The Rights of Spring

Things that pass as normal

So Maebe has pretty much recovered and things are back to whatever passes for normal around here. Having Lyle around means things are never really normal. Crazed Whigle.

I've heard the houndy types complaining about the distinct lack of toys around here since "The Incident." I'm here to set the record straight. As a Wild Haired Terrier, I naturally love toys. The squeaky carrot (a.k.a. Spring Nip) was my favorite. I'd squeak it quietly to myself and my eyes would glaze over in a state of blissful contemplation. Later I learned about the wacky cat. Wacky cat and I could hang out together to pass the day in a state of contentment. When we welcomed the Biggie into the family, those joys went to the wayside because a dog just can't reach that Nirvana while a crazy jealous dog is barking her fool head off to stop chewing her toys. I'd even be happy to share if she knew what that meant. See, toys that she gets her paws on seem to have this way of disappearing and seriously, no one wants to share their favorite toys with someone only to learn that they were ripped to shreds.

So, as far as I can tell, there haven't really been any toys worth having in just over two years. Which isn't to say that I'm not glad that Maebe's better, because I really am. We grrrls have to stick together after all.

Oh, and for the record, I for one am glad the boss ma'am didn't go to the humane society this week. One terrier (well two if you count the boss man) is more than enough for a house if you ask me.

Joey.

Mmm, bread.

The bosses should be ashamed of themselves. On Tuesday, they made this fantastic cinnamon-raisin bread. They ate some, shared a few crumbs and put it away for the rest of the day. They ate some more on Wednesday for breakfast (and shared a few small crumbs) and still had some left over. Today the boss man decided he had better finish it off but he decided that the last slice was stale and THREW IT AWAY! As if I would have cared.

It was then shortly after exercise time and the boss man decided to go to the recycle center while the boss ma'am cleaned up. When he left the garbage door open a crack I knew right away that he felt bad about throwing away that last piece of bread so as soon as I heard the garage door close, I sprang into action. Of course, being a short-ish dog, I couldn't just reach in and grab the piece of bread but I am very crafty and persistent and had my bread in no time at all. I'm sure that it goes without saying that I had to be exceedingly quite because I didn't want to end up in a situation where I had to share my hard earned with the houndies. I'm sure they wouldn't have liked it anyway.

Soon enough, the boss ma'am emerged from the shower and celebrated my accomplishment with me. I knew she was proud of her Spring when she shooed away Lyle and got her camera to document my achievement.

Helping the Children

I am nothing if not helpful. When last I checked in, I was writing to talk about helping the homeless. Today it is about helping the children. Today is the Dairy Queen's Children's Miracle Network annual fundraiser. If you haven't already done so (or even if you have and have room for a second), go to DQ and get a Blizzard. I'd recommend the Tag-A-Long Blizzard. Or a Thin Mint Blizzard. Or a Heath Blizzard. Or a Strawberry Cheesequake Blizzard. Perhaps you already have a favorite flavor and that would be okay too. You should go now because, well, let's face it, I haven't written since last January so it isn't like you are going to miss anything while you are gone.

This week the bosses, Lyle, Maebe and I are taking what is called a staycation. I think it just means that the bosses want to spend more quality time with us dogs. Yesterday was a model for what all staycations should be. We got up, had some breakfast, the boss man made some chicken jerky (long overdue, slacker), we walked, we had lunch, we napped, we had dinner. Then we went for a super fun hike. Well, it was kind of dusty and full of prickly tumbleweeds but it had it's highlights. Then afterward, the bosses took us to DQ for dishes of ice cream. It was delicious even if the bosses did take a "boss tax" before giving us our cups. I can only hope that tomorrow is as good.

I bark, you bark, we all bark for ice cream.

That doesn't seem to have quite the same ring to it. Hmm. Well, it's Wednesday which means Lyle, Maebe and I will be barking soon because the ice cream man comes every Wednesday evening and parks outside our house for about for ever while all of the neighborhood children stock up. It wouldn't be so bad if he had a decent sound system and played some good music but his red van has neither so we bark. A lot. It is a Wednesday Summer tradition.

Speaking of ice cream, Mamie tagged me with the ice cream game. This is what she had to say:

What kind of ice cream are you ?
Seamus tagged me—here is how to play. Here we go......

I am going to tag five friends and tell them what kind of ice cream I look like. Then you tag five friends and tell them what kind of ice cream you look like! Sprinkles count too!

OK, I bent the rules a little and am going to come up with a name of ice cream that I would like. I am going to tag 5 friends and they tag 5 friends and they will do the same. You can either tell what kind of ice cream you look like or bend the rules like me and give the name of the ice cream that you would have (sorry, Seamus, thinking outside the crate, here!)

My ice cream is…Chocolate Chip(munk).

Mmm, Chocolate Chipmunk sounds like it would be divine. I'm going to stick with the original rules though. I am Coffee Toffee. Sweet with a little kick.

So let's see, who to tag...

Josie
The Brew City Pitties (okay, maybe just one can bark for all)
Tim
Francis Rocks
Taz the Angel Dog

Helping the Homeless

I'm borrowing a page from Maebe. You probably know that sometimes she talks a bit about a homeless animal that the boss man photographed. Talks about the importance of animal adoption. Today I am going to write about "Sup." Sup doesn't actually have a name at the shelter but I'm sure you dogs will all agree that it's fitting. Sup has been looking for a home for a couple of weeks now. I told the boss man that I'd be delighted to open my home and in fact, I'd even share my crate with Sup. He didn't seem to think it was a good idea though and sadly, Sup is still in a cage at the humane society.

So, maybe some of my friends will have a good home they can share. If so, let me know and I'll make sure the boss man forwards Sup's info.

Spring, CGC

So I have to say that I imagined that there would be fireworks, cake and ice cream. I did get a "jackpot" of treats after the exam but I thought at the very least there would be a trip to DQ on the way home. But it seems that earning an AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate means that now the boss man can buy me special patches and ID tags and that it doesn't automatically come with a big celebratory sundae. Maybe that comes today.

Lyle of course had his doubts that I'd pull it off but I was confident in my training. Also, I knew that Trainer Krystal wouldn't actually make me walk on a short leash next to the ferrets or the kittens up for adoption even though she joked about it in our last class. The bosses were so proud of me that they got me the best gift ever. . . more training! They signed me up for a "Tricks" class and even though I missed the first week, Trainer Krystal thinks that I won't have any trouble catching up. It is largely a clicker class which means that there will be a TON of treats because as we all know, Clicker = Treats. Unlike the CGC class, this one has practical applications. Being a CGC might initially get me some "we are proud of you rewards" but learning new tricks to amuse the bosses will give me new tools in my arsenal to beg with at dinner time. It's just a matter of time before I reach my goal weight of 50 pounds!

