Tails of a Sweetpea

Golden Girl Update

Wow, it's been a month since I've updated my diary! Once again, totally unfair. If you look at my kitty siblings' Catster pages, you'll see that they get time to update their diaries all the time. It's hard being the only doggie surrounded by kitties!

I have good news ~ My biopsy came back negative! I have to go back to my regular vet sometime this week to get some medication refills but overall, I'm doing really well for a mature, wise, golden girl (who some refer to as geriatric- BOL!). I'm loving the cooler Arizona fall weather and sometimes when Mommy tries to call me into the house when I'm in the backyard, I pretend I'm deaf. I can hear her, I just totally ignore her! BOL!

In other news; The ER vet had recommended that I drink more water to keep my kidneys healthy and working. Mommy bought a new water filter thing for me and I love it! It's in a pitcher and the water is extra cold. When Mom pours the water into my bowl, I come running and lap up water right from the pitcher's stream. Yummy.

Now that it's colder here, the kittens have decided they want to sleep on my big bed. Those kittens think they run this house! Right now little Leo is sprawled out on my bed and I'm lying next to him on the floor, sleeping. Something's just not right with this picture! I'm going to have to nose him off in a minute!

I hope that all my pals have a wonderful holiday week!

lots of love,
Sophie

I'm NOT a kitty!

Hi Pals!

Good news; my biopsy on the growth on my cheek came back benign! And, after 10 days of taking 7 pills a day, I am now down to just my 1 arthritis pill. That's good news because mommy's attempts to hide my pills in yummy cheese and other sneaky things was starting to fail! BOL!

I went back to the ER vet this evening to have my stitches removed. Two funny things happened. When mommy and I were walking into the building, a family with two young (around 4 years old) girls was walking by. When the girls saw me their eyes got big and one of them exclaimed, "Look at that BIG kitty!!!!!!!"

Me, a big kitty? I think not!

And later, as we were leaving, a family with two young boys was arriving at the clinic. The mom said, "Let's go see how our doggie is doing." One of the boys looked over at me and said, "Is that our doggie?"

Ummm, NO, I'm not your doggie! Kids! BOL! They sure are funny!

love,
Sophie

A long night but I'm hanging in there!

Hi pals,

I've had a rough go of it for the past 24 hours. Late last night, mom was giving me loving and she noticed that the benign cyst on my cheek had ruptured. She took me to the ER vet to get it cleaned and get antibiotics. Unfortunately, once there it was determined that I had a fever and my blood test results came back with abnormal calcium and kidney levels.

As a 14 year old dog, those results were a bit scary. Luckily, my urine analysis showed that my urine was concentrated, not diluted, so I am not in kidney failure. The ER vet ended up removing the growth from my face and giving me fluids. I got to come home late last night (around 3 am) on antibiotics and fluids. Mom had a hard time getting me out of the car and into the house as I am 60 lbs and I couldn't walk.

I had a hard time recovering from the anesthesia but am starting to perk up this afternoon and evening. Mommy even took me a short little walk and that made me feel much better.

There was some talk of the bridge last night but mom and the vet both agreed that I am not even close to being ready to make my journey to the bridge. I have a lot of life and love left in me. We are taking it one day at a time and I expect a lot of extra treats on each one of those days!

love,
Sophie

Demanding Equality!

It's been awhile since I've updated my diary. I haven't had much Dogster time because I am outnumbered with Catster siblings! Totally unfair! I do love my kitties but I think that our online play time should be divided equally!

Unfortunately, one reason I haven't been on Dogster as much is because my kitten brother * Leo * suddenly became ill with what turned out to be an immune-mediated disease called peripheral neuropathy. Luckily, living in Phoenix we had access to specialty vets and he was seen by a neurologist. The neurologist did a spinal tap and electrophysiology testing and was able to determine that Leo's condition was caused because the electrical messages from his brain were not getting to the nerves in his legs which is why he could no longer stand or walk. He's now on medicine and will hopefully make a full recovery. The power of the paw was in full effect!

I've been doing pretty good lately. I'm hanging in there! It's getting cooler here which means more walks and time outside. I've also developed a sudden interest in kitty food (which is only fair because the kittens are always trying to eat my food!).

I hope all is well with my pup pals!


love,
Sophie

Looking good!

I had a v-e-t visit yesterday. It was a quick one- arthritis medication refill, nails trimmed, and unmentionable things done to my bottom!

During the visit, Mommy and the v-e-t discussed my age. Right in front of me, too! How rude! The v-e-t showed Mommy a chart that placed my age in people years between 88-100! He then said for a 60 lb dog that I am definitely geriatric! Mentioning a lady's weight and age in one sentence? Rudeness again!

Mommy asked him how he thinks I look considering my age. He looked at me and smiled (he LOVES me!) and nodded his head. "She looks pretty good!" he admitted.

I agreed. Mommy agreed. I gave her a look that said, "Can we please get outta here?!?!" And we left. That's the best part of a v-e-t visit, LEAVING! BOL!

love,
Sophie

Finally!

I've finally been getting some Dogster time! It's about time; the Lucy and the kittens are always taking over the computer and pawing around Catsterland but now it's MY turn!

I've been posting recently in the Plus Friendly forum thread called * Celebrating Seniors! * and I've made so many new pals! There are some really sweet "golden" pups on Dogster!

As far as my life goes, our home has been crazy this summer with the introduction of my new little kitten brothers. I don't really mind them; they like to sniff me, follow me around, and try to eat my food. And sometimes Charlie likes to pretend his name is Keanu and he's starring in the movie The Matrix. He runs and jumps and does crazy kitten ninja moves, sometimes directed towards me. Being the sweet girl that I am, I just kind of stare at him and raise my eyebrows.


