These Are the Days of My Life

Arf!

Some people think that dogs can't see all the colors (I love pink and purple, but whatever). Some people think that dogs can't see 2-dimensional objects (3-D glasses don't really go with my purple collar, so I just watch regular 2-D television, but whatever). Some people even say that dogs live in the moment and don't hold onto things which happened in the past (you can "whisper" that to me all you want, it doesn't change the fact that today is Thursday, but whatever).

We're on vacation at the campground this week. Woohoo, I love vacations...it means that mom doesn't go to that evil place she affectionately refers to as work, and instead focuses all of her attention on me (okay, so maybe Bailey gets a little attention, but whatever). We came up here Tuesday evening after she got home from that work place. The ride up wasn't much fun for me, but then again, it never is. But, once we got up here, I realized how much I would love to live here.

It is sooooo quiet at the campground during the week. There aren't that many people here, so there are way fewer cars and golf carts. This makes for a very happy Sophie Rose.

Tuesday night, I was happy-go-lucky, bouncing all over the place, wagging my tail and barking a happy bark. Yesterday, Wednesday, happy, happy, happy...Then, Thursday happened...

At home, Thursdays are not a good day for me. It is garbage day. These strange men show up, with a very large, loud truck and steal the stuff that has been left on the curb. This does not make me happy. They don't usually show up until about 8 am, but I start my worrying as soon as I get up...every Thursday. We generally get up at about 5:30 am. That gives me a good 2-1/2 hour time period to build up a good head of worry.

Today is Thursday. The same people who say that dogs can't see all of the colors, can't see 2 dimensional objects and don't hold onto the past, would probably say that dogs don't know the days of the week. I'd say that this is total poopy! I KNOW what day it is!

We got up this morning at the crack of 9:30 am. Mom took me and Bailey outside and put us on our tethers (no fences + a leash rule = us on a tether). Bailey decided that it was such a beautiful day, he'd like to sit in the sun. For my part, I did my business and rushed back to the door! It was still pretty quiet at the campground, but it's quiet at home, too, until the garbage trucks show up. I stood at the door, shaking, begging mom to let me in (she was sitting outside with us). Mom let me in, and I ran to the bedroom with my tail tucked between my legs.
Mom couldn't figure it out, at first. Today didn't seem any different from yesterday. In fact, it's a nicer day outside than it was yesterday. Then, it occurred to her that today is Thursday. Could it be that I knew what day it was? Could it be that I held onto the past and was waiting for the 3-D, green and yellow garbage trucks to roll down our street? Nahhhhhh...I'm just a dog, so that would be impossible!

Sophie "Friday's Child" Rose

MY Vist With the V-e-t

Arf!!

I know, I know, it's been a while since I wrote in my diary, but I'm writing in it now.

Last Saturday, we took a little car trip. As per my usual, I became a quivering, panting mess as soon as mom put me in the backseat. But, unlike my normal reaction to riding in the car, I didn't try to hide on the floor. Instead, I sat in grandma's lap...in the FRONT seat!!! Baby steps. I also spent part of the trip sitting on the backseat (not on the floor), looking out the window. Mom was really proud of me!

Now, for the real reason for this diary entry.

Our little car trip ended with us at the v-e-t's office. After the trauma of riding in the car, I was more than happy to accompany mom into the waiting room. I even let some man pet me! Of course, that's because he was between me and the cat I wanted to sniff, but that's besides the point.

We went in to the treatment room, mom put me on the metal table and the v-e-t began checking me over. She listened to my heart, looked at my ears and lifted up my lip to check my teeth and gums. Mom gave me a little hug, I got a poke. Mom gave me another hug and I got another poke. Nothing to it.

Then, it was Bailey's turn. He kind of freaked out when the v-e-t listened to his heart and wouldn't let her near his face. Then, he tried to take out some poor dog who tried to sniff him while mom was paying the bill. He doesn't have very good manners.

On our way home, I did eventually find my way onto the floor in the backseat, but we were almost home when I hopped down there.

