A day in the life of Fergus the Wonder Welsh

The Dog Days of Summer...

Who ever thought THAT up? Summer and this dog do not get along, for one reason and one reason only...it is TOOOOOOOO HOOOOTTTTT! And if it wasn't hot enough (high of 102 yesterday with a 'feels like' of 110) the air conditioning is busted on both the 'Fergus Conveyance Vehicle' and at the old homestead! Hot, darn hot. What is a poor dog to do? Thank goodness I get to go to work where there is AC and thank goodness for a mom who was bright enough to leave me camped out in the office during the hottest parts of the day there is only so much sitting in front of a fan one can do. ETA on the repair guy? One week. Seriously. One week! Hoping that break in the temps comes earlier than expected.

Now I am...2!

Happy Birthday to ME, Happy Birthday to ME, Happy Birthday Dear ME, Happy Birthday to ME!!!

What a difference a year makes! I have done so much changing in the past year it is hard to keep up with it all. I think the biggest is that I am now an only child and with that came greater responsibility and I think I have stepped up to the challenge.

*I now get to sleep on the big bed WHENEVER I want! Which means I can roam the house at night if I so choose, such freedom!

*I have access to the whole house, mainly because it has been so long since I destroyed one of mom's treasures.

*I get to have 'me' time in the backyard where I can play with my toys and annoy the neighbor dogs.

*I am SO much calmer, the devil hardly takes me as often as he used to! Though I hear I still have a couple more years to go before I'm considered officially grown up ;o)

*It goes on and on, suffice it to say that mom is amazed at my progress!

Today I plan on enjoying my day to it's fullest. I think I will start the day with a lovely little nap in my office chair, but hope that I get some visits from my favorite delivery drivers toting treats! And of course, I expect mom to dote on me all day!

Hugs!
Fergus

Welshies on parade

Mom and I went on a field trip this past weekend to meet up with other Welshies from the Mid-Atlantic Welsh Terrier Club to march in the annual Scottish Christmas Walk in Alexandria, VA. This was our first time (club too), but it looks like we'll probably do it again in the future. Our club president (and my grandma (a.k.a. my breeder), made us all the most ADORABLE kilts to wear. Kilts people, not skirts! If I heard this once I heard it a thousand times and it does wear on one's manhood! Mom joked that we should rename our group 'dogs in skirts' since that is what we heard exclaimed over and over and over. Alexandria is REALLY dog friendly so next time we are making plans to stay a little longer so we can take it all in. Parade is made up of bands of bagpipes, clan gatherings, and Celtic dogs. AWESOME. I saw Westies, Cairns, Airedales, Scotties, and on, and on, and on. I also got to get real close to a man in a kilt with bagpipes. I wasn't sure what to think of those bagpipes so I shied a bit and the man laughed saying 'it should be in my jeans' whatever that means, thankfully mom doesn't make me wear jeans, just kilts (mom: it was GENES, Fergus, genes!). My uncle, Blue was there and so was my friend, Sherman who was there with his folks and we had a grand old time. All along the parade route we got to play, people loved on us, took our pictures, and gave us treats! I slept the whole rest of the day! Already looking forward to next year. Wonder what they'll make me wear then???

One sad puppy

Mom still isn't much capable of putting much into words on the subject, so I'll give it a shot. Our little family became one less in number this week with the passing of my older albeit smaller (and only marginally so) brother, Ivan the Great (and terrible). He was the coolest cat I know, be it because he thought he was a dog or because I think I'm a cat I'll never know. What I know for sure was that he was very dear to mom AND because of his love for her I think he did his best to tolerate me. You know how it is, your young, your bouncy, and you SO want to be like your big brother. You want to go where he goes, do what he does, etc. Well I was no different with Ivan. All Ivan wanted was to hang out with mom and yet he would let me hang out on the back of the couch with him or we'd lay face to face on the floor with Ivan tenatively sniffing me while I basically licked off half of his face. He also let me clean his ears (a rather undignified thing for a cat of his stature, but such was the depth of his love) and then he'd try to return the favor. He even learned how to 'gird his loins' so that he could hang out near mom without falling prey to my aerial assaults (picture an 18 lb cat crammed up under a step stool with his head, legs and tail jutting out ~ but sensitive belly protected and that was Ivan when he wasn't on mom's lap). Life is way different now that he is gone. Mom has allowed me more access to the house (she had gated off the back of the house as Ivan's refuge from me~ he could jump over and join me whenever he wanted, but I couldn't do the same) and she is letting me try sleeping at night outside of my crate (she crated me at night so that Ivan could have run of the house AND the bed. I know she misses him so I've tried to be VERY good (and we all know how hard THAT can be!) and yet I miss him too. But I rest assured knowing that he has gone to join the two dogs he loved the most and mom is comforted knowing that they have each other for company again.

Go to ground dog, NOT a water dog

Well mom had big plans for us this weekend. We went to Virginia to visit grandparents (love them!) and to go to a local chapter Welsh Terrier club event at the Holiday Barn in Richmond, complete with doggie swimming pool. On the morning of the big swim party I had gone out to play with my two doggie cousins (no fighting this time, woot woot!) and my mom's uncle came back in the house with his two but no me saying that mom was needed urgently in back yard. She was nervous that something BAD had happened to me her stomach sunk, but no, he said, it was just that I had been playing 'whack a mole' in the back yard and he needed her to get me to release said mole. 'Whack a Mole'? mom said, I didn't know we had a toy like that in the yard?? "NO, Fergus whacked a MOLE and he won't release it so I can dispose of it", said dear uncle (what a birthday present I got him, huh?). So mom headed out back and sure enough, I'd whacked a mole (& pretty thoroughly I might add and QUICK according to Dear Uncle). I was grinning ear to ear having dropped mole at back door. I was ushered in, mole was ushered out. End of story.

So you'd think I was a big brave hunter, maybe, but so NOT a water dog. We went to the party and a fun time was had by all (oh the outfits!!). I got to sport my doggles and trunks in a costume contest (didn't win, but was quite mortified none the less) and sported a new life vest to go swimming. Mom walked me in to the pool and I SWAM! Right to the edge so I could crawl out. Yecch! She tried again later, but I still wasn't having it. Everyone bragged on me though for showing my Welshie breeding by taking out that mole so it is just fine that I'm not a fan of the wet stuff. I'm a total fan of the dirt! And isn't that just the way it should be!!

Too pooped to pop!

And I ain't lying!! Mom was traveling on business last week so I spent the time in doggie jail (she calls it a hotel, right). There are just way too many things to see and do when one is in the joint (I really don't get what Paris was all worried about, sure you come out a little sloppy looking but one good brushing takes care of that!). I don't think I slept the whole time I was there. When mom came to pick me up I was SO excited, I came barreling out to greet her and my favorite handler told her I'd been this amped all week. Mom laughed and thanked them for wearing me out (while secretly wondering if in fact they had). We popped by the office to say hi to our peeps and check email (ok, I said hi to the peeps and she checked email. I can't be bothered by that sort of thing usually). It was HOT out! Once done greeting everyone I CRASHED. I mean, I CRASHED hard! Could barely raise enough energy to lift my head as my peeps wished me well and headed out for the weekend. Thought I was done for the day, but after it cooled down to a breezy 87 we headed out for a lap around the pond (1.5 miles). ISH, still muggy and I was dragging tail, but as a highpoint some of my favorite kiddies drove by thrilled to see I was back and walking the hood so I was met with YELLS of Fergus! Hi Fergus!! Makes a pup feel truly loved that does.

Mom did the Race for the Cure today, but they said no doggies so I stayed home. She walked me WAY early this morning before she left for the race so it would still be sort of cool for me (I'm not a big fan of the heat). When she came back she told me there were all sorts of dogs there, but that she figured it was still best I stayed home since it was really hot and really crowded. I'm not such a huge fan of either so I'm glad I didn't go. But when Canines for the Cure rolls around you know I'll be there!!

Two out of three ain't bad!

"The reward of owning
a well-behaved, loving
and intelligent dog
is beyond measure.
Those who have owned
such a dog
are truly blessed."

Barbara Woodhouse, from "The Family Pet"

Well, I'm loving and intelligent so that is a start. Maybe one day I'll get the well-behaved bit down, but in the meantime 2 out of 3 ain't bad. Ain't bad at all.

It is probably farther off than I think though since yesterdays toll was the neoprene bottle holder mom had for her water bottle AND the zipper from her fleece jacket. What can I say, the bottle holder was just calling my name from the depths of her purse and the zipper was idly swinging there on her jacket on the back of the chair in her office. You can't blame me, it was THEIR fault!

Ain't that the truth!

"Some enchanted evening..."
And so it is with pups
and people.
A seething
mass of small,
yapping,
prancing puppies
- and one stands out
like a star.
Your puppy.
~Pam Brown, b. 1928

When I'm not aggravating the sin out of my moms, I swell her heart to near bursting.

EGAD!

So I tried the trick that Moe suggested of dunking the offending pictures in water, but I wasn't fast enough. So now everyone is going to tease me about my big ears and why I was sitting next to a rabbit instead of chasing it (well I can answer that, I'll do about anything for a sweet potato treat!). Mom says the pictures are awful cute. I just think they are awful!! Check back later as I'm sure she'll put the others up eventually.

Happy Birthday to Me!