Old friends, new Pup Pals

Okay, I know what you are thinking... two diary entries in the space of four days, something must be up. Well something is up. Long time friends Sybil, Sally and Copper have decided to join the Dogster community.

Of course I love all of my friends but I had to bark a little about these three because of the role that their Mom had in finding me the perfect home. See, if the bosses hadn't met her and become quick friends with her (and eventually their Dad too), Maebe and I might never have even met the bosses because they probably would not have ventured outside of their own county when it came time for our adoption. So please, give them a warm welcome and tell them Spring sent you!

Obedience School

Well, summer has past without my having barked a single time in my diary. Time flies when you are Spring I guess. Funny, Lyle and Maebe tell me that they've had lots to say this summer about what a great place Washington is but I guess I've been too busy enjoying it or resting after the fun to have much to say.

So, I'm sure you've wondered what I've been up to but mostly I'm going to keep it all a big secret except to tell you about my new class. Turns out that the bosses don't think I'm living up to my potential or something like that because they enrolled me in obedience school again. What ever the reason, I'm super happy about it because I LOVE training. Training = Treats. What's not to love? Anyhoo, tomorrow will be my fifth class (out of six) and then it will be testing day. After that, I'll be known as Spring, CGC. Or at least that is the expectation. Lyle thinks maybe I should change my name to Eddie Haskell because I've got the whole class fooled. Honestly I have no idea what he's barking about. After all, I wasn't the one that growled at Grandma Tudy.

Another perk of training is that I have to be good around strangers so today I went to the farmer's market and to the park. I love spending time alone with the bosses. If it were up to me, I'd always be training.

What a Long Strange Trip It's Been

It's been a month so I figure it must be time to write again. Since my last post, I've transformed from a Kentucky dog to a Washington dog and so far, I like it. The packers came and put stickers on everything important presumably so ensure that everything made it to the new house. The bosses seem to think that it wasn't a fool proof system because they say some stuff is unaccounted for but as far as I can tell, my food, toys, treats and favorite lounging spots all arrived so I'm not too worried. Then the loaders came to put our stuff in the truck. Three guys plus the driver moved an estimated 15 thousand pounds from our home to the truck over the course of 12 hours. They seemed to be having a good time but with each averaging about 3500 pounds each, they certainly earned their kibble that day. Anyway, about 8:45 pm, we finally said goodbye to Lexington, KY and headed for St. Louis, MO. As you might have guessed, there was a bit of tension starting out but eventually we made it to the Doubletree Hotel and they made things right with warm chocolate chip cookies. We should stay at Doubletree Hotels every night.

The next day we stopped in Kansas City, MO to have lunch and a walk with the boss man's sister, youngest nephew and Judy (sister's mom-in-law). The boss's sister greeted us with cookies (a nice trend), biscuits (we ate the whole package in about 5 minutes worth of obedience) and then we had lunch on the porch at an awesome cafe. The waitress even gave us licks of water. Afterward, we loaded back up to go visit Star, Winnie and Tim in Lincoln, NE. It was great sniffing them through the doors (Mr. Crankypants wasn't being a very gracious guest) and their folks took really great care of us. Really, really great care in fact.

The next day brought us to Cheyenne, WY and our last foreseeable Culvers. We should probably have a moment of silence for that...







Along the way we stopped to visit Wild Bill's ranch. Let me just say that the lunch that Star, Winnie and Tim sent ahead (or more accurately Harry sent ahead) didn't have any competition for being the best part of that particular stop. Now if we could have had a moment or two with the bison, well that might have been a different story. Anyway, after lunch we made it to Cheyenne, had Culvers and settled in for the night.

The next leg brought us to Twin Falls, ID by way of the Bear Creek State Park. Another shot with the bison. Another delicious Harry lunch (it was big enough to enjoy over two days) followed by the last of Lisa's delicious cinnamon rolls. Our walk was super fun and I got to eat a little bison fur (Mmm, bison fur) before the boss man realized that I had it in my mouth.



From Twin Falls, we went to a park in Bosie for a little wander (funny, I can't remember any food at that stop) and then we went to our new home. It is light green. Plus there is no grass.



The next day was nice but we didn't have most of our toys and treats yet. The following day they arrived with wasn't really much fun. In fact, being locked up all day was kind of lousy. Plus the bosses were cranky.



Anyway, after our stuff got here, things started looking up. We started taking great dog walks to explore our new home. The wetlands area behind our house has miles of trails although calling it a wetland is really kind of relative. It has a few small spring fed ponds and a creek at the far end but it still is mostly desert to my eye. It is full of fun things like pheasants, quail, jackrabbits, lizards, swallows, magpies, crows, dogs and people. Supposedly it has snakes too but I've yet to see one.

To mix it up a bit, we started a new tradition that Lyle dubbed Super Saturday. For the last two Saturdays we loaded up in the truck and went for a super fun walk. Last week it was to hike up Badger Mountain. The top of the hill (at something like 1759 feet is seems decidedly un-mountain like) the view of the Tri-Cities area is quite nice. Today's walk was in the Howard Amon Park along the Columbia River in downtown Richland. They were having a bit of a show for the hydrofoils so we got a peak at what they look like up close. Afterward we FINALLY made our first stop at Dairy Queen.

Well, it's getting late so that's it for now. Happy Father's Day to all of you Dads out there!

Spring

You say desert, I say dessert

I've been hearing that we are moving to Richland, Washington lately. What's more, I've been hearing that it is in the high Dessert. So I thought I'd look up the weather there today out of curiosity and I was shocked to see that it will be WAY TOO HOT on Friday through the weekend.

Maebe just shook her head (she likes the heat) and told me that we are not moving to the dessert (as much as she'd like that too) but the desert. She goes on to say that it isn't one of those tomato/tomato (the second one more like tomahto) things and that I was only hearing what I'd wanted to hear. Heck, who wouldn't think they would be moving for better desserts? I'm sure it is a common mistake.

All I can say is that the boss man had better be planning on getting my walk in very early in the day from now on because I don't care much for Spring Flambé!

Diary Pick of the Day!

This morning I was so proud to see that the whole world would be tuning in to see what clever thing I had to say because my diary was chosen as a Pick of the Day! I immediately thought I should log in to write something clever. Something worthy of the honor but then (cue dramatic reverb) Writer's Block hit. I began to think that I don't have anything worthy of the recognition to write about. Oh the pressure! Would my friends understand? Would those visiting my page for the first time think that the homage was wasted on a Wild Haired Terrier named Spring?

