Dog Expressions!

Hey! Mommy just formed a new group on flickr.com. It's called "Dog Expressions" - you can post photos of dogs with visible facial expressions and tell us what your dog seems to be saying. Happy dogs, smiling dogs, mad dogs, innocent looking dogs, playful dogs, fierce dogs, sleepy dogs, regal dogs, goofy dogs, frowning dogs, confused dogs... all are welcome!

Check it out:
Dog Expressions

Just moved

We just moved to a new house within the same city. Mom says it has a better location, so I ask her: better for humans or for dogs? It's farther from my off-leash park, so what's so good about the location??? Well, actually it doesn't make much difference because I get my walks as usual, and mom still takes me to my old park every once in a while. Of course, I marked the new house once - just one of each deed (the two p's, big and small he he) to let everybody know the house is mine. Now, I'm back to my regular "do it outside only" schedule. Mom put my favourite seat right by the window as I specifically asked her, which is so very thoughtful of her. To show my appreciation, I did not make any trouble when mommy and daddy left me alone in the house. I know that mom was afraid I might revert back to my separation anxiety days. It's just a new house mom, not a new family and a whole new life; what makes you think I can't handle it? I have to admit, though, that I had trouble with the spiralling stairs for a while, but finally today I overcame my fears and started to go up and down, up and down with ease. Still, it makes me think the architect may not have been dog-friendly. Overall, I guess I don't mind the change as long as I'm with mommy and daddy and auntie. Besides, mom asked my opinion regarding this matter beforehand, and I said... well, as long as you don't make me go through the stress of moving, carrying stuff, settling and all that, I'm fine. So, mom left me to my doggy day care on the day of moving. Boy, I had so much fun! I don't really understand why the lady at the day care calls me a monkey just because I LOVE playin'. I'm just a dog that likes to have some wicked fun! You might think I was selfish for not sticking with mom and dad on that day, but really, a dog my size is not good with carrying stuff, anyway. So, I guess that wraps it for today. Tomorrow mom's taking me to the park, and then to the pond. I'll hang out with my doggie friends. Talk about a good life! I can't wait!!! Woof!!!*wag tail*

Mom! There's a dog that looks lost to me! Wait, I hope you- don't consider taking her home!

Today we had quite an adventure, and I must say I acted in an unusual way. I was looking out the window and started barking like a mad dog all of a sudden. When mom looked, she saw an off-leash dog trying to cross the street on her own. Needless to say, she was worried, so she quickly called for daddy and we all went out to catch the dog. When mommy and daddy got a hold of the dog (they used me to get her attention!!! We played around a little, and then they caught her), they told her what a good dog she was, and looked at her tag and called a number. In the mean time, mom went back home and got some water and some treats, and gave them to the dog. I was good and patient even though I resented the fact that mommy forgot to give me treats and used my water dish for her. Mom thought they needed a leash for the dog until her owners came, so she went back home and brought my second leash. When she put her on leash, I suddenly got jealous and barked and lunged at the dog. Dad was holding me and he told me to shut up and behave :( I have to admit I acted irrationally, but this was too much. Was this dog trying to sneak into our lives and get all of mom's and dad's attention? Why were they showering her with praises, treats, and MY stuff??? I was just worried. Mom was shocked because normally I get along with every dog and when another dog barks at me I just back up and whine. She has never seen me show teeth, not even once (nor did I do it this time; I was barking but I wasn't showing teeth). I am not a possessive dog, either. I share my toys and even my food with my dog pals, and never react badly when mom pets other dogs in the park. Then again, I know they're my pals - this dog just appeared out of nowhere and it looked like mom and dad were replacing me or something! I guess I just wanted to let everyone know that I was there and needed some attention, too! I was all smiles when the owner of the dog came and took her and we returned back to our normal life. Mom is worried that she's been spoiling me too much, and so I'm beginning to act like a brat, but no, I swear this was a one time situation and will never happen again. I am a good boy and always will be. Besides, they're forgetting something: I was the one who warned mommy about the lost dog!!!

Back from vacation!

Hey! I'm back from my looong vacation! I had been away a month. I missed Canada, my dog park, and Dogster, but boy, did I have a great time! I got to meet everyone in my mom's family and some of her friends. They were all super nice to me, so now, I'm more spoiled than ever. But mom says I deserve it because I flew 12 hours to Istanbul and back, and I was just wonderful - I didn't make any noise, didn't disturb anyone, and didn't even pee or poop until we arrived. Mom's so proud of me. Everyone on the plane was astonished that a dog could be so well-behaved. In Istanbul, I got to play with Kopuk, who is listed as my sister (pics on Kopuk's page). We hit it off instantly even though we don't speak the same language; I guess love doesn't require words after all ;) I got to walk on Istiklal Caddesi, which is one of the most crowded streets in Istanbul. Mom and dad didn't want to take me at first because they thought I might be scared, but I insisted and said that I didn't come all the way to Istanbul for nothing; I had to see everywhere. I was a little startled but got used to the crowd pretty quickly. From then on, I got to go everywhere mom and dad went. We also travelled south of Turkey. I got to swim in the Aegean Sea; it was crystal clear - never saw anything like that (last pic on my page). I'm not very fond of swimming, but I'm telling ya, this was a different experience. I fell in love with my mom's grandma; she made me feel very secure and loved. She also had a big yard in which I could run freely and bark as much as I wanted. I don't know what the deal is over there but all the dogs bark, and no one ever complains. Heaven on earth! I just love travelling. Mom always knew that about me but not to this extent. I'm pleased as long as I know we're travelling. I always know that we're going to a nice place so I keep quiet and wait patiently until we get there. And once we're there, nothing can stop me from having fun. The only catch is, because I couldn't find any squirrels and rabbits out there, I developed a habit of chasing cats! Now, I go nuts every time I see cats, and mom doesn't know what to do about this.