So today is the big day. I'm the big ONE! Seems like only yesterday I was romping around with my litter mates while mom sweated out hearing whether or not I'd get to come live with her. Silly mommy. My grandma Trish (MY mommy's mommy) had us over to dinner last night and to help mom out with her apparent inability to groom me properly (in case you ever wonder, if they are stripping your coat properly you WILL NOT have bald spots on your butt). I got to bark at my 4-legged mom and my 4-legged uncle (he is SO cool) and get jealous of one of my half brothers (how could mom hold him and cuddle him when it was MY birthday celebration!!!!). She didn't trade me in though. That is a good sign. Looking back on our first year together I've given her a couple good reasons to think about it (I'd say eating her glasses and iPod earbuds were probably close calls for me!), but I think we've settled in quite nicely together. I think I'll keep her.

We are off to the store so I can pick out a birthday treat. Apparently birthday cake is going to have to wait until Easter when I celebrate the big day with my family!

Big Day is on the Way!

On Saturday I turn the big ONE! It will be a whole 365 since these paws hit the ground and no chew toy was safe (glasses or ipods either!). Mom says it feels like it was only yesterday when she brought me home (most days), but that sometimes it feels like we've been together FOREVER! I'm not sure what I want for my birthday, but I can put it into categories: Treats; Toys; Loving; and for mom to lose the Easter pics of me before she can post them to Dogster!! I figure the first 3 are a given, but that 4th one is going to be a bit hard to pull off. Seems my Easter pics are just "adorable". There I go again, unable to reign in the cute.

Spring is in the air...

And I have identified a new arch nemesis. A Canada Goose couple has decided to put their nest at the base of a light pole directly behind where mom parks her Jeep at the office. They are quite protective of their spot and apparently the very act of me getting out of said vehicle is enough to tick them off. Coming and going from work each day has become quite the adventure since the papa goose likes to rush at me squacking all the while. I find this to be an invitation to lunge back barking all the while, but mom doesn't approve of this course of action. She assures me that she is sure I could take the goose in a fair fight, but that she doesn't need to see it to know it. I think that if the goose didn't want to find out he wouldn't challenge me so! Having them hang outside our office is hard to forget about so while mom is getting her morning coffee I like to jump the baby gate at her office door so I can keep an eye on the offending geese so that they don't charge into our office (not sure how they'd get in though since I need help opening the door and I have 4 legs). Of course mom then comes along and puts me back in the office, but I can still keep tabs on them from there. Mom says one of these days we'll get to see a baby goose, but in the meantime I'm going back to my stand-off with my nemesis.

One sad puppy

So first I lost my marbles and now I'm wearing a lampshade. This stinks and all I can do is hang my head and cry.

I was all happy at the vets, they brought me out from the back and there was my mom waiting for me and I was SO glad to see her and she was SO glad to see me. Then we headed back to the office and everyone there was SO happy to see me, asking me how I felt and telling me how great I looked and then she put this lamp shade thingy on my head and I've been horribly depressed ever since. She says it is for my own good to keep me from messing with my stitches and she promises me that when we are home and I'm being supervised (I think I'm supervised now, but she says she's WORKING) that she'll take this horrid thing off. I'm just hoping that I feel good enough soon to take Moe's advice and reach ramming speed so I can "impress" upon her leg my displeasure with the situation.

Off to mope some more.

Oh the humanity!

First she makes me wear the shamrocks and then I wake up from a weird drug-induced nap this morning to find I've lost my marbles! What's next? A dress? Bunny ears for sure at Easter, no doubt about that! Good news is I came through my surgery just fine. No scary test results like last time and I'm resting comfortably at the vets looking forward to going home tomorrow after 10 AM when that woman had better spoil the heck out of me for my pains. Did I mention they are going to make me wear an e-collar? Oh yeah, it just gets better and better. You can bet there will be photos of that posted all over the internet before the day is out.

The things I put up with around here, crazy!

My Mom is a slacker, so this is going to be a long one!

It has been too long since she has bothered to update you guys as to my exploits so I spent the afternoon harassing her to get her into gear. Since last we spoke I spent five days at the local kennel while she spent the same amount of time in a luxury hotel in California. I fail to see how this is fair, even if as she says it was for business. I was so happy to be home (it was a NICE kennel, but I'm quite spoiled and 5 days without individual attention is tough!) I was on my best behavior (mom says it was because I was too tired to get into trouble!)

We said goodbye to Doolin, a dear sweet little Westie that I didn't know, but that mom and her dear heart Kipper loved playing with when they lived in Raleigh. Doolin was a sweethear and though she'll be missed here, heaven has a new little angel and Kipper is glad to have one of his friends back. Doolin left behind her little brother Duncan to help their momma. He is such a handful, I'm sure it helps to deal with the sense of loss.

My toy test continues, Nylabone is hanging in there though getting very spiky; Blue Camo bone is begining to unravel around the edges, but is hanging tough; Orbee green bone is the big winner so far not showing any wear at all! I've tried playing with CW Cuz toys, but I can gut the squeaker in no time (

Warm Puppy EQUALS Sleepy Puppy?

At least that is what mom is thinking right now. It snowed again here yesterday (ever so lightly) and was quite chilly so mom put my fleece jacket on me to keep me warm and dry. I slept all day and wasn't my usual bouncy throw me the ball type self. It was dreary once the snow left and the rain came, so no worries.

Today it is still rather chilly and damp so out came the fleece again and once we got to work it was so warm and toasty I just sort of slumped where ever I landed and dozed. Not my normal sleeping spots, just where ever. Made mom nervous that maybe I was under the weather so she cuddled me and asked me if I felt alright (like what am I supposed to say in response?). Just for kicks she took my coat off and ZOOM. Back to normal.

Hmm, maybe I shouldn't have reacted so quickly. I saved myself a trip to the vet (for now), but next time I'm too active she might put me in the jacket! I cannot resist the sleepy goodness that coziness brings.

Snow, Snow, SNOW!

So it was just yesterday that my mom told Mo Cuishle's mom that we'd have to move if I was ever going to get to see snow and guess what????? We woke up this morning and went out for our walk and it was SNOWING!!!!! Ok, not much by normal people standards, but here in NC they are calling our little trace inch of cold wet white stuff a WINTER STORM. They closed schools!!

I have to say I wasn't overly impressed. Mom's sheltie Kipper would make snow angels in the snow. Mom's airedale Katie was a snow plow running along with her nose in the snow and kicking out her back legs. Me? ehh.

I hopped around a bit and tasted some, but otherwise it was BUSINESS AS USUAL.

Maybe I need a REAL snow storm to get me going?

They put my mommy in JAIL!!

OK, so it wasn't really jail. They locked her up for 'good' so she could raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the MDA Lock-Up. But that meant that I got locked up TOO and that wasn't as fun for me. I'm glad she was able to raise enough money to send a kid to camp, I just wish I'd been able to go too!

Toy Testing, Part 1

So mom picked up a couple new toys for me over the weekend based on suggestions and local availability (I'm apparently going to have to wait a little longer while she orders the rogz from online). So we are going to do a little test and see how long these new toys stand up to my rough housing toy technique!!

Saturday brought me a 'Tuffies JR Bone' (blue camo if that matters!) which has a rating of '7' on the Tuff Scale (a really tough toy, but still vulnerable) and was $13.95 (online the 8-10 rated toys are about double that) as well as a small, green, and minty 'Orbee-Tuff Bone' which is rated 3 out of 5 chompers on the chew-o-meter rating and cost $10.50 (it apparently has a 100% satisfaction guarantee which mom was told means if I tear it up she can get it replaced, interesting!! I love a challenge). Sunday brought me a wolf size, chicken flavored 'Nylabone' rated durable for strong chewers (mom forgot price, but thinks it was about $6; we'll just say it was the cheapest of the 3).

NOW, once she got home and read the small print on my 'Tuffies JR Bone' she discovered that it does not consider itself a "chew", but instead a "toy", now where that distinction is made neither her or I know since I "chew" all my "toys"! HOWEVER, we will take this distinction into account as we test these toys.

I was given the "Tuffies JR Bone", which is a washable float toy with like 3 layers of material (fleece, nylon, and PVC) with 5 rows of stitching and a squeaker in a 'safety pocket', and the "Orbee-Tuff Bone" , which is kinda gummy rubber, at the same time and didn't warm up to either right away (you can imagine mom's frustration after having thrown down $25 on durable toys), but by the end of the evening I was having quite a good time (if asked I might prefer the Tuffies JR Bone over the Orbee Tuff Bone, but that is likely to change dependent on day, weather, mood!).

BUT, Sunday she brought home the 'Nylabone' Durable Wolf bone and that I L-O-V-E, love, love, love, love, love! It makes this delightful clunking noise when I drop it on the floor and is SO fun to chew on. I've already given it quite a chomping!

After about 2 days of play, the "Tuffies Jr Bone" has lost its loop (which mom SHOULD have cut off right away knowing that would never last under my close scrutiny), but seems to be holding up and still has my attention. "Orbee-Tuff Bone" looks brand new even after a morning of playing fetch with it here in the office. "Nylabone Durable Wolf Bone" has the beginnings of the "bristles" they said would show up and help clean tartar of my teeth, but only on the knobby ends. Otherwise it is doing very well.

We'll be interested to see which one of these buys the farm first so we'll keep you posted!

No Doubt About It, I'm a lucky girl

Fergus' mom here. He'd write the entry for today, but he is crashed out on the floor and to be honest that was the inspiration for this post.

