Moving again

Its funny, I started my Dogster page right before I moved to Philadelphia. Now I am moving again. I can tell because Mom and Dad keep putting stuff in boxes. For the past two nights we've all slept in the living room because Dad took apart the bed. It was kind of fun because the couch is easier to get on and off than the bed.

Penny and I got new tags today. Mom put them on us and took the old ones off. Mine is blue with a bone. Now when I shake my head I make a different noise. It's a little disconcerting.

I got to see the new house last month. I'm really happy because the windows are close enough to the floor that I can see out really easily.

The next time I write, I'll be in the new house!

Introducing the New, Improved, Mellow Snoopy!

Last month mom and dad took me to the vet school because they were worried about my behavior. We spent the whole day with a team of veterinary behaviorists. They were really nice. They spent a lot of time just watching me. Then, they played games with treats! They taught mom and dad the games, too. We have been playing the games at home all the time! That means I get lots of treats. I also get treats in the elevator ALL THE TIME! All I have to do to get one is make eye contact with mom or dad. The doctors also gave me a medicine to help me be less scared. I take it every day. I am definitely starting to see results. I'm not so scared of everything anymore.

Today was a big test for me because I had to go to the groomer. I'm always scared of the groomer because I just really don't like to be touched by people I don't know. But today was different. I only got a little nervous, and that was only when she touched my paws. When mom and dad came to pick me up, they were surprised that I wasn't barking! I was just sitting there relaxing, waiting for them.

I am really glad I got to go to the behaviorists. They taught mom and dad how to do things that make me less scared. My life is getting a lot better :)

SNOW!

It snowed today! Yippee! I ran around in it, ate it, and caught snowballs in my mouth! I even rolled on my back and wiggled in it! I love snow!

Update

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am doing much better. In fact, I've been extra cuddly since I got back from the emergency room. My boo boos have almost healed, and I'm not growling at mom anymore. But mom says no more dog park for me. That's okay, I prefer hanging out with people anyway.

Emergency Room

Yesterday I went to the dog park with my mom and my sister Penny. I was pretty much just keeping an eye on things, letting out the occasional bark or two, while Penny was running around with the other dogs. A new dog came in, and he wanted to play with me. I turned around and walked away, but he followed me. I gave him a warning growl, because I really wasn't interested in playing, and the next thing I knew he had my head in his jaws! He had me really tight. Mom and three other men kept trying to pull him off of me, but he wouldn't let go. Finally, they got him off and he and his owner left. Mom checked me over and saw that my ear was bleeding a little bit, but I was okay otherwise, so we went home.

Later in the evening, I was really starting to hurt. Mom tried to check out my injuries, but I got very growly with her and wouldn't let her near me. That's when she decided to take me to the ER.

There was a really long wait in the ER, and I had to wear a muzzle since I wouldn't let anyone touch me. In fact, I wouldn't even let the doctor listen to my heart. They ended up giving me a shot that made me really sleepy, but I STILL fought them. They had to give me another shot, and after that I was pretty much out.

The doctor couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. He said he's not sure whether I had some sort of neurological damage that's making me be mean to everyone, or if I am just really scared and in pain. He sent me home with a lot of pain medications, so I'm feeling pretty dopey. In fact, I didn't even want to eat breakfast this morning, and that's not like me at all, BOL!

Anyway, mom promised to stay home and hang out with me today, and she even told Penny not to bother me. I can tell everyone is really worried about me :( I hope that I get better and back to normal soon.

Dog Park

Today me and Penny took my mom and dad to the dog park. When we lived in California, before we got Penny, mom used to take me to the dog park every day. I've always been more interested in socializing with the people than the dogs. Unless of course there is a beagle. I've had a thing for beagles ever since the love of my life, Janie, passed away last fall. She was a beagle, so when I see other beagles it reminds me of her.

