Shandi's Stories

I'm a finalist in the Worlds Coolest Contest!

Thats right, I made it as a finalist in the Ball/Frisbee category in the Worlds Coolest Dog and Cat show. I am so very excited and thank you to every who voted for me. Please vote for me as Best In Show. You can do that here;

http://www.dogster.com/show09/bestinshow.php?pet_co de=d

Come join my Christmas Gift Exchange!

I've hosted a few gift exchanged on dogster and they are always super fun. I decided to host a christmas gift exchange this year because money is really tight right now and mum cant afford to send off a gift but this way she can still be involved with an exchange. It's always lots of fun receiving a gift from another dogster member and it you have a specific place you want to send like only in your country thats fine too. There is a price limit of $20 on all gifts so everything if fare.

If you're interested check it out here (check for spaces in link)

http://www.dogster.com/forums/Plus_Fun/thread/64728 8

Sign ups are open until November 28th which gives you plenty of time :) So come and join in on the fun!

Life with a puppy

I'm enjoying have a brother alot, finally I have someone to play with and keep me company. Sometimes he gets on my nerves and I just give him a little snap but he needs to learn his place. He's always chewing on my ears with those sharp puppy teeth. Every time mum walks past the back door we're either out there playing in the yard or we're sleeping because we've been playing. I am alot happier now even if I dont really like sharing the attention.

Wow, Diary of the Day!

Well this was very unexpected, I was so surprised to come on and see my face on the dogster homepage. Thank you so much HQ for giving me this honour. It's nice to get some attention with thise little puppy around. Thank you to everyone who has sent me a gift or ppr, thank you for helping me celebrate this exciting day :)

A day of puppy play

Today was the first day that Banjo wasnt as scared of me and we actually played together. Mum kept laughng at us, if I didnt respond Banjo would jump around making noises. He loves to jump up and lick my face which I dont mind at all. I have realised that I have to lay down so we can play easier however sometimes I still get a little excited and play a little too rough.

I think this little guy is alright. I'm happy to have a friend to play with but not too thrilled about having to share mum. Definitly not happy he gets fed more than me. I cant wait until he grows up a bit more so we can tackle each other.

I have a new brother :)

Finally after all the months of searching and all the almost adopts mum found me a new brother today. A week ago she went to the shelter and saw a new litter of cattle dog mix pups that had just come in that morning. Mum instantly fell in love with one called Nick, the little brown and white one. She checked the website every few hours every day to check that he was still available.

This morning was the day and at 10am mum went down to the shelter. There he was sleeping belly up in the kennel. Mum brought him out of the kennel and played with him on the grass. He is a puppy that likes to explore. He didnt like to be picked up, just wanted to run around on the grass and sniff.

Mum is about to go pick him up and she hopes that we get along well. She thinks he'll be a little scared at first considering my size but should warm up to me. I'm jealous that he gets to sleep inside though.

Still trying to think of a name.

What a big day today

Well I am happy because mum is going to be home this morning which she usually isnt so we can just chill for a little. She says we have a visitor coming this afternoon and since mum knows that I love everyone she's interested to see how I react. Buddy's Mum arrives here this afternoon. Then mum also says that at around 4:30pm my other dogster pals Cherry and Rusty are coming over for a play. I'm so excited because I havent seen them in so long. So lots happening today and hopefully the rain will hold off. It was pouring just before but seems to be alright now.

An Afternoon At The Beach

This afternoon mum took me down to the beach to finally get my picture for a photography group challenge. The group is on flickr and is called 52 weeks for dogs, you have to take a photo of your dog every week for the whole year. The challenge this week was black and white outdoors.

So down to the beach we went, it's my favourite place to go. Swimming was so much fun and rolling in the sand afterwards was even more fun!

Today mum saw me do something that I have never ever done before and she's had me for a while now, I've also been to the beach hundreds of times. I had just come out of the ocean and was about to roll in the sand like usual when I smelt something in a tiny hole in the sand. Mum saw me sniffing and then I started digging. After digging a little I stuck my nose around in the sand sniffing. Mum had no clue what I was looking for but she just watched. Then suddenly a huge crab came running out of the hole I had dug and ran into the ocean. I got so excited and tried running after it and then searching for it afterwards.

Mum was amazed that I was able to smell a crab that far down in the sand and dig it up. I dug up 3 crabs in just 20 minutes but I never caught any of them. Mum was just laughing at me the whole time, she thought it would have been interesting if on managed to pinch me but none did, they just ran away.

I am officially a crab hunter :)

A new sister? Maybe...