Fergus gets to come to work with me (for now, it might not always be the case, but thankfully it is for now) and when I'm not grumbling at him for wanting to go outside like 6 times in an hour not to potty, but to appreciate the day on a day when my workload is crazy (or it is raining like mad) he is quite the little joy to have around (and I have to admit that this Type A benefits from a stop to chase leaves every now and again). Right now with his new found freedom to roam my office has been quite the adjustment. He doesn't quite get that he should still be entertaining himself like he did when he was in his crate and thinks that it is much like home so that he can bring toys to me to toss for him (over and over and over and over so often that I have become quite proficient at tossing a toy over my shoulder with my free hand). Every once in a while he chimes in while I'm on the phone and thankfully it is not often heard and when it is it is by the dog friendlies of my colleagues, those that usually will send an email to see what Fergus is up to that day or chide me for dressing him up.

But right now, as I write this, he is sacked out at the front of my desk snoring audibly with his little fanny visible from my side of the desk. Usually upright curled tail unusually down and straight. And it was those snores and that fanny that made me realize that for all my grumbling on those hectic, rainy days that I am quite the lucky girl. I've had to leave my dogs behind when I went to work before and I always wondered what they were up to. There were days when the stress was so high a puppy snuggle would have completely done the trick and now I have that and it is quite wonderful indeed. Several clients owe my pooch the world for the work he has done for my mood on certain days!!

Lucky me, lucky them, lucky Fergus.

Off to a grand start

I resolve to be a kinder, gentler puppy in 2007 and to that end I did a good service yesterday while on walk about with moms at work. We stumbled across an interesting little hardcover book in the middle of the street outside our office. Thankfully it looked like all the cars that travel in and out had taken care to not run over the book. With the book was the cutest little bookmark with the picture of the young reader (who was now bookless). We gathered up the two items, completed our lap around the tree in the traffic circle and headed back up the hill to visit all the offices that children tend to frequent (namely Kindermusic and Kindercare), but they were closed so we stopped by the chiropractor next to our office and VOILA, we had a winner, they recognized our reader. I trotted back home feeling much better about myself, obviously I'm growing up otherwise I would have tried to eat the book! Mom being an avid reader knew it would be hard to be without a book so hopefully it made it all the way back to our cute little friend!

'House' Sweet 'House'

I think I mentioned earlier that I am getting more freedom at mom's office and now that I have so much freedom I really enjoy the peace and quiet of my little house. So now when I need a little break I go into my house for a quick nap. It really is quite cozy and it makes mom happy to see that I do like my house. I'm the first pup she has ever 'crate trained' and she really was worried that I would think of it as doggy jail. Instead, we've found that it keeps me out of trouble and helps mom not worry so much when she has to leave me on my own (my fore-pups have torn up books and papers, eaten jalapeno peppers, birdseed, and lunch meat, and sweet little Kipper got trapped in a corner after his leg was amputated). I'm way more inquisitive than either Katie or Kipper so it is very important that I find my house a safe spot!

Ho, Ho, Ho, I Love Christmas!!

I am rolling in so many new toys I don't know where to start. I am in sensory overload. Mom is dying because half of them squeak super loud and the others talk!! I think it is payback for all those LOUD toys that take batteries that she gets for the nieces and nephews in her life. We just got back from visiting our family in VA (uncle Buck rode home with us, he's my hero). I had 3 other fur babies to play with!! I had so much fun. None of us were very good at sharing our toys so that made for some excitement, but once toys, bones, and treats were up we played for hours on end. I may just sleep until new year's!

No, REALLY!

The trash bin is scary, and when mom is moving it she is guilty by association. Therefore I find it completely acceptable to launch on her whenever trash day comes along. Thank goodness it only moves 2 times a week (once to the curb and once back). I don't think my little heart could take it if it moved more than that. It is hard enough dealing with having to stop by and drop my poopie bags in it.

Trash Bins are Scary

Whew! Glad I got that off my chest.

An extra stay home day this week..

But no fun cause moms was sick. I was a good boy though and played quietly (for the most part!) most of the day. Then big fun in the evening when I finally got to meet my grandma in person (she lives in ALASKA). I covered her and my Uncle Buck with tons of kisses when they stopped by to check on mom. I showed her all my tricks and jumped around until I finally tuckered out and curled up next to mom and her fuzzy pink blanket.

We are back at work today and I'm so tuckered from being good yesterday that I am sleeping today! Did take a moment to play with one of my big chew bones (the real kind) and I broke it in half!!! I'm a beast! But then that mean mommy took it away from me! She promises I'll get another one, but STILL what am I supposed to do now? I guess I'll nap.

Puppy Food vs Adult Food

So my the parents of my Welshie mommy and Welshie daddy put their heads together and think that maybe my ALT levels were elevated because I was still on puppy food. They think maybe puppy food is too fatty for me to process well (heck that is what they say about my 2-legged uncle so there must be some merit) and that I should switch to adult food to see if the levels back down. In the meantime I continue to be my cute, adorable, active, teen-age self and managed to stall losing my manhood for another month. Score.

Heavy Sigh of Relief!

Whew!! Test results on bile acids came back today and there is no sign of permanent liver damage. They aren't sure what caused all the excitement (but the drug and foreign food are getting partial credit) so I get a reprieve from my surgery for another month and they'll recheck levels then. I have to admit I've enjoyed the extra attention and the rest of me has seemed to return to normal (mom breathes heavy sigh too). She thinks I'm channeling her heart dog Kipper who turned up lame in his hind legs with arthritis the day she had to determine whether or not they should amputate his leg that had the mast cell tumor. That took the choice away and he went through chemo and radiation and lived two more 4 legged years without another bout of arthritis! Being a puppy I too have a flair for the dramatic. We are going to try to get back to a normal life for now, we've had enough excitement for one week.

Off to my nap, we just got back from our road trip and it really zaps you to sleep four hours straight like that, only thing for it is another nice nappy nap.

Thank you to all for the well wishes, they are much appreciated!

In need of prayers and good vibes

I didn't have surgery Friday due to elevated ALT level (supposed to be between 10-100 and mine was at 575). They did a bile acid analysis and we are supposed to get results back today (I'm fine, mom is a nervous wreck). While they didn't do the surgery, they did pre-medicate me and gave me a big bowl of foreign food (fish & potato, high quality and supposed to be gentle, but I'm a Nutro Ultra Puppy guy through and through) and one of those things (or the two combined) had me horribly ill the rest of Saturday (disoreinted, vomiting, diarhea, you name it). I was so sad, all dizzy and crying, nothing made me happy, not even cuddles with mom. My activity level and everything else seemed back on track Sunday and again today and my spirits are good so hopefully it is nothing, but then there was blood in my stool this morning (hoping that is from my bout with the trots). Doc said Saturday that other than results I looked healthy (not sickly, thin, or yellow so all good signs). Send good vibes our way today as we await results.

Ode to my Bits and Pieces

So the day has finally come, tomorrow I have a date with my favorite vet, Dr. B., for the big snip-snip. Thankfully I'll be asleep for the whole she-bang and I bet I can ride the quilt trip with mom right on through the holidays ;o)

Once it is official, I'll finally be registered and become not just Fergus the Wonder Welsh, but Berwyn's This is How We Do It. Mom is still debating that vs. Berwyn's Forget This My Name is Fergus. And no, it didn't start out as "Forget This", but life tends to be more G-Rated :o) We don't stand on ceremony around here so don't quite get the reason for registered names vs call names so we will rebel where we can.

Send good vibes my way tomorrow. Even though it is a routine 'procedure', we are both still a little anxious!

Three Dog Night

Horror of horrors, it was below freezing this morning when I woke up for my walk so mom made me wear a COAT (and not just the one I was born with!). Forget that it was all cute and cozy and kept me warm. I shook and shimmied and shook some more but I couldn't shake the coat off. I'll admit that I look quite dashing in it (it is bright red fleece with black sleeves and a nice rainbow colored celtic knot ribbon along the back ~thanks to FIDO Fleece), but it just isn't natural! What is next? You don't think she'd dress me in a shirt and pants, do you?! (hardly ~Mom)

You know, now that I've had a moment or two to adjust to all this, the coat is quite snuggly, I think I'll just curl up for a quick ZZZzzzzzzzzz.

Most Ferocious Watch Dog

You may think I'm all cute and cuddly (I mean just look at my sweet little face), but don't you think about showing up on my doorstep or I'll be forced to bark and snarl and growl like a dog 3 times my size. Who knows what I'd do if you actually got in while mom was out, I'd probably lick you into submission, but I promise you that you don't want to find out ;o)

That testosterone is an amazing thing to be sure!

Nursing a Holiday Hangover

I'm one pooped puppy. I had a grand adventure to Virginia to visit my great grandparents, had a blast playing tug and fetch with my great grandpa, and nearly made a break for it when my great uncle left the side gate open and mom forgot to check before letting me out! I am SO, so, so tired I've been asleep as much as possible ever since I came home.

I did see that while I was away on my grand adventure that my diary was diary of the day! Way cool, thanks Dogster!

Someone stop her, PLEASE!

OK, I understand that there is some holiday welshie photo thingy going on and I'm all about the welshies (being one, you know), BUT please stop the insanity!! I've already been teased enough for my halloween costume and I thought I was free and clear for another year!

Mom has already been plotting just what she is going to do with me to celebrate the holidays since we missed getting my holiday photo taking at 3 Dog because we were out of town. She went out running errands on our lunch break and left me here at the office hanging out and when she came back she had this HUGE grin on her face. I should know by know that this look does not bode well for me. She first tried to bribe me with a new ziggie and then when I was in a happy chew toy state of mind she ambushed me and stuck these antlers on my head! Then she started following me around the office with her camera. GEESH.

