Rocky's Road

My Lookalike Journeys to the Bridge

Yesterday my friend and lookalike, Smiley made his journey to the bridge. He was 13 years old.

Smiley was quite an adventurous doggie. When he was younger, he traveled all over the United States hiking and backpacking with his Daddy. He logged a lot of travel miles on his paws!

Be sure to stop by and become friends with Smiley. I'm sorry you made your journey, Smiley, but we will have a pawsome time exploring and watching over our families!

Dogster Anniversary!

Today is my second anniversary on Dogster! I noticed my little cake on my page doesn't have its second candle yet, but I'm sure it will very soon.

Be sure to stop by and have some cake! I'll be celebrating with Autumn and all my new angel friends!

Coming Home

Mawmee got a call from the vet's office yesterday telling her that my ashes are ready to be picked up.

So, today she will stop by and get them. Mawmee and Daddy are going to bury my ashes near Little Dog Bridge which is where Autumn is buried.

There is a Big Dog Bridge in my yard too, and that is where Patoka and Snowy are buried. Mawmee and Daddy said I was more Autumn's size, and she needs another doggie near her. Buried near Autumn are some cats too - Callie, Mosby, and Spunky. I lived with Mosby and Spunky, and I liked most cats, so it is a good location for my final resting place.

Thank you again for such an outpouring of love from both old and new friends . . . . . dogs and cats! You have made me feel more special than I could have ever imagined.

I have a pawsome pair of beautiful wings to fly free at the bridge. Thank you, Daisy, for giving me such a special gift!

Rocky is an Angel ~

I am very saddened to tell you that Rocky made his journey to the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon.

After a weekend watching him with labored breathing, we wanted to make sure that any decision we made was the right one. Therefore, an ultrasound was done this morning by one of the vets to verify that the spots seen in his lungs on the x-ray were indeed cancer and not an infection.

Unfortunately, the ultrasound revealed cancer through his abdomen and in his liver.

His Daddy and I spent time with him, and his Daddy stayed by his side as he journeyed to the bridge to be with Autumn, Spunky, and his other siblings.

While we were only fortunate to have Rocky live in our home for two years, he has been part of our family for a long time as he was my parents' dog. Losing him is difficult because he was our last canine connection to them.

We know the decision we made was the right one for him even though it never feels right to us.

He loved and trusted Ted so much. He was never a dog that allowed you to pick him up, trim his nails, or fully brush his coat. But today was different. We transported him from the family room to the car in a big Rubbermaid container so that he wouldn't have to get stressed walking to the car. He let Ted pick him up without any hesitation, growl, or toofies showing. I think that was a sign to us as to how uncomfortable he might have been.

This all happened so suddenly - less than a week's time. He lived longer than any of the five other dogs that have shared our lives and hearts.

Thank you to both the old and new friends Rocky has met over the past few days. Your encouraging pmails and rosettes mean more than I can ever express.

We'll miss you so much, Rocky, and we know one day we'll see you again. Rest in peace, our sweet boy . . . . . . . . .

The Latest on Me!

Daddy spent the night downstairs with me again. He wants to be around in case I need to go outside, or throw up. I haven't thrown up since Thursday. The vet gave me an anti-throw up shot on Friday, and then 1 pill for four days to help too. I took the pill yesterday and today in a pill pocket.

But, I won't take the antibiotic. It is the most ginormous pill you have ever seen, and I'm not letting anybody open my mouth and throw that down my throat. All kinds of stuff have been tried, but it is so big you can't wrap a piece of ham or turkey around it. Believe me, it has been tried!

I did eat some boiled chicken and some ham pieces today, so I made Mawmee and Daddy happy.

This morning they were thinking that I might have to make my journey to the bridge. My breathing is so rapid - sort of like panting, but it is my breathing since my lungs are having problems.

After calling the vet AGAIN (she is gonna put us on her bad list - BOL!), Daddy told her how many breaths a minute I take, and of course, that increases quite a bit if I've been outside to go to the bathroom. She said that it is not too concerning to her, so that made them feel better.

She said to bring me in to the vet's office tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. and after she is out of surgery, she will do an ultrasound on me to determine if I have a tumor growing somewhere that didn't show up on the x-ray.

If it appears that I don't have any tumors, then it is most likely a fungal infection which is very difficult to treat in young and old dogs because of our immune systems.

If the vet can give me something to help me breathe better, then a treatment might be attempted if it is a fungal infection. If it is cancer, then a decision will have to be made.

Mawmee says I'm not ready for the bridge yet because I'm still very alert, and she says you can tell alot about how a dog feels by looking at their eyes, and my eyes are looking alive and good!

So, thanks again for the woofing and purring - keep it up, and help me pull through this setback so I can stay here for awhile longer.

The Good "C"!

I am overwhelmed at all the kindness you doggies and kitties have shown me. I've met friends I didn't even know, and I sure appreciate all the woofing, purring, pmails, and healing rosettes you have sent me!

My new friend, Saphira told me to think about the good C words instead of that nasty one. She suggested these:

CHICKEN

CHEESE

CHIPS

COTTAGE CHEESE

CARING

CUDDLES

Well, I've definitely been thinking about chicken because Mawmee boiled me some and added rice. I ate a little bit of it last night, and some again this morning. I've been able to keep it down, so that is a good thing!

I'll add

CATS

to the list too because I like cats, and so many of my siblings friends have been nice enough to purr for me.

My breathing was not very good last night. The vet doesn't think I'm in pain, but just in case, Mawmee got some pain medication for me today. I was able to take my pills today in a pill pocket. The antibiotic is huge, but I swallowed it okay.

I've got a funny story for you. One of my siblings' friends named Hilda left a funny comment in Sugar's diary. She said her Mom was at the breakfast table and had this conversation with her Dad:

Mom: I have some sad news: Rocky has cancer.

Dad: Really? Stallone?

Mom: NO! Rocky the dog. You know, brother of Samoa and Calvin.

We're gonna take one day at a time, and see how things go. Thanks again for making me feel loved!

The Nasty "C"

I went to the vet this morning. Mawmee was so proud of me for getting in the car without any problems. I'm not good if someone tries to pick me up, and with my back legs being weak, they were concerned I couldn't get in the car. Since Mawmee's car sits low, I got in the back seat on the floor and Daddy sat with me.

I was super glad to see Sarah, our favorite vet tech, cause she knows exactly how to handle me. I went in the back exam area while Mawmee and Daddy stayed in the regular exam room.

The vet lady came in and said she wanted to do x-rays. She had trouble feeling my belly because I was pretty tense. She was concerned about my breathing, so she did a couple of x-rays.

Unfortunately, the x-rays showed spots in the lung area that appear to be cancer. The in-house blood work they did showed only a slightly elevated white blood cell count. She said if it was just an infection of some kind, the white blood cell count would be much higher. There was fluid in the chest area, and that is why I've had a little bit of noisy breathing.

Because of my age, and the highly unlikely cure of lung cancer even if other measures were taken, it was decided that I would get some antibiotics and some nausea medicine right now, and go home to see how things go.

Of course, Mawmee and Daddy were very sad. But, I've sure had a wonderful few years living here. I've become a good dog and I have a big backyard that I love, and I have learned to enjoy getting brushed!

Thanks to all my Dogster friends for woofing me your prayers, and for all those sweet kitties on Catster who are purring for me. Maybe a miracle will happen, and I'll be around longer than anyone thinks! Keep on woofin' and purring because I know that it helps!

Feeling Poorly

I'm not doing very good today. Last night I threw up yellowish bile about four times - small amounts each time. I haven't felt like eating either.

Mawmee said my breathing had a little pain to it - it's not stressful breathing, but breathing with sighing. Daddy spent the night downstairs with me last night to keep an eye on me.

I'm also more wobbly than I usually am. I've gone outside several times to pee, but I'm very weak in the knees.

The vet had no appointments today so I've got an appointment at 10:40 tomorrow morning. Daddy will be home tomorrow, so he will be able to help Mawmee get me in the car.

He will probably have to lift me up, and who knows, I will probably have to snap at him!

I did eat a little plain yogurt this afternoon, so maybe that will calm my tummy if that is the problem.

Mawmee is very concerned about me considering my age. She said this seems to be more than just an upset tummy. I'll keep you posted, and I sure would appreciate your keeping me in your prayers.

Charles de Dog!

I'm back from my vacation at the resort. Mawmee and Daddy were in Utah for a whole week. They traveled all around the state, and saw lots of cool mountains and stuff. They went hiking, and ziplining, and rock climbing!

The highlight of the trip for Mawmee was a trip to Best Friends Animal Society. They spent the morning doing a tour of the beautiful facility, and then after lunch, they volunteered.

Mawmee went to Cat World and spent several hours playing with cats. Daddy went to Dogtown, and they asked if anybody would like to take a dog on an outing. So, he said that sounded like fun!

They gave him a blanket to put in the rental car, and then he got to meet Charles de Dog!

Charles loved riding in the car, and stopping several times to get out and walk. They sat in the grass, and Charles got treats. Charles doesn't like other dogs, but he is great around people.

If you'd like to see some pictures from Daddy's outing with Charles de Dog, you can check out The Cat in the Clover blog. After you click, scroll down and you'll see several pictures of Charles, and the entry below that is a slideshow of their visit to Best Friends.

