop being lazy!

6) PRIVACY: When I poop I look up at you to see if you are watching. If you are I will start to run as I am still pooping. This is because ITS EMBARASSING TO HAVE YOUR MOMMY WATCHING YOU POOPIE! Stop that! If you just look away as I look up I will continue with what I am doing in peace.

7) OWNING: When you give me something and i roll over on it and smoosh it into your carpet... let's say like... ummm.... a tomato? Well its not because I'm a bad doggie. It's because I LOVE that tomato so much that i need to leave my scent on it. Mommy, dogs do this. When you are not paying attention I do this to you too! ...because, you are mine. I own you! So yes mom, I guess that is how 'I roll'.

8) CODDLE: Mommy, I cannot go to sleep for the night unless you let me lick your feet, your arms or your leg. I understand that it tickles and that at times you think you need to grab me and kiss me too. But Mom, it's not kisses. It's my way of soothing myself to sleep. Just stay still and stop fighting!

9) RESPONSIBILITY: When you get out of the shower I MUST help to dry your ankle for you. Since you are all the way up there and your ankle is at my level, it just ... works. Besides, I need to be involved in everything you are doing so when you can't beat'em, join them! I've made it a point to make this my job.

10) FLATULENCE: ...Well, how shall I put it. It's sort of self explanatory but this means "it is time to go out for a walk "mommy. As in, get up, put the leash on because i can't wait for the sun to come up. So what it is 3AM and you are dreaming? And I would greatly appreciate it if you would not yell out how stinky I am and start blowing air at me. HOW RUDE. If you had not cut my walk short this evening we would not be in this situation would we?

Anyway --- this is the first draft Diary. I am thinking this will surely help mommy and my communication out soooo much. What do you think?

Arf! ARF!!
-Cujo

PS: Arf! ARF!!--> means I am signing off for now. ;)

“I'm pretty certain that one of the commandments was 'Thou- shalt not bore'. yup, pretty sure!"

Dear Diary,

So Bored today Diary. Yawn. Soooo bored.

Well it all started with the icky poo poo weather. It is rainy and sticky and let's just say that I hate to get my hair wet so as soon as I stepped outside, I didn't bother to walk to a patch of grass. Grabbed the first pole (or was it a tree), lifted the leg and was off to the front door.

Mommy decided to work from home today. Yes, I know, nothing ordinarily different than each week -- except for the fact that she actually WORKED.
::: GASP::: I know! Could you imagine!?

I know this is going to come as a shock and hopfully you are sitting down for this.... hold on, because I need to. OK, well mommy did NOT take enough time to play with me! :: gasp :: She only took 3 of the 10 hours to dedicate to me! I mean I sat there staring up at her while she typed on that computer to her work and I made it a point to just sit and stare. I mean, doesnt she realize that they will never care about the point she has to make as much as ME? So... when she would look down I would just give her a mad look! Mommy (of course) found this to be cute so she tried talking in that squeeky annoying voice--- but I was not amused. No I wasn't. I had to take things into my own paws and went into my toy bin dragging every toy imaginable and placing them all around her chair. She didn't even notice until she stood up and tripped on my toys. She set off Mr. Gorilla and lil'piggy's sounds.

So what is a dog to do? I sat, I stared, I slept, I sat again, I stared and of course... I slept. Eventually I knew a walk time would come but everytime we would open the door in front, I would see the weather and mommy called me "moody" because I didn't want to walk! The nerve!

During the day Mommy would get those sudden urges to play with me, but frankly diary, she bored me to tear stains so much that I became utterly exhausted!

I decided to try a different approach... decided each time mommy would go ack to her desk I would constantly try to get on her lap. Then when I made it up there with my sad eyes and kisses on her big toe, I would lay across her arms. This allowed her not to type and me to kiss her arm playing off her mommy guilt. Yeah, that worked for a bit until I was under tummy kiss attack and would try to run for my life.

Eventually in time mommy gave up the computer stuff and hung out with me. So... I got a few tomatoes, and a greenie, and a few cookies and a couple of walks, not to mention breakfast and dinner and a nice brushing... BUT it's not enough! I want her constant, every minute of her day, attention! Who needs work!? It's all about play!