As if THAT was not bad enough she was giggling the whole time and saying that if I thought the antlers were humilating wait until she comes with the top hat and snowman scarf!

What is a poor puppy to do?!

Say CHEESE ;o)

Scrooge McDog

So tomorrow is the big Christmas Parade in downtown Raleigh and do I get to go? NO. Mom is, but I only get to go as far as my Auntie Sherry's house to hang out with my buddy Chance while all the two-leggers get to take in all of that Christmas festiveness. Bah Humbug. Oh, it will be too cold they say. Oh, it will be too loud they say. Oh, it will be too crowded they say. What do I say? Bah HUMBUG.

Drowning in NC

Well it is raining like, you guessed it, cats and dogs here today so I've decided to take to my bed and sleep until it has cleared up a bit outside. Mom, who is a huge fan of being curled on a couch in a blanket with a good book at times like these is finding it hard to concentrate on her work as I snore the day away. I, however, couldn't be happier. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz!

The Tao of Fergus

"Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind, "Pooh!," he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. "I just wanted to be sure of you."


As mom works away in her office at her computer, I find it reassuring to be able to check in every once in a while by standing up with my paws on her leg, just to be sure. It earns me a little bit of loving and I can get back to my day :o)

My world is expanding (sort of)

Since I'm becoming more trustworthy with regards to potty training mom is letting me have access to her office for part of the day. She blocks it off with a puppy gate (that is a funny site watching her and Tierra climb over to get in and out) so that I can't pester Tierra all day or run out when we get a visitor. I've been REALLY good and extremely helpful by bringing bits of paper and such from the floor (our cleaning person isn't as thorough as mom thought!). I started out Friday with just the last 2 hours of the day (same yesterday), but I've been out most of today. It is a lot of fun running from one end of the office to the other with a toy in my mouth while growling and I can pop by mom's space for extra loving or just to see what she is working on. I've not been napping as much during the day though which she seems to enjoy cause it means I tucker out earlier at night and become a giant cuddle bum while she is reading or vegging out in front of the tv. I hope I still have enough energy to play with my gal pal Zoey when I get home!

Woo Hoo! I'm a Trail Hound!

We made it to our first Triangle Trailhounds gathering (kudos to mom for getting her fanny out of bed early on a Saturday!) and I had such a BLAST! Apparently I like to be at the front of the pack and when you are hiking with GREYHOUNDS that makes for quite the pace for a little shorty like me, but don't call me little! The trail was 2 miles long and I only slowed down a little towards the end. Mom was so sure I'd sleep the rest of the day away, but I showed her! Insisted on another walk around the neighborhood when we got home. I did allow a nap after that, but it was more for her sake than mine! I'm already looking forward to the next one! Such fun. I was so busy meeting dogs and trying to keep up with the 'other' big dogs that I hardly noticed I was surrounded by leaves!! Gave a shout out to a fellow welshie who didn't get to join us, but was providing morale support from his back deck.

I love FALL!

I'm a leaf watcher,
I'm a leaf watcher,
Watching leaves float by,
My, my, my.

With much apologies to the O'Kaysions as I'm more of a leaf chaser really!

Too pooped to pop!

Mom went away to Minnesota (brr!) the morning after Halloween and I got to spend the morning with my buds Madison and Chance and their mommy while I waited for my furmommy's mom to come pick me up. I got to spend the rest of the week playing with one of my brothers! We rough housed and wrestled ALOT! At one time there was a bit of concern that we might hurt each other by playing a little to seriously, but we worked it out. I got to go on a road trip with them to an earthdog event (there were 9 of us Welshies in 1 hotel room!) and hung out with my bro in an expen while the big dogs showed us how it was done. Mom drove out to pick me up on Sunday (I was SO excited to see her coming across the cow pasture towards me!) and we decided I was still a little bit young to do the event, but I'm going to give it a go in the spring. Instead we watched to see what they did and I got a big boy haircut. Now I've had haircuts in the past, but this is the most mature I've looked yet!! Mom isn't sure, but she thinks I'm being better behaved. Heck yeah I am, I like being the only dog! It seems that if I don't behave she'll send me off to live with a whole bunch of dogs and I don't like to share my bones! As a reward for being such a good boy and sharing my bones (albeit against my will!) while she was gone she got me a really BIG bone! It is like twice the size I usually get and I like it ALOT! I'm still wiped out after all that rough housing, but that just makes me cuddly and cute and lets mom get over her jet-lag!

PSA: Puppy Service Announcement

Mom, my great aunt Ruth, and I went to Busch Gardens this weekend. Lucky them actually got to go into the park, I stayed at the kennel just outside the gates. While it was only a day (thank goodness) and I didn't die (again, thank goodness), I can't say that it is tops in my book of places to go. I mean, I got to go along with mom on her trip (and I wouldn't have otherwise) and the nice people kept me in clean water all day (and let mom come and take me for walks as often as she wanted ~ though it is a HAUL back from the park to do this), but it was kind of like staying in puppy jail. I've never been to a shelter before (thank goodness), but mom said it looked (and sounded) a lot like one (those poor doggies). I got to see and meet tons of doggies, but boy oh boy did I cry! Mommy had even left me with plenty of chew toys (and I got a new bone!) and showered me with tons of hugs and love. I think I would be up for doing it again (maybe!), but I'd make her take my bed with me so I didn't have to hang out on cold concrete. Otherwise I had a wonderful weekend.

If you can't run with the big dogs...

Well, I wouldn't know cause I RAN WITH THE BIG DOGS! I'm cool, I know it. I'm finally big enough and brave enough to play with Wally and Chaz (two big beautiful goldens) from next door. Mom let me loose in the yard with them and I ran and ran and ran. We also got to rough house, they don't topple as easily as the dogs my size. In fact they don't topple at all, I just kinda bounced off, but it was so much fun I didn't care. And to make it even better Bunky and Little Guy (two beautiful cats, 1 smoky gray the other black/white patch) were there to play too until I scared Little Guy up a tree (it is okay he eventually came back down!). Way fun, way fun, way fun. Then we did our usual walk around the neighborhood and I wasn't even tired so we played some ball in the house (I might finally be cluing in that if I want mom to throw the ball, first I have to let her have it!). What a fun evening.

Today she left me home in the morning so she could get the brakes on my Jeep fixed. While I missed going with her I am so glad it doesn't make those awful noises anymore. I was getting too embarassed to go anywhere with her!

Drive By Back Rubs and Army Crawl Belly Rubs

Not that I don't get TONS of attention, one might even go so far as to say that I am spoiled, but there are times when I have to seek alternate forms of affection. I would have to say that my two favorites (and two ONLY I think) are drive by back rubs and army crawl belly rubs. To successfully pull off a drive by I catch mom while she has her feet up reading a book and walk back and forth under her legs (yes, I know, VERY cat-like!). Army crawls are super fun too and can be done pretty much anywhere, but I prefer cool grass or a short pile carpet. From the 'frog dog' position (tuning fork pose?) I tend to push myself along with my back left leg, but I guess you could use either ;o) I've been doing this one more and more lately and can go quite a distance on my belly. Leash or no leash doesn't bother me!

Leaves, Glorious Leaves

OK, haven't been on this earth for a full year yet, but I'm pretty sure my favorite season is Fall. The air is so cool and crisp it makes me want to dance around! All the critters are running around and the trees are turning such lovely colors, but it is the leaves that I love. Love, love, love, love, LOVE. They remind me of little critters that need to be chased and pounced on! They scurry across the street and I get SO excited. Now I know why mom loves fall so much!

A Dog of Culture

We went for a quick walk around the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh Friday afternoon (crazy State Fair traffic!). There are several nice trails around the museum park complete with several art installations. We went on the Green Trail. Mom enjoyed the pretty scenery with all of the pieces of art, while I enjoyed all the smells. The weather was so nice! I had periodic episodes of the zoomies and would run circle after circle around mom as we walked. She kept chiding me to pace myself and sure enough about halfway around I tuckered out. Managed to make it back to the car under my own steam, but it was ruff! I hope I remember to pace myself next time!

Afterwards we went to visit our friends Madison (two-legs) and Chance (four-legs) and their mommy Sherry. Neither of them much care for me jumping on them (not sure what THAT is about, doesn't everyone enjoy a good tumble?), but we had a lot of fun anyway! I so want to be friends with Chance, but I think she thinks I'm a little too bouncy for her! She let me hang out in her "house" while we went to dinner. She is a big girl (but small in stature) so she got to hang out loose in the kitchen. Boy was I jealous about that!

Nap, Nappy-Nap, Napster, Napperama

I just love a good nap. Poor mom, she loves a good nap too, but can't quite pull that off at work. Nothing stopping me though! I don't guess it helps her that I grab my naps at every opportunity while she is struggling to make it through the work day. The whole time knowing that I'm filling my energy stores so we can play play play when we go home! And I bet it is rubbing salt in her wounds the way I snore and stretch and snuffle and whoo whoo whoo.

I'm cute though and I'm being good and staying out of trouble while I sleep so she can get her work done and I think that helps. Tomorrow is a stay home day so I'm sure she'll get a nap in too, of course then I'm going to want to be outside playing ;o)

Oh the Humanity!