The v-e-t told mom that me and Bailey would probably be a bit loopy the rest of the day from our shots.

I was fine. In fact, mom was wondering if maybe the v-e-t had missed when she was giving me my shots. I was running and playing just as much as I normally do.

Bailey, on the other hand, was milking it for all it was worth. He laid around for two days. Mom had to lift him into the bed, and he cried each time she lifted him. I was like, seriously Bailey, you need to man up! He tries to play all macho, but I know what he's really like...a little, tiny bit of pain and he turns into a puddle of goo. Ugh! Poor baby.

I think I've got the upper paw now. I know what his weakness is. I've just got to get my hands on a lab coat and some needles and Bailey will never mess with me again! BOL!!!

Sophie "The Doctor" Rose

Grandma's Lil' Helper

Arf!!

Grandma and I have a real connection. We stick together. She scratches my tummy, and I let her.

Today was just another fine example of me helping grandma.

Grandma was in a painting mood. She had painted the hallway and decided, since she had the brush and paint in hand, to go ahead and paint the moulding around the front door.

The front door happens to be a hot spot for activity in our house. Me and the boys (Bailey and Bandit) guard the front door to the fullest extent, make no bones about it.

As grandma set her paint pan on the floor, Bailey began barking an alarm at the front window. At that point, I was sitting in the doorway to the living room, watching grandma. Since Bailey had the front window covered, I headed for the front door at Mach speed.

First, I bumped into grandma. She got a little off balance, but was able to stop herself from falling.

Then, I stepped in the pan of paint...the full pan of paint. Then, I stepped in it with another foot and another. I managed to miss stepping in it with my fourth foot, but the sound of the pan scraping on the ceramic tile was enough to send me scurrying for cover.

On my way to safety, I of course managed to not only slosh some paint out of the pan and onto the floor, I also managed to get some on my side and up on my butt.

Remember, if you will, I had stepped in the paint with three of my four paws. It's hard to hide when you leave a trail of wet paint behind you.

Grandma, who was a bit perturbed, to say the least, put me in the wash tub and cleaned off my feet as best as she could, before turning her attention to the floor. The floor in the foyer, the floor in the living room, down the hallway, behind the chair and into the laundry room. I covered a lot of territory before she trapped me.

When mom came home, she thought I had some weird disease because of the white substance on my belly. But, grandma squealed and mom decided I needed a full-bodied bath. Life is so unfair!

This is where it gets a little weird. I am about 90% white. I stepped in white paint. Mom, in her infinite wisdom, chose to bathe me in whitening shampoo (used to keep me and Bailey glowing like the angels we are). What was the point?

Grandma muttered something about me and how if she wants my help she will ask for it.

Sophie "Caught White Pawed" Rose

The Ladies Room

Arf!!

Sometimes, a girl has to do what a girl has to do...

I was hanging in the powder room with grandma the other day. She was applying her make-up, and I was sitting there telling her how pretty she looked and enjoying some much-needed girl-talk while mom was at work.

Just as we were getting into our conversation, Bandit came strolling in.
Although he would make a pretty girl, he is most definitely a boy!

While I welcome his company most of the time (when we are playing in the living room or downstairs), I was not amused at his audacity to come walking in while grandma and I were hanging out. I made sure he knew what I was thinking.

I'm pretty sure he couldn't hear the snapping of my jaws over the beating of his own heart as he flew out of the bathroom with me in hot pursuit.

I didn't hurt him, I just scared him real bad. Obviously not bad enough.

Last night, mom had shut off the light after we had crawled into bed when she heard Bandit crying at the door.

Kids!

Instead of ignoring him and getting on with the important task of stroking my head as she fell asleep, mom climbed out of bed and went to the door.

As she opened the door to let Bandit come in, I flew off the bed to let him know how I felt about this late night disturbance.

Lucky for him, mom was able to whisk him off the floor before I could get to him.