Mommy sys that she is working from home again tomorrow. Hmm. I need to think a bit strategic and creatively about how to annoy her the whole day. What do you think Diary --- farting or burping then looking up as she looks at me with that icky face... or maybe chewing on her flip flops! Yeah, these should do it!

Arf! ARF!!
-Cujo

“If my uniform doesn't get dirty, I haven't done anything- in the baseball game.” ~R. Hendersen

Dear Diary,

Mommy told me that I looked a "little stinky" today. How does one "LOOK stinky"? Yes, I have a few grass stains in places that wouldn't typically be the case ... and yes my hair looks a little out of sorts, but hair grows ... and yes, last night some poopy got stuck to my tooshy and mommy had to chase me around the yard with whipes.... but isn't this what being a dog is all about? I mean, I am as bright white as can be but if I were to stay that way, would that mean I am not living a full life?

Mommy says that I feel better when I am clean. Ummm. Noooo. YOU DO MOMMY. I am perfectly fine stanking up because when the time comes to go t o the park, I expect that the sniffing task will come easily! Do you not understand that being as clean as I am makes it that much more difficult? I mean, if they cant easily sniff me, next thing you know some big lab sticks his big nose in places he shouldn't having to lift me off the ground to figure what the heck I am! That is NOT a good thing! I get violated by noses!

So regardless how much I position t his with her, I am going to get a bath today. Yippie yay. : : grunt : : Well at least it's better than her putting that embarrassing tee shirt on me with the flower. I tell you Diary, Parents... they sure do a job on you in the early years!

Arf! ARF!!
-Cujo
"Stinky Ruff Ruff Boy" --- as mommy affectionately refers to me.

"A man's kiss is his signature" ~Mae West

Dear Diary,

I write you as I have one eye open and one eye closed. I am beat! I had a surprise visit today. Mommy worked from home again (ZzzzZzzzz) and to my surprise she arranged for me to have a playdate with Rigby! My friend Rigby is a girl (tee hee hee) that is in love with me (of course). She is crazy about me actually. As a matter of fact, she gave me that "bull terrier eye" all afternoon. AND it wasn't because I have freeze dried chicken cutlet snacks. No it wasn't. It was due to my charisma!

OK... fine. I'm fibbing. We wrestle, we play and all is good. However, she also takes all my toys, sleeps on my bed while I get the floor, eats my food and takes treats from my mouth and yes - fine - she is the boss of me! She wears the pants as mommy says. Well she can wear them, I don't like pants. I don't like clothing at all-- so not sure what mommy means by that, but let her wear 'em.

I have to tell you something Diary. I don't mind her being a "female doggie" to me (I can't say the B-word. Mommy will wash my mouth out with doggie toothpaste)... but I can't help that Rigby owns me..... I simply LOVE kissing her! So I figured what the heck, give her what she wants and at least I can get a kiss as part of the deal! It's called "Compromising". Mommy calls it being a BOY.

You see Diary, I love when she chases me and grabs my head and kicks me in the shoulder- well OK - I don't like to be kicked by her, but in the end she kisses me so why the heck not, right!? ...and you know diary, kisses make ALL things better. For example...When I am a bad boy, I simply give mommy a kiss on her chin and she forgets why she was mad at me! Works like a charm! Well.... except when she is standing up. Then I kiss her Toe.

Rigby tells me I kiss good. She tells me that I am a manly man! However, mommy tells me I am a maniac and that she hasn't seen a boy kiss like that since she was in high school. I know that means something because mommy laughed after she said that! Now that I think about it, I don't want to think of mommy kissing anyone - now nor 100 years ago when she was in school! Eww. My mommy is supposed to pick up my poopy , feed me and brush me. Anything else is just a bad visual!

Well, Mommy told me I am a casanova and that I kiss everyone. Hey, listen, I'm a growing boy and get no complaints. So to prove her point she thought she was slick and caught Rigby and me on video. She added the video to my page. How embarrassing! WHY DO PARENTS DO THESE THINGS!? I look like I'm desperate! We're slobbering all over the place! My poor dog walker had to sit there in horror.

Anyway, I can't wait. Rigby is coming over again tomorrow to play with me. I am going to get a lot of rest tonight so I have "my game on" in the AM. PUCKER UP RIGBY! SWAK!