Kitten brothers...... *shrugs and rolls eyes*


love,
Sophie

A not-so-bright idea

Oh my dog, it's tough being the only doggie in a house full of a cat and two rowdy kittens! Luckily I have my special doggie den to retreat to whenever I feel like it. A gracefully mature (14 1/2 years old!) doggie like myself NEEDS a peaceful sanctuary to call her own.

The other night, my mommy had a "brilliant" idea (or so she thought!). She rearranged some furniture in our living room and had the bright idea to move my doggie den from under the stairs to near the couch. What in the world was she thinking?!

I kept pacing in front of it when she put it in the new spot. I looked at her, I looked at my den, I looked back at her. Then I started walking over to the spot where my den used to be, just standing there and staring at the empty space.

After about 30 minutes of my OBVIOUS cues, mommy FINALLY got the clue. She moved my doggie den back to it's rightful spot by the stairs. I immediately walked into my den, circled once, laid down, and breathed a sigh of relief. All is right with the world again!

Hopefully mommy won't get any more "bright" ideas anytime soon.

love,
Sophie

Outnumbered!

My life is overflowing with kitties at the moment! Of course, I still have my beloved kitty sister Lucy. She continues to enjoy grooming me and cuddling with me during thunderstorms.

And now I have two new kitty brothers. * Leo * and * Charlie*!

Mom and the kittens are very lucky that I am such a kitty lover (or maybe I'm just kitty tolerant?) because that Charlie sure is feisty! He's all about MY doggie treats and that's just not cool.

It's hard being the only doggie in a house with three goofy kitty siblings! Plus, I hardly ever get Dogster time because Lucy was always hogging the computer to play on Catster! Now the kittens are on Catster, too! What's a doggie to do?

Maybe I'll just go take a nap......

love,
Sophie

The Cat's Meow!

Oh my dog!

Did you check out The Cat's Meow today?!

love,
Sophie

Bummer......

It's official. I can no longer manage the jump up onto mom's bed, even with the assistance of my stool-ottoman. I tried twice before I had to admit that I couldn't get my back end up and onto the bed.

I was really bummed and a little confused and embarrassed. What is this "aging" thing and when did it happen?! I've always considered myself a young pup and, just recently over the past two years, a teenager. I'm only 14!

Mom wants me to promise to stop trying to jump up on the beds in the house. She's worried that I am going to hurt myself and she has strategically placed no-slip rugs in all the bedrooms. I think she's even more worried about me leaping OFF the bed if I can manage to get up there. She's considering getting baby gates to block me from even going upstairs but she's afraid I'll try and jump the gates......

Well, I guess you never know; this old dog may have some tricks left in her still! *winks*

love,
Sophie

The Grace in Aging

Getting older has some good points. Obviously, I am a very wise dog. And my grey face fur and eyebrows certainly add a distinguished, mature beauty.

After more than a decade together, my mom and I have a pretty good routine together. I can give her a look and she knows if I am hungry, want a treat, or want to go outside. And she can give me a look and I know right away if she needs her ear kissed or her nose kissed! On our walks we take the same strides and walk in total synch with each other. I can tell by the way she says my name if she is going to bed, leaving for work, or just saying "hi" to me. We are a good fit.

We've been together since I was 1 and she was a teenager (19!). The day that we met she walked by my kennel at the Humane Society three times. Each time I raised by eyebrows at her and followed her with my gaze. Of course she couldn't resist and I found my forever home and my mom. And here we are, nearly 13 years later- now she's not a teenager but I am!

I've been having some trouble going up the stairs and standing up from a laying down position. Mom bought no-slip rugs and placed them all over the house to help me get traction and keep my balance. When I stumble going up the stairs mom winces, too. Aging isn't always easy (on dog or mom) and sometimes it isn't that graceful, either.

The graceful part came later, when I laid my head in mom's lap and she petted me while she talked to me about us, me and mom. And I gave her a big lickey kiss across her nose!

love,
Sophie

Feed me!

This morning when mom was getting my breakfast ready, I was doing my customary bottom-wiggling, tail-wagging, turning in circles with excitement dance. And then mom told me to "hold my horses!" Horses? What in the world is she talking about? Just FEED me!!!

love,
Sophie

I agree with my kitty!

My kitty sister Lucy recently wrote a letter to the vacuum monster. I totally agree with her! What's with the vacuum monster's fascination with dog and cat hair, anyways?! And why is it SO loud? Not cool.

I truly appreciate Lucy's request, on my behalf, that the vacuum monster keep it's stinking hose mouth out of my doggie den! Not cool, vacuum monster, not cool.

Don't get me wrong friends, I am a very brave doggie! I'm just not a fan of that darn vacuum monster.


love,
Sophie

Finally, it's my turn!

Wow, it's FINALLY my turn to write a diary entry! My kitty sister Lucy is always writing in her Catster diary but I hardly ever get a chance to write in mine! So now that Lucy is napping in her kitty bed I've hijacked the computer. MY turn. BOL!

Things are pretty good here. Although my eyesight and hearing are in a normal decline due to my advanced age graceful maturity, I'm getting around like a spring pup! My favorite things to do are eat, sleep, eat, go for walks, sleep, and ride in the car. Mom says I have to go to the v-e-t later this week for some routine check up stuff; I don't care how ROUTINE a trip to the v-e-t is, it's still a whole lot of no fun!

Lucy continues to obsessively groom me. Don't tell anydog but I really don't mind it. I love kitties! Plus, she does a much better job grooming me than my mom does...ha ha!

I hope all of my doggie friends are doing well!

love and tailwags,
Sophie

Sunshine brings friends!

We live in a warm climate so we get lots of winter visitors each year. *tail wags* I LOVE visitors! I always get lots and lots of attention and sometimes I get special treats! For the first half hour or so that a new person is in our house, I get SO excited! Mom says I act like a puppy not a 14 year-old! Lots of tailwags and I follow the visitor around the house just waiting to see what they might do next (and hoping that it involves petting ME!). Last weekend we had a visitor and it was so much fun!