Then I thought perhaps I was working myself up over nothing and that my energies would be better spent getting the boss man to feed me a biscuit. After all, I'm special today and I deserve one!

Thanks for the honor HQ!!!

A Model's Work is Never Done

Work, work, work. That boss man is a slave driver.

He is working on a photo project where he wants to capture animals in motion. Of course I feel like it is my duty as a loving, respectful dog to help him out so I agreed to pose for him last night. I didn't really know what I was getting into when he plucked me from my comfy spot on the couch but before long he was throwing cookies past my head. If not for my lighting fast reflexes I probably wouldn't have gotten a single bite to eat. I'm all for supporting the arts and all but next time he needs my help I think I'll suggest that he use the soft treats just in case.

Tag! I'm it!

Valentine tagged that is. My pals Midnight Star and Nelly both tagged me. I'm just so darn lovable I guess. Anyhoo, the rules state that I have to list five things I wish for and tag five more pups. Kind of a pyramid thing. Here goes...

1) Supper (come on boss ma'am, you can spot me 11 minutes)
2) To be dry again (bath day and now I'm super sweet smelling)
3) A huge yard to run and chase in at my new house in Washington (or maybe I should just start with a house to live in)
4) That the Richland area has loads of good ice cream stands to choose from
5) That Spring will hurry up and arrive.

So now for the tagged:

1) Dakota http://www.dogster.com/dogs/718552/
2) Mr. Bo Jangles http://www.dogster.com/dogs/718551/
3) Martino http://www.dogster.com/dogs/718548/
4) Henry Bacon http://www.dogster.com/dogs/718545/
5) Copper http://www.dogster.com/dogs/718544/

Happy Day!

She's Back!

Thank goodness, my boss ma'am was returned to me.

I'd gotten word that she was going to be returned to me at some place mysteriously designated LEX last night around 8:30. I think that was a code of some sort. Anyhow I wasn't really sure what that meant but apparently the boss man and Maebe did so I was locked up while they went to secure her return.

I had argued that I should go too and maybe even Lyle as backup in case things "went bad" but the boss man assured me that a small team could go places more discretely giving the mission a better chance of success. I don't know why he took Maebe, she's not scrappy enough to do any real good but the mission was a success none-the-less. I'm happy to report that the boss ma'am was returned safely to me and that she was feeding me pizza scraps by 9:00.

A happy ending for all.

Boss Ma'am Sighting

Good news on the boss ma'am front. Lyle got word from Midnight Star that the boss ma'am was recently spotted by his cousin Sergei's Mom apparently alive and well in Portland, Oregon. I still haven't heard anything from the alleged boss ma'am-nappers but my friend Nelly has pledged a golden bone for her ransom should the ma'am-nappers make their demands known. I will, of course, keep you updated on the progress of this investigation...

BOLO Boss Ma'am

I think something is wrong. I haven't seen the boss ma'am for seven meals now. Normally she is only gone for one or two meals at the most. I almost forget to remember that I'm hungry. And that I like a bit of chicken jerky in the morning. But lately it is like my internal clock is all screwed up. I can't remember when I'm supposed to be hungry.

I think that the boss man realizes she is missing too. He seems to be spending a lot of time on the phone lately. I can only assume that he is talking to the authorities working to get her back home. I haven't heard of any ransom demands but I'd be willing to put up some of my chicken as collateral if it would help get her home.

So please, be on the lookout for my boss ma'am. In addition to boss ma'am, she has been known to answer to the name Robin. Last seen, she was wearing a black suit, a pink blouse and a black leather jacket.

Oh the Shame

The boss man has been spending a LOT of time in the basement lately making it dusty and smell bad. He said that the drywall and paint would make it look better and brighter but I didn't care as long as it kept me from posing with those hats that Skye so cunningly shipped off to me, Lyle and Maebe. She claims to be a Catahoula mix and after a sly move like that, I have to guess she is part fox too. Clever girl.

So anyway, I had to guess that it would all come to an end eventually. Yesterday was the day that he started putting his studio back together. Oh the horror! Poor Mr. Loo took the brunt of the torture but I guess it only stands to reason since he is as big as me and Maebe combined. Maebe barely pulled her share of the weight. We can all only hope that his semester starts soon and that he goes back to playing with humane society animals!

Click here to see the evidence but I warn you, it isn't pretty!

Tagged!

I was tagged by Abby! I am going to tell you 5 Valentine wishes, and then tag 5 friends with a p-mail or rosette. They will then write a diary entry and tag 5 friends with a pmail or rosette, and so on and so on...

I'm a simple dog, with simple needs. These shouldn't really come as a surprise to anyone:

1) Chicken jerky more than once a day (once an hour would be more like it)
2) Dog biscuits just for the heck of it instead of when the bosses are going to leave me
3) A doggy door - just thinking of all those juicy squirrels and woodchucks makes me hungry
4) A higher metabolism so that the bosses would feed me more
5) Midnight snacks - I've heard so much about them but have yet to indulge.

I will then tag:

1) Gem Fluffy O'Rourke http://www.dogster.com/dogs/322124
2) Sergei http://www.dogster.com/dogs/204094
3) Tim http://www.dogster.com/dogs/199014
4) Dottie Mae http://www.dogster.com/dogs/261421
5) The Brew City Pitties http://www.dogster.com/dogs/636855

A time for receiving

Or was that a time for giving? Hmm, maybe it was the latter. I recently heard that there is actual scientific evidence to suggest that it really is better to give than to receive. Or at least for our mental health. But then again, that study might only have related to people and not dogs.Who needs reindeer anyway?

So here it is, Christmas Eve, my second one with my pack. As I reflect back on the year I have to say it was a good one. I am a very lucky dog to have such a great pack and such wonderful friends. I received so many gifts, I am a lucky girl indeed. Thank you all so much for your continued friendship and for your generosity.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and that 2008 is your best year yet!

Spring

Fame!

I'm going to live forever...

Okay, so I probably barked about how I was a featured glamour shot in the Woodford Humane Society calendar. Well, on Wednesday, out of all of the dogs in the calendar, they asked me to be on the news to promote it. They didn't say, but I think they chose me because of my ravishing beauty. Plus, having been through not one, but two levels of obedience, I'm sure they thought that I'd make a good impression. I was of course brilliant. Plus the boss man had loads of treats so I got to eat a lot too. I haven't checked but I expect that they had a huge ratings spike during my segment. If you haven't picked up your copy of the calendar yet, you can buy it online at their website.