Mawmee also has other pictures of their trip on her blog!

If you ever get a chance to visit Utah, Mawmee and Daddy said you should go to Best Friends! And if you know someone who would love an older dog for companionship, Charles is de Dog!

I Scream, You Scream . . . . . .

. . . . . . we all scream for ICE CREAM!

My pal, Sophie Bean tagged me with this one important question - What kind of ice cream do you look like?

Well, I think I could be one of these:

Caramel and cream

Vanilla with butterscotch sauce

or

Butter Pecan or Maple Nut - because sometimes I'm a bit nutty! BOL!


I have to tag 5 friends - play if you want to!

Flicka

Afro Ken

Wesley

Conner

Lily


Stay cool this summer with some ice cream!

Back from the Vet!

Well, it was uneventful! I decided to be a good boy and not bite anyone today!

Mawmee and Daddy reminded the vet tech, Mary, that I don't like being messed with, but Mary brushed it off and said, he's fine - I've dealt with Rocky before.

So, I went in the back with Mary so that the vet could check me out, give me shots, trim my nails, and take my blood. Just so that I could show them who was really boss, I cried and screamed like a big baby. I wanted Mawmee and Daddy to hear me out in the lobby.

When it was all over, they talked to the vet. She said, did you hear him crying? They all laughed and she said my bark was bigger than my bite, and that I'm really just a big 'ole baby!

Dang, I got a reputation to live up to - I can't have her spreading the news that I'm just a baby!

In the lobby, there was an orange cat in a big cage. His name was Bailey, and as we left, I lifted up my gum to show him that I have teeth and to ignore anything he hears later in the day about me being a softie!

Happy Mommy's Day tomorrow to all my Dogster friends' Moms!

It's Gonna Be Interesting!

I got mail the other day. Here is what the postcard said:

Dear Rocky:

Your wellness care is important to us and to your human companion. Our records indicate that you are due for the following important health services:

Senior Annual Wellness
Senior K9 Bloodwork with HWT
Intestinal Parasite Check-up

You're 13 years old! Now that you're officially a senior dog, you may have slowed down, but you're still finding much to savor in your golden years.


So, tomorrow morning is the big day. We have to go in the morning because Daddy has college graduation at noon. He said that will give him time to come home and wrap his wounds - BOL!

Mawmee said that they want to take my blood, and I'll want to take theirs - BOL!

I live with a couple of comedians!

They plan to leave the room and let the vet and the vet assistant fend for themselves - BOL!

It's gonna be a fun morning - I can't wait to report back and let you know what happened, and how much blood was involved . . . . . . .

The Bestest Easter Egg!

Well, I heard that it was Easter, and Easter is all about finding hidden eggs, right?

And we all know that chocolate isn't good for dogs because it can be poisonous, so when I went with my Mawmee and Daddy for a walk down to our garden area, I decided to look for hidden non-chocolate eggs.

Because it is Easter, right?

And I found a couple of big 'ole brown eggs. I was really proud of myself for finding them right away! I grabbed one and started eating it because I knew it wasn't chocolate, and it was okay for me to eat!

Daddy realized what I was eating, and he tried to get it out of my mouth, but it is my Easter egg - he can go find his own Easter egg!

Then Mawmee saw me, and said, what is he eating? Daddy told her it was deer poop! MOL!

We got some big deer in our neck of the woods, and they poop non-chocolate Easter eggs!

And I ate one . . . . . . . . . . .

Showing Him Who Is Boss!

The litte white kitty, Newman, is Mr. Curiosity. He wants to come downstairs to see Sugar and me. Sugar isn't very fond of him because she is mostly blind, and doesn't realize he is near until he gets too close for comfort. Then she will hiss at him.

Mawmee supervises very closely when he comes over to see me. She doesn't know what I would do around a kitten - especially Newman - he shows fear of nothing!

So, the past two days, he will run down the stairs if the door gets opened. Then there is a baby gate at the foot of the steps. You have to go through Daddy's office door to get to where we stay in the family room.

Mawmee has been letting Newman visit me with the baby gate between us. Both yesterday and today, I come right up to the baby gate, Newman gets one look at me and starts hissing like he is some tiger or something!

Then I get all excited, and I bark at him. He runs like a baby up the stairs so fast, and then we all laugh at him! I don't bark much at all, so the first time I did it, Mawmee was so surprised. It is fun to see Newman's reaction. He always comes right back to see me, so he isn't too scared!

Cats can be such wimps . . . . . . . .

A Clean Sweep!

Well, it's a good thing the contest at Bissell runs for twelve weeks!

Because each of the crazy cats in my house got to enter the first six weeks, and now it is my turn!

I see dogs are more popular when you look at who the winners have been each week.

The pawsome thing about whoever wins this contest - they get a $10,000 donation made to their favorite charity! How pawsome!

So, if you don't have any dog or cat to vote for this week, I sure would appreciate your casting a vote for me!

There are 14 Rocky dogs entered! Here is my voting page!

Thanks, and Happy Mardi Gras!

Wowza!

I can't believe I'm a diary pick today - woo hoo!

I actually have something to write about because we had a super duper ice storm here last week and lost our power for almost 5 days!

Sugar and I have been in the dark - well, we all know cats are in the dark most of the time, but we were really in the dark!

We have a small generator, and Daddy was alternating it between the refrigerator, and a space heater for the family room where Sugar and I live.

Then the generator died, and we thought we might all turn into popsicles, but the neighbor went to a hotel, and gave us his super sized generator. We were able to run the refrigerator, the space heater, and a lamp all at the same time!

The backyard was one big sheet of ice. I went ice skating everytime I had to do my business! Daddy had to come outside with me and smash down the ice so I could walk without falling down. It was quite an adventure!

I got in a little trouble yesterday for eating the cat's food. Well, it just sits there begging for me to eat it - what would you do? If the silly cat won't eat it, I've got to do it for her!

Thanks, Diary Gal, for picking me today. I know the cats will be jealous!

Slip Slidin'!

We got some snow last night, but today the pretty snow got a covering of ice on top.

So, when I go outside to do my business, it's like ice skating! Daddy came out with me and used his big 'ole boots to smash down the ice so I could walk without falling.

Oh my dogs, is it hard to pee while you're standing on ice!

I know a lot of dogs are having the same kind of weather, so be careful out there! It is going to get worse here tonight!

Who knows what I'll do tomorrow!

Football Tag

My pal, Pippin, tagged me in the football tag game where you write five funny things in your diary.

Since I spend a good deal of the day snoozing, there isn't a lot of funny stuff that goes on, but I'll give it a try - BOL!

1. I was in the backyard yesterday while Daddy went to the woodpile to get some wood to build a fire. Mawmee has a shelter on the woodpile for a couple of the neighbor cats who stay outside all the time. Daddy didn't realize that a kitty was in the hotel, and when the cat heard Daddy, he bolted out of the hotel and ran like the wind. I saw him and started barking and running around the yard! That was some excitement!

2. Since my hearing isn't too good, I can be fast asleep and not realize when Mawmee or Daddy come into the room. So, it is funny to watch them tiptoe around me and carefully wake me up so that I don't jump up and get scared!

3. My hairy feet - they are pretty unruly and wild looking. They must be funny looking because Mawmee is always giggling at my feet!

4. You know I don't like getting trimmed or brushed if the hair pulls any. When I get annoyed, I show my teeth. The funny thing is my teeth are so tiny, and I don't look ferocious at all, but I think I'm ferocious! Beware - tiny teeth can still do damage - BOL!

5. I think it is funny when I outsmart everybody and get to eat some of the dry cat food that stays in the laundry room. What is funny is that no one else thinks it is funny!

BOL! Thanks, Pippin, for tagging me! Have a pawsome week, friends!

Party With My Bad Self!

Today is my birthday! I'm 14 years old, give or take a year or two - BOL! My original Mommy and Daddy were not quite sure how old I was when I came to live with them, so my age has always been a little bit of a mystery! But, I came to live with them in January, so that is why my birthday was chosen in that month!

Thanks to my pal, Pippin, for remembering my birthday! Dogster gave me some bones, and a 5 paw rating too - woo hoo!

It is super duper cold here, and it seems to be that way just about everywhere, so I plan to spend my birthday like I do most days - snoozing, getting some love, maybe even letting Mawmee brush me, and hopefully getting some of Sugar's cat food when she isn't looking!

Stay warm, and have a pawsome day!

I Hope Santa Wasn't Watching!

Today I thought I was going for a car ride. But I ended up at the vet's office. I had to get a bordatella shot because I'm going to the resort for a couple of days after Christmas.

Seems like some tiny white cat gets to go to Ohio Grandmaw's house, and I get stuck at the resort. Cats always get the best stuff!

So, we requested Sarah because she knows how to handle me. Oooops, looks like she is by herself, so Daddy is going to have to help. They all decided against the muzzle, and Sarah brought in a big blanket.

Daddy put it over my head and was holding me tight, and she gave me the shot quick as a whistle! Woo hoo - I was a good boy and didn't try to bite anybody! I even got several treats from Sarah. Daddy said sugar helps the medicine go down.

Then we went out to the car. Daddy likes to try to help me get in the back because he doesn't want me jumping up that high to get in. But, guess what?