Sadly, our visitor only stayed for the weekend so now it's back to normal. That's okay, I've been keeping very busy, napping and eating and then napping some more. It's a good life!

love,
Sophie

A special surprise!

Hi friends!

My sister Lucy got a new kitty bed! I normally wouldn't get all that excited about it but when mom opened the box, she found a special surprise just for ME!

Check out Morgan's Beds! They have kitty and doggie beds and other stuff, too! Mom got a pink bed for Lucy and the package got here today! Imagine my surprise when we found a special surprise inside, JUST FOR ME! The sweetest doggies Gypsy Simone and Amber managed to smuggle a special toy inside just for me (Seriously, why should the kitties get all the love?)! They sent me a squeaky snowman toy! And I LOVE it! I played and played with it and then laid on top of it and took a nap! I didn't want anyone to play with my snowman while I was sleeping! BOL! We love you Gypsy Simone, Amber, Morgan and family!!! Thank you!!!

love,
Sophie

P.S. There is a really amazing HQ approved fundraiser currently occuring on Catster! Please check out the group Muppet's Bucket (HQ approved fundraiser) to meet Muppet and read her amazing story of survival. The group is open to Catsters and Dogsters! More than $7000 has been raised and Muppet is scheduled to have the surgery she desperately needs tomorrow. Sending tailwags and the power of the paw to Muppet!

We love you Muppet!!!

Results

Hi friends!

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! It was so nice to spend the weekend at home with my family, cuddling and hanging out!

We got the results back from my third and fourth blood tests. Mom spent a long time talking to the v-e-t on the phone tonight. She gave me extra kisses, too. I feel pretty good and am not showing any signs of the big C (except for those darn blood tests). Mom reassured me that I don't have to go back to the v-e-t just yet since I am eating, drinking, playing and doing all of the things I normally do. That's a relief!

Hope everyone is doing well! Take care!

love,
Sophie

Update from Sophie's mom:

The results are not good news. Although we do not have a definitive diagnosis, the vet was able to rule out a number of things. The vet feels that it is most likely some form of cancer. Considering her age and that she is eating, drinking, playing, has not lost any weight, and is not showing any signs of lethargy, I'm don't want to put her through anything too invasive. She does not appear to be in any pain (and actually has seemed more frisky and energetic lately?!). The vet was supportive and said that there is no need to rush into anything, especially because she is eating, drinking, playing, etc. So at this point, it's all about Sophie! Lots of love and treats and walks and snuggles and ear rubs and more treats. I love this dog.

Puddles!

It rained all day yesterday and a bit this morning (It's raining right now, too. For that story, see my kitty sister Lucy's diary!).

In between all of this crazy rain, we had some nice blue skies and Arizona sunshine. Of course, right outside the backdoor there was a HUGE puddle from all of the rain. I was out in the backyard with mom; she was checking on her plants (she's actually got some stuff growing this year!!! It's shocking as her thumbs are not even kind of green) and had her back to me. I was sniffing around and doing my thing. Well, when she turned back around, where did she find me? Sitting, right in the puddle! In the deepest part of the puddle! BOL! That's what dogs do, right? We get wet and muddy and stinky! She looked at me and I looked back at her with my eyebrows raised as if to say, "what? did something happen?" (b/c I'm really good with the expressive eyebrows!) from my comfy spot in the center of the puddle. Mom just shook her head and sighed, "Oh, Sophie......"

love,
Sophie

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving to all of my Dogster friends!!!

V-E-T or Vampire?

Dang, even though the v-e-t said I looked really good at my check up last week, my blood test results had a concerning and abnormal calcium level. The v-e-t told mom that having an abnormal calcium level can be caused by a couple of different things including a thyroid problem or the big C. The concern, besides what is causing the abnormal level, is that abnormal calcium levels can cause serious heart conditions.

So I had to go back to the v-e-t yesterday and they drew more blood and did a thorough exam of a part of my body that should never be violated in such a way. *shudders* Apparently the vet was concerned that there might be some C going on back there and wanted to make sure that nothing felt abnormal. Luckily, she said it felt normal!

But the blood test showed the same abnormal levels. Mom was then given some decisions about how to proceed and she chose to have a more in depth calcium blood test AND to have a blood test to look at my thyroid levels. They had to take MORE blood! My question is, are they truly v-e-ts? Or vampires? If they are vampires, they've got a good gig going on!

I felt lousy last night and even had an accident in the house which NEVER happens. So I got all kinds of extra TLC from mom and Lucy and we are just waiting for the results from the lab. The vet said she would call by Monday. Keep your paws crossed!

love,
Sophie

From Sophie's mom:

I was a little scared yesterday, especially after the vet mentioned the possibility of cancer. And then last night Sophie had an unusually difficult night but I think it was because we were at the vet's office for hours yesterday and they did draw blood a couple of times. She just wasn't feeling well last night.

I have to keep reminding myself that she is almost 14 years old (give or take- I really don't know) and that I can't control aging. I just want her to be healthy and happy (and pain free!) for the rest of her life. And she seems happy and healthy- the abnormal blood test caught me a little off-guard but that is probably me being a bit naive. After all, she's not a puppy anymore! But she's still my baby. Gray eyebrows and all!

Tagged by Wishbone!

I've been tagged by Wishbone! For this game of tag I am supposed to list 7 facts and then tag seven dogs.

1. My mom adopted me 12 1/2 years ago from the Humane Society in Phoenix. I am between 13 1/2 and 14 1/2 years old.

2. I like to lay two feet away from my mom, facing her. I rest my chin on my paws and stare at her until she gives me all of her attention!

3. I wiggle my bottom when I'm really excited.

4. I love kitties. I like to curl up with them and snuggle. I also like to eat kitty food but now the kitty food is kept up high and I can't reach it : )

5. I saw the v-e-t on Friday for a check up and the v-e-t said I look REALLY good! She also gave me yummy treats.

6. I am an excellent traveller. I've flown on airplanes before and I have driven across the country with my mom a bunch of times. Mom and I love to take roadtrips together. Once we took my kitty sister Sally, too. We had lots of fun!