Little angel to some, irresistible little devil to others ;)

Boy, what a day! Mom and I were tested today. While I passed with flying colours, she flunked. Ha ha! Mom and dad took me to a new groomer today. This new groomer gave a pet groomer's report to mom when they came to pick me up. It said I got an A+ because I was "a little angel"! Mom smiled when she saw that, but then she noticed that the groomer circled "needs more brushing" under coat condition section, because my rear part was matted. Mom tried to explain that it was because I was very particular about that part and didn't let her brush me there even though she brushed me everyday (which is true). However, I was so well-behaved with the groomer that she didn't seem to believe mommy! Of course, I'm more well-behaved with strangers because I can be spoiled with mommy and daddy; I know they'll love me and forgive me no matter what. I'm telling ya; I got mommy and daddy wrapped around my paw. But, mom was content, anyway, 'cause she said I looked gorgeous. She really liked my haircut and I seemed happy and perky as usual when I came out. It wasn't like my previous experiences with groomers when I used to let mom and dad know that I didn't have a good time at all. And the best thing is, because mom and dad thought I'd have the groomer effect on me again (i.e. upset, stressed, mad etc.) they bought me a toy! I'm still playing with it right now as I dictate this diary to mom... (Don't think that I can't type with my paws, but why do it yourself when you have an assistant, right?) So, it's been a nice day for us overall (it could have been pawfect if mom stopped trying to take my photos every damn second!). Now, with my readers' permission I gotta go play some more! *tail wag*

Must save daddy from the monster bag!

Dad's gone! I don't know where the heck he is. Mom took me out for a walk in the morning and when we came back, he wasn't there! Does that mean we won't have a car ride tonight? Oh no :( But, I love cruisin' with mommy and daddy! I bet this had something to do with that big bag. Whenever there is a big bag around, someone disappears. It's like these things swallow people or somethin'. There were two of them before auntie left, and I haven't seen her in a long long time. Her bags were huge! Dad's was smaller; I hope this means he'll come back sooner. I miss my auntie, and now I miss daddy! Next time I see a big big bag, I'm gonna chew it to pieces so that it won't be able to swallow anyone.

STILL O.D.I.E

Woof! I'm right here on the front page! This must be a dream! I cannot write my own rap songs like Sophie the Rapper, but I will bark an adaptation of a 50 Cent song for the occasion. And I dedicate this one to all the shelter dogs that have become top dogs on Dogster:

"Hate it or love it underdog's on top
And I'm gonna shine doggies until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm DOGSTER'S MVP
And I ain't going nowhere so you can get to know me" :-) Woof Woof!

I have to admit it's kind of hard not to let fame get to your head... All these nice messages, offline and online pup pals, love and attention... But, I promise you doggies that I'll never forget my past and where I came from.

*I still got love for the streets, it's the same old O.D.I.E!*

Finally, I'd like to thank all my pup pals and everyone that barked a message our way. All the dogs on Dogster are special and I salute them all regardless of breed and size and where they came from and where they are... I wish I could play with you all ;-)

THANKS DOGSTER!!!

Shoot!

I can't believe we lost the championship! As if that's not annoying enough, mom keeps calling me Manu. She says I run and give a fake to my opponents (my opponents being the other dogs as we play chase) just like Ginobili. Whatever, mom...

Mom just asked me to be a gentleman and acknowledge that the Spurs were the better team tonight. What can a doggy do to find some sensitivity around here? This is surely how a heart breaks :'-(

MOM: Come on, Odie. I know you'll forget everything tomorrow and run like Ginobili in the park again.

summer should be banned in Canada

It's sooooo hot!!! My friends don't even go to the park anymore!!! There's only sweet Lucy and me in the park :( I know it's better than nothing, but I miss the other guys and I miss being able to run without being disturbed by the heat and all those insects around. Mom said they take the other dogs to swimming. So, I said I wanted to go, too. We went to the lake yesterday, and I jumped into the water for a few seconds just to make mom happy but then I decided I didn't really like swimming. It cooled me off, though. I met some new dogs, but didn't really get a chance to play with them. I hope the summer's over soon. I can't even control my own tongue for God's sake; it's always sticking out! MOM, WHERE'S MY ICE CUBE?!!!

Ready for the summer :)

Yesterday mom took out the grooming kit! I quickly ran and hid under the couch, but to my surprise, it wasn't meant for me. Mom cut her own hair. I took a deep breath in relaxation until I heard mom and dad say they were going to take me to the groomer as soon as possible. Then I just came out of my refuge because I thought, if I absolutely have to be groomed, I'll let my mom do it. First of all, I trust my mom's fashion sense. Secondly, spending 4 hours with a stranger isn't really fun; I miss mom and dad. Mom said I was a lucky boy because she was cutting her own hair but getting me groomed "professionally." I reminded her of the last time she took me to a "professional" groomer; I hated my haircut so much that I refused to go out and didn't want to show myself to our visitors. Anyway, mom called the "professionals" and they told mom that our groomer was booked until the end of the month!!! Mom thinks I somehow contacted the groomer before her and devised this plan. Well, no comment ;)
So, today, mom decided to take matters into her own hands and voila! I look fabulous (are guys allowed to use this word?). Besides, I can now feel the cool breeze, and it feels even greater when mom rubs my tummy and massages my neck. I was kind of bored standing there that long, but it was worth it. I can't wait to flaunt my good looks at the dog park.