Anyway, when we got to the dog park I noticed that there were two areas-- one for little dogs and one for big dogs. I was really relieved because big dogs sometimes intimidate me. When we went in, I made my personal boundary preferences clear. I said to the other dogs, " I am eight years old, and while I enjoy the occassional sniff, I prefer not to wrestle and run around." I was delighted that the other dogs respected my wishes.

Penny, on the other hand, wrestled and ran around with everybody! I was surprised at how social she was. I'm really glad she had a good time. I kept a watchful eye on her the whole time we were there. I made sure that none of the other doggies were playing too rough with her. There was one dog I didn't really like the looks of, so when he started to approach Penny I went over and let him know in no uncertain terms that I was her big brother and that if he wanted to mess with Penny, he'd have to get through me first. After that, he pretty much stayed away from Penny.

Overall, I enjoyed going to the dog park. Sometimes other dogs make me nervous, but the ones I met today were a pretty good group. And watching Penny play was great-- she got lots of energy out so hopefully she won't bother me tonight!

Winter!

Today was the end of daylight savings time. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but I am so excited. Wanna know why? Because that means winter is coming and then I can play in the SNOW! I love snow! Its cold and wet and you can jump in it and run through it and eat it! However, I have to advise against burying things in it. Once, I buried a piece of white rawhide in the snow on the back porch. When I went out to get it, I couldn't find it! In fact, I didn't see it again until all the snow melted. By that time is was awfully soggy. But all in all, I LOVE SNOW!

FOOTBALL!!!!

Today, mom took Penny out shopping and I got to stay home with dad! We watched football on t.v. It was so much fun having boys' time. I didn't have to worry about Penny bugging me and I could concentrate on the game. My favorite team, the Eagles, didn't play today, but dad and I rooted for his team-- the Cardinals. Unfortunately, they lost, but it was fun to bark at the t.v. Plus, dad fed me popcorn from the couch! I hope we get to watch football again!

Baby Sister

Two weeks ago, mom and dad brought home a brand new puppy! She is a cockapoo-- same as me-- but she is mostly white. She is also only 12 weeks old-- just a baby.

She is super-cute. I love licking her ears and playing with her. Its funny, since I don't usually play with other dogs, but Penny was very persistent. Like any little sister, sometimes she can be annoying. She is FULL of energy and sometimes she bothers me when I don't feel like playing. But after one little scuffle, we worked it out.

She is full of joy. She can find toys in any place. She plays with paper, shoes, and even wires (although mom and dad take them away from her).

She isn't very good at going for walks. While we are walking, she tries to play with me and sometimes she trips me. She needs to learn that walks are for WALKING, not playing.

Maybe the best part about Penny is that she leaves her food in her bowl and walks away. If mom and dad aren't looking, sometimes I go over and eat it. SHHHH! Don't tell anyone!

The only thing I don't understand is that she pees and poops INSIDE the house. Usually she goes in a special box and she gets a treat, but sometimes she just goes on the floor and then mom and dad get upset.

I think Penny will be a fun friend for me to play with. She copies everything I do, so it will be fun to teach her how to behave.

Getting Settled

We've been at the new apartment for less than a week. I kind of like it, but its kind of scary, too. We are on the eighth floor so I can see the whole city from my windows. Also, we have hardwood floors so my ball bounces all over the place! What I don't really like is the magic box they call the "Elevator." I'm starting to get used to it, but at first I refused to get inside it. Its this box that makes noise and shakes and then when the doors open, you are somewhere completely different! I'm just scared that one of these days, the doors will open and I will be at the vet or the groomer!

Yesterday, all of my toys and my bowls arrived. I was so excited! Mom set up a toy box for me and I practiced taking the toys out and putting them back. I also get to drink out of my real bowls instead of the ugly travel bowls mom's been making me use.

I haven't made many friends yet, but I keep seeing another black cockapoo in the elevator who I'd like to hang out with. And mom and dad keep talking about adopting a brother or sister for me. Hopefully I will make some friends soon!