7. I am the fuzziest, hairiest dog in the whole world. Seriously.

I am leaving this as an open tag. If you read it and would like to play, consider yourself tagged!

love,
Sophie

Finally!

For the 12 1/2 years that Mommy and I have lived together, I've consistently refused to sleep on any bed. I don't like mom's bed. I don't like the guest bed. And here's the kicker......I don't like doggie beds, either! I prefer to sleep on the hardwood floor or the kitchen tile or in my doggie crate.

Of course, it's MY choice where I sleep. But it drives mom crazy! For the past 4-5 years, as I've gotten older (14 now but DON'T call me geriatric!), slowed down, and started showing signs of arthritis, mom has continued to buy and bring home different kinds of doggie beds. Probably 8 or 9 beds over the past few years. And I NEVER use them! My kitty sisters like them but I could care less! And then yesterday a new chapter in my life began......

Mom decided to go ahead and throw more money away, oops, I mean buy a new doggie bed. She brought one home- it was different then the other ones. I sniffed it, turned a couple of circles on it, and then laid down and fell asleep, ON THE DOGGIE BED! I like this bed! I slept on it all night and then again today for my afternoon nap! Woo-hoo! Way to go Mom!!!!!!

Of course, I have to share it with my kitty sister. Lucy keeps kneading it and trying to nurse from it. Kitties are weird. *sigh*

love,
Sophie

Ha ha! I did it again!

My mom wanted me to call this diary entry "Oops, I did it again" but I told her that I'm too cool for such an obvious pop reference. Plus, it was no "Oops."

I jumped over the back of the couch again, briefly landing on Lucy's 2 foot cat condo located behind the couch and then landing on a rug on the hardwood floor. Perfect 10! AGAIN!

My high energy acrobatics totally freak my mom out! She says I am too old for such risky activities and that I must walk AROUND the couch. Obviously, she's wrong : ) But I promised her never to do it again...... *wink*

love,
Sophie

P.S. My meezer kitty sister Lucy is getting her teeth cleaned at the vet tomorrow. I figured that meant I was in for a day of peaceful and quiet sleep while she was at the vet. What I didn't quite realize is that Lucy wouldn't be allowed to eat anything after 8 pm tonight per vet's orders. So for 12 1/2 hours, she is not allowed to eat. And she's letting us know exactly what she thinks about that. LOUDLY. and PERSISTENTLY. A hungry Siamese kitty is a noisy and loud creature. *sigh*

Wake up Mommy!

In the mornings, I'm HUNGRY! My kitty sister Lucy is hungry, too. We have banded together and developed a routine in order to get mommy out of bed and into the kitchen to feed us. I prance around on the hardwood floor, wiggling my bottom and making clickty click noises. Lucy runs in circles around me saying "mrrrroooowww!" We take our show right next to sleeping mommy. I dance in circles and sometimes bump mommy's hand with my wet nose while Lucy sings the "FEED US!" song. Mommy opens her eyes and our dancing and singing becomes even more intense. We get so excited!

Want to know what happens next? Mommy feeds us!

love,
Sophie

Pumpkin Schumpkin

I've decided that I don't care for canned pumpkin today. I just want my regular food!

Maui? Yeah, right!

Well, it was an exciting weekend......for my mom! She went out of town for the wedding of our dear friend; mom was one of the bridesmaids. Sadly, it was a less exciting weekend for me. I stayed at the v-e-t's office for boarding. They call it Maui but that doesn't fool me. Okay, it wasn't ALL bad. I did make a couple of friends- they told mom that I like to give kisses, especially ear kisses! It's true! I kiss everyone's ears but mom's! Instead of kissing mom's ears, I just kiss her whole darn face! And it always makes her laugh so I think she likes it!

I'm home now with mommy and Lucy. I have a bit of tummy upset so I got to eat some yummy pumpkin tonight. Also, and this is kind of embarrassing, I had a bit of an incident tonight. While mommy was gone, she used a large metal box thing to block the laundry room doors so that my silly kitty sister Lucy wouldn't open the door and play (i.e., get stuck) in the laundry room. Well just this morning mom said out loud, I need to move that! But she got distracted and forgot about it. Tonight, I was very excited to go outside and I was dancing around and suddenly I smacked my nose/beak right into it! It felt awful and my mom got very worried. She did an inspection and I seem to be okay, but she's pretty irritated with herself.

You see, I'm an older girl and for the last year I have been losing my eyesight. The vet said it is natural aging of the eyes. I am usually okay as long as mom doesn't rearrange furniture or anything. But sometimes when I get excited I accidently run into the wall : (

Tonight was a mixture of excitement and furniture movement. I bet it's the last time that mom forgets to move something back where it belongs!

I still love her though. After all, she's only human!

love,
Sophie

Tough girl! Perfect 10!

My paw is almost totally healed! Even the fur and foot fuzz is growing back. Ha! Whatever bit me is no match for me ~ I'm a tough girl!

Yesterday, I was lying on the couch when mom picked up my leash and asked if I wanted to go for a walk. Mom, are you kidding me? OF COURSE I WANT TO GO FOR A WALK!

I was so excited, in fact, that instead of hopping down and running around the couch to get to mom, I jumped OVER the couch, momentarily stepped onto Lucy's kitty condo (without Lucy on it, of course) that sits behind the couch, and then landed on the floor. Perfect 10!

That totally freaked my mom out! With my paw still healing and my 'geriatric' *rolls eyes* bones and body, mom wasn't expecting me to bound OVER the couch to get to her! I told her I'm a YOUNG almost 14 year old ~ still a pup, really!

But I promised mom I would not jump over the couch again as long as she promises not use the word geriatric in reference to me!

love,
Sophie

I'm really a brave girl, I swear!