Do you see what she has done to me? Whatever did I do to deserve this type of abuse? So I ate some glasses and an ear bud from her iPod headphones, that does NOT make me a devil. It makes me an energetic puppy exploring his surroundings. I really can't believe this. On the good side she doesn't make me suffer in the costume TOO long. I just wish she wouldn't giggle uncontrollably while I'm suffering so. Evil. She is the one who should be wearing the devil horns!! I deserve an angels halo for putting up with this mess.

Thankfully this holiday thing is almost over so my life can go back to normal and I can concentrate on how I'm going to score some turkey at the next big holiday!

Got to sleep on the BIG BED!

As you know I'm 6 months old now, quite the grown up, but mom still makes me sleep in my house at night like some kind of baby (something about not trusting me to not destroy the house while she sleeps). The doggies before me, though, got to sleep on the big bed. NOT FAIR. Well Saturday night I was being extra good and cuddly and was falling asleep on the couch while we watched tv. Since mom didn't have big plans the next day like work (read since I could probably get a nap to make up for my loss of sleep ~ Fergus' mom), she let me see if I could be a good boy and sleep on the big bed without disturbing her and Ivan (oh yeah, he gets to sleep anywhere he wants!). I was SO good. I slept the whole night through, didn't try to jump off the bed or anything. I didn't even scare Ivan off. She said to not get used to it cause I wasn't THAT grown up yet, but that on weekends when I was being good I could. Now that winter is right around the corner I'm going to be on my best behavior cause the big bed has all the cuddly blankets on it!

Ways To Mess With Your Human, Lesson 5

Or as I like to call it...Keep Away.

I think that next to napping and eating this has to be my favorite pasttime! There are two ways to play. Either you snatch something you shouldn't have off of a nearby table (or if you are feeling extra cheeky off your human's lap ~ you have to be QUICK) and then ignore the "leave it" command. Take contraband and run away quickly so that you are now opposite of your human. When they realize that you are not going to "leave it" and get up to retrieve the item in question, you must keep yourself exactly opposite them at all times (this sometimes requires anticipating their next move) and it also helps to keep some furniture between them and you. As they are trying to anticipate which direction you are going to go, fake them out a bit. Laugh at them the whole time, that really sets them off and adds to their 'enjoyment'.

The other way to play is when they are trying to take you on a walk or get you into your crate. Show them that it is way more fun to play catch than it is to go for a walk or get in your crate. Sometimes they get smart and try to bribe you, even better. Then you get to play AND have a snack. NICE!

I think I found my true voice

Too bad it was in the middle of the night! Until now I have gotten my point across by whines, arfs, grunts, and woofs, but at midnight I let out with some tenative barks loud enough that they woke mom! She checked things out and the coast was clear, but she closed the window near my 'house' figuring that I was alerting her on the nocturnal activities of the squirrels in the sugar maple out front. An hour later (had to give her the chance to get back to sleep) I let loose with some major BARKS. I mean LOUD Barks. That got mom's attention, those squirrels won't get away with nothing while I'm on the case now!

Peanut, Peanut Butter and...

my Kong. A wonderful little combination. Throw in a little kibble and you're good to go. Usually keeps me busy for quite a bit. Even better when followed by a lovely little nappy nappy while waiting for mom's lunch break so we can go walkies :o)

Especially useful when I get a little bored with my job. Hanging out in my 'house' waiting to greet visitors to mom's office is not always the most happening position to hold. Beats sitting at home while Ivan laughs at me through the bars of my 'house' over my being in 'jail', but I'm just saying it gets a little dull sometimes.

Stop me before I strike again!

I'm almost ashamed to admit this, but I did it again. Forget the groovy water bottle, forget the new soup bone, forget the countless fluffy squeaky toys I own, my name is Fergus and I'm a "Mom's Things" addict. This Sunday's sacrifice was her iPod earphones. Not as bad as the glasses, but worse than the blanket I claimed for myself while teething by putting a puppy sized hole in the middle (you know so I can wear it like a poncho and watch tv while still all cuddly). In all fairness she is an enabler, leaving them all dangly over the edge of the table where I could see them, but boy am I quick! She thought I was all busy with my soup bone, but when she looked up from her book (YES, she was in the same room this time, I'm getting GOOD AT THIS!) she realized I'd switched from bone to phones. If anyone is aware of the twelve step program that addresses this type of addiction, I'd be interested in hearing about it!

The World's Cheapest Chew Toy

So if you've been following along at home, you'll know I enjoyed the world's most expensive chew toy over the weekend when I ate mom's glasses, well I have a guilty pleasure that until now has been kept secret. My most favorite chew toy in the world is my crushed Le Nature's water bottle. It cost a whole $0.25 when it was filled with lime flavored water, but once it was empty mom took off the label, the cap, and that little blue ring thingy and threw it on the floor for me to trounce. It started out looking much like an empty water bottle, but after much tossing, chasing, pouncing, and chewing I have worked it into the collapsed abstract of a bottle. I can play with that bottle for hours. Mom has taken to putting it in my toybox with my other toys and more often than not I will pull that bottle out first, settle in and get to enjoying.

Replacing Mommy's eyeglasses = $250.00
Yummy water for mommy = $0.25
Hours of fun and enjoyment (and safety for the glasses) = priceless

The Miracle Harness

Mom got me a harness over the weekend so I could get used to it before my trip to stay with my grandparents, furry mommy, and littermates. I am going to get to try out earth dog runs. My hero Blue gets so excited about going after the rats he almosts chokes himself with his collar while waiting for his turn so his mom is going to try a harness on him. I pull at my leash as a general rule every time I see ANYTHING while on my walk so mom figured she would try the collar NOW and I'd be good and used to it THEN.

I am a different dog with my harness on, it is WILD. While I'm usually out in the lead with a regular collar on, I stick close to mom and walk like a good little boy with my harness. Doesn't mean I don't get excited when I see someone I want to see REALLY BAD. Now though I just stand up ;o)

Thank Goodness I'm SO Cute (AKA The World's Most Expensive- Chew Toy)

I ate mommies glasses yesterday and I think that I'm still alive this morning to talk about it because I'm cute. She keeps mumbling about how she had her other ones for 7 years before I came along and these didn't last 6 months (only a coincidence that they are the same age as me!). Poor thing. Keeps kicking herself for taking them off for a nap and forgeting to put them out of reach when she got up and I was let out of my house, but then she also keeps mumbling about how I have like 8 million chew toys and instead of them ate her glasses. What does she know about chew toys? Guess I shouldn't push my luck!

Another Kitty Converted

I've been working very hard to get the neighbor's cat Bunky to like me. Up until this morning he would lay around until I got close and then he would hop off and jet off. Boy is he quick, not as quick as me mind you, but mom isn't holding him back by a leash like she is me!!

We headed out on our walking this morning when I saw a gray fuzzball on our front lawn and was about to investigate when the next thing I know Bunky came up to me! He even let me give him a quick puppy kiss, but he isn't like Ivan who stands still while I give him the full puppy treatment. Bunky's sibling Little Guy came out too, but I haven't won him over yet.

We invited them to come with us on our walk, but they passed this time. There is always next time!

Fall Fever? Like Spring Fever, but FASTER

The temperature is finally cooling off here in the south (at least for the moment) and I LOVE it! I was a wild man last night because it felt so good. We went for a long walk and because I was still crazy mom let me play in the yard with my ball. I ran and ran and ran until mom thought I was settled enough to go in the house to behave like a good dog. Boy was she wrong. It was like someone pushed my fast foward button as I ran into my 'house' and then would jet back out to the other side of the living room and back. Then I would jet out and jump on the couch and tear around the room. It was some time before I returned to normal.

Why are Yard Sales so EARLY?

I rode along with mom on a coffee run Saturday morning EARLY. She said we were going to go provide some caffeine support for a friend having a yard sale and then we'd be back in bed before we knew it. Well the best laid plans...

Instead mom stayed to help and I hung out. While it was still early (and cool) and I was still sleepy (very!), I stayed in the Jeep in my harness and watched people and napped. I especially loved it when people would stop by to gush over my cuteness. I love attention. My auntie Sherry would open the door everyonce in a while and throw in a little something for me. I really cleaned up at the yard sale. I got a new collar, a bone shaped toy box for my toys and 3 different toys.

I had a lot of fun, but I didn't get all my morning naps in so I was WIPED out by lunch. Thankfully we went home and I got to NAP, NAP, NAP. I really liked the yard sale, I just wish it wasn't so early on my stay at home and sleep in day!

yummmm, pupcakes!

I rode along with mom to one of my favorite places on the planet, 3 Dog Bakery. We went there to get a treat basket for our friend Dixie to thank her for letting me stay with her while mom was traveling. The minute I knew where we were I made a beeline for the store and then to one of my favorite storeowners who gushes every time she sees me and reaches for the peanut butter icing :o)

After I licked every single crumb off of her hand, got sufficient loving, and said hi to Okie the store dog, I plastered my two front paws and my little puppy nose to the bakery case to check out all the goodies. I must have been good or something because mom also got me a pupcake and a little chipmunk (kinda like my beloved squirrel). Yum-O, but do I L-O-V-E pupcakes. We got sad news that it might be a while before my beloved puptarts are back because of some silly issue with the tart supplier, but that is ok cause I think I love the pupcakes MORE!

The hard part was waiting until we got back to the office to eat it, but my little in-store treats helped curb my hunger.

Home, home on the range

So I got to come home from my weekend away Monday morning and I just woke up yesterday around 4 PM. Boy oh boy did I get worn out! I had a blast staying with my godmother Mary, but she has a wire-haired dachshund named Dixie who isn't quite sure what to think of me and it was exhausting trying to win her over. Ok, let me clarify, she doesn't care for me at all so it was V-E-R-Y exhausting trying to get her just to tolerate me!!!