I hope all of you American pups had a great Thanksgiving!

Spring's Joy

Holey Moley! I've had the most amazing week and a half or so.

It all started back on Saturday (Oct 20) when the boss ma'am had the idea to take us on a Bakery Walking tour. I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

So then another week passes and we pack up and leave to meet Kiko & Josie and their bosses. It was super fun. They made a picnic lunch for us, we walked and they sent us with gift bags. It was wonderful. Again, I'll let the pictures tell the story.


Kiko & Josie's boss ma'am put them and more together for us to enjoy at:

1
2
3

Then, after even more driving, we got to Hilton Head Island. It was late, supper didn't happen until 10:00 pm. It was horrible. Then it was bed time.

The next day the bosses took us to the beach. Turns out the ocean is super fun. We've been doing so much walking and eating. Meeting of friends. I never want vacation to end. Here is one last set of photos for you to enjoy.


I can't wait to get back out there!

Spring

Pay Back

It is everything I ever thought it would be. I so deserve this.

The Spoiled One

They say a picture is worth a thousand woofs.


Enough said.

Opal Understands Too

Thank you Opal for your sage advice:

Please Dear Spring
Don't look so sad..
Are things at home
Realy that bad?
A comfy bed,
Some food to eat...
I bet you even get a treat!
But I got a secret full of style
( But you better not tell that silly Lyle)
When everyone is fast asleep
Bark like mad and jump and leap!!
Everyone will jump and shout
To find the commotion you howl about...
When they find out that nothings amiss
Everything is full of bliss
No evidence of trouble, not a single shred..
You'll be fast asleep, tucked in their bed!!!!

The Bosses Must Be Crazy!

It all started about a little over a week ago. The boss ma'am is going though a bit of a rough stretch at work as one of her friends resigned. Granted, she has loads of other friends there but she was worried that he might be the first of many. Anyway, a week ago Saturday, the bosses thought that maybe they should foster a dog while she was off for a week to help get her mind off work related things. And of course, the boss man's volunteering at the Woodford Humane Society meant that he knew just the dog. Well, he calls to find out that she already was in a foster to adopt program so disaster averted. Or so I thought.

Fast forward to Wednesday and the boss ma'am is still upset about work and is in fact looking for a new job. Maybe seriously, maybe not. Only time will tell. But then she says that she wants to go to the humane society to "take her mind off it all" so the boss man loads up the truck and they head to Versailles.

Turns out, Rasha had already been returned so the boss man introduces her to the boss ma'am and they decide to foster her. Now, in all fairness, the humane society is busting at the seams with animals these days and with the heat wave that we've been having, the really do need the help so I was okay with it in theory. They arrived home and took us for a walk together (the boss ma'am's answer to all dog introductions) and we were set.

I knew right from the start that things were not going well. Lyle and I told her (in any of the four or five different names that the bosses have been trying out) that the bosses were the figure heads of the pack and that we referred to them as the boss man and boss ma'am. (Naturally I took her aside and told her that I was the official head of the pack.) Well, she didn't seem to fully grasp the concept because the little brownnoser starts off right away calling the boss ma'am my lady. What sort of rubbish is that? They are not royalty for barking out loud!

Well, the brownnosing didn't improve. Turns out she doesn't know how to walk on a leash properly. She thinks that a dogs place is slightly behind the person walking rather than pulling the human along. Also, she seems to think that it is wise for the bosses to go out the door first. Well, let's just say that with that kind of attitude I never would have caught that bunny this week! (The highlight of the week.)

Thursday wasn't a complete bust at least. The bosses wanted to go for a long drive on Friday and wanted to know how we'd all get along in the car together. Naturally that meant a trip to Brusters. Sadly, where Lyle and I used to get our own doggie sundaes, the bosses were worried that petite little (I think at the time) Dixie couldn't finish one so we had to split two among three dogs. Still, mmm ice cream. Then later that night the bunny thing (all hail the victorious hunter Spring!)

Friday was not quite as good. See, I have a snuggle sack in the basement next to the bosses exercise equipment where I supervise their workouts. Miele was already starting to take over as the top dog in her quiet but very assuming way. Still, I ran right to my snuggle sack and settled in for the next hour. Miele spent the next half hour or so exploring the basement then, having had enough, KICKED ME OUT OF MY SNUGGLE SACK! No teeth. No growls. She just moved right in. I was so shocked. I couldn't believe that I had to finish out the hour laying on the cool hard concrete floor.

After that, we loaded up the truck and headed to Ashland, Kentucky to scout out the area. Miele started out in the boss ma'am's lap and even though she is a snuggling suck up, she didn't like it there so we traded spots. Riding in the boss ma'am's lap is really the only way to ride (since the boss man's lap is strictly off limits for all dogs). Lyle was in the back, jealous as heck. For the hour and a half, he kept poking his head up and asking if he could be a front seat whigle. Eventually he gave up. But then he started with the "Are we there yet?" questions. Let me tell you, he is nothing if not persistent. When we finally arrived in Ashland and slowed down to city speeds, he saw a park and started screaming "We're here!" and we probably would have gotten out for a little wander if not for the No Dogs Allowed postings. Spooty park! It probably wasn't any good anyway.

Well, we didn't get out in Ashland or Ironton, OH for that matter either. Huntington, WV was another story. And, oh, what a story it was. Turns out, they have this park that runs along the Ohio River and that there are hundreds of ducks that live on the river. I'd never met a duck before but it turns out that I LOVE DUCKS! Holey moley, do I love ducks. I jumped in right after them and swam as far as my little leash would allow. The bosses thought Lyle would like ducks (and he did) but they never would have guessed that I'd turn out to be such a swimmer. I think if they would have brought the 16 foot stretchy leash instead of the 6 foot one I would have caught one.

Anyway, back to the interloper. By now Lyle and I were helping to come up with names for her. We came up with helpful suggestions like Extra, Other, Unnecessary and Lyle's personal favorite, Upgrade (hardy har har). So anyway, even though Mia was just a Foster Dog without a real name, she's managed to wind the boss ma'am very tightly around her dew claw. As an example, on Thursday morning already, we were taking our morning walk when a neighbor lady exclaims how cute we were. Well, the boss ma'am says thank you and keeps walking. The boss man (this is why I love him) says that Rasha was a Foster Dog from the Woodford Humane Society and that if she is interested, she can read about her on their website. The neighbor lady was delighted. The boss ma'am was grumpy and asked the boss what the heck he was thinking telling the "crazy neighbor lady" that Rasha was available for adoption. Worse yet, for the last two nights, Sweet Pea has been making these "cutesy" whines about an hour after bedtime. Even though I've been working them for almost a year now, I've yet to receive bed privileges. This morning the boss ma'am confided in the boss that if he hadn't said no, she would have invited the little stinker up! Can you believe that nonsense? I've been hearing for a year now how Little Bit only earned bed privileges after years of good behavior and now this dog without a Real Name almost scored a spot (on the new mattress I might add) after only a few nights!