My paw is feeling better ~ thanks to my friends for the dogster love! Things have been going pretty well in my life, just one more day of those icky antibiotics and I can move on from this unfortunate incident and forget all about it!

My mom posted a new video on my page. I personally find it slightly embarrassing. *blushes* Okay, I'm not the bravest doggie when it comes to thunderstorms and big booms. I hide in my doggie den with my kitty sister Lucy. But thunderstorms are SCARY!

So what did my mom do? She videotaped us in there the other night and then posted it on my page! She said she had to because the video is soooo cute. *shakes head in disbelief* Whatever.

love,
Sophie

Not hungry?

My paw feels much better ~ It's almost healed! Mom and I are counting down the days (3 left!) until my antibiotics are finished. They kind of hurt my tummy and now I don't really feel like eating. Mom called the vet and they said to wait for 1-2 hours after I eat before giving the antibiotic. They said that it can cause tummy upset. Yeah, I'll say!

Mom said she is going to get me a special surprise today! I wonder what it could be?

Tales of the Paw OR Owies = Cheese

Mom took my bandages off tonight ~ it was quite an ordeal! I was happy to finally see my toes again and I was able to give my ear a good scratch now that my toes were free! I really wanted to lick my paw but mommy said I shouldn't. I still have a big icky owie but we don't know what chomped on me! Luckily, whatever it was mostly just hurt my paw but didn't seem to make me too sick, otherwise. I did throw up once but have been eating and drinking fine.

My mom has been hovering over me. My sister Lucy calls her "hovering mommy" and "nurse mommy" because she is usually hovering over Lucy who has some health issues. But this time, it was all about ME. That has actually worked out okay ~ I've gotten lots of treats. Plus, in addition to the arthritis pain medication I take every day, I now have to take 6 (!) antibiotic pills every day for 10 days. While that sounds awful, it really just means that I get lots of extra CHEESE! Yum!

My little kitty sister Lucy wrote about my paw in her diary on Catster and she was picked as a Daily Diary Pick! As the kitties say ~ Concats Lucy!

love,
Sophie

Something chomped on my paw!

Something chomped on my paw! I had to go to the v-e-t because it made my paw hurt and bleed. Well, that darn v-e-t did all kinds of things to me including shaving my paw and then wrapping it up in the silliest looking bandage ever! I can't even see my toes! And then *eyes widen* the v-e-t covered it with something called bitter apple! *Sophie looks down at her wrapped paw and sighs* Now I can't even lick it because it tastes so bad ~ yuck!

The v-e-t wasn't even really sure what happened. She said that I either got bit by something or cut my paw on something. When she shaved it, mom could see two oozy puncture-type holes and mom thought it looked like a bite of some kind. Now I have to take antibiotics for 10 days but that's totally cool. What that really means is that I get extra treats including my favorite, CHEESE!

Thanks to my dear friends Sunny Lee and Stryker and sweet kitties Moon and Bean for the band-aid! That made me feel better!

love,
Sophie

Ouch!

Something happened to one of my paws! Mom isn't really sure what happened but when she was walking me this morning she noticed I was walking kind of funny. Upon further investigation, she saw that my paw was bleeding : (

And now I have to go to the darn v-e-t. Yuck.

Stop the madness!

More big booms and lightening flashes tonight? *sighs* I guess it's another evening of hiding in my doggie den with my kitty sister Lucy.

All is right with the world

Dear Mom,

Thank you for seeing how unfair the new feeding arrangements were. I am very pleased to see that you are now buying me some of that special yummy food, too! I promise to stop laying in front of Lucy's food and staring at it for hours with sad puppy dog eyes (there is no longer a need as you finally got the hint and got me my own yummies. About time).

love,
Sophie

Totally NOT fair

Dear Lucy,

I love you. You are my kitty sister. You give me baths and I (usually) like it. Sometimes you smack my head or catch my tail with your paw ~ I don't like that but I tolerate it because I love you.

You have been sick. That makes me sad and it makes mom feel sad, too. As a result, you have gotten lots of extra mommy time ~ I'm cool with it, because I love you and I am sorry that you haven't been feeling well.

After you had your allergy tests done, I was so happy that we now know what was making you sick (to be allergic to 32 different food ingredients and environmental things is a total bummer.) I was even happier to learn that you were not allergic to me or mommy. That would not have been cool.

I, however, do not find the latest developments acceptable. Because of your allergies, you are now being fed special food imported from New Zealand as well as special canned food that smells pretty yummy. I find it completely unfair that you get to eat these yummy new foods and I do not. And the worst part? You hardly touch it and mommy still says I can't have any! "Nope," mommy says, "It's kitty food. Sorry Sophs."

Please, Lucy, for the love of me, your sister ~ Please share some food with me or at least eat it all up so that I don't have to smell your yummy food. Or, even better, knock it off the counter every once in awhile so I can get in on the action. Mommy will think it's an accident. I'm sure of it. I'll just give her big puppy dog eyes and she will forget all about it.

Let's work together on this?!

love,
Sophie

Ugh, kitty sisters can be annoying!

So my kitty sister Lucy has been driving me a little crazy. Now don't get me wrong ~ I love her very much, especially when she cuddles with me during those scary thunderstorms. And sure, she's been sick and everything. She obviously needs a little extra mommy time, but a little Sophie-mommy time is okay, too.

I tried to tell her that and she does what she always does when I try to talk to her ~ she started grooming me. Seriously, what is up with that? I don't think she understands that doggies should smell like doggies. And get this, her grooming of me also includes massive headbonks and rubbing her face on me. Okay, the truth is I kind of like it but I'm on to her. All of the rubbing and bonking is her attempt to make me smell like a kitty! More specifically, to make me smell like her!

*Sigh* What's a doggie to do?

My favorite new game!