Mom came home all jet lagged and I was VERY happy to see her and she was very happy to see me (if you ignored the tears in her eyes ~ it was our first time apart!). We NAPPED so long and hard on Monday it wasn't funny! I think she appreciated that I was as worn out as she was.

Sounds like it will be a while before she goes off again, but next time those suitcases come out...

Don't give a darn about my bad reputation...

Not a happy trend I've started, but hey, I'm young. Or so the people tell mom EVERYTIME I poop on their carpets. We are social butterflies you see and get invited to dinner at friends houses (yes, me too!), but lately even though I do ALL my business outside before going inside I STILL poop on their carpets. Last night I managed to poop in TWO rooms immediately after having gone outside. I don't get it, I don't do this at home, but I can't help myself at other houses. I think I get excited and nervous and then nature takes over, but I keep this up, I'm not going to get invited back!

My dear Auntie Mary is brave enough to keep me over the weekend even though I terrorized her dear dachsund Dixie AND pooped on her rug. Maybe I'll be able to keep my nerves in check. Wish me luck!

Rain, rain, go away...

Come again on a day when I don't have to go potty like every 2 hours. Rainy days are fine and all, but I'd much rather be curled up in a blanket on the couch watching a movie with moms.

On a completely different topic, suitcases came out last night and mom started packing. She told me she had to go away on business over the weekend and little puppies can't come!!!! Thankfully the bag is small so I don't think she'll be gone long and I'm going to stay with Auntie Mary my god mother so I'm sure to get spoiled rotten, but this is our first weekend apart since I came to live with her and I don't think either of us is thrilled about that!

Back To Reality

Otherwise known as crashing back down after a weekend of spoiling at the great grandparent's house.

I had TOO much fun at my great grandparent's house this weekend. Even after nearly getting washed down stream and no power for the first 18 hours I still had a blast. What with the huge backyard, finding out that my favorite dog store that had closed has been replaced by another dog store, and all the loving my great grandma, great grandpa, and great aunt showered on me, I don't know what to do with myself today. Guess I'll sleep so I can recover from all the playing I did. I bet that is what my great grandpa is doing. I don't think many 88 year olds are used to trying to keep up with a 5 month old, but he held his own ;o)

Glad to be home, for sure, but love my trips away! Already looking forward to our next trip!

As Goes Baby So Goes Momma

It goes without saying that if you see a baby its mother isn't usually too far off. So why didn't I think this about the baby possum??? Well what do you know, on this morning's walk out rambles momma possum. Me fresh off of my success at scaring the baby figured I'd give the momma a shot too and tried to lunge after her. Mom had different ideas and was dragging me back towards the house which was probably a good thing cause the momma possum wasn't looking too put off by my show. She kinda went "what...What?...WHAT!" while steadily coming at me! AIEEE! I'm sure I could have taken her, but I've got nothing to prove ;o) I'm a lover afterall not a fighter! Or am I a napper and not a fighter? Either way, I'm good to go.

Road trip to see the great grandparents today and I am so excited. I love road trips. Now if the rain would stop...

Lions and Tigers and...Baby Possums? Oh MY!

Quite a kick start to your day when you are greeted by a baby possum first thing in the morning! It isn't like we live out in the country either, but a couple blocks off the town center! Mom wouldn't let me at him, but I did my best to let him know he wasn't welcomed in MY yard! Made it a little difficult to concentrate on the job at hand what with that interloper trying to invade my turf (see previous lessons on how to mess with your human for more info) and what with the rain and all it made for quite the morning walk. Wore myself out I think between all that excitement and having to put the guys at the garage where we dropped off the Jeep in line. SOMEONE needs to tell them their equipment makes too much noise and well since I was there...

It isn't even noon yet and I feel I've done a whole days work! Well off to nap then.

Ways to Mess with Your Human, Lesson 4

Am I Houdini or what? Today's lesson resolves around your 'house' and how to manage an escape sometime during the night. If you are REAL quiet you can play ALL night long, most humans like mine will sleep pretty soundly until around 5 am or so (mine made it until 5:30 AM when I got a little rambuctious playing with Ivan and woke her up). The down side to this plan is that I'm REALLY tired today, but had to come to work anyway. So not up for playing with all my visitors and just want to NAP! I'm SO tired I was SNORING! And not my usual 3 Stooges type snore, but the drunk old man snore! Other down side is that I bet that the locks on my 'house' are going to be doubly secure tonight so I hope I got all my fun out last night because I don't see another chance like that coming along for a while ;o)

We hate the CRUD

Or whatever it is that has beaten mommy down. She slept almost ALL day yesterday except every couple hours when she would take me out potty. I was a pretty good boy and slept alot (ok, played quietly) so she could nap and feel better and then when she took me out I'd go potty real quick so she could go lay back down. Not saying I was a perfect angel, still had a couple accidents when she let me out to run around. Her fault really as she'd zone out and forget how long I'd been running free. Much longer than an hour and I really need another trip outside. In her comatose state she forgot to call her niece and wish her a happy birthday. What a loser.

Red Letter Mail Day!

Boy do I love ZIGGIES! And the guys at Kong just sent me some medium sized ones to try out. I think I like them even more than the small since they last so much longer. Yummy! Still looking for a supply at the store, but since the Kong guys are taking such good care of me I haven't been through too much withdrawal.

Teething Woes (TGIF!)

I've lost like 5 teeth that Mom knows about in like the last 3 days. What a pain. And they were BIG too. I've lost all 4 canines now and at least 2 pre-molars. WOW! I must say a big THANKS to Moe and his momma. Mom read about the Frosty Paws and picked me up some as a treat from the "Tooth Fairy" figuring that the cold "ice cream" would help my aching gums. And PRESTO it did (plus the cup is like an extra bonus toy until I get caught and it gets taken away). I wish I had one right now, getting tired of working for a living. Ready to head out of here and start my weekend!

Oh My Aching Mouth!

Seems that all 4 of my big boy canine teeth have decided to all show up at once! Only one of the baby canines had come out until last night when 2 of them came out while I was playing flexible frisbee with my buddy Zoe. My little mouth was a bloody mess, but I'm glad they are gone. Only 1 left hanging on making chewing on my toys and eating a bit of a pain. I've been chewing everything with my back teeth. One bonus though, mom got me some frosty paws to help cool my gums down. That stuff is YUMMY!

Hootie and the Blowfish ~ no puppies allowed

Bummer, had to miss out on a cool concert cause no puppies allowed. Didn't stop my loser mom from going though and having a blast. So what if it was my bedtime? Hasn't stopped me before. And she said she had a 'lawn seat'. HELLO...lawns...dogs...kind of go together like eggs and bacon don't they? Hmm, bacon. Wonder if I could scam a snack...

Ways To Mess With Your Humans, Lesson 3

On those early morning and late night excursions outside to do ones business, take a break from finding that 'special' spot to check out EVERY sighting, EVERY sound, EVERY thing. I mean if the wind blows, stop what you are doing and investigate. Train goes by? Check it out. Neighbor's cat comes home? Say hi. Neighbor's dogs let out? Remind them to stay out of YOUR yard (nevermind that they are fenced in to theirs). If a guy rides by on his bike EVERY morning at about the same time, verify that it is the SAME guy. Squirrels? Chase them. Birds? the same as squirrels. Now the catch to all of this is that; 1) you must be undeterred in your investigations regardless of what your human does to get you to focus on your current task at hand (this actually makes it more fun, especially if like my human they are following you around saying something like 'Poopies' or 'PeePees' over and over again, really gets the neighbors looking!) and 2) once you have thoroughly investigated the interruption you must START over on finding a suitable potty spot. I find that if you follow these steps you can at a minimum double the time you would have originally spent outside!

Ways to Mess With Your Human, Lesson 2

This one requires a bit more prep work, but the results are totally worth the effort. First you must spend at least a month (if not more), accustoming your human to the idea that you take a poopy first thing every morning upon waiting. It might be necessary to scare them into this realization by having an accident in your crate the first two mornings that you are with them. Bear with me on this, so worth it in the end. After a steady time of setting this routine, BREAK IT. Go several days in a row where you DON'T have your regular morning poop. DON'T have an accident in crate while having breakfast and waiting for them to finish their morning primping. Casually wait until say 10:00 or 10:30 AM before taking care of business. Keep this new schedule just long enough for your human to think that maturity is changing your schedule and so that they begin to get comfortable with it, the SWITCH IT UP and go back to your original routine, complete with accident in crate the first day back on old schedule. In order to accomplish this you are going to have to LOOK like you EARNESTLY want to do your business, but don't have any business left to do until they take you back into the house, then while they are primping SPRING IT on them. Voila, thoroughly shook up human that doesn't know what to do ;o)
I told you it was worth the effort!

Ways to mess with your humans, Lesson 1

In the early morning (between 5:30 and 6:00 am works best for me), cry to let human know you DESPERATELY need to go outside to potty. Once they have stumbled around to make themselves presentable and have finally found their way to the outside, stretch yourself out luxuriously (something they didn't get to do because of the urgency of your cry) on the grass, settle down comfortably as though you could lay there all day, and then look back over your shoulder at the poor slob who wishes they were still in bed and give them your cutest face. If you want to kick it up a notch, now is the time to reveal that you made it out of the house with one of your toys in your mouth and settle down for some valuable play time. I can't tell you how much joy this brings me, you will have to try for yourself.