I don't like him helping me. But guess what? I can't jump up high enough to get in by myself.

This becomes a problem.

So he tries to help me, and I tried to bite him. It was a mutual thing.

I broke off one of my nails in the process. He got my tooth down into the side of one of his nails. It was a mutual thing.

He was bleeding. I wasn't.

He was mad. So was I. It was a mutual thing!

We made up with each other, and I got more treats when I finally got home. You wanna know what it all happened?

Because I had to poop. When I got to my backyard, I did a big poopie. That was the problem all along!

BOL . . . . . . . . . .

Hey, I Can Bark!

This morning I looked out the window and saw two deer in the backyard - right outside my fence!

I started barking at them. Hey, wait a minute, I didn't know I could bark! And I even barked a lot of times - one right after the other!

Mawmee came over to see what I was looking at. She was very proud of me because I usually don't see the deer. And I never bark! Oh, maybe once or twice I've barked in the backyard, but that was rare!

I sounded pretty funny. I think I need to work on my bark to make it sound strong and powerful! She said she likes it better when I don't bark!

Woof, woof - I'll be doing more of that this weekend . . . . . . . .

Tweet No Longer!

A little yellow bird hit the window. I heard it, so I thought I'd better go outside and look over the situation.

Daddy came out with me, but he didn't know the bird had hit the window. I went over to see the bird, and as Daddy realized what was happening, I decided to grab that bird and head for the yard.

Of course, he started yelling for me to drop the bird. How can I give the bird mouth to mouth if I drop him?

There was more yelling. He wasn't about to put his hand in my mouth to get that bird - he is way smarter than that.

So, as he is squirting me with the hose trying to get me to drop the bird, I'm eating my bird breakfast. Hmmmmm, tastes like chicken!

All of a sudden, Mawmee opens the second story bathroom window and says, what's going on out there because she heard the yelling.

Daddy said I was so stupid, and that I just ate a bird! I was finishing up the last yummy bite while I smiled at Mawmee.

Looks like I'll be spending some more time outside until I throw up that bird. Mawmee laughed and asked Daddy why he didn't put his hand in my mouth and get the bird out. Daddy said he would rather deal with a dog throwing up instead of missing a few fingers!

It was an exciting morning . . . . . . . . . .

Squirrel Danger!

Danger, danger, Will Robinson! Don't come to my backyard or you could get hit in the head with a nut.

There are squirrels in the trees. They are eating the hickory nuts, and it is raining nut pieces everywhere!

And today when I was in the backyard helping Mawmee and Daddy sand a table, a huge hickory nut was thrown out of the tree by some squirrel! He's got a good aim because he hit Mawmee right on the arm.

And it was one big nut, and she cried like a baby - BOL! I need to buy a helmet. I'm telling you, it isn't safe in my own backyard.

I'm gonna buy a helmet, and then I'm gonna buy a slingshot. I'll get that squirrel, I will . . . . . . . . . .

I'll Answer That!

I was reading Dr. Barchas' Vetblog this morning and here was the question sent in:

Do Dogs Need to Eat a Variety of Foods to Stay Healthy?

You can read the good doc's answer, or you can listen to my grrreat answer on the subject.

In my opinion, dogs should be allowed to eat the dry cat food that is sitting around just screaming, eat me! The cats let it sit there - I say go ahead and chow down. And while you're at it, if there is a tasty treat in the litter box, you've got dessert just waiting for you! And when you go outside, look around in the grass - there is always something tasty tucked down between the blades of grass - insects, nuts, bird poop, squirrel droppings - a whole smogasbord!

So, yep, a variety of stuff to eat is pawsome for you . . . . . . . . .

Remembering My Other Mommy

A year ago today is when my former Mommy left for heaven. I sure miss her and my former Daddy, but I'm super glad I'm living with my family.

I still have Spunky and Sugar in my life, and I've got a big backyard to protect, so life is good.

Sending hugs to heaven and hoping Mommy knows how much we all miss her . . . . . . . . .

Poop, Scoopdee, Doop!

Can I help it that the cat's litterbox lid has been left off because Spunky was wearing a cone?

Can I help it that cat poop is a good evening treat?

Can I help it that Daddy didn't scoop it in time?

The answers to all of the above are No!

Let's continue . . . . . . .

Can I help it that cat poop doesn't sit good on dog stomach?

Can I help it that I didn't want to wake up anybody in the middle of the night?

Can I help it that I had a loose poopie?

Can I help it that the room is carpeted?

The answers to all of the above are No!

Let's continue . . . . . . .

Can I help it that Daddy decided to sleep downstairs for a couple of nights to make sure I didn't have a loose poopie on the carpet again?

Can I help it that Spunky and Sugar slept all over him and made him feel like he had a Russian hat on?

I think we all know the answer to those questions . . . . . . . . . .

Tommy the Turtle

I went out to do my business this morning, and there was some slow moving creature in the yard. I was very afraid of the creature. Mawmee was watching me from the door, and she thought it was a snake or something, so she ran out to shoo me away from it.

When she saw that it was just Tommy the turtle, she giggled. When she picked him up to show him to me, he hid inside his shell! Tommy got taken out of the yard and put in the woods. I'll bet he will be back!

Late tomorrow afternoon I'll be going to the resort again. Two vacations in one summer? How cruel! I'll be gone for a week, and when I get home, I'll let you all know about my wild adventure.

Bon Voyage . . . . . . . . . .

Cramping My Style!

I got the runs.

Not the kind you do with your legs, but the other kind.

Daddy took a sample up to the vet today to see what is going on. Until we find out, I'm not allowed to eat anything.

Bummer . . . . . . . . .

Hot Dog!

I like hotdogs.

I haven't eaten too many in my lifetime, but one or two for the 4th of July weekend would be nice.

I don't think I'd ever want to eat 59 hotdogs at one time. And if another dog and I both ate 59 hotdogs, I sure wouldn't want to go into overtime, and eat 5 more to win some contest.

That is what Joey did today to retain his hotdog eating title.

I think Joey and Takeru are the only two people who like eating that many hotdogs. They have battled each other the last eight years trying to win the prizes of $10,000, a mustard yellow belt and a year's supply of hotdogs!

I think that mustard yellow belt would be cool . . . . . . . . . . .

Backyard Excitement and I Missed It!

This afternoon I was in the backyard with Mawmee. It was a beautiful day, and she had her camera with her. You can check out a couple of pictures she took of me. Whenever you see my ears back, you know the camera is in my face - BOL!

So, she goes and sits on the big red swing, and I'm messing around in the yard looking for any remaining dead cicadas.

All of a sudden she sees the two baby twin deer right beyond the fence. OMD - she gets so excited and starts to take their picture.

She can see the Mommy deer right at the edge of the woods. None of them saw us! She can't get a good picture because the baby deer are right in line with the fence.

She slowly stands up on the swing trying to keep it steady and take a picture at the same time!

In the meantime, I'm completely oblivious to what is going on. She decides to get me in the house ASAP so she can take some more pictures. But, I've got other things on my mind, and I'm ignoring her big time!

She can't whisper for me to come to the door because I'm deaf!

She can't yell for me to come to the door or the deer will run!

As you can see, she has a real dilemma - BOL! She knows food is a good trick, so she gets a biscuit and shows it to me. I come running to the door. The clinkity clink of my tags scares the deer. They all took off running!

I'll never make it as a hunter dog . . . . . . . . . . .

What Goes Down . . . . . .

. . . . . . must come up!

I ate too many dead cicadas. My tummy wasn't too happy about it, so I threw them up.

Luckily, I was outside at the time . . . . . . . . . . .

All Protein, No Fat!

I found a new, crunchy treat right in my backyard! I have to sniff around and find them because they are stuck down inbetween blades of grass, but when I find one, it is a delicious snack!

Of course, there are two people trying to prevent me from snacking. I don't know why because it's not fattening like ice cream, cake or cookies.

I would prefer having the wings removed first, but there isn't time for that. You have to be fast around here before you get pushed away from the snack table!

I'm talking about dead cicadas!

They have a hint of citrus flavor - must be their orange eyes - BOL! Be sure to try one if you can get to it before your Mommy sees you!

Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm . . . . . . . . . . . .

S in Father's Day

We had a family meeting and decided to each take a letter in Father's Day and describe our Daddy using that letter.

S stands for

Smart

My Daddy is one smart dude! Most of his smartness is about computers because that is what he teaches students, but he is also smart about other things. He is really good at remembering peoples' names, and he is smart when it comes to dealing with people of all ages.

I've learned lots of stuff by watching him be smart. He knows how to catch moles that live underground. I've learned how to dig up the dead moles. We make a good, smart team!

He hasn't quite figured out how to wipe my feet yet! I'm having fun teaching him about that! I'm sure one day he will be smart about that task too.

Happy Daddy's Day, and thanks for telling me I'm your favorite! I hope all the Dogster Daddies have a pawsome day . . . . . . . . . . .

Beach Dogs!

I've been back from my doggie resort for a week, but I've been too sleepy to write in my diary! The resort was hopping with lots of dogs, so I didn't sleep much. I'm glad to be home!

Mawmee and Daddy were happy that they didn't see any stray dogs when they were in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on their vacation.