So is Sweet Pea a Foster Dog? My bet is that it will only last until the boss man's next visit to the Woodford Humane Society. After that, I'm afraid Lyle and I will be stuck with her. Still, I know the boss man loves me because he took me for some special Spring time last night for a ride in the car.

Wish me luck!

Flecken Understands

Thanks to Flecken for writing such a brilliant poem about me.

Spring, you have my sympathy.
I'm really glad that you're not me.
Or rather, glad that I'm not you,
with all the things your bosses do
to make you crazy and upset.
I'm amazed you haven't taught them yet
to not be doing such mean things
to a dog as cute as Spring....
like wrapping things around your nose
and always poking at your toes
and putting you inside that crate...
which are all things I know you hate.
And letting Lyle get in your pool
Is really just so mean and cruel.
You put up with so much, I know.
And never let your anger show.
Some lesser dogs would snap and bite
But not you, Spring, 'cause it's not right
to bite the hand from which you eat,
even when it pokes your feet!
But still, you need to set them straight...
no more poking, no more crate,
no more things wrapped 'round your snout;
it's not too hard to figure out
that these are things that you don't like
and doing them just isn't right.
Yet still you love the bosses, Spring.
Even when they do those things.
You're always patient, always sweet....
I know you make their lives complete.
I hope they know how great you are
(much better than the Loo by far!)

Set Spring Free!

Oh my word! What’s that sound?
Banging, crashing, all around
It’s louder than a banshee’s wail
With gnashing teeth and a frazzled tail
Cover your ears
Hide your head
It makes enough racket to wake the dead
No bars can contain this howling thing
Putting the “grouch” in Groucho
That’s our Spring!

Angus the Warrior wrote this for me. I guess he's heard how much I hate my crate. You can see for yourself in my new video. Don't you think my message is clear? Set Spring free!

Not DOD

So Lyle's been pestering me for two days now. He says that he is certain that he saw that I was the Dog of the Day. He said that it had to be me because, while he hadn't seen that particular photo of me before, he said it was my spitting image. Well, after a bit of a tussle where I had to rough him up for spitting at me, I come to realize that it was my doppelganger Monkey who was the actual Dog of the Day. I think they couldn't have chosen a more beautiful dog for the honor (without actually choosing me ;-) ).

Congrats Monkey. I hope you had a fantabulous day!

Paradise Lost

Day is done,
gone the sun,
from the lakes
from the hills
from the sky,
all is well,
safely, rest,
God is near.

Fading light,
Dims the sight,
And a star
gems the sky
Gleaming bright,
From afar,
Drawing, near,
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun
Neath the stars
Neath the sky,
As we go,
This, we, know,
God is near.

Okay, so I might be a little over dramatic, but you have to understand how I loved that toy. It's melodious squeak resonated with my soul. It wasn't my whole life, but it made my life whole.

In retrospect, I think Lyle was looking to settle a score with me. Up until last night he hadn't shown even the smallest interest in my beloved Wacky Cat. I squeaked, he barked out the window. I chased, he got out of my way.

But something got into him last night. Call it the devil if you will, but he was heck bent on destruction. It was bad enough that he turned Mr. Sizzle into Mr. Fizzle, I mean, that was his own toy after all. But Wacky Cat was mine. I loved Wacky Cat and Wacky Cat loved me. The way she fit into my mouth was like she was made specially for me.

He attacked it with such vigor. His mouth moved faster than the eye could see. Personally, I think he was just trying to create as much destruction as his whigle mouth could before getting in trouble.

But where there is loss, there is new hope. For today the bosses ordered another Wacky Cat. In five to seven business days perhaps I'll know happiness again. And you can be darn sure that I'll never take her for granted again.

Tagged

My pal Morgan tagged me yesterday. I was so flattered. See this was a tag of love and it is the latest craze here on Dogster. In case you haven't heard about it here are the rules:

Pick 3 dogsters you think are really pawriffic and paw a little about why! Let them know how much they are loved with a rosette or by paw mail!

So, not wanting to let my pal down, here are the three pals that I have tagged:

Skye - She is my good catahoula pal from Northern OH. She has been friends of my pack for longer than I have! In additional to all of the love and support that she's shared over the past few years to my pack and more recently me, her Mom even embroidered my likeness.

Basil - He is my good beagle friend from Northern OH. He is another pup that has been pals with my pack for longer than I have been around and he was one of the first dogs to welcome me when I joined my pack. Oh, and that likeness that Skye's Mom embroidered of me, well Basil's Mom designed it.

Samantha, Sinty and Comu. Okay, not one dog at all but how could I choose just one of these amazing Romanian pals? These dogs are great pals for so many reasons not the least of which that they always keep me up to date on the birthdays and anniversaries of all of my Dogster pals.

Springnip

The following is a public service announcement and may not be suitable for puppies. Parental discretion is advised.

Today I'm here to warn you against the dangers of addiction. My name is Spring and I'm addicted to Wacky Cat.

It all started innocently enough when some friends sent me this intriguing new toy. Being gifted with names, I immediately decided to call my new toy Wacky Cat.

So then I gave it my first squeak and it was love at first bite. It had the most alluring and melodious squeak that I've ever heard.

Then I convinced my bosses to throw it and it had the most amazing unpredictable bounce I've ever seen. It was like magic. It was even more fun than chasing squirrels. I can only believe that that the squeak was better too as I slowly chewed on its delightfully large head.

But then I knew that I was passing the point of no return. I knew right then that if I didn't put it down I'd never be able to leave it alone again. What's more, I didn't care. I love my Wacky Cat. And Wacky Cat loves me.

Maybe it isn't so awful loving something with all of your heart. Maybe it isn't so bad never wanting another toy in my toy box as long as I have Wacky Cat.

Yes my friends, I am a Wacky Cat addict. I've even been working on a little song...

My boss ma'am told me
Spring to be polite
Put your cat down
When you walk outside
But the winds of change
They blow this way
You can't set your cat down just anywhere
So if it's Lyle you want
I don't care about that
You can have my dog
But don't touch my cat!