Thanks Moe!

Thank you for the cool rosettes and the shout out! I'm glad you like to read about my adventures, I enjoy sharing them (as long as mom is willing to take dictation). And I do love to have my photo taken, I'm a bit of a ham and only SLIGHTY spoiled ;o)

Baby Teeth are on the run

I've already lost all of my front incisors top and bottom and only the end ones gave me some trouble. BUT yesterday I lost one of my lower canines. I think this has me a little off my game. I'm not eating as well as usual and I had another slide with my potty training, but I'm going to hang tough and get through this. I have a stockpile of toys to chew on in the meantime and let's not forget my stash of Ziggies! Speaking of which, I think before my morning nap I might work one of those into my schedule. Excuse me while I go hit mom up for a treat.

The Bigger They Are...

The harder the fall. Or is that, 'the bigger they are the harder I fall backwards'?

It is no secret that I'm no top dog, but I'm no chicken either. I like to check things out and I've been known to stand nose to nose with {gasp!} golden retrievers. Two of them to be exact. My neighbors Wally and Chaz. Both very cool, by the way, but BIG. First encounter Chaz barked at me and I promptly rolled over backward with fright. I'm braver now and they don't bark as much at me so I stand my ground, toe to toe, nose to nose and do my visiting (safely on the opposite side of the fence). Well their equally big friend (another golden of course) Alex was visiting yesterday (3 GOLDENS!). I ran up to do my meet and greets like usual and he BARKED and he GROWLED and he SHOWED HIS TEETH. I think I rolled backwards TWICE that time! He's big, his bark is even bigger and those TEETH, but inside lurks the heart of a teddy bear. He apparently gets a bad rep for all is posturing, but we are cool now. I showed him how fast I could run back and forth (safely on the opposite side of the fence) and he showed me he wouldn't try to eat me for dinner.

Can't wait until the day I get to play with them on THEIR side of the fence...hey, why is mom laughing? I didn't say anything funny did I?

Red Letter Mail Day!

Is it any wonder I love delivery folk? It seems like every time they come I get something cool. Today was like Christmas for a little pup. First our Mail Guy Robin brought mom a little box which had a free package of KONG puppy Ziggies from the KONG company (have I said lately how much I LOVE my KONG? Well now I am a LIFETIME fan!!). So that was pretty cool, but it got better! Robin said he had a larger box for us and that he'd be back. When he did it was a big box from my Grandma in Alaska FULL of cool things for me. Two types of snacks (yummy!), a little baby basket ball (bouncy!), a little barbell (jingly!), a blue puppy dog (squeaky and cuddly!), and best of all a BIG BOY BED (made in Alaska!). I'm so cute, I let out squeals of excitement (really, I did!) with each toy mom brought out of the box then I checked each one of them out and took my puppy dog and barbell home with me at lunch time. I had so much fun checking everything out that I wore myself out and it is time for another nap. Ciao.

Just another manic Monday

What a beautiful weekend. The weather wasn't too hot so I was able to get out for more outings. Kicked the weekend off with a yummy pupcake at 3 Dog Bakery and it is official, I LOVE THEM! Also picked up some roll-ups (yummy and dipped in carob ~ does it get better?), and they fit so nicely in my Kong toy so that I don't eat them so fast. Also got a cool lunchbox to keep my treats in at work. I just love Gracie, she is so cool!

I graduated to a little more freedom this weekend (could potty training success be just around the corner?) and only had a couple accidents (oddly both within an hour of each other at the end of the day yesterday~ after 2 days of total success). I had a great time hanging out in the living room tossing my toys around when there wasn't someone to toss them for me. I'm not sure how Ivan took all this new found freedom since he got a LOT more kisses from me this way, but he seemed to take it in stride.

Now it is Monday and back to work. I like to use my Monday mornings to rest up from all my weekend excesses so back to nappy nap.

TGIF! Yummy, Yummy PupCake Day!

Yeah it is Friday which means two stay home days in a row to romp, play, and cuddle. Can't wait! Today I decided to bring my soup bone to work, forgot I already had one here. Totally could have saved myself the effort of lugging that thing. It is kind of big and I'm kind of small so I'd have to put it down every once in a while for a break or to get a different grip on it. I love it though so having two to work on today will be fun!

Three Dog Bakery is doing an event today where they are giving out free pupcakes to all the puppy dogs that come by. I am so excited. I haven't had one of the pupcakes before only the puptarts and I LOVE those! I can only imagine how yummy a pupcake is going to taste! And I never leave there without a little something mom picks up so I can't wait to see what it is! Love, Love, Love the Three Dog Bakery. Is it 5 yet?

NOT top of the heap

I got to play with my siblings this weekend and I had such a blast! However I did get taught a valuable lesson. I am apparently only king of the heap at home! I tried so hard to assert dominance over my brothers, but one by one they picked me off. They did manage to teach me some cool tricks which I then tried out on Blue, an adult Welshie and a true Alpha. But boy oh boy did I get MAD! He just thought I was playing with him so he kept throwing off all of my attempts like they were child's play (which when you really think about it they were). Butt bumping me and tossing me all over the place. I was growling and he was laughing. Humiliating. But I still had a great time and was so happy to get to play with all of them. Mommy says I'm tops in her book and gave me an A+ for effort. I was so wiped out what with all the playing and the grooming (oh yeah, I got another big boy trim!) that I crashed hard on the way home. Barely was able to make it into the house and was a total limp noodle getting out of the car. Already looking forward to the next visit. I get to spend a weekend with them in September, maybe then I will work my way up the ladder ;o)

Teething Troubles

I'm cranky and whiny today, can't get comfortable, and I'm completely off schedule. Almost all of my front baby teeth have come out (one last holdout) and the new ones are on the way so I must now be working on the big guys. I don't know, but whatever it is I don't like it. 8 million chew toys and not one of them is keeping my interest today. Though my food bowl has gotten more attentin than most. Mom has one of the chilly bones in the freezer and I'm hoping that will hit the spot. Otherwise, I think if I keep all the whining up she is going to put me on the curb! It is tough out here for a pup.

Dog Days of Summer

Doggone it's hot!

Office Dog

I go to work with mommy each day. I have my own 'office', aka my office crate. I have my own 'office supplies', aka my toys. I have my own schedule. Too bad I don't get my own paycheck, but mom's says she pays me with room, board, biscuits, and cuddles. Try and buy something with those, I dare you!

Anyway, I also have my own staff. Besides mom who takes care of almost every need I have, there is Tierra who is responsible for all of my after-potty puppy masages. I also enjoy greeting each of our delivery people. There is the UPS guy who plays with me. The FedEx girl who brings me treats even if she doesn't have packages for mom. She helped teach me how to sit. I can almost to a 360 flip in my 'office' when I hear her come in! The postman is a little cautious of dogs. I understand that they aren't always well-treated by my kind, but I am trying to be a good diplomat and win him over. I hang out and chew on my toys in the interim, but whenever anyone comes in I'm glad to keep them entertained. It is tough being the office dog, eating all those treats and getting all that loving, but I work it out. Hey, it's my job!

12.2 Pounds

Woo Hoo! Am I a bruiser or what?! I think Mom would say 'or what'. Whatever ;o) I am getting SO big. Comes from all those yummy dog biscuits I bet. Think I finished up on all my shots yesterday when I went to visit by buddy Dr. Bigsby (who does her share of biscuit treating right be for I feel a sharp prick on my bum!). She is the greatest and I have the best time when I visit her. So many smells to smell and so many tummy rubs!! I'm wiped out today, but still managed a visit to all my girls at the stationary store so I could get some more loving. Nope, I'm not spoiled. No siree!

My great grandpa

My great grandpa is the coolest. He is always teasing my mommy that she doesn't feed me right. He thinks that I should be getting sausage and bacon and I happen to agree. Mommy keeps saying that it will give me a tummy ache, but that doesn't stop him from trying to slip me some sausage when she isn't looking.

Since I am still potty training I spend my spare time hanging out in my "house" so when I visit my great grandparents I get my "house" put next to great grandpa's chair so we can "talk". He is full of wonderful stories and he plays with my toys with me. I'm awfully bouncy, but I settle down so I can sit on his lap. I really enjoy our time together.

I'm already looking forward to our next road trip to visit! Maybe this next time I'll actually get some sausage :0)

Spoiled Rotten? Surely not me!

Doesn't everyone take their toys with them when they travel? My Uncle Lester says I'm spoiled because I travel with my toys. Maybe it is because I like to travel with ALL of my toys, but hey, I'm a baby and I'm teething and I'm never quite sure which toy is going to take care of my needs at any given time ;o) Best to have a variety!

Ode to DogDayz

Our favorite doggy story in Fredericksburg VA is closing at the end of the month after 10 years of taking care of me and my predecessors. We went up this weekend for one last visit before the doors close and boy was it sad. They have taken such good care of all our puppy needs through the years, I sure am going to miss them. We loaded up on collars and leashes so I can continue to be a stlyish pup and gave Cathy big puppy kisses to thank her for all the great times. Silly girl wants to have a life. Go figure! I thought puppies were her life. They are, but now she wants to concentrate on HERS. Go her! We wish her all the best.