One day they went to a Chileno Bay - a snorkeling beach because Daddy wanted to snorkel. It is a public beach and there were several doggies with their families.

The picture on my page is Mawmee talking to the owner of a big doggie whose name translated to Lazy! He loved the water, and he loved running up and down the beach! He sure didn't look lazy the day they saw him.

Another day, they saw two big golden labs with their Daddy. The Daddy had a water bottle that he would throw in the water. One of the doggies loved to swim, and he would go out in the deep water and bring the water bottle back. The other doggie would only get his feet wet - BOL! The Daddy threw his water bottle along the beach.

These doggies sure loved going to the beach! I've never been to the beach before, but I know my friend, Lily, has a pawsome time whenever she goes!

Have a Happy Flag Day/Daddy's Day weekend . . . . . . . . .

Resort Living!

Friday marks the day that I'm going to the resort! Mawmee and Daddy leave really early on Saturday for a week long vacation in Cabo San Lucas, so I have to go to my resort on Friday night.

I've been to a resort many times, but I'm going to PetSuites, and it will be my first visit there.

I'll be taking my own food because I'm a picky eater, and they serve stuff I won't eat - BOL!

I'll be taking my own bed because there is nothing worse than sleeping on a concrete floor!

I'll be going outside several times a day. They take you out twice a day, and you can pay extra - naturally - to go out more than that. I told Mawmee I needed to pee more than twice a day, so she will pay extra - naturally!

Mawmee went there last week to fill out paperwork, and the lady showed her where my suite would be. I requested being moved to another suite because the one they picked for me was close to a door that has windows.

I freak out if there is lightening, so I don't need to be where I can see it if it happens. One of the resort staff said they would move me to a suite in the middle of the resort.

I'll be back home on June 8th, and I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories to tell you . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mars Landing!

I knew it!

I knew Spunky was communicating with aliens through his cone!

The aliens are telling him all about the spacecraft that is landing on their planet today!

I had confirmation from my friend, Lily, that cats are aliens! She said that cats also have humans under their control.

Dang, I'm learning so much from my friends! Apparently humans have been brainwashed into doing whatever cats want - and that cats' needs come first - before dogs!

That means I'm waaaaaaaaaaay down on the list in this house - there are six cats here!

Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

My Favorite Martian!

I wish some of my buddies were here to help me out. My cat sibling, Spunky is communicating with aliens!

He came home from the vet today with staples in his missing eye and a cone on his head. Somehow the metal staples interact with the plastic cone and he speaks with aliens on other planets.

The aliens have told him to bump into furniture and run around like a nut. Dang, he is listening to them and doing what they want!

I have no place to hide! I just know those aliens don't like dogs. There going to tell Spunky to get rid of me. I've been following him around trying to listen in on their conversations.

I'm beginning to think Mawmee is in on it too because she has been sitting with Spunky in her lap for a long time tonight. They have been talking.

I'm outnumbered - there is nothin' but cats in this house! Pretty soon, they'll all be wearing cones and having staples in their head!

Help . . . . . . . . . .

National Dog Bite Prevention Week!

Now why did they have to go and do that . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ready for the Circus!

OMD - guess what I did today? I learned how to do a trick!

Now, this is a big deal for me because nine months ago I wouldn't let anybody even touch my paws!

I shook paws!

Daddy tried it first and I just looked at him like he was crazy. Of course, Mawmee said he wasn't doing it right! So she got down at my level, and said something, but I'm deaf so I didn't hear her.

Then she touched my paw and held out her hand. I looked at her like she was just as crazy as Daddy.

And then I saw it . . . . . . . . the treat!

So she said something again that I didn't hear. Then she touched my paw, held open her hand, and showed me the treat.

I picked up my paw and waved it near her hand! You would have thought I jumped through a hoop! Everyone was clapping and giving me the thumbs up sign. I've learned the thumbs up sign is a good thing because you get a treat when you see it!

Daddy was very proud of me, but he also mentioned that it would take about 10 more years before I'd ever let them cut my toenails!

You got that right . . . . . . . . . . . .

Go Green!

I never knew a dog could do so many cool things until I became a Dogster! Today my design was approved, and I'm officially entered in the Kroger reusable bag contest!

The contest only runs for a couple more weeks, and you can only design one bag a day! It will almost take us a week to get us all on a bag - BOL! I think Spunky is the only one left to get his bag.

We don't have a chance of winning because they only take the top ten voted designs. But, I have a personal challenge. I want to beat the cats in this house! I'm out-numbered, but I think I can do it. I know Mawmee and Daddy will vote for my bag every day!

If you have time, would you vote too? There is a link on my page which takes you to my bag!

Thanks, and have a pawsome weekend . . . . . . . . . . .

Results Are In!

The blood that was taken by the vampires at the vet office this week in Torture Chamber #2 was sent away to be analyzed.

The results came back today while Mawmee was gone. Daddy was home, and he took the phone call from Dr. Vampire.

She said my heart and liver are okay! They check two things in the kidneys. One is BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), and the other is CREAT (Creatinine). My Creatinine is fine. My BUN is only slightly elevated - at 31 (instead of 25).

I might start on a kidney diet which I've already decided I won't like and you can't make me!

And I can tell you this - the only blood that will be taken in the future is if I get ahold of skinny vet tech Sarah's arm . . . . . . . . . . .

The Day Can Only Get Better!

I told you I had to go back to the vet for a couple of shots. Well, this morning was the day, and boy, what a morning it was!

Mawmee and Daddy discussed in the car who was going to go in the exam room with me. When we got to the vet, Mawmee asked Daddy where my poopie sample was, and he said he left it at home! So, he drove back home to get it - I'm not pooping again for nobody!

The place looked all too familiar, except there was a little black kitty in a cage in the lobby waiting to get adopted. Her name was Buttercup and she reached out to me. I said, get lost, cat, I've already got 6 of you at home - BOL!

The first thing they wanted to do was take my picture. Mawmee said if the camera flashes, you can forget about it! I said, don't worry, by the end of my visit, you'll know me, and you won't need a picture to remember me!

Then Sarah came out to get me. Mawmee apologized for what she knew was gonna be a bad start to Sarah's day.

We went back to exam room #2 - the sign on the door that only dogs can read said, Torture Chamber #2. Sarah tried to act all friendly with me, and I told her I wasn't buying it. So, she quickly tried to get me in a headlock. Dang, I'm quick - I did my back up maneuver and grabbed her jacket with my teeth.

She didn't look scared at all. What's wrong with her? Then the pretty vet lady said Mawmee should leave the room. NO, don't go - the torture will begin when you leave!

The next thing I know, I'm wearing a muzzle and I'm screaming like a baby with a poopie diaper. Everybody in the lobby was impressed. Mawmee was about to have a heart attack. I kept screaming and screaming and making noises never heard by the human ear before!

Daddy arrived with the poop sample. He asked Mawmee if those noises were from me! Yep, and I'm not stopping until this muzzle gets taken off my face!

Mawmee heard the vet and Sarah giggling. See, they torture you and laugh while they are doing it! She also heard nail clippers. NO - not my nails! I've been growing them for over a year just so I can dig up moles in the backyard this summer!

Finally, Mawmee and Daddy were allowed in Torture Chamber #2. Evidence of the torture was all over the floor - nail clippings, saliva, hair! And guess what Sarah told them? Get ready, cause it is a doozie!

He was so good, he was all limp laying in my arms!

BOL, BOL, BOL, BOL, BOL, BOL, BOL, BOL, BOL

That was so good, you've got to read it again:

He was so good, he was all limp laying in my arms!

Yeah, right, Sarah, and I was so good that when they drew blood, I said - go ahead and take another gallon and donate it!

I showed them - when I left, I peed on the concrete fire hydrant they have in the yard for decoration!

We're all exhausted and the day has just begun . . . . . . . . .

I Howled!

OMD - I howled today! I don't bark , but I was outside doing work with Daddy. All of a sudden, a big arooooooo came out of my mouth!

Spunky and Sugar heard it in the house because they were looking around for a dog - BOL! Mawmee looked out the window and said to Daddy, was that Rocky?

I think Daddy was really proud of me - he said I was talking to Goldie, the dog that lives next door!

I sure sounded cool . . . . . . . . . .

BOL - I'm Will Smith!

Wow, your dog is Will Smith!

Will Smith
Leading Man

A fresh prince in the pursuit of happiness, Rocky is megastar Will Smith!

Putting the jazz back in jazzy, Rocky is always moving and grooving to the beat of his own internal drum. Not one to settle for second best, Rocky only takes on projects that are sure to draw attention and improve his pawpularity in the pack. Rocky's broad appeal across breed, age and gender lines means that his actions often lead to his being named best in show. Smooth, suave and debonair... he's the perfect pet to take home to Mommy. Not lacking in the looks department, Rocky‘s toothy grin would send even the most furrocious group of alien invaders spinning helplessly back into space.


They got the toothy grin right . . . . . . . . . . . .

Movin' On Up!

Back in November, I wrote a diary entry about how dogs are being given people names. At that time, my name was #10 on the list!

Well, watch out Max and Buddy because Rocky is movin' in on your territory!

In today's newspaper, there was a very similar article talking about how Spot is out - auf Wiedersehen!

And Max, Buddy, and Rocky are in!

