Don't cry for me, Argentina or any body else!! I have new- life through modern chemistry!

I was feeling and looking like I was aging this winter, slowing down, not chasing the ball so much and finally collapsed and had to be carried to the car. I ended up seeing a vet cardiologist and was diagnosed with right heart failure. I felt punk, was full of fluid and all of a sudden was being fed cheese balls three times a day--lumpy cheese balls! The bottom line is my heart doc has tuned me up so beautifully that I can run, laugh and even annoy all the people around me again (they knew I was sick when I wasn't bothering them for attention as much as I usually do). Now when I get really pesty again the ol' girl starts brushing me or grinding my nails and the beauty treatment makes me want to go lie down on my bed and leave her alone for a while. I am in the moment and the moment is good!

[Note: Charlie is on two diuretics and sildenafil (you look it up!) which is what really made the difference. Now we've started him on Pimobenden to boost his heart and circulation. Where he was a month ago to where he is now is like night and day. We are grateful for the vets who care for him and for his Border Collie will which is endless and strong.]

One for all and all for one!

Hi. Begonia sat down and talked to me about what was going on. The old girl went away, came back, smelled different and hobbles around--she must have had hip dysplasia! and had to stay with the vet. Anyway, she keeps talking about when she can drive again and take me to the woods to run. I can wait. Hannah has been coming over and brought Luna today so there is enough going on to keep me busy. Plus the neighbor's door keeps opening and closing so we have a lot of protecting to do. Hey! We're still getting used to Chico trotting around! Life is good . . . just a little less excitement than usual.

Finally a good run after all that rain

The farmers say "a rainy May makes a barn full of hay" but enough already! Yesterday it was sunny and we all piled in the car, some friends came alone and I had a terrific, raucous, chipmunk-chasin' run in the woods! it was great. Took a cold swim in a deep fast moving part of the brook and I paddled in place until the ol' girl called me "come." That was fun! I'm thinking of going to Beijing to enter the Olympics for woods frolic events!

Chico is here!

Way early in the morning the phone rang and the ol' girl got dressed and went out. When she came back she brought Chico with her. He was a little perplexed. We didn't bark or anything and he slept in the den with us, me on the floor and the rest of them on the bed. It's raining, but we've been out twice for a walk already today. So Chico is a good thing for me!

The wet face

Usually I get to make the ol' girl's face wet--slobbery moist tongue kisses. This past week my job has been cleaning salty drops off her cheeks. Best I can make of it, some one who was very fun to be with isn't around any more. THANK DOG WE HAVE THE WOODS!!!! Hiking in the lower Notch trails, feeling the moss, swimming in the still full streams has been a joy and makes us all feel better! Carpe diem!

2008 and I'm still smilin'

The dirt and grass and stuff are showing again which is a good thing because it, especially the stuff, is loaded with terrific smells. I can still find a patch of snow big enough to roll around in while the little thing stands patiently, but mostly we are puddle jumping. Somebody gave me a big hunk of cheese, don't know who it was, but I sniffed it out here and really REALLY like it! Thanks and yummy! Our walks at the end of the day are longer now when the human gets home from work because the light stays around. We've even had time to take a run in the fields by the stadium before it gets darker than dark--just to stretch my legs--I can almost smell spring in the woods where we'll go for really long runs and chases. I'm mostly in the moment but I feel some desire to get back to run run running! The human keeps saying "they tap the maple trees in February they tap the maple trees in February." I think that must be her spring dream. Wonder if she can smell that? Chow.

Fresh snow and food on the stove!

Hey, there is fresh fluffy white stuff on the ground, I can't wait to get out side for the v-e-r-y short morning walk (it must be a work day for the human) but I can't wait to roll in it, eat it, run my nose under it and check out the foot prints of the fur things that were up really early! Plus, I can't wait for some spring weather so we can get back to running in the woods. I still run, but just going to one place is not such a thrill . . . except any running is a thrill and now when I come to a stop I slide and skid and BOL!

It's Christmas Eve

Everyone expects me to be mature but I've started to quiver like when my nails are trimmed because I am so excited. It's Christmas Eve and we get to have a sleep over at Luna's. We're going to Joanne and Hannah's, I'll get to stiff Luna's butt and maybe chase Inkblott Kitty of the Wilderness when no one is looking.

There is still snow and I got to bury my face in it and roll over in it and hop around like a mouse even though I was still on that leash.

I just want to say: Merry Christmas, Holly!!!! We love you and Jimmy and Roxie and Hoover!!!

I'm am just a happy guy!

Trying very hard to be good

Places to run are kind of scarce, now that there is so much snow. Well, there are still lots of places but the two-legged wonder has a little more difficulty than me and likes it better if there is a path for her to walk on. Yesterday we went to the University and ran around the stadium--but I found the dumpsters, almost empty bags of take out and endless places to sniff inside the stadium fence. Well, she called me and a few minutes later I ran up to her as though it was an instant response. And in fact it was. Her whistle and calling me with the stupid "Come, Charlie" had to queue up behind a number of issues that had already caught my attention. I still got the treat for responding. We did this a few more times over the course of about an hour, and just when she thought I was going to stick by her side I took off again (wasn't done running) through a hole in the fence. Well, when I came up to her with a magnificent smile she slipped the collar over my head and kept me on the lead for the walk back to the car. She thought this would help me pay better attention. Let her think what she wants--recall is okay, but running all out is even better! Chow.