Arf !ARF!!
Cujo

“If being sane is thinking there's something wrong with- being "different", I'd rather be completely freaking- mental” - A. Jolie

Dear Diary,

I'm different. I am different and not sure what to make of it. I never realized I was 'different' but everyone else has always thought so. Well... I came to realize the hard way that I am.

Mommy and I went to the park the other day. Not the little doggie park, but my favorite BIG park down by the beach so I could do my favorite thing in the whole world (well beside humping buddy) ---to run. I love to run. Listen, you don't understand---as in I LOVE to RUN. As in, as soon as the leash comes off I run around in circles for hours.

One section of the park has a pond that all my friends like to swim in. Mommy has told me that I was not allowed to go to that section of the park, however I decided to venture out. I tell mommy all the time "Think outside the box mom", but she tells me she is the mommy and knows best. Well... I begged to differ until I decided to be brave and go into the water. I HATE TO GET WET, but it looked like so much fun! I started to swim but then I noticed as hard as I paddled I kept turning over. Mommy screamed at me and had her "mom nervous" face on. Eventually they pulled me out and I clung to mommy's side shivering. WHAT THE HECK WAS SO FUN ABOUT SWIMMING ANYWAY?!?! Well needless to say all my doggie friends were staring at me asking me why I didn't do the "doggie paddle". What the heck does that mean!? Jack the bull terrior shouted out "He can't doggie paddle because he has a STUMPY". All the dogs laughed at me and I got mad and barked at them. I asked mommy what a stumpy was and she told me that they were telling me that because I had the "boo boo foot" that I would not be able to swim.

I became sad and started yelling for my friends to come out of the pond and play with me. They didn't want to because they were having fun so I sat by mommy and watched, barking at them to come out. I felt lonely but mommy tried to play with me as she dried me off. I wasn't having it. I wanted to swim too. I got so angry I pee pee'd on the water bowl the other dogs drank from. When mommy scolded me, I explained that I wanted the other dogs to stop calling me "different". Mommy told me I am not different, but that I am special.

I asked mommy how come I didn't have 4 paws. She told me that when I was born God made me a special puppy. He gave me a stumpy foot with a beauty mark on it. She told me that I had a very important job to do because of that. I asked her what that was and she told me that every day I live my life I have to show everyone that I can do what they can do.

I reminded mommy that I almost drowned (she has a horrible short term memory). She said "Cujo, you will swim one day. I promise you."... I responded "OHHHHH NO! I am NOT going near water ever again!"

A few days after that incident I still could not get this out of my head. I kept thinking about how I had to sit there and watch and I didn't like it one bit. Mommy told me that we would be going hiking in Fairfield that morning to get exercise so I figured it would help get this darn stuff off my mind. Well... apparently I was tricked. The trails has STREAMS so needless to say mommy thought she was smart! But mommy told me the water was low and today would be the day I would swim. She got into the water and brought me in. I tried to cling to her but she placed me on top of a rock and walked away! I stood there like a toole! I didn't know what to do so I SAT on the rock waiting. Mommy would never leave me... but... she started walking away. In my rage, OK - my panic and seperation anxiety I decided to jump rock to rock until my leg slipped and I was standing in water. At first I froze but I have to be honest it was not bad. A few trails down we came to an open area where there were dogs playing like crazy. I got anxious because I remembered what happened the last time, but they were having so much fun. I sniffed around, then started to step onto a rock then smarty pants mommy pulled me in with her! She started yelling out "Cujo, you're swimming honey chicken!" She then breaks out the camera (grreat...) and starts snapping pics, but I became so overwhelmed with excitement that I became obsessed with the water! (Photo is posted as PROOF!)

I felt great. I conquered my fear and I was able toshow that just because I was different didn't mean I was not capable! So of course because I have OCD as we walked by each pond, stream, river - I had sudden urges to pull mommy to them in my doggie excitement thinking that it was swim time again. EVentually mommy started telling me that I couldn't swim in all of the bodies of water - especially when I tried to swim in the drinking fountain puddle.

Ahh. Yes, I AM different... I am special... but honestly - I just like to call myself "Unique". I have a long road ahead I guess, so my unstoppable determination will get a workout! However, I would be lying if I said that I didn't have my "stumpy foot" on the brain a bit more now that I know it's there.

Arf! ARF!!
-Cujo
"Dare to be different"