It goes on to say that dogs are members of the family, just like a child! You got that right, Svetlana Shkolnikova - isn't her name the bomb? She is the gal that wrote the article!

Here is the list:

Males
1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Rocky
4. Bailey
5. Jake
6. Charlie
7. Jack
8. Toby
9. Cody
10. Buster

Females
1. Bella
2. Molly
3. Lucy
4. Maggie
5. Daisy
6. Sophie
7. Sadie
8. Chloe
9. Bailey
10. Lola

Remember, in the world of dog names, some days you're in, and some days you're out . . . . . . . . . .

A Basset, A Bordetella, and A Bite!

Are you wondering what a basset, a bordetella, and a bite have in common? They were all involved in my adventure today!

I went for a car ride this morning, but it wasn't to any place fun - it was to the vet's office!!

When we got inside, there was a man with a female basset hound that he found wandering down the road. She had on an electric fence collar - she sure knew how to fool that electric fence! She didn't have a chip, and the man said she is an indoor doggie because she has been trying to get in his house! He was gonna take her home and look for her owner - the electric fence company isn't open on Saturday.

Then some gal came to get me, and she said to Mawmee and Daddy, You can stay out in the lobby, I'll take him back for the shot, to which Mawmee and Daddy said, oh, no, you'll want us to be there, he isn't very friendly when a stranger messes with him! You're darn right - haven't I been told since I was little to beware of strangers?

We all went back to an exam room. Then the big discussion occurred - who was gonna hold me, how was the holding going to take place, and who didn't mind getting bit!

So, Daddy won the coin toss. Mawmee rubbed my backside to distract me. Daddy was holding my head. The vet tech gave me the shot. It took longer than I liked, so I decided to show my frustration by nipping at Daddy!

I know I shouldn't have done it, but you don't go messing with me! It didn't break the skin, but I'm thinking he will have a bruise tomorrow!

The bad news - looks like I am due for my parvo and distemper shot. My rabies shot was a three year deal, so I'm okay on that!

Drats - we've got to do this all over again! And I also found out that the only reason I need the bordetella shot is because I'm going to get boarded next month. They are trying to pass off the place as a resort, but I'm not buying it . . . . . . . . .

Rock My World!

Wowza, early this morning we had an earthquake! In Kentucky? Yep, can you believe it?

The house shook and stuff rattled!

Spunky, Sugar, and I just looked at each other and wondered what had happened! Whew, everybody is safe! The only bad thing that happened was a bunch of stupid people calling 911 to see what was going on! The mayor got on television and told everybody that they shouldn't call 911 unless they have an emergency - they should turn on their television to see what happened! Then the mayor's assistant talked and said half of the 911 calls were from the media - BOL!

Some concrete thing on top of a building downtown fell to the ground and broke, but no one was hurt.

I felt the earth move . . . . . . . . . .

Looks Like It's Possible!

You can teach an old dog a new trick!

When I first came to live here, I couldn't stand to be combed, and don't even think about touching my hairy legs, tail, or backside!

OMD - Mawmee couldn't believe it today when we went outside. She has been combing me every day so I get used to it. I laid down in the grass and she was able to comb out my tail and some of my hairy backside that gets so tangled and matted!

I didn't show her my pearly whites . . . . . .

I didn't go after the comb . . . . . . .

I didn't jump up and run away . . . . . . . . .

I knew a biscuit was waiting if I was a good boy . . . . . . . . . .

Meet the Barkers!

Daddy promised that he and Mawmee would take me for a walk tonight when they got back from working at my old house.

I got to meet all the neighborhood barkers!

Goldie lives next door. He has one of those invisible fences. He didn't bark at me when I left, but he gave me a shout out when I got back.

Then there is Max. He lives next door to Goldie. He has an invisible fence too! He must know where it is because he runs right up to the invisible line and doesn't come out in the street! He barked like a wild man as I walked up my court. Then he barked like another wild man when I came back down the court!

The third barker is Weenie. His real name is Gus, but Autumn always called him Weenie! He is a hotdog dog. He has an invisible fence too. What is with all these invisible fences? Why don't they want the dogs to see them? I can see my fence! Weenie was a little scared of me, I think. He didn't come running up to me, but he did bark a few times.

The last doggie I saw on my walk is a dog that lives across from our court. I don't know his name, but guess what? He has an invisible fence too!

My first walk of spring was pawsome, and I got brushed today too! I'm getting better about being brushed. I still like to grin and show my teeth when the comb gets near my backside - BOL!

Have a fun week . . . . . . . . .

Greased Lightening!

Last night we had a bad storm. I've always been afraid of storms, but last night Mawmee and Daddy finally figured out that I'm most afraid of the lightening.

Since my hearing is not too good, I don't hear the thunder, but I can see that lightening flashing, and last night I searched for a hiding place and ended up in the bathroom!

Daddy got up in the middle of the night to take me out to do my business because I didn't have the opportunity to go at bedtime because of the storm. When we came back in, he decided to sleep on the sofa so that I wouldn't be scared.

He also made the connection between my fear of lightening and my fear of getting my picture taken - the flash on the camera reminds me of lightening!

That sure made my photographer feel bad, but I'm also sure that won't stop her from taking pictures of me . . . . . . . . .

Things are Growing!

Tomorrow is the first day of spring! Time for the rain to stop, and for the flowers to start growing!

Guess what else is growing?

The hair on my feet! I have the hairiest paws in the south! The hair grows between my toes, it sticks out behind my legs, and I look like I'm wearing fuzzy slippers!

But, you all know that there isn't a pair of scissors getting anywhere near my feet!

I'm starting to tolerate a towel being whisked over the top of my feet without feeling the need to show my pearly whites! Apparently that impresses Mawmee because I get a biscuit when I don't show my teeth!

Happy Spring . . . . . . . let it begin . . . . . . . .

Oh My Dog - Diary of the Day!

Wowza - thank you Dogster for making me Diary of the Day! I'm so happy and honored to be on the main page today! This is my very first honor!

I'm a little embarrassed to be seen in those silly bunny ears, but I hope my friends like my new spring page!

Thank you for the special gifts Tully, Oliver, Millie, Harvey, Bonnie Blue, and Quincy! And thanks Ricki, Petunia Grace, Dallas, Sassy Girl, the Critter Alley Crew, Autumn, Sampson, Sawyer (a cat!), Tabby, Ziggy Moonbeam, Hunny, Yoshi, Sampson, Sammie and KiKi (more cats!) for the rosettes!

I also love all the Voki messages from friends - you all have made this a very special day! Woo hoo!!

The snow has melted, and it's time to celebrate! Have a pawsome weekend . . . . . . . . . . . . .

She's a Labrador Retriever!

Mawmee took the Dog Breed Quiz that Dogster sent her, and it turns out that she is a . . . . . . . . . . . .

Labrador Retriever
The Caretaker

Your family is what makes you tick, and you never "flea" from an opportunity to hang out with the whole gang. A family picnic complete with hot dogs, deviled eggs and a refreshing swim in the lake is hard for you to stray from. Your sparky temperament and dogged intelligence mean you are not only a blast to hang out with, but great to work with as well. Your close pals appreciate your patience and forgiveness, knowing you'd rather let sleeping dogs lie than dwell on the mishaps of the past. Your dashing good looks may one day lead to a modelling career, if only you can tame the unfortunate clumsiness that sometimes causes you to go flailing from the catwalk.

FAMOUS LABRADOR RETRIEVERS: Bill Cosby, Jackie Onassis, Dr. Phil, David Beckham

LIKELY PROFESSIONS: Doctor, Sales Executive, Teacher


She said swimming in a lake is about the last thing she would enjoy, but she agreed with the dashing good looks, and the sparky temperament and dogged intelligence part - BOL!

What kind of dog is your Mommy . . . . . . . . .

Pawprints in the Snow!

Our big snowstorm is over! The sun was out yesterday and today, so it is melting and getting all slushy.

I like when the snow makes the yard look like a big, white blanket. The backyard didn't look like that for long because I went out and made pawprints all over the yard.

Mawmee thought it was funny that each time I went outside, I would only walk on the pawprint trail I had made previously!

And the coolest prints of all were outside the fence. There were four different trails of pawprints . . . . . . . . . . made by deer . . . . . . . . .

What a Big Difference!

Wowza, friends, you won't believe how good I've become over the past couple of months.

I never liked to be combed or brushed. Well, maybe just down my back, but never on my belly, under my chin, or near my legs.

Guess what?

I love to be combed now! Don't get me wrong, I still get annoyed if there is a snag during the combing, but I'm enjoying it soooo much!

And Mawmee is thrilled because she can finally get some of the dead hair off of me - and there is plenty of it!

Who knows, someday I might even let her wipe my feet without showing my pearly whites . . . . . . . . . .

The Cutest Beagle Ever!

Did you watch the Westminster Dog Show last night? For the very first time, a beagle won Best in Show, and he is such a cute beagle!

Here is Uno with his big ribbon and trophies!

When he won, he started howling and wooing! It was pretty pawsome to see how excited he was to win.

Way to go Uno . . . . . . . . .

Ice, Ice, Baby!

The snow was so much fun last night. This morning I couldn't wait to get out the door and go running through the snow again!