Spring Water

As I'm sure you all know, the bosses love me best. They noticed that I was getting really hot after my dog walks and thought I'd like a pool. Now having noticed that I have a certain fondness for wallowing in shallow puddles on hot days, it would seem that they thought I'd naturally enjoy laying in a shallow pool of water when I'm hot. Of course, they were right but that didn't stop them from "introducing me to the pool" when it was empty. As you can imagine, an empty pool sitting in the family room isn't really fun. In fact, it is kind of like obedience training. I can sit and stay with the best of them and I didn't see that being inside of the pool was any different.

So then they decided it was time to try it out for real. I had just come back from a nice walk and boy, was I hot. The boss man filled the pool with a couple of inches of water and it was great! It got my hot belly wet and I cooled down in a hurry. Well, at least as fast as I could given that it was hot outside.

Then the trouble started. As you might imagine, Lyle saw me enjoying myself and thought that he should naturally have access to anything that I have. I really should have foreseen this development but Lyle got right in there with me. Now, one of the great things about my pool is that when I get thirsty, I just lower my head an inch or two and drink away. Spring tea is very enjoyable. Lyle tea is not. I'm not sure exactly what to do about this new development.

Well, it's walk time so I've got to run. Have a great day!

Spring

Spring Water

As I'm sure you all know, the bosses love me best. They noticed that I was getting really hot after my dog walks and thought I'd like a pool. Now having noticed that I have a certain fondness for wallowing in shallow puddles on hot days, it would seem that they thought I'd naturally enjoy laying in a shallow pool of water when I'm hot. Of course, they were right but that didn't stop them from "introducing me to the pool" when it was empty. As you can imagine, an empty pool sitting in the family room isn't really fun. In fact, it is kind of like obedience training. I can sit and stay with the best of them and I didn't see that being inside of the pool was any different.

So then they decided it was time to try it out for real. I had just come back from a nice walk and boy, was I hot. The boss man filled the pool with a couple of inches of water and it was great! It got my hot belly wet and I cooled down in a hurry. Well, at least as fast as I could given that it was hot outside.

Then the trouble started. As you might imagine, Lyle saw me enjoying myself and thought that he should naturally have access to anything that I have. I really should have foreseen this development but Lyle got right in there with me. Now, one of the great things about my pool is that when I get thirsty, I just lower my head an inch or two and drink away. Spring tea is very enjoyable. Lyle tea is not. I'm not sure exactly what to do about this new development.

Well, it's walk time so I've got to run. Have a great day!

Spring

I'm it...

Okay, so I've been tagged. I think that means the I'm supercool and that other dogs want to learn more about me.

These are the good dogs that tagged me:

1) Comu
2) Mamie
3) Sadie
4) Sadie Lee
5) Cricket
6) Tinker Bell
7) RXN, Pilot
8) Hailey

In case, you haven't read about the game, here are the rules:

THE RULES
Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. Dogs who are tagged need to write about themselves (the seven random facts) as well as the rules in their diary. You need to select seven dogs to tag and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment (via p-mail) telling them that they've been tagged and that they need to read your diary for more information.

So, without further ado, seven super secret fun facts of Spring.

1) I rise with the sun. The bosses don't mind this during the week as they have to get up early anyway, but it makes them a little cranky during the weekend. Conversely, don't even try to talk to me after 8:00 pm - I'll be cranky and will as likely as not, growl at you.
2) I love to be near the action. Don't even think about excluding me!
3) I have my boss ma'am well trained to feed me my morning chicken jerky just as soon as she finishes sharing her breakfast with me.
4) While I'm almost always HUNGRY, I'm actually a little snobbish when it comes to the food I'm offered.
5) Like a beautiful spring flower, I wilt when it gets too warm. Anything over about 72 and I start begging that the bosses turn on the AC.
6) While I sometimes beg to differ, it is apparently very soothing to "hand strip" my coat.
7) I have a crazy toe.

So there it is. All that you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask about Spring.

So then, the super fun dogs (listed in no particular order) that I am going to tag are:

1) Josie
2) A Speck of Stewart
3) Lucy
4) Abby
5) MacKenzie
6) Boomer
7) Sterling

Spring Ahead

Last was was such an amazing week that I'm just now recovered enough to write about it. It was a week of bests and specifically besting a certain other dog. It all started on Monday. I've been busy patrolling the back yard while the bosses do some (much needed) yard work. As a bit of background, while they were out the previous weekend weeding, I figured out how those spooty chipmunks were escaping the yard so I've been paying extra attention to that particular part of the fence. Anyhoo, I was just released to the back yard and I flushed out a woodchuck. And I got him. Not once, but twice. Being the sporting dog that I am, I believe in the catch and release program so it'll be around to catch another day. As far as I know, Lyle's only ever gotten his mouth on a woodchuck once.

Then, after a day's worth of gloating, it was time for the level 2 obedience graduation. Now, in all fairness, I think that the instructor was a bit biased towards my stunning good looks and my winning personality. And, admittedly, Lyle did a pretty good job. But he won't be progressing to level 3 with us good dogs. No, he was invited back to level 2 for another go around. The instructor said not to feel bad. That many dogs repeat level 2. But we all know the truth. I'm just better behaved than Lyle.

Of course, following class, we went for the traditional celebratory doggy sundae at Bruster's Ice Cream. It was too late for pizza by then but we made up for it the next night. Mmm, ice cream. Mmm, Papa Murphy's pizza.

Well, Wednesday is the next big road trip. I'm heading to America's Dairyland for some cheese curds. Mmm, curds.

Have a super duper night!

Spring

Spring Fest

As you may have heard, there is a movement that What Happens in Gatlinburg, Stays in Gatlinburg. Well, I didn't really see anything there that I couldn't talk about so let me tell you about my trip.

First off, it seems that even though this was a last minute trip, someone gave the nice folks of Gatlinburg a heads up that I was coming and that it was my first visit because they had posted Spring Fest signs in my honor. It was really cool, they were on just about every telephone pole and light pole in the down town area. So to all that worked so hard in my honor, thank you.

So after a longish ride in the truck, we arrive at what I thought was our destination and I was excited. Turns out it was just the rental office and we had another five minutes or so to get to the cabin. Well, we went inside and Lyle notices the windows are dirty so he compels the boss man to wash them. The boss man didn't appreciate the help. Neither did the boss ma'am. Anyhoo, windows washed, luggage unpacked and crates set up (no really, couldn't they have forgotten those?) and it was time to check things out. Turns out that pet friendly means dirty carpet. Lyle and I had a great time checking things (messages left for us by other dogs) out while the boss man followed with some cleaner. It was a nice enough place and we settled in to the comfy couch. Before long, the bosses had the nerve to leave me and Lyle behind to go eat a tasty meal (or so they said) without us. Finally they came back and brought some ice cream. Mmm, Mayfield's Dairy Ice Cream! I'd heard about it and it was every bit as delicious as I'd heard it was.