As we got back into bed, I kept giving Bandit these dirty looks. For his part, Bandit just stayed on his pillow, too afraid to even lay down until mom pulled the covers over my head and forced him to relax.

Bandit is almost a year old, it's about time he learned the rules of the house. I'm the boss. What I say goes, end of story.

Sophie "The Boss" Rose

Ladies First!

Arf!!

Something in the Dog Blog made mom think (they really shouldn't do that...she could hurt herself BOL!!!) of something I do every day.

In the evening, when we get fed, mom takes our three dishes, puts the same amount of the same type of food in each dish. She then takes the dishes and sets them down in different locations in the living room, far enough away from each other so there are no disagreements over the food.

As mom sets each dish down, I take a little sample of what's on the menu. She says I'm like Goldilocks from the Three Bears..."this one's too crunchy"..."this one's too brown"..."this one's just right"... After mom gets all three dishes put down, and I have had a taste from each, I decide which dish I'm going to eat from.

During this ritual, Bailey and Bandit sit there and watch, waiting to see which dish I'm going to select, before they pick a bowl and start eating. This is really the only time they actually act like gentlemen. Most of the time Bailey is shoving a toy in my face, while Bandit is pulling my leg or my ears. I think dinnertime is my most favorite time of the day!!

Sophie "Goldilocks" Rose

Who's Afraid to Go Outside???

Arf!!

As you may or may not know, I have a fear of going outside. We have a busy road behind our house and the cars scare me to no end. But, with a little help, I'm starting to overcome my fears.

My mom, grandma and grandpa have been working really hard to get me through this. Some days are better than others, but we are making progress.

Up until about a month ago, I would get really excited when my mom would get home from work. I miss her soooo much when she's gone, so when she comes home, I jump up and down and basically go a little crazy when I see her. In the midst of my excitement, I would run and hide behind the kitchen table, knowing what was coming next...I was going outside. Mom would try everything to get me to come out. Eventually, I would either give up or get tricked into coming out and mom would take me outside to do some business.

Lately, though, I have gotten used to our routine, so that I don't even put up a fight, I just head for the door and wait for her to let me outside. I don't stay out very long, just long enough to take care of business, but that's long enough.

Mom thinks the reason behind my turnaround is that she stands right at the door and lets me in as soon as I want in. I'm still afraid of the cars, but at least I know mom will be there to save me when they drive by.

This may not seem like a big deal to you, but to my mom, grandma and grandpa...this is HUGE!!! Mom was worried I was going to get sick from holding it too long. Grandma and grandpa were getting tired of cleaning up messes when I couldn't hold it.

I don't think I'll ever be one to be playing in the backyard (unless my family builds some huge walls and puts a roof over it), but, you just never know!!

Sophie "Big Stepper" Rose

Happy Turkey Day!!

Arf!!

I'd like to wish all my pals a very Happy Turkey Day! Hope you all fared better than I did.

I was there when grandma rinsed off the big, bald bird in the kitchen sink and when she stuck her hand inside and pulled out the little package of stuff inside. I was there when mom stuffed the big bird and stuck it in the oven. I nearly tripped mom when she was making the yummy looking green beans and I could almost taste the yams as grandma poured them into the pan. I sat on mom's foot as she peeled potatoes. I was also in close proximity to the pies as they were being made, both pumpkin and apple. I almost burned my nose on the oven door when mom put the rolls in the oven.

I was there for everything...well...almost everything.

When everyone gathered around the table and grandpa's friend Rich said a Thanksgiving prayer, guess where I was (along with Bailey and Bandit)???

Oh, I would be downstairs.

No turkey passed my lips. I had no potatoes, no yams, no beans and no rolls. The pies were cut, eaten and put away before I even knew what had happened. Yes my friends, I was treated badly. But, I guess I had it better than the big, bald bird!

Sophie "Un-stuffed" Rose

A Hunting We Will Go

Arf!!

Late last night (11-ish), mom let us out for the last time before going to bed. I think she got more than she bargained for!!