Wooooaaaaah doggie - hold on there - what happened to the snow? It's one big, crunchy field of ice!

I just stood there looking at Daddy wondering what I was supposed to do! Mawmee yelled out the window to Daddy and told him to help me so that I wouldn't slip and fall.

So, with his big boots, Daddy choo-choo trained his feet through the ice and made a path for me! I followed him and then ventured out onto the ice all by myself.

I had to hop like a bunny to get back to the door! I'll bet the deer are having to hop like bunnies too - we saw a few deer prints outside the fence.

Okay, I'm done with winter . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Snowdog!

We got lots of snow tonight - well, lots of snow for Kentucky! When I went outside this afternoon, there was no snow.

Then, Daddy took me out tonight, and I couldn't believe it. I ran right out in that snow, and it was pawsome! I was running back and forth across the yard like a wild man!

Now I know why Millie loves the snow so much!

Snow rocks . . . . . . . . .

Biting the Hand that Coats You!

Since today is my birthday, I figured I could do anything I wanted to.

Like eat all my breakfast because there were yummies added to the bowl.

Like wear my coat outside because it's cold today.

Like not want my coat taken off because it's velcroed under my belly and when it gets un-velcroed sometimes my hair gets pulled which forces me to show my ferocious short stubby teeth which causes the Mawmee to back off which makes me look silly because the coat is half-on/half-off to which Mawmee asks me if I want to wear my coat all day long to which I tell her I can if I want to because it's my birthday and I'm not gonna roll over so you can unvelcro the straps and if you try it again, I'm gonna put my mouth over your hand and show you who is the boss and please get this coat off of me because I'm hot and the cats are laughing at me and okay, I'll roll over and let you unvelcro the straps and boy I'm happy now where is my biscuit?

Thanks to a cat named Boogers for giving me a cool birthday party hat today. I think I'd be biting the person who named me Boogers . . . . . . . . . .

P.S. Wowza - there's a party going on at my page! Thanks Oliver, Millie and Bonnie Blue for the pawsome gifts. And sweet Autumn sent me a star from the bridge . . . . . . . . . . .

Happy Birthday Dogster!

Wowza, Dogster is four years old today! Woo hoo - thanks Ted and the HQ staff for having such a cool place for us to hang out and have fun!

My birthday is this coming week, and I can't wait to celebrate!

Happy Birthday . . . . . . . . . .

The Passing of the Coat!

It has been really cold here the past two days. Mawmee got an orange coat out of the cabinet for me to wear when I go out in the backyard to do my business.

It is Autumn's coat, and Mawmee said Autumn would be happy that I am wearing it!

She giggled when she put it on me. There are two flaps that go under the belly and connect with velcro. When Autumn wore the coat, those two flaps barely met. There is alot of room for those flaps to meet under my belly - I guess Autumn was a little porker - BOL!

Thanks, Autumn, for letting me have your coat. I'll think of you everytime I wear it . . . . . . . . . . .

Roadie!

My new nickname is Roadie Rocky - I've been on my second roadtrip and it was pawsome!

The car was piled so high with stuff that I couldn't even be seen from the front seat. I passed the time snoozing and looking out the back window. I left my mark at a couple of pit stops - BOL!

When I got to Ohio Grandmaw's house, there was a stocking waiting for me that said Good Dog on it, and it was filled with biscuits - woo hoo! Apparently, I'm good, but I can't be totally trusted in Grandmaw's house by myself, so I spent some time at Aunt Eva's house on Christmas Eve. There were a lot of people there, and I was sooooo good.

Then one night, we drove around looking at Christmas lights - I think we were in West Virginia, so I can mark that state off my map too!

The day before we left, Mawmee and Daddy had lunch with a good friend who was also in town. She had her two girls with her, and they got to meet me for the very first time. We gave each of the girls a Shutterfly calendar with all of our pictures on it, so they were excited to see me in real life!

Spunky and Sugar were glad when I got home. They wanted to hear all about the trip. I told them cats weren't allowed to go on road trips. I'm glad I'm a dog . . . . . . . . . . .

Holiday Road Trip!

Wowza, I'm going on another road trip to Ohio Grandmaw's house! Living here is nothing but excitement. I had never been on a road trip before, and now I'm going on my second one in two months!

Woo hoo! I hope all my friends have a pawsome Christmas . . . . . see you on Friday . . . . . . . .

Christmas Wish List!

We have all been tagged at one point or another in the last couple of weeks to list what we want for Christmas.

We had a family meeting and decided that since we are lucky to have a wonderful, spoiled life, we would come up with a different type of wish list for Santa.

1. Less doggies (and kitties) living in shelters - finding a forever, loving home!

2. No more animal abuse - and since we know it will take awhile for Santa to grant this wish, then we want those who abuse animals to go to jail!

3. We want Santa to help stray animals find their way into a loving homes. We sure know how that works since we were all strays!

4. More places like Best Friends Animal Society!

5. We want Santa to help people understand how to take care of the pets they have - or give their pets to someone who knows how to properly care for them.

6. No more dogs on chains - they deserve better!


What is on your wish list for Santa? . . . . . . . . . . .

Southern Lights!

I got a big surprise tonight! Mawmee, Daddy, and I drove to Lexington, Kentucky, to see the Southern Lights display at the Kentucky Horse Park.

There is a three-mile ride through the park and adjoining golf course. There were over 100 lighted Christmas displays - it was so pawsome! Mawmee took a bunch of pictures, and tomorrow I'll put together a slideshow of the cool displays.

At the end of the ride, you could go in a couple of the buildings to see Santa, a big train display, and a dollhouse display. I had to wait in the car, but when they came out, I got to walk around for awhile with Daddy. Of course, I left a little present in Lexington - BOL!

I'm also going to Ohio next week to spend a few days at Grandmaw's house! I can't wait to see if Santa brings me a present . . . . . . .

My Timing Stinks!

I guess digging a big hole in the backyard while Daddy was trying to get finals graded and getting all that wet mud stuck inbetween my toes wasn't the best thing to do the week before Santa arrives!

And if you remember, I don't like having my feet touched. It took a half an hour of negotiation between Mawmee and me to get my feet semi-cleaned. I even had grass stuck in the mud, so it was a real good mess!

I wouldn't even let her pick my feet up and put them in a bucket of water. She had to use biscuit bribery, and work quickly while I chewed. I showed her what little toofies I have several times, and went for her arm a couple of times to tell her that mud smells good, and I want it between my toes!

Then Daddy remembered that this summer the mole trap went off right in the spot where I was digging. He got out the shovel and sure enough, a big, fat, dead mole was in the spot where I was digging!

I was just trying to help Santa cause I figured the cats would like a big, fat, dead mole for Christmas!

Hmmmm, I wonder if there are any other dead moles around the backyard . . . . . . . .

The First Four Stopped By Today!

They were all together . . . . . . . . eating nuts in the fire circle . . . . . . . talking about the big night they have on the 24th . . . . . . .

Dasher

Dancer

Prancer

and Vixen

at my house this morning! Wowza, it was exciting! I wanted to go out and tell them to put in a good word with Santa, but the minute I got outside, they took off running into the woods.

I guess Santa was calling them! Check out my page because I got a picture of them before they took off . . . . . . . .

You Can Call Me Stud!

Wowza, I'm a Dogster Stud! Well, at least a sweet beagle named Alexis thinks I am because she gave me that cool gift last night!

It looks like Tigress and Tobie think Alexis is a Dogster Diva, and I think she is too. Look at her cute face!

Oh my gosh, Alexis shares her house with six cats! We sure have a lot in common even if she is a girl. She even enjoys scratching her back on end tables. So do I!

Alexis has better hearing than I do. She'll let her Mommy know if there are any noises outside. Alexis also likes car rides, and I sure like them too!

Thanks, Alexis, for making me a Dogster Stud . . . . . . . . . . .

Someone To Watch Over Me!

I've added some pictures to my page from my big Thanksgiving road trip to Ohio Grandmaw's house. Several pictures were taken of me in the car when we were getting ready to come home.

Look at this picture - I have my very own rainbow to watch over me.

I know it's Autumn, and she is telling me that it is okay for me to be the dog of the house now. She isn't jealous that I got to go to Grandmaw's house.

Autumn was always afraid to walk in Grandmaw's kitchen because she was afraid she would slip on the floor.

That floor didn't bother me one bit! I got locked out of that kitchen a couple of times because they didn't want me sneaking food - BOL!

Thanks for watching over me, Autumn . . . . . . . . . . .

My Big Adventure!

Wowza, my very first road trip was pawsome! I've never been out of Kentucky before.

We stopped at all kinds of cool places on the way to Grandmaw's house in Ohio - a gas station, a fast food place, and a rest stop! I got to smell all kinds of new smells.

And then at Grandmaw's house, I got to explore the whole house. I even helped get the turkey ready by sitting in the kitchen and watching very closely in case some stuffing fell on the floor!

I wasn't a very good eater while I was gone, but hey, that tactic worked because I got pieces of real turkey in my bowl to coax me to eat! I'm trying that now that we're home, but it's not working too good - I guess we don't have any turkey in the house!

It was a fun trip, but I'm glad to be home because I know Spunky and Sugar missed me!

I can't wait to go again for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . .

I'm Number Ten!