So the next morning rolls around and since the cabin didn't come with any alarm clocks, I figured the job was up to me. I woke them up at 7:00 and after a short breakfast, the fun began. We loaded up the truck and headed to the famous Gatlinburg Trail. There is so much to sniff. So much to see. So many holes to investigate. Afterwards, we continued our walk down the main drag and smelled things like freshly fried corndogs. And we bought some Mountain Taffy. Mmm, taffy. It was delicious! I just wish I could have bought one of those wonderful smelling corndogs too.

The rest of the trip went by in a blur. After our hike I was exhausted and hardly even noticed that the bosses left to go for another hike without me. The next day was much of the same. Turns out that there are actually real bears in the Smoky Mountains and not just those wood carved ones everywhere you turn. The bosses say that they were hiking on Friday and found one about 50 yards off of the trail. They said he seemed big but very unconcerned with their presence so they just kept going. Figured if he wanted to say hi it would only take a second or two to catch up either direction and since he didn't care about them, that they might as well see the waterfalls that they had already hiked 3.5 miles to see.

Well, I've barked long enough. If you want to see some photos from my journey, check them out here. Have a great day!

Spring

A Beautiful Spring Day

So today I was reminded why I love my pack. Sure, I could go on and on about all of the little reasons but to keep it short and sweet, they buy me cake.
Banana pecan cake with cream cheese frosting surrounded by biscuits, specifically.

And, naturally, as a dog, I love cake, hence, I love my pack.

So, as I've been telling everyone who will listen, today is the celebration of my birthday. And what a day it has been.

First, the boss ma'am worked late into the night yesterday just so she could have the day off to spend with me today. Of course, having had her up late last night did have its drawbacks. For instance, as I was sitting on her lap at breakfast (what - where else would I sit?), she spilled milk on my neck. It was cold and left a sticky spot, but hey, I'm not one to cry over spilt milk.

Then we waited until the morning fog lifted until it was a beautiful 65 degree sunny day (on its way to 75!) before we went for a lovely walk. I sniffed the sniffs. Barked the barks. You know, the usual. But today the flowers opened up for me as their way of saying happy birthday (since they of course, can't say it or write it out for me).

Then the lone cloud in my otherwise beautiful day, they locked me up while they went running. It might just have been the longest 80 minutes of my life!

But then they were home again and all was well. We spent some time in the back yard before going to the For the Love of Dogs Bakery to pick out my birthday cake. Again, mmm, banana pecan cake with cream cheese frosting. By then it was dinner time so we went to Qdoba where the bosses enjoyed their burritos on the patio so they could share with me and Lyle. What more could a dog ask for?

I am one lucky dog.

Happy Spring!

Spring Formal

So yesterday was my big day - I passed my level one obedience exam. I know, I know, you thought I could do it all along. Well, honestly I didn't have much doubt either. The bosses tell me that I've made great progress over the nine weeks and that they are very proud of me. Oh, and they are so impressed with the progress that they signed Lyle and me both up for level two. I think after that class we will be able to test for the canine good citizen certification. Class starts on March 27 so I'll let you know how it goes.

Of course the excitement didn't stop there. After graduation the bosses took me to Bruster's Ice Cream for a celebratory doggie sundae. Mmm, ice cream. I couldn't have asked for a better end.

Spring Fashions

First, I want to apologize to you all for not wishing you all a happy Martisor Day back on March 1. I had every intention of writing but I just didn't have the energy. Sorry, a model's life can be a hectic one but that is really no excuse. I hope you all had a wonderful one.

Of course, Martisor Day corresponded with my glamour photography session and it followed a very late night (3:00 am) and was preceded by a very early morning (6:00 am). Anyhoo, Lyle and I got up and took our early morning walk since it was supposed to rain all day and it was a good walk. Then the boss man went for some DoughDaddy's doughnuts (which he sadly almost never does) so I had a proper model's breakfast.

After a little nap, we loaded up the truck and headed to Midway, Kentucky for my appointment where I was brilliant. No really. It took all of about 20 minutes of me "working it" to get a nice series of photographs to choose from. Of course, with my Spring Training and all the practice that I get at home I knew I'd be a star. And of course I was rewarded with lots of loving and treats.

After that I got to go with the bosses on their errands (including to Papa Murphy's - mmm, pizza). All and all a good day.

Well that's about it for me today. I've got to get to work planning for the boss ma'am's big day on Thursday. I was thinking we could celebrate with chicken jerky. Maybe a peanut butter flavored cake.

Have a great day.

Spring

Spring Bling

Well all I can say is it is about time. I mean a looker like me (even if I do say so myself) deserves some pretty bling to accessorize with.

Every girl needs a little sparkle

So of course you know that up till recently I had no life, which is to say that I didn't have a forever home. Of course I thought I did for the first three or four years but, well, you know how I ended up - in the pound.

Anyway, here it was, a beautiful May morning and this photographer shows up and takes me to his studio. I was so glad to get away from the noise of the shelter that I abruptly fell asleep for my shoot. I really couldn't be blamed. A week or so passes and every time the photographer comes to the shelter I keep telling him (and his lady friend when she comes with him) that I am their new dog but he heard nothing of it. Well along came Ms. Wrong and she takes me home. I made it clear to her that we didn't belong together and she brought me back to the shelter in September. Well, long story short, I worked the photographer and his lady friend (wife actually) hard over the next few weeks and the rest, as they say, is history. They became my new bosses.

So naturally I assumed that I'd be lavished with all of the best treats, spot on the bed, beautiful jewelry, etc. Well I was wrong. Meatloaf sang that two out of three ain't bad but I wasn't so lucky. Sure, the treats were good but that coveted spot on the bed continues to elude me and well, until today I didn't have anything to wear that could do justice to my natural beauty.

Well, to make a short story long (which is how I fear this is going), it turns out that the good folks at the Woodford Humane Society thought my story was a good one and that I should be one of the featured glamour shots for the 2008 calendar. And of course, since I'm going to have a glamour shot, I naturally needed some jewelry so the boss man finally took me shopping today to get some. It is of course, nothing less than I deserve and I'm sure all of the other dogs (and cats) will be jealous. Anyway, my big shoot is scheduled for March 1st. I'll let you know how it goes.

Have a great weekend!

Spring

Spring Cleaning

Sorry, I know I'm on a roll with bad puns but I just can't help myself.

I might have also used She who laughs last, laughs best but it didn't have the same ring to it.

Anyway, after taking what was probably the best walk I've had in over two weeks (it was the first time the mercury topped 32F in a long, long time), the boss man plunks me into the bath tub. Seems I had an itchy spot on my tail and for some sad, strange reason, his solution to itchy is to give a bath. So anyway, you might have heard Lyle complaining about how this tar baby shampoo has to stay on for a while before it can get washed off. Well, as you can imagine, there I was sitting, shivering away in the tub when the boss man decides to take a few pictures. He rationalized it by saying that I just had to sit there anyway so he might as well amuse himself.

After an eternity, the bath was over and the day went on as usual. Lyle was pretty nervous for a while but after an hour or so he let his guard down thinking all was clear. Well imagine my delight when six hours or so later he landed in the tubby! Ha! No pictures though. Oh well.

Spring

Spring Break

So Spring Training has been progressing and I've yet to teach the bosses any new tricks. Oh, I can lead them around when I put on the special collar and say heel but I really don't see the benefit. They never stop in front of the refrigerator and give me pizza when I tell them too so I'm not sure we are really seeing much benefit.

So anyway, this week was Spring Break so we didn't have to go to classes. The instructors called it a Snow Day but I know better. They were just as tired of going out in the brutal cold on Tuesday evenings for lessons and wanted to head south for a week filled with beach parties and volleyball. Somehow the bosses didn't take the hint though and we are still "enjoying" the 13 degree weather here in Central Kentucky.

As we all know, Valentine's day is just around the corner and naturally that leads a dog to think of food (well what doesn't) and of course, Necco's Sweetheart Conversation Hearts. Have you all seen the new "Sentiments"? They are: My Pet, Bear Hug, Go Fish, Love Bird, Take A Walk, PurrFect, Cool Cat, Top Dog, Puppy Love and URA Tiger. I just have to say I dig the new animal theme.

Spring

Spring Training

Well, Spring training started this week and I don't know that I'm fully on board.

When I signed on to this franchise I was under the impression that the bosses were looking for a spirited, free thinking dog. Lyle told me that he's had no formal education. And the stories that I've heard about Little Bit, well, let's just say that she has my utmost respect.

So anyway, just as I start to think that I've got the bosses wrapped around my dewclaw, Spring training begins and as far as I can tell, it is just a grab for dominance. The first week doesn't even call for any treats but consisted of teaching to bosses to compel me to sit, stand, lay down and heel. Next week promises to be better because they are supposed to bring my favorite treat to reward me. All I can say is that all of those other dogs (and there are a lot) are sure going to be jealous when the bosses whip out those Butter Burgers! The only problem is that the floor might get a little slick from all of the drool.

One week down (almost), seven to go. I just hope they don't get any bright ideas about making me into a Canine Good Citizen. To borrow from one of my favorite musicians, "If I were the dog that they wanted, I would not be the dog that I am."

(With my apologies to Lyle Lovett)

Merry Christmas!

I'd like to share a little song my friend Angus wrote for me and Lyle:

You better not howl
You better not bark
You better not drag the bosses
All over the park
Santa Paws is coming to town

He's making a list
Checking everything
Bringing lots of presents
For Lyle and Spring
Santa Paws is coming to town

He sees you when you're digging
He knows if you've been in the trash
He knows if you've been bad or good
And he can't be bought off with cash

Oh! You better not bite
And make each other cry
Or chew the Christmas tree
I'm telling you why
Santa Paws is coming to town!

Happy holidays, everyone!

Angel on my shoulder

Let me tell y'all a little somthing about me.

I don't see any reason to walk if I can run. And why run when I can race? Ain't nobody, not even Lyle, can beat me up the stairs if I put a mind to it.

Which brings me to my story.

I was upstairs, relaxing with my boss man, when I heard the doorbell ring. It's my dogly duty to greet everyone at the door, so I headed down in a hurry. Here's another thing you need to know: my stairs are hardwood, which can be slipperier than a greased pig if you've got little dog feet, which I do. Well, a little misstep sent me tumbling tail-over-teakettle down the last 5 or 6 steps.

I might have ended up at the hospital, or worse. But I didn't. I jumped up to greet the delivery man with only a little scrape on my hock. I'm fine.

The boss man watched the whole thing. He's having a carpet runner installed pronto, he says. He doesn't know how I managed with only a scrape.

I think I know. There's an angel on my shoulder, watching over me.

Well, if I don't get the chance to bark again before Christmas, I hope you all have a grand holiday filled with lots of toys and treats!

Yeehaw - Snow!

Well a big howdy yeehaw to you all.

It snowed last night. Imagine my surprise when the grass was covered with a lovely white blanket. I'm really looking forward to putting on my coat and hitting the trail today. Maybe I'll throw a snowball or two at Lyle while I'm at it.

The boss ma'am, bless her heart, was none too excited. Seems she doesn't care much for the white fluffy. Maybe she will reconsider if we all snuggle up in front of the fire.

Spring

Thieves!

Hey.

Spike here.

The evening was lookin' downright agreeable. The boss folk gave me and the Loo a rawhide. I was a chewin' and I was happy as a fly in a cow pasture. Then Lyle proposed a little trade. See, he is a greedy one and always wants what I've got. It was a good trade though 'cause his was the bigger one. Anyway, I was just a mindin' my business when the boss man picks me up and takes what isn't his. And he throws it away. Shame on him! Doesn't he know there are poor starving dogs in the world (yes, that includes yours truly). Grrr. And he didn't share his pizza either. Double grrr.

So tell me, how's a dog supposed to grow if her vittles keep disapearing?

Howdy

Howdy all y'all.

First off, I wanted to say thanks for making me feel so welcome here in the Dogster community. Y'all know how to make a girl feel special.

Now I know some of you have been fussin' because I haven't yet started my diary so I guess it is high time I got to it. Truth is, I've been a little hesitant to start because Little Bit left such a big collar to fill. How could a little old dog like myself compare to the great Little Bit?

So here it goes. The Rights of Spring. And no, that isn't a typo.

Today I'll holler about the right to eat cream puff swans.

Yesterday the boss folk went to a cooking class where they cooked with chocolate. As part of the class they came home with chocolate cake, chocolate carmel tart, baklava and cream puffs filled with vanilla or chocolate pastry cream make to look like little swans. They tell me that the white chocolate cheesecake will be ready to pick up this afternoon.

Anyhoo, even if you subcribe to the whole chocolate conspiracy thing (which I do not), then that would leave the cream puff swans for me to safely eat. They have been in my cold box for about 12 hours now and I'm still waitin. And let me tell you, waitin is not my strong suit.

Spring