Just as I got into the yard, a car went by, so I got back on the deck. Bandit's wearing a cone, so he doesn't like going down the steps at night. Bailey was in the yard doing whatever it is that Bailey does.

After a couple of minutes, mom gave up and came outside to get me and Bandit to go out into the yard, so what happened next is all her fault.

I heard a noise coming from the side of the deck. As I approached to investigate, I found Bailey, full of intensity, trying to get under the deck. He had something cornered!!!

I flew to the other side of the deck and was met by a rather terrified rabbit coming out from under the deck. He got by me and hit the chicken wire that surrounds our yard. Haha!! I've got you now bunnyboo!!!

Okay, so I didn't have him. He took off through the yard, with me and now Bailey in hot pursuit!!!

Bandit and mom were watching the action from the safety of the deck. Bandit had no clue what was going on. Mom knew what was happening, but was powerless to stop it, so she and Bandit just went inside the house and waited.

Mom's not sure if we got a piece of the rabbit, although she's pretty sure he got away. Oh well, there's always tomorrow!

Sophie "Jaws" Rose

Two's A Crowd, So Butt Out!!!

Arf!!

I was lounging by the fireplace today, enjoying the warmth as it cascaded over me as I lay in my favorite of the three dog beds we have to choose from upstairs (there are two more downstairs). Bailey was resting in the bed next to mine and Bandit was asleep on the couch with grandma. It was a picture of bliss.

That picture was marred when Bailey decided that I looked lonely in my bed. I can understand that. I was all stretched out and comfy, so I must be lonely. My slumber was interrupted when he plopped his big ole butt in my bed and began getting comfortable. This had the opposite effect on me. I was no longer what one would refer to as "comfortable".

When I could see that Bailey had no intention of removing himself from the bed, I made the decision to test drive one of the other beds.

I made myself as comfortable as possible in the bed Bailey had been laying in (before deciding to join me in mine).

Out of the blue, Bailey decided that there was something amiss in the front yard, and ran to the front window to investigate. I was hot on his trail, but after a couple of seconds, I realized how foolish I was being, and raced back to my original Bailey-free bed.

When Bailey was done barking at nothing, he came back to find that, not only was I sleeping in MY bed, but Bandit had claimed the one next to me!!! Okay, so maybe Bandit wasn't even in the bed, he was just using it as a pillow, as the rest of his body was resting on the floor, but Bailey had lost that bed just the same!!! BOL! BOL!

He ended up getting up on the couch with grandma after staring at her, willing her to remove one of us from the prime real estate we were now occupying.

Sophie "The Princess is Smarter Than the Prince" Rose

Time to Take Your Medication, Grandma

Arf!!

I was relaxing after a very rough day of guarding the house, keeping an eye on Bailey and playing with Bandit/laying there while Bandit tugged on my ears. It's all in a day's work for me, so I don't mind.

Grandma was in the recliner, with the ear biter curled up in her lap. I had taken my rightful place on top of the headrest on the recliner. It's squishy, comfy and gives me a bird's eye view of happenings in the house.

I had just begun to really get into relax mode when a little whiff of air happened past my tail.

I know what you're thinking...I'm a lady for Dog's sake, and ladies don't do that sort of thing!!!

I glanced at my tail, everything seemed to be in order, so I went back to relaxing.

A big gush of wind, coming from between grandma's lips, got my attention when it hit my tail.

I flew off the back of the chair, checked on my tail and then glared at grandma, who is obviously having a reaction to the medication she's taking for her shoulder (she had surgery last week). Grandma was laughing hysterically and trying to call me back to the chair.
I was like, there's only one of us that's crazy in this room, grandma, and it's not me and it's not Bandit...you do the math!!! Like I would even consider getting back up on the chair with her!

I got up on the couch across the room, where I could keep an eye on grandma and her windy lips. I think for Christmas this year, I'm going to ask Santa Claws to bring a straight jacket for my grandma.

Sophie "I Didn't Do It" Rose