In yesterday's magazine section, there was an article about how people are naming their pets with people names rather than Fido, Rover, or Lassie!

I was on the Top Ten Dog Names list - woo hoo! Here they are:

1. Max
2. Molly
3. Buddy
4. Bella
5. Lucy
6. Maggie
7. Daisy
8. Jake
9. Bailey
10. Rocky !!!!!

I'm already friends with some doggies who have those names. I'll list them here, and if I don't have a friend with one of those names, I'm gonna go find one!

I see the Dog of the Week is named Rocky too! And he has a brother named Max - wowza, I could knock off two on the list with one family!

Let's see who I'm already friends with:

1. Max, and Max

3. Buddy

6. Maggie

7. Daisy, and Daisy, and Daisy!

8. Jayke - he spells his a little different, but he's still Jake!

9. Bailey

10. Rocky - my newest friend - the Dog of the Week!

Okay, looks like I need to make friends with:

Molly
Bella
Lucy

Are you friends with the Top Ten? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

*Update*

Yipppeeee, I've made friends with:

Bella

Only Molly and Lucy to go!

*Update*

Molly and Lucy have accepted my friend invite! I've got the Top Ten list complete!

My First Road Trip!

Looks like I'm the lucky one in the family - I'm going to Ohio Grandmaw's house for Thanksgiving!

Woo Hoo - I've never been on a long road trip before. I wonder if I'll get sick? I wonder if I'll bark at cows and horses? I wonder if I'll like Grandmaw's house?

I've heard Autumn was a really good car rider, so I'm going to do my best to be good too. I like riding in the car, but this is a 5 hour trip, so who knows!

I won't be leaving until Wednesday, so I have a few days to brag to the cats that they aren't going!

BOL . . . . . . . . . .

Something is Fishy Here!

One of the pills the vet gave me to take will help my dry skin. It is a capsule filled with something oily. I can take one a day, and yesterday, I was given the pill with peanut butter.

But, the pill is pretty big and Mawmee is afraid I might choke on it - especially since it is covered in peanut butter!

So, today she punctured the pill with a pin and squirted that oil on my food. She didn't think there would be any chance I would eat the food with the oil on it, but guess what?

It's some type of fish oil and you know doggies - the stinkier the stuff, the better it is - BOL!

Mawmee didn't think she got any of it on her hands, but she smelled something funny, and took a whiff of her hands, and sure enough - fish oil!

I'd better be careful - Spunky and Sugar will want to eat my food . . . . . . . . . .

Itchin' and Scratchin'!

For the past week, I've been biting and scratching a couple of places on my back near my tail.

Mawmee called the vet and they suggested I take Benedryl and put hydrogen peroxide on the spots to dry them up. They also said if they got worse, I should come in.

They got worse.

I went in today. The muzzle was discussed but when they showed it to me, I started nipping and wouldn't let Daddy put it on me. So he held me tightly on either side of my face, and you wouldn't believe how good I was!

I let the vet check out those spots - she even touched me and gave me a shot, and I didn't try to bite anybody! I got treats too, so maybe I should start being good more often when I go to the vet's office!

I either have some allergies or possibly the little bumps that were removed from my head and feet have shown up in other areas. And they itch like crazy, so I've got to bite at them!

I got some pills to take and some other tablets that are supposed to help with my dry skin. And there was even talk of getting a bath later on today.

I hope treats come along with that bath . . . . . . . . .

I'm a Winner!

Wowza, I entered the Pet Poetry Group's Halloween Bash 07 contest. I didn't think I had a chance of winning anything, but it looks like I'll be getting a rosette for my Little Red Riding Hood Big Bad Wolf costume!

A great way to start out the day . . . . . . . . . .

Tricky Treat!

I've been busted!

Everybody here has been wondering why I'm not eating. I keep turning my nose up at my food. Sure, I'll eat a few bites if I'm hand-fed, but Mawmee is not about to start that habit!

Today, everybody figured it out.

Spunky has known about it, but I threatened to chew up his toys if he told!

Sugar has known about it, but I threatened to chase her if she told.

They didn't tell. Daddy figured it out all by himself!

I've been eating the cats' food! Well, do you blame me? It's sitting right there in the wide open! It's in two bowls - all small and cute and crunchy and easy to eat!

No wonder Spunky and Sugar have been hungry - BOL! Looks like I'll be spending time in my crate when they eat.

Happy Howl-o-ween everydoggie . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tagged!

My friend, Bonnie Blue tagged me! She said this nice stuff about me:

Rocky- my pal who lost his mawmee this year- but is so lucky to have stepped right in where Autumn so sadly left. You hit the doggie jackpot beautiful Rocky! Thanks Bonnie Blue!

Thanks also to the always fashionable Tuesday who also tagged me!

Now, I'm supposed to say 7 random facts about me.

1. I don't bark much at all - probably because:

2. I don't hear much at all!

3. I like to take stuff out of the bathroom wastebasket. I've trained Mawmee and Daddy to not put anything in there!

4. I don't eat the cat's food and it is right where I could if I wanted to!

5. I used to check out the cat's litter box until it got a lid put on it!

6. I squat when I do a pee wee. I'm supposed to lift my leg, but that takes too much effort!

7. I get lots of kisses on the cheek from Mawmee - I really like kisses!


I sure did hit the jackpot, Bonnie Blue, and so did you . . . . . . . . .

New Food!

I'm a picky eater! Mawmee thought the reason I didn't eat very good before was because my teeth were bad. But now that I've had my teeth cleaned, and a couple of bad teeth removed, I started eating better.

Until last week.

I missed my Mawmee while she was gone, so I didn't eat very much. She was concerned so yesterday she bought me a different type of food. Tonight I ate almost a whole bowl of food - a combination of my old food and the new stuff.

The new stuff is Merrick's Senior Medley - add a little water and it makes it's own gravy!

Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. . . . . . . . . . . .

Rainy Days and Mondays!

I was so happy to see my Mawmee last night when she got home from her week-long cruise!

Two special things happened today:

1. I finally got the rest of my bandage off my leg! I was letting Mawmee love on me and when I wasn't paying attention, she snipped off the remaining piece of bandage! The hair is growing back on my head too!

2. I wore a coat for the first time! It has been raining all day and when it was time for me to go outside and do my business, I got to wear Autumn's raincoat! I looked pretty cool in that lime green coat. The only problem? I didn't know how to do a pee wee in a coat! So, we came back inside the house! I got wet for nothing, but it was fun wearing that coat!

Welcome home, Mawmee . . . . . . . . . .

Gobble, Gobble!

I was in the backyard this morning just looking around and all of a sudden, I barked!

Now, this is a big deal cause I usually don't bark - mainly because I can't hear! I think that is why a lot of dogs bark - they hear something and just feel the need to talk back!

Mawmee started looking around to see what I barked at - it was only one bark, not a bunch of barks!

Then she heard rustling of leaves down in the woods. I couldn't hear it, but I saw something and I was very quiet like a hunting dog would be.

Mawmee told me it didn't look like deer because they aren't that noisy. Then she saw them - I saw them too!

A big bunch of turkeys!

They aren't called a bunch of turkeys - they are called a rafter of turkeys!

This rafter better get out of town before next month rolls around . . . . . . .

I'm My Own Vet!

She attempted to remove that remaining piece of bandage today. I wouldn't let her!

So tonight I decided to remove that piece of bandage myself! I chewed half of it off. I still have a small square left.

Dang, it hurts when you pull a bandage off! You should see the hair that was left on the sticky part . . . . . . . . .

Physical Challenge!

Today I was supposed to go to the vet to have my stitches removed from my head and the bandage taken off my leg and stitches removed from my leg too.

Mawmee was dreading it because she knew it would be traumatic for the vet techs to hold me in a death grip while the vet tried to remove my stitches.

So, she decided to play vet and remove my stitches!

First - the top of my head. I don't mind the top of my head being touched. She took her time, and used tiny scissors to cut the stitches. She couldn't let me see the scissors, or else . . . . . . . . you know . . . . . . . I show her my teeth . . . . .

The stitches were purple - Violet would have loved it had he seen them! She got all of them out!

Next - my bandage! I had already scooted part of the bandage down and apparently took out my own stitches from the boo boo on my leg! Hey, I'm a vet too!

She got Daddy's bandage scissors and had to be really sneaky to not let me see them. I rolled on my back and she started petting my belly. Then all of a sudden she covered my eyes with one hand and started snipping the bandage. Lucky for her I can't hear, so I had no clue what was going on.

We then moved the whole thing outside - I had to go - so while I was distracted by stuff in the woods, she snipped more of the bandage!

She was soooo proud when the biggest part of the bandage came off! There is still one small section that is still stuck to my hair.

I can't wait to see her try again tomorrow . . . . . . . I'm getting wise to her ways . . . . . .

Bandages - Yuck!

I decided that the bandage on my leg had to go. I've started an attempt at removing it, but Daddy tells me no everytime I start chewing away. The blue part of the bandage is pretty challenging - it is stuck like glue on my hair!

The stitches come out on Wednesday . . . . . . . . unless I decide to remove them myself before then . . . . . . .

Back to Normal!

Well, it took me a couple of days to shake off that groggy feeling after my teeth cleaning and bump surgery!

