Another vet visit

This year I went to the vet with McLovin. I have been busy this year going to the park every day almost. I am starting to get a little fat and had to go on a diet. That was the worst! I felt I was starving! Barbie and I were both miserable about the whole thing. She then got me another food other than Origen which is hard because it has to be grain free and no yeast or salmon. I lost a little weight but, have plateaued although I still supposedly look fat. I am also on doggy steroids now because I itch all over and shed like crazy. At least now I can eat Go! or Taste of the wild and we are now both happier about the situation.

I found out that I am basically healthy. Barbie pointed out what she thought was my sun bleached fur on my face since I am out everyday only to find out that I have gone gray. Maybe she coul post a picture. Dr. McDonnel said the way I was standing during exam reminded her of Eyore. I barely moved and only looked with my eyes when I got my needle. I was glad to get out of there and run in the park. Yes, things are looking better as the year progresses.

Biggles

I don't play cribbage, but boy was I skunked!

The last week of fall camping, Barbie, Pebbles and I went to Nutimik Lake and Otter Falls. Beavis couldn't come as he stepped on something and hurt his foot.

Firstly, the trip down wasn't much as Pebs and I slept all the way down. I have to say that it was very windy! We got to the campsite and were staked down as Barbie got dinner ready. Both of us dogs had beef tenderloin that evening. What a great start!

There was another couple in the next site and I was allowed off leash to go swimming! No one else was around. Our site was right next to the water! Barbie pulled out the throwing ball thing and I played fetch getting an orange ball out of the water. Pebbles kept crying until Barbie let her come to the water too. She didn't go in like me but, had fun at the shore. We are on youtube listed as Nutimik Lake.

We had a couple of walks and I got to creep Barbie out by staring at the water once it was dark. I just wanted to let Barbie know I was protecting her. Barbie took us to the water near the boat launch so I could have a swim at the beach. She thought I would listen to her so I didn't have a leash.

Before we got to the water, we passed by some sites that were closed down. We will soon find out why. There was a terrible smell and Barbie called me. I wanted to just look to see where that smell came from. I jumped back from the ditch because I came into contact with a skunk! I immediately went to Barbie and lay down in the road. I think I am in big trouble now! It sprayed me!

No swimming for me at all. Back to camp for a face shampoo. It was a good thing that our site had a water hook up. Barbie had to let me sleep in the motor home because I couldn't be outside with skunks around. I also slept on the bed with Barbie and she complained about the reek. Pebbles kept well away from me except for a quick sniff. I kept trying to rub my face on the ground, leaves or whatever as I also could not stand the smell.

The next day, we moved on to Otter Falls. Barbie bought some tomato juice on the way and from now on will keep that in the motor home for camping. Tomato juice actually works! Now that this has happened, Barbie has vowed that she will keep strictly for us dogs the following: Tweezers (great for ticks/leeches), tomato juice (obviously), scissors and vinegar (if heaven forbid, I find a porcupine). Barbie says a porcupine is the only thing left for me to see. I sure hope I don't find one or any other bad stuff that might be out there.

Otter Falls was so much fun too! There were about 4 sites other than ours that were occupied. It was like having a great big wide private campground. We all went to the beach which was at the end of the campsite and I got to play fetch with some driftwood and go swimming. Later, we had a big fire and Barbie made us all some roasted Winnipeg Old Country Wieners. All of us had a really great time.

The next morning, we piled into the motor home and I slept all the way home. I get so tired at the end of camping and I tend to learn a lot each time.

I don't think that I will be so curious about skunks anymore! Camping still rules!

I am the 'bad stuff' magnet!

For Labour Day long weekend we went to Grand Beach. What a fun time! Lots of running, other dogs to meet, playing, swimming, fire and all around good stuff. Need I say more for camping?!

Now Barbie has noticed that I am a 'bad stuff' magnet. My first year, there were such bad wood ticks that the collar didn't even help. Allergies plague me still. I was attacked by the burdocks in Hecla Island. What was my malady in Grand Beach? Leeches!

Yup. Barbie found a floating dock because for some reason dogs aren't allowed on the sand dunes, boardwalk and beach including the water. What is a water loving retriever supposed to do? Just off the East Beach at the end of the parking lot is a place that has no signs regarding dogs. Beavis and I were swimming and just LOVED the water. Two women and 2 girls came by and saw us swim. Daisy was there too and she just wet herself a little. Some kind of waterfowl was swimming near us. I tried to catch it, but it swam underwater and ended up somewhere else. It ended up escaping me. We all had a great time.

That night Barbie flicked something black off me. It was too dark for her to know what it really was. Since Beavis had nothing on him, no one thought anything of it.

During our bay area walks we met a man and his daughter who loved to pet me, as well as two sisters who liked to pet me but, found Beavis' licking their faces more interesting. I don't lick, I mouth. I happen to be a purebred and therefore predictable.

Last day at Grand Beach, we went one more time in the water. I slept on the bed all the way home. Upon arriving at home and my fur hitting the sunlight, Barbie discovered no less than 5 leeches stuck to me. Beavis had none. Barbie had to try to take a stick and knock the leeches off me while both Beavis and I wanted to take the stick and play.

I am fine now and resting because I am exhausted from my swim, the walks and the sheer joy of meeting other people and dogs. More camping! The season isn't over until Canadian Thanksgiving!

Attack of the Burrdocks!

We recently went to Hecla Island camping. I have to tell you it took a long time to get there. Man, did Beavis and I cry when we smelt water! We stopped at the Hecla Village and Tom bought wood at the General Store. We went across the road and swam in the water! Let me tell you, it was such fun! We swam for at least 20 minutes before us leaving fuming 'wet dog smell' in the motor home to the campsite.

We get to the campsite and it is private with a whole forest behind us that leads to ... dare I wish? ... water? Beavis and I were not always tied up or being monitored while the humans set up camp. It took the blinking of an eye and we were off to swim in the water.

They figured it out because 'loudmouth' Beavis barks like a puppy with yips and they knew we had found water to swim in. Tom went to supervise us and we ended up going whenever we felt like and supervision followed. Tom was really good and came and got us after a good half hour swim every time. It seemed to be important for both Barbie and Tom that we 'tire ourselves out'.

There was much tramping through the bushes and I picked up a number of burrs, burdocks especially, when Tom threw something for me to check on in the bushes. There were huge brown ones and small green ones attached to me. Beavis picked some up but, his fur is short so it didn't take long to take his off. He likes being groomed anyway. I think I held still until I couldn't stand it anymore. Feathering looks nice but, is hard to keep clean especially when I love to go everywhere to look for something to retrieve.

We had a fire the first and second night until it rained. Beavis and I slept inside the motor home both nights and I got to sleep on the 'human' bed during the day and leave my muddy sandy paws for them. There was a bear sighting in the area and we had to keep the food in the motor home and we were staked for our own good. Nothing bothered us at the campsite though.

After numerous times of Beavis and I unilaterally deciding to go for a swim, Tom ended up staying there longer and longer to tire us out. There was a delicious 'yucky' that I found and ate a bit of and to tell the truth, it was a great time.

Going home, we slept and are only getting up to go outside for a pee break. Kudos to Dad for mowing the lawn!

If only I could be immune to those burdocks. Let us dogs swim! Camping is great!

Camping at Bird's Hill Park

We went with the motor home to BHP for 3 whole days! We arrived Thursday evening and I was found to be pretty reliable to return when called so I didn't need to be tied up unless I ran off. It did not happen often.

There were birds to chase and some chipmunks and squirrels that were taunting me. I rambled around in the bushes looking for them and even got to dig some holes. There was almost no one there on Thursday but, Friday and Saturday were fairly busy. There were more things to bark at like people on bikes or rollerblading. Although I helped, it was Pebbles who guarded the camp the best. Beavis was next at scaring people and had to be tied up when he ran after other dogs or people. No one was scared of me unless they were terrified of muddy drool.

The next night, we were a bit more used to the place. Pebbles found a scent and dug a huge hole in a field near our site. She worked on it for a very long time. We slept so well but, everyone needed to find their own place as space in the home was limited. On Saturday, Tom and Pebbles went home. We took a ride home and were so tired. Imagine our surprise when Beavis and I went back to the Park for one more night! We were so tired from running around, we slept outside while Barbie had a fire. I slept on the bed with Barbie and we warmed each other up.

Our last morning, it rained a little and both Beavis and I were left to roam over the campsite while Barbie packed. We got home and it was sleep time again. Let me tell you it was so fun going there. I have started to learn how to catch a frisbee although Beavis breaks it once he gets hold of it. We have more plans using the motor home and I am really looking forward to it.

A vet visit, with choppity chop and a cool new tat!

So yesterday, I went to the vet to have neutering surgery. I didn't want to go! Barbie had to go in with me to the back and then she left me! I had the surgery with a number of extras; blood work and hip x-rays. When Barbie picked me up, I was so happy to see her and I wanted to leave and go home. I was really groggy for the rest of the night although I had a number of bathroom breaks. We went for a short walk together and I found I was more thirsty than hungry. All test results were normal and the surgery was routine. I now have a cool new tatoo in my ear!

The next day, I felt much more active and Beavis came home escorted by Tom. I was so happy to see him I almost bent in half wagging my tail. I must say that I am feeling pretty good even though I have recently had surgery. I am taking antibiotics mainly for the hot spot on my tail than for the surgery. I get it with chunk light 'human grade' tuna, with it so no big deal.

Adrea came by with Daisy, (a really nice dog) today. I managed to jump at the screen door just like Beavis. I had a good time with both of them visiting. Barbie happened to meet her neighbour (Adrea) who is looking after Daisy. Barbie, being animal crazy, spoke with her and now they are friends. I don't feel too different and Barbie is kind of treating me like I am porcelain. I hear we are booked for Bird's Hill Park to go camping in mid May. I think everything will continue to get better. After all, I am a young guy and fields, water, traveling, etc., all sound pretty good to me. Is it time for tuna again?! Ok, whatever you want!

Springtime!

Yes spring is here. I also had a slight allergy attack about 3 weeks ago that required a trip to the vet. I ended up with antibiotics and some pink pills with steroids and antihistamine. No one at the vet had ever seen a hot spot on the top of a dog's head before so I made medical history at the animal hospital. I needed Barbie with me to get my head shaved in order to be cleaned. Barbie has noticed that if anyone pushes or pulls me, I become dead weight and push/pull back. Maybe we can take a video of it.

Well, I think Beavis described our LMP trip the first and second day very well. There are two exceptions. Today, when we first parked the motor home, Barbie told me that Tom was here (he came in his car). I looked out the windshield and SAW him! I started barking to let him look at me and stood on the dash board, I was so excited! When I got out, I saw Jazz and Pebbles!

I also got into a sort of fight. There was a husky cross who showed me his teeth and I wasn't going to let him at my girlfriend (Jazz). I didn't let him push me around. We were separated and I was then distracted by the water. There were no injuries on either side. Barbie is now more determined to get me neutered. I haven't been done yet as Tom wanted me to keep the hormones in my system for at least a year. It was bound to happen eventually.

So we are now going to keep going to the park and possibly Bird's Hill Park to go camping as well. I quite like the motor home and getting out and about. There is talk about Duffy and Vincent coming with us as well! Yahoo!

The new motor home is different

Now the trip to Bird's Hill Park was canceled. The batteries discharged for no reason (actually, a cable came loose) and the motor home wouldn't start. It was disappointing until Halloween when we went to Little Mountain Park in it. You should have seen Beavis and I running! There was a huge field nearby and we met many dogs that were friendly with us. Holes with rodents to sniff ... heaven! It is nice to travel in the motor home but, it takes some getting used to. The whole thing moves so much! We generally lay on the bed when it is in motion and when it stops, it is somewhere really exciting. I doubt they would use it to take us to the vet! Pebbles joined us and the whole evening was a struggle to get her untangled (even when we gave her a longer rope).

When it got dark, I got to wear a florescent light stick which promptly fell off. No worries, I carried it around so everyone knew where I was. Beavis got a hold of it and played tug with it. It was non toxic and Tom grabbed the stick from us and ended up with most of this glowing stuff on his jacket! it was pretty funny because we could now always see him.

So though we didn't go camping overnight anywhere, at least we are getting some use out of the motor home as it is apparently end of season. I really just look forward to spending time with my human companions. I also like the excitement of our mystery bus destinations. It will continually just get better. There is always a bright side, isn't there?

North America, we have a home on wheels!

Yup,
Time to go traveling! It is happening soon! We shall have to see what will happen. I mean, we can't just go bounding in the motor home until it is gone over. Barbie found a great place to park it (at Tom's) and my girlfriend Jazz, is nearby.

Both Beavis and I went over to visit Jackie, PB & J and of course, Tom. There was a surprise as well! Shelly and Auntie Helen were visiting because Michelle and Jarod got married this weekend! We now have a standing invitation to visit Shelly in B.C. next year!

All of us ran in the back yard for hours and had a great time. After Tom came home, he and Barbie ate in the motor home. We managed to open the back gate and ran around the front yard but, not for too long. Barbie and Shelly noticed us at the same time and we were led back to the back yard. We did get a romp in the new motor home and slept well when we went home.

I recently went to the vet and got a relatively clean bill of health. I must have gotten into something allergic again. I had a bit of a rash and another yeast infection in my ear. I get drops for two weeks, but right after treatment, I get chicken treats or duck, maybe some wet food.

This weekend is our first trip to Bird's Hill Park provided that Barbie can quickly sew some covers for the new home. For the first proof of concept only Beavis and I are going because no one knows how he will behave when being out all the time. Yippee! Camping!

Visits, Trips and travel!

Good news everyone! Barbie bought a motor home for us to go traveling in! I heard her mention Bird's Hill Park to Tom on the phone. We get it after the long weekend. It has to be gone over first by the shop and then by Barbie. Tom is talking about going somewhere called Yellowstone! My internal compass is going to spin! Camping! This year was hard to go. We booked twice but couldn't go both times! Next year, the weather isn't going to make a difference.

We had Pebbles and Jazz (whom I secretly call PB & J), over for a sleep last weekend. We barked and played outside and had a great time. Scratchy came over and didn't really get along with the PB & J so she had to leave. It is too bad because for me, the more the merrier! They are coming back this weekend and are being boarded for next week! The pack of miscreants together again. Let's see if I can teach Jazz to run into the pool! Further video of this play date to follow!

Also, with my siblings, I am hardly biting on Vincent anymore. I now have Beavis for that and he and I sing very loudly when we play. Hermione doesn't mind me at all and Duffy and I lay down close together. Beavis was a great addition to this family. The only one who might regret it is Barbie especially when we play in the house. Beavis also tears up toys, I wonder if he will try it when we start traveling? Barbie says that Vincent and Duffy might come with us too! Bring on the long weekend.