I wrote in my last entry about how mum wanted to adopt that puppy, she said if it was still there this weekend then she'd adopt it. Well she worked yesterday and it was still available, she's all by herself now because her sister went to a new home. We're not 100% sure on a decision. The thing is yesterday she started to get really sick. In the morning she was a little low but still playing. By the afternoon she would just sleep, she wouldnt get up, she was extremely lethargic and wasnt eating anything. If mum does adopt her and it isnt anything serious she still wont be able to come home until she's 100% better which might be a number of weeks. Mum doesnt want anything getting transferred to me.

The one big thing that has mum questioning this is that there is a chance that it may be parvo. Now parvo isnt very common where I live, not that many dogs get it. However since we've started rescuing dogs from rural areas more and more puppies have had it. Mum doesnt want to adopt a puppy just to have it put down. But then what if she makes a fanastic recovery and some one else adopts her.

I think mum might go ahead and adopt her but she has to get approval from the whole family which may be difficult since mum is the only one that likes animals. We shall have to wait and see, still a few hours until mum goes down to the shelter.

So many second chances

Well mum worked all weekend which is good I guess. I get really jealous when she comes home smelling like all these other dogs, not to mention it means almost no dogster time at all. By the way mum works at the local animal shelter, no kill of course.

So on Saturday it was really busy, she was trying to do her job which is floater. Floater has to clean kennels which usually takes mum about 1.5 hours. So much is involved and it's alot of kennels. Well people were coming in to look at dogs and mum was running back and forth between doing her jobs and showing them. Not 1 person adopted anything and mum spent a good 2-3 hours of her day showing people.

So on Sunday mum went into work again nice and early. Yet again it was really busy and mum got really behind in her jobs, about 1.5 hours behind. She was showing so many people but the good thing is, people were actually adopting. Mum spent about an hour showing around just one group of people. By the end of the day we had adopted out 7 dogs and 1 kitten. The shelter is fairly small and gets no goverment funding. Usually we adopt out mayb 3-5 dogs a week but yesterday was just amazing. Alot of the dogs were ones that had been there for a few months as well and mum was so happy to see them get homes.

Now part of mums job is to clean the puppy isolation area and she's fallen in love with two puppies down there. They arent up for adoption for another week though. Mum really wants to adopt one but she cant decide. Both females, 8 weeks old Kelpie mixes. One looks exactly like me but she's a bit shy. The other looks like me but has a white muzzel and she's a feisty one. Mum loves them both but who knows, they might get adopted before she gets the chance to herself.

Week 2 of obedience

Well last night I was really embarrassing, I kept rolling around on the floor and wouldnt get up. The other dogs were extremely restless and I kept getting distracted. I did my stays perfectly though and my leave it. We're working on loose leash walking which is something I need help with. Yet yesterday I did it perfectly, now mum wonders why I wont do that when she takes me for a walk. Mum is still trying to find my trick, she's thinking of making me jump over her arms but she only has 4 weeks to teach me. If that fails she'll try to teach me to balance things on my nose even though I can kind of do that already.

My first obedience class

Last night I had my first obedience class. There were 8 dogs in my class including me, I was one of the larger ones along with a German Shepherd. We did really basic things, sitting, looking, staying. We did an exercise where we had to pair up with another dog and our owners had to make us sit when greeting which is really what I need since I get over excited and just pull towards the other dog. I did really well and was focused to much on mum. The other dog walked in circles around me and I held my sit.

We also did another exercise where we were taught to sit when someone approached us which some of the jumpy dogs really needed. I did perfect and stayed in a sit the whole time. Then the challenge came, we had to make out way around to every dog so that they would know to sit for strangers too. When mum went back to me everyone said how well behaved I was. Someone said I deserved a special treat afterwards.

Then we moved on to stay which I am pro at haha. The trainer saw that I already knew it so she tried to make it harder by distracting me. She started jumping around me in circles but I held my sit and stayed, mum then called me to come and I listened perfectly.

I am the star pupil of the class, mum thinks it might be too easy since I already know alot of commands and tricks. The reason she takes me is to get me used to doing it with other dogs around and learning to not be distracted.

At the last class we have a little talent show but we have to be taught a new trick, I already know so many mum has no idea what to teach me.

Obedience Classes

Thats right, mum has enrolled me in obedience classes. Although I know many different commands I think they only apply in my own backyard. As soon as we leave house I switch off and thats when I starft acting up. So mum wanted to take me to classes so that I learn to obey commands when there are distractions such as other dogs around. Hopefully it will go well although usually I only listen when mum has treats so we'll have to see. Monday night I start, I'll update after the first class.

Update: My coughing

Well I have been on antibiotics for almost 4 days now and today is the last day. I am still coughing but not as badly. The vet said that it should go away on it's own but mum is wondering why it's