I have decided that I don't like when my mommy talks on the telephone. I don't mind when it rings and I don't mind if anyone else is on the phone, but I do not like when my mom is talking on the phone. So I have devised a new plan to drive her crazy (or get her to hang up the phone- whatever happens first).

No matter what I am doing (and I'll be honest, I'm usually sleeping), as soon as she starts talking on the phone, I start doing the pee-pee dance. Well, my mom then tries to take me outside and- get this!- I refuse to go! I keep dancing and I wag my tail, but I REFUSE to go outside. If she goes back into the living room, I dance and dance and dance until she gets up again and then? BOL! I refuse to go out! I won't budge! Ha!

The best part of my little plan? Mom then gets me a special treat or bone to keep me busy while she finishes up her phone call! BOL! It's okay, you can say it ~ mom is actually REINFORCING this little game!!!

Hmmm, I wonder if she knows it? Ha! I love this new game!

love,
Sophie

Mom always says I think I'm a kitty (or at least a really- small dog)

As you may know, I am a friend to kitties ~ I love them, I cuddle with them, and sometimes I even play with them! And now, I've been tagged by a KITTY! Actually, by TWO kitties! They are two of the cutest boys on Catster! Oliver and Dewey are so darn adorable ~ their pictures are so cute and they write really good diaries! Check out Oliver's photos in his fish hat and the photo of Dewey yelling out the window!

I am supposed to write about 6 things that I don't like. This will not be a problem : )

1) I do not like to be brushed or have my nails trimmed. I don't like baths either but I swear, I am not a stinky girl!

2) I don't like trying to run on hardwood floors. I do like that my mommy bought a bunch of rugs to cover the hardwood floors so that it doesn't bother me anymore.

3) I don't like some parts of getting older ~ it's hard for me to get up on mommy's bed. Lucky for me that mommy realized this and bought a special ottoman that she put at the foot of the bed just to help me get up on the bed!

4) I don't like the aussie shepherd who lives down the street. Believe me, the feeling is mutual. I've decided that we can peacefully co-exist as long as she doesn't walk past MY window (unless I am sleeping ~ then I don't care).

5) I do not like the UPS delivery truck or any human being that is driving that darn truck. I don't care if that thing is filled to the roof with milkbones or tennis balls. I DO NOT LIKE THAT TRUCK.

6) I LOVE car rides! The feeling of wind in my hair, air on my face, and all of the lovely sights and smells. *sigh* Car rides are WONDERFUL. However, I do not like when, while I am riding in the car, we turn down the street to the v-e-t. I do not like the v-e-t.

I am going to leave this as an open tag. If you read this and you'd like to play, consider yourself tagged!

love,
Sophie

P.S. Please send positive thoughts to my kitty sister Lucy. She's not feeling well and has to take *shudders* medicine. Yuck. She's a sweet girl and it's no fun to see her not feeling well.

Feeling good!

I felt so good today! Lately, I've been pretty quiet and sleepy, often hanging out in my doggie den for most of the day and just watching the world from my special spot (of course, offerings of treats, walks, and car rides still induce intense bottom wiggling and excitement!). Today I had all kinds of energy and was all smiles (AND I didn't even need to be bribed with treats)!

I guess yesterday's trip to the v- e -t and the b-a-t-h mom gave me turned out to not be such bad things! Now don't get me wrong ~ I'm not saying that I want to do those things again anytime soon......

Well, that wasn't TOO bad......

I got a bath! Mommy gave me a bath today after my vet visit. I didn't mind it as much as I normally do. Afterwards, mom gave me a new bone to chew on! Now, it's naptime......it's been a busy day for an older girl like me!

Me, Me, Me!

I had a big day! It was all about me! I'll be honest, parts of it included some of my very least favorite things but mom says I was a good girl- a real trooper!

First, she gave me a little pill that makes me feel kinda silly and kinda sleepy, all at the same time. Then, a little while later I heard mom pick up my leash! I got all excited and did some bottom-wiggling and circle turning all at the same time.

We went for a car ride and then we went to the v-e-t. I didn't like that so much but there were some cool things going on today. They had three kitties there up for adoption and I got to sniff them! Then a lady came in with a little puggle puppy- every time he moved, I was so surprised! I sat next to the lady and stared at the puppy. It was funny!

Then I got weighed (53 #s) and went into the room with mom. A cute (according to mom) v.e.t. tech came in and took me to the back. He kept calling me 'sweetheart!' They cut my nails and did some things that I prefer not to discuss. The v-e-t and the other people there all said they couldn't believe how old I am- I look so good and I'm so sweet!

Then mom and I got back in the car and drove home. We had a great ride together ~ boy do I love car rides! I got all kinds of loving from mom and made sure that her clothing and car were covered in my fur! Then, she drove through a yummy smelling place to get a soda. But, the best part is, they gave mom a cup of ice for me! All for me! Yum, I made a big mess with that cup of ice! But, mom wouldn't let me eat the cup, only the ice......

Once we got home, I got brushed and for the first time in my whole 13 years, I actually enjoyed it! I laid down and let my mom go to work on my fur! It felt good!

Now I'm resting. Mom said I have to get a bath today but she's giving me a little break first. I don't like baths but I like to run around afterwards and shake, shake, shake my fur! BOL!

Love,
Sophie

Eyebrows and Nose Licks

Mom pointed out to me tonight that I have three long silver gray eyebrow hairs sprouting from each of my eyebrows. She seemed to think they were really funny (Mom's edit: Actually, I think they are really, really cute! They seemed to have sprouted overnight!).

Well, whatever. Gray eyebrows, gray chin, gray whiskers- I'm getting pretty gray. Whatever.

So when she was laughing, right after she kissed each of my eyebrows, I leaned over and gave her the biggest, slobberiest, wettest kiss EVER!Right on the tip of her nose! Ha! Who's laughing now?