Ice is your friend

I love to ride in the car. Love it. Love it. Love it. I have a great little seatbelt harness so I can sit shotgun (unless there is another human in the car in which case I stretch out in back). It was hot, though, hot hot hot so mom got me a glass of ice on one of our stops. Very refreshing. Especially when I put my face in the cup to catch a quick snooze. I find that if you put your arms on either side of the cup and then your face IN the cup, it distributes the cooling effect quite well. If ice is offered in my travel bowl, this is almost better because I can curl up around it before placing my face in the bowl. Try it, you'll like it.

Woo Hoo, Prizes!

Today is mom's birthday and boy did I luck out! My girlfriend Tierra, she works with mom, got mom a puppy raincoat and little fleece booties for me to wear when the weather is yucky. The booties made me walk funny at first, but then I got the hang of them and was zipping around the office like a little blue streak (and I mean blue streak as the coat is blue!). Now I can't wait for it to rain so I can try it all out! Mom and Tierra just laughed and laughed at me in my new gear, but they promise they were laughing with me and not at me. Now what does THAT mean!

Beautiful Dreamer

Most doggies woof and growl in their dreams, for me it is more like pips and squeaks. Sometimes I sound like the 3 stooges when I'm dreaming and it makes mommy laugh. I'm sure one day I'll woof and growl as my little legs pump the air, but mommy hopes that day is a long way off.

A day at the beach (sort of)

I love 3 Dog Bakery in Apex. The lady that runs it always gives me treats and gushes over me. I love her big dog Okie he gets to hang out in the store. We went by to visit them over the weekend and they were having a photo shoot. I got to have my picture taken in a beach chair with a bandana around my neck. If you squint your eyes you almost think I'm at the beach ;o) I was a good boy and stood still in the chair for like a half second so the lady could take my picture! Because I was so good she gave me a puptart ~they are my favorite!

Apparently they will do this again at Christmas! Hope they let me wear reindeer antlers!

Bark Softly but Carry a Big Stick

When not toting my squirrel around I find I like to carry a stick. Usually it doesn't matter what size stick, just any old stick will do. If I can't find a stick I find a leaf will do just fine. Today though I hit gold with my stick find! It is gigantic and is as long as I am. I left it on the steps when I went in the house and thankfully it was still waiting for me when I came back out. Like it so much I brought it to work with me.

Ah, sticks. Gotta love 'em!

Ode to my stuffed squirrel

My godmother gave me a little stuffed squirrel my first night home and I love it! What can I say it is furry AND it squeaks! I keep some of my toys at mom's office so she doesn't have to carry them back and forth, but last night I couldn't resist carrying my squirrel home myself. Almost everywhere I've been since I've carted him along with me, dropping him only long enough to do my potty business ;o)

I think the only squirrel I might like more is the bigger, furrier, squeakier one that lives in the tree outside my house!

Time to go curl up with my squirrel for our afternoon nap!

In the eye of the beholder

Mom and I have two takes on books. She thinks they should be devoured with the eyes and I think they should be devoured with the mouth. Similar goes for blankets. She thinks you should wrap up in them and I think you should wrap your mouth around them. Sadly she doesn't give me many chances to put my thoughts into action. She keeps pointing out that I have like 8 million chew toys and that I should sink my teeth into those, but they aren't as satisfying as books and blankets ;o)

Ivan likes me! He REALLY likes me!

Ivan is my brother and he is VERY big (18 lbs) kitty. He has been with my mommy for way longer than me and he was friends with Katie and Kipper before my time. I think Ivan has been tolerant of my arrival, but not thrilled. I think that like my mommy he really misses Katie and Kipper, but he would let me give him sloppy kisses and he would sit near my mom when she was holding him. However he would usually get up and leave when I wanted to play. Last night I was in a super cuddly mood so I was hanging out with mom watching tv while she was reading a book. Ivan was haning out on the back of the couch as he is want to do (right where I would love to be if I could just get my fanny up there!). I stood up to give Ivan my usual dose of kisses when before I knew it he was giving me kisses back and rubbing his face on me!!!! I was so thrilled, but I stood very still so I wouldn't scare him off. Of course mommy, who has been wanting a picture of the two of us together being sweet to each other, was too slow and didn't get her camera in time. Slacker.

Happy Monday

I go to work with mommy each day and yesterday I got a new "house" for my home away from home. I like it alot because it is more open than my "house" at home so I can keep an eye on everything and can visit better with my friends the delivery drivers as they come in!

After work we got to visit all my lady friends at the stationary store. I LOVE going there, they all just gush over me and love on me, it is the greatest! We went to a new store there and I got to meet some new admirers and they were so sweet and played with me so mommy could shop (she is completely addicted to 'life is good' t-shirts!).

Then once we got home last night Zoe was home so we got to run and play in her yard. I'm growing so fast I am about the same size as her now and plowed her down a couple times while we were rough-housing. She is REALLY quick though so I didn't get to catch her that often.

Lake Pine Trek

Mom took me to Lake Pine on Saturday since the weather was so nice to see if I was up for a 2 mile hike. Boy was I ever! And there were tons of other dogs to meet and people who like dogs so I was overwhelmed with all the attention. Lots of other wildlife too, but I'm not so interested in bunnies, ducks, or squirrels yet. Plenty to do and see and smell and I only needed one break to make it all the way around (those two poodles that lapped me were older and had longer legs, yeah that is it!). I hope we take that walk again, but I think there are some other greenway areas we need to check out first! Can't wait!

Big Walkies

Mom followed through with her threat last night and took me on a longer walk. She has a dinner date every Thursday night that I don't get to go on so I have to stay in my "house" which lets me grab a great power nap so I'm all rested up from the day when she gets home. Instead of justing going around the block or a half block I got to do the big neighborhood loop (still only half or a 1/4 of what I have to look forward to once I'm all big). Part of it goes along a busy street and I'm still put off by cars passing by, but I was very brave! I'm still not super on a leash, but I did pretty well and had lots to investigate. Once we got back on our block I knew EXACTLY where I was so I dug in and pulled mom the whole rest of the way home. I'm thinking that if I was better on a leash and didn't spend all my time wrapping it around Mom's ankles I might actually be able to go on an even longer walk, but as it was I wore her out when she thought she'd be wearing me out! Much cooler so that made it nice. Maybe we'll go walking at a park this weekend :o)

A lion and a tiger go to Kenya...

It will be a long time before that particular song leaves my head!

Now who will wear me out so I sleep well at night? My cousins, both furry and non left for home today :o(

I got to play with all of them last night and was already asleep once I was belted into my seat. I think I might miss Sprocket most, especially since all Ace did was bark at me and show his teeth. I like all of the non-furry cousins alot, but Michael G lets me hang from his shorts ;o)

We did a lot of great things together so I'm looking forward to the next family gathering!

4th of July Bah Humbug

I don't know what the big deal about the 4th of July is, I didn't get to do anything but hang out in my crate all day and sleep. Too hot for much more than my usual outings and the fireworks scare me :o(

Mom had way more fun than me, she went to Build-A-Bear with my 2 legged cousins to make a stuffed cat of all things. Apparently Joe, the little boy they were making for, misses his real kitty that went to the bridge and it was his birthday after all so I guess I can let it pass, but just this once.

She came home for a bit after that so we could play and cuddle (and I could potty) and then she was off again for dinner and fireworks. I just slept and slept and slept so that when she came home I was ready to PLAY! Of course, by now she was ready to sleep. BUMMER. I was a good boy and played quietly, but I was up ALL night! I napped here and there, but mostly I played. Thank goodness for nap time at work. And thank goodness the 4th of July is but once a year. Maybe next year it won't be so hot so I can join in the festivities rather than making my own after dark!

Hot Dog in Beaufort

I went to the beach for the first time this weekend and boy was it HOT! I was hoping to get to see the pirate encampent at the Tall Ships Festival, but alas no dogs allowed :o( I tried to explain that I was a kid in a heavy sweater, but they weren't buying it. Instead Sprocket, my doggy cousin, and I walked around with our moms looking at the beautiful houses and talking to the locals while my two-legged cousins Mikey, Morgan, and Matthew checked out the pirates. All my patience paid off though because then we went to Atlantic Beach and I got to play in the water and sand. I don't recommend trying to ingest either, yuck! But playing in them was great fun. I was wiped out after all that fun and slept the 3 hours back home!

Whew!

So I LOVE Dr. Bigsby, but she is so silly! She gave me a shot of Benadryl before she gave me all my shots and told my mommy that it would make me really sleepy, but the joke was on her. IF the Benadryl made me sleepy it was for like 15 minutes, the rest of the evening I was bouncing off the walls. Drug mommy the last half of our walk with her muttering something about me being strong enough now to go on longer walks. Woo hoo! I was on my best behavior for Dr. Bigsby and was very brave as I got my shots and my microchip. I like that place, they give me lots of treats! Good thing I like it since I have to go back in another month.

Big Doings Today

I'm getting visited today by my 2-legged friend Madison and her mommy Sherry. They are coming over to go to lunch with my mommy, but are coming early so we can play! Then this evening I get to go visit Dr. Bigsby. She is super nice and thinks I'm a cutie, but I think I'm supposed to be getting some shots. Hope she is gentle with my little puppy self!

Big Boy Haircut

I came home with a puppy cut, but got my first 'big boy' cut yesterday. I think they are trying to get me used to the whole process. Only thing I know for sure is that I got to play with some of my siblings and thanks to a little clipping around the eyes now I can see! I came home totally wiped out, but after a quick power nap I got to go for a walk and saw my friend Zoe and her cousin Abby the Labradoodle puppy (boy was she big and bouncy!). Mom is trying to deal with how grown-up I'm looking, but hey it is hair and it will grow back!