Mawmee knew I was feeling better when I showed her my pearly whites as she tried to put drops in my ears!

And you wanna know what she can't believe? That I've left my bandage alone on my leg! She can't wait to see how I act when they take that bandage and my stitches out next week! They better have Sarah put the death grip on me again.

I'm eating better too, and I think that is because I don't have bad teeth hurting my mouth anymore.

And I'm running a little bit - probably because my toenails have been trimmed!

I'm still hard of hearing! Don't tell anyone, but I think it is funny that Mawmee has to yell, do your peewee really loud so I can hear her. The whole neighborhood hears her - BOL!

I'm probably 5 pounds lighter after removing all that excess hair. I'm a new dog . . . . . . . . .

Feelin' Punk!

What a terrible day I had yesterday! I spent the entire day at the vet's office. I went in looking and feeling good, and when I came out . . . . . . let's just say it isn't a pretty picture!

My teeth were cleaned, and they had to pull out 4 of them! Well, they said one of them almost fell out on it's own! My mouth is sore!

My hair was trimmed, and I look better according to Mawmee, but I feel naked on the backside! They also trimmed up all that long hair on my feet!

My nails were trimmed too - who knows when that was done last!

And the worst part? I had two growths removed - one from the top of my head, and one on my front leg.

So, I've got a shaved spot and stitches on my head, and a bandage on my foot! I don't think I'll need a Halloween costume - I look like Frankendog!

I'm super duper, super duper, super duper sleepy. It took awhile before I would come out of my crate this morning. I went outside to do my business, but I was just too tired, so I came back in, got a drink of water and went back to bed!

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shined, Shaved, Snipped, and Clipped!

I'm at the vet's office today!

I'm getting . . . . . . . .

shined - my toofies are getting cleaned!

shaved - my matted hair is getting clipped!

snipped - my warty growth on the top of my head is getting removed!

clipped - my nails are getting trimmed!

Mawmee said to give me the works since they are putting me under anesthesia. Anything that I won't let her do is getting done while I'm sleeping!

Hey, I might want that wart on my head as part of my Halloween costume . . . . . .

My Whites Aren't So Pearly!

I went to the vet this morning! Before I went, I got a couple of pills in peanut butter to make me behave better.

They made me glassy-eyed and a little sleepy, but Sarah still did the death grip on me while Dr. Gregory looked in my ears, listened to my heart, and felt my back legs.

She didn't have to look in my mouth to see my teeth because I was showing them to everybody in the room! Sarah is a strong vet tech! She even covered my eyes when Dr. Gregory looked in my ears.

Mawmee was soooo impressed because she thought for sure someone would get bit in the process! I didn't even have to wear the muzzle!

The vet said my ears were a little red, but no fluid was seen, so it might be allergies. I've got drops to put in once a day, and a pill to take a couple of times a day to help my ears.

My back legs are a little weak too - I guess any dog that lives here has back leg problems. Autumn had the same problem with her back legs.

So, we get home, and Daddy said he would put the death grip on me like Sarah showed them, and Mawmee could put the drops in my ears.

Apparently, Daddy can't do the death grip like Sarah cause I almost bit him. The muzzle was put on and I was still pretty mad about it - but, they got the drops in!

Two weeks of drops once a day . . . . . . . I predict someone will get hurt in the process . . . . . . . .

Shake, Shake, Shake!

I've been shaking my head the past two days. I let Mawmee look inside my ear and everything looks okay, but she wants me to go to the vet tomorrow to have it checked out.

Now - here is the problem! My new Mawmee and Daddy have never taken me to the vet. They've heard from Grandmaw that I am terrible, really terrible at the vet's office.

I have to take drugs before I go to make me sleepy - I have to wear a muzzle - and I still try to bite the vet!

This is a vet I've never seen, so who knows what is going to happen. Mawmee is very worried that I'll bite someone. They practiced tonight putting the muzzle on me, and I almost snapped at Daddy.

I must have been abused in my original family because I'm really sweet until you try touching parts of my body - my ears, my tail, my backside, my mouth.

I'm not a good boy sometimes . . . . . . . .

Cats in My Domain!

Spunky and Sugar are now living in the family room with me! I guess we're the black sheep of the family since we're not allowed upstairs!

Spunky and Sugar are my cat siblings, and Mawmee and Daddy felt like they had been in Grandmaw's house by themselves long enough. So, they came on Saturday and have adjusted in no time! I think they were really lonely and glad to see me.

We are all content to be down in the lower level of the house for now. Samoa calls it the dungeon! She and Violet are not allowed down here because of the leather sofa and their claws! Spunky and Sugar don't have claws, so everything is working out fine!

At night, Mawmee has been locking my crate door so that Spunky and Sugar's food can be put down for them. Apparently, I can't be trusted to leave their food alone!

Autumn is smiling down from the bridge because she knows all about living with cats . . . . . . . . .

Hosta Hiding!

An opposum has been living under our deck in the backyard. I know he is there, and everytime I go outside, I'll go over to his spot and sniff him through the slats of the deck.

Yesterday afternoon, Mawmee let me outside. She didn't come out with me because she was doing laundry and only had on her bra and panties.

She opened the door to get me in, and there I was - with my head stuck in the hosta leaves, and my tail was wagging.

All she could think of was that opposum and that I was checking him out. She started yelling for me - yelling cause I'm deaf and can't hear her very well - BOL!

I kept my head in the hostas, and my tail was wagging. She came outside - only in her scivvies - and touched my back to get my attention. I wasn't budging!

She ran back into the laundry room to get something on because with all the yelling for me, she was sure the neighbors were now out looking at her standing in the backyard in her underwear!

She comes back outside with a blue jean jacket on and my leash. She grabbed my collar and was sure that I'd come out of the hostas with a big 'ole possum in my mouth - BOL!

Bummer - back in the house! No possum in my teeth!

I think it was nothing but a fake-out because she didn't see the possum in the hostas. It was probably just a mouse . . . . . . . I'm not telling . . . . . . .

Brushin' Upstream!

I told you I wasn't a big fan of the comb or the brush!

I'll let the brush go down my back cause there aren't any tangles and it doesn't pull, but if you get that brush near my backside where it is very hairy and tangly, I'll show you my pearly whites!

Today Mawmee got the great idea to try brushing me in the opposite direction, and guess what?

I loved it!

Well, like is a little better word to use! She was able to get a bunch of hair out of me, but there is a bunch more to get.

But, that's for another day. I can't let her get too excited about it . . . . . . . .

Tricky Scissors!

Last night was trim night - Mawmee thought she would try to cut some of my wild hairs!

I don't think I'm a fan of scissors either - BOL! I have a rule about my tail - don't touch it! Everytime she attempted to snip off some hair, I moved! She got in a few snips when I wasn't looking.

I might be deaf, but I'm not dumb!

Yep, did I tell you I can't hear very well . . . . . . . . . . .

The Brush!

I'm not a fan of the brush.

I'm not a fan of the comb.

Can you tell? Look at all that wild hair I have! Mawmee has been trying to get me used to the brush or the comb. When I feel the slightest little tug, I let her know that she needs to stop - right now! I put my mouth on her hand, and then I give her the look!

You dogs know what I'm talking about - the look that says, I could bite your entire hand off if I wanted to!

I think I know who will win this little game . . . . . . . . .

Running Is Great!

Is there anything better than doing a poopie and then running around the backyard like a maniac?

I don't think so . . . . . . . . .

The Snake Returns!

On one of my trips out to the backyard this morning, Mawmee was walking around the yard and all of a sudden she saw something slithering in the grass.

It was my friend, Mr. Snake - the one I stepped on a couple of days ago! He was looking for me.

Mawmee grabbed my collar and we headed for the door! Hey, wait a minute I told her. I want to see that snake again. No way, Jose' she said!

That would have been a fun meeting . . . . . . . .

Let's Talk Paws!

I thought I should let my friends know all about me. So, I'm starting with my paws.

I have four of them, and they are very hairy. I'm talking wispy strands that stick out from my toes, from the back of my legs, and all over my paws.

And don't dare try to touch my paws - that's a no-no! However, I was told one of the rules of this house is to get your paws wiped off when you come in from the backyard.

I'm getting better at it. I used to show my pearly whites when that towel came near my paws. It was fun to see the expression on Mawmee's face when I did that!

Now, she brushes the towel across the tops of my paws and I don't seem to mind.

Picking up my paw to wipe on the underneath side won't be happening anytime soon!

I guarantee that . . . . . . . . . . . .

A First!

One of Autumn's best friends, Lily, asked me why I haven't started a diary.

There are a few reasons:

1. The cats get all the attention - Autumn warned me about that!

2. I couldn't think of a clever diary title.

3. I didn't think my life was interesting enough for a diary.

Well, look out Dogster - all of that has changed!

1. The cats are no longer going to get all the attention. I even barked last night for the first time to let them know I'm downstairs!

2. Lily came up with a great diary title for me - Rocky's Road - makes me think of ice cream!

3. My life is interesting!

Guess what happened a couple of nights ago? Daddy took me for a walk down to the garden. I stepped on a snake - it was a little snake, and I didn't even know I had stepped on it! Now, you're probably saying that was pretty stupid, but I'd like to think that I was really brave!

Rocky's Road has begun . . . . . . . .