Neighborhood *whispers* gossip

There are lots of dogs in my neighborhood. I find most of them interesting and some of them exciting! When I'm on a walk with mom, I wag my tail and pull her a little bit towards the other pups. I'm a sweet older girl so I never get TOO excited; I listen to my mom and stop pulling when she tells me to. When I am inside, I sit in front of the window seat and watch them walk by. Sometimes I get really excited and put my paws up on the window seat and press my nose on the window, wagging my tail!

There is one exception.

Another female aussie shepherd lives in my neighborhood. One time, about 6 years ago, we met on a walk and we were sniffing each other. She slipped her leash and collar and ran at me while I was on my leash. We got in a bit of a tussle with lots of barking and growlies. Her daddy pulled her away and put her back on the leash. No one was hurt but it was not fun. It scared my mom.

I can't seem to get past that incident. I never bark at other dogs. Now don't get me wrong, I'm no angel- strangers ringing my door bell, the UPS guy, the fed ex guy, and their trucks- I totally bark at them. But that's about it (I hate those delivery guys and their trucks! BOL!).

But that other aussie in the neighborhood is a whole different story. No matter what I am doing or where I am in my house, when she passes by my house I run to the window and bark at her. When I pass her on my walks, she barks at me and I bark at her. I guess the feeling is mutual.

My mom says she is beautiful and I should just let it go. But I can't. And tonight, while mom and I were on our walk, the aussie and her daddy came around a corner. At first we didn't see them but she started barking at me so suddenly and with such verocity that my mom almost had a heart attack! Her daddy pulled her away and they took their walk in the other direction.

So that is the neighborhood gossip. Oh, and it rained today and I walked through big puddles! That was the best part of our walk tonight!

Love,
Sophie

From Sophie's mom- When that dog came around the corner and barked at us, I really did almost have a heart attack. It was dark out and the street lamp was not working. I just heard this sudden loud, growlie barking coming at us and my first instinct was that it was a loose dog coming to attack us. I might have even screamed I was SO startled. But she was thankfully on a leash, walking with her dad.

She IS a beautiful Australian Shepherd. She and Sophie just really don't like each other. A big part of Sophie's reaction is probably me- I'm a little scared of her after the day that she slipped her leash and rushed Sophie.

My favorite food is.......

GREEN BEANS! Mmmmmmm! I love green beans! When mom is cooking them, I lay on the kitchen floor and watch her every move. I smile at her and pant a little and give her my best puppy dog eyes! When she looks at me, I thump my tail (I know how cute she thinks that is!). If she steps in my direction, I roll on my back, show her my cute tummy, and continue with the tail thumps. The best part of my strategy is......



IT WORKS! Mom gives me a couple of green beans! Mmmmm!



P.S. My angel sister Sally was named Angel of the Week in the Rainbow Bridge Angel Babies group! Although Mom, Lucy, and I miss her terribly, she is such a sweet and beautiful angel. Sally, we love you and miss you!

Ha!

Wouldn't you know it?!!! I posted a diary entry bearing my doggie soul- well, actually just openly acknowledging that I have some fears, primarily thunderstorms and fireworks. That wasn't the easiest thing for me to do. I prefer not to think about or discuss those two things......

Well, anyways, like I was saying....... Wouldn't you know it? Last night out of nowhere we had a huge storm (note from Sophie's mom: actually, it wasn't really that big...just a couple of booms, lightening, and about 5 minutes of rain)! Whatever, mom, it was big enough to send me and Lucy into my doggie den for a couple of hours!

So, last night was the storm and then tonight is 4th of July! I love the holiday- it means I get to spend all day with mom (none of that mom-stealing WORK business that normally happens Mondays through Fridays) and I usually get special treats! So I like the 4th of July! It's just those darn fireworks! Can't they make silent ones? Then I could just cover my eyes and I wouldn't even know anything out of the ordinary was going on!

Happy 4th of July! Stay safe everyone!
Love,
Sophie

P.S. The forecast is calling for more storms tonight, too. Can't a dog get a break?

lightening, thunder, and fireworks- oh my!

As an Arizona doggie, summers are a little rough- for one thing, it's really, really hot here for a loooong time. Mom only takes me for walks really early in the morning or late in the evening after the sun has gone down. It's kind of a bummer but my house is nice and cool; I LOVE to lay on the tile in the kitchen!

Also, since I live in the desert, there's really not that much grass. It's okay though! I'm an Arizona dog! I can do my business without grass! Sometimes, during walks with mom, we find patches of grass (mommy and I are very, very smart- we know where all the grass is in our neighborhood!) . Every once in awhile, we find patches of grass with big blades of grass growing and I like to try to munch on them! I wouldn't mind a little more grass here in the desert but it's okay.

But there are a few things I just don't like. In Arizona we have something in the summer called monsoon season. What that really means is that sometimes, out of nowhere, we have HUGE thunderstorms with lots of loud, scary thunder, lightening, and rain. I really don't like monsoon season. Lucy and I hide together in my doggie den. It's scary!

And, finally, I do not like fireworks. They are loud and sound like thunder. Lucy and I hide in my doggie den together every time we hear fireworks. My favorite day of the year is July 5th! BOL! No more fireworks!

Hair today, hair tomorrow

You know what? I am a hairy girl. Mom always says I have at least three coats! And (hehe), it doesn't matter what color clothes mom wears (although my beautiful fur does tend to stand out, spectacularly, on black!), I have fur that is every color- white, cream, black (and a little gray, but don't tell anyone!).

I've never liked to be brushed- NEVER! Mom has bought a million different brushes and combs and grooming tools. Ha! Hasn't she learned in 12 years that it doesn't matter- I HATE to be brushed!

And silly mom, she tries giving me treats and fun stuff, hoping that will distract me from what's actually happening. Whatever! I still don't like to be brushed. She gives me a bone and I grab it and run and hide as soon as I see the brush- she can't fool me!

So my mom, who continues to believe that she just hasn't found the right kind of brush, bought a new one. She says it's called the furminator. She told me that lots of doggies and kitties really seem to like it (and surprise, surprise- Lucy LOVES it!). I don't care who likes it! I don't! BOL!

And don't even get me started on baths......

Twelve years ago tomorrow.......

Twelve years ago tomorrow (June 20th, 1996) I was adopted by my mommy from the Arizona Humane Society!

Sophie's mom:
I can hardly believe that twelve years have gone by since the day I met Sophie and the day I brought her home. At the same time, 12 years doesn't seem that long- I feel like she's been with me forever! She is the sweetest dog and I feel so lucky/grateful/happy that we found each other.

She was in the very first kennel when I walked into the area with the dogs. We made eye contact and she raised her eyebrows at me but kept her nose tucked under her tail- she was curled up in a ball in the back corner of the kennel. I walked by her two more times- each time she met my gaze and raised her eyebrows. I had decided to adopt a 5 year old golden retriever and was preparing to go to the front desk to fill out the paperwork. I walked by Sophie again and something inside me told me I HAD to take her out of the kennel to the "get to know you" area. So I did. And she was so timid, a staff member had to crawl into her kennel and hand her out to me.

In the get to know you area, she crawled into my lap and kissed the tip of my nose. And that was all it took. She was mine and I was hers.

I had to leave her there for two more days so that she could be spayed (I have no idea how I managed to wait two days!). I went to pick her up on a Saturday morning. Thinking back to that day brings a big smile to my face.

And the golden retriever? When I picked Sophie up that Saturday, a young family was there to pick up their new dog, the golden retriever!

Love you Sophie!

The tale of me and an easter egg birdie!

One day, many years ago (according to mommy), my mom and I were out taking a walk together. I went around the corner of a building a few steps in front of mom and all of a sudden I saw the most amazing thing! It was green and yellow and blue and......

it was MOVING!

My first instinct was to catch it and can you believe it? I did! I picked it up ! It made a funny squawking, squeaking sound. Once I caught it, I didn't know what to do with it. My mommy called my name and I ran over to her with my tail wagging. She said in a very firm voice, "Sophie, drop!" For some reason, she wasn't as excited about my catch as I was.

So, I opened my mouth and set the little ball of colorful feathers down on the ground. My mom looked really surprised! She scooped up the little squeaky thing and looked at it. Then she told me to come and we quickly headed back home! Mommy called the vet and told the vet what she (actually, what I) had found.

This is actually the boring part of the story because I wasn't involved in it so I'll summarize......

That little green, yellow, and blue squeaker was a baby parrot according to the vet! And it was fine- of course it was, I just picked it up, I didn't bite it or try to eat it! Mommy put signs up in the neighborhood and by the end of the day, the birdie's mom had called- she had no idea how her baby bird had escaped! She was so happy to have her birdie back, all happy and healthy, that she cried!

So I was actually kind of a heroine that day. Sophie the parrot detective! Sophie, friend to parrots!

and that is the tale of me and the easter egg birdie!

The doggie dentist

I'm home today, recovering from my trip to the doggie dentist yesterday. I had a tooth pulled and my mouth is a bit sore today. I have a dental disease called resorption and my special dentist vet says it is very rare in dogs. So every 6 months to a year I have to go and they give me medicine so I sleep and when I wake up my teeth are sparkly clean and my mouth is a little sore. It's not a lot of fun.

But there are some benefits! Mommy says I am healthier and I do feel better! Plus, my mom always stays home with me for the next few days to give me lots of extra love! And, I get special treats!

What's up with cats?

Today, my kitty sister Lucy and I were laying next to each other on the bed, looking very cute! Mom got her camera to take a photo and wouldn't you know it? Lucy hopped off the bed!

So mom brought her back and set her next to me on the bed. It was still cute (according to mom) and mom tried to take another picture. Guess what happened next? Lucy hopped off the bed and mom got a picture of me and the tip of Lucy's tail.

Again, mom brought Lucy back and Lucy started licking my ears and nose! Kinda cute but Lucy's face was hidden. Mom kept calling her and making funny sounds but Lucy just ignored her. Of course, I looked right at mom and smiled, but Lucy just kept grooming me and ignoring mom (truth be told- I didn't really mind, I liked the grooming!).

Finally, Lucy stopped and looked right at mom. Of course, silly mom had put her camera down and by the time she was ready to take the picture, Lucy had turned away and faced the wrong direction!

Seriously, what's up with cats?

My first diary!

I live in Arizona with my family, including my kitty sister Lucy. My other kitty sister, Sally, recently left for the rainbow bridge (May 9th) and that was really sad for everyone, especially mom. Lucy is my little shadow, we spend lots of time together. My relationship with Sally was very different- she liked to sniff me when I was eating treats and she liked to sit on mom's lap whenever I was getting loving (okay, the truth is that I liked to try and sit on mom's lap anytime Sally was getting loving, too!).

I loved her very much and sometimes she and I laid next to each other on the landing of the stairs and looked super cute together. Lots of people would tell mom that Sally and I looked like we were related- true sisters (which is kind of a silly thing to say- we were sisters)!

When Sally left, I was a bit confused initially and spent the first couple of days after she left hiding in my doggie den. It's a good place and I go there when I am tired, scared (like when it rains!), and/or pretty much any other time of the day I feel like it!

Speaking of rain, since I live in Arizona, it hardly ever rains here but when it does- oh boy it rains! Lots of loud thunder and lightening and strange noises. I immediately seek the extra protection and security of my kennel. And you know what's funny? Lucy doesn't like the rain, either. She lays with me in my kennel when it rains and comforts me! One time she even growled and barked at the rain out the window before she ran into my doggie den and snuggled with me. I think she was trying to protect me! Sally was never afraid of the rain, she liked to lay in the window seat and watch, with her pretty tail swishing back and forth! She was a very, very brave kitty.


Tail of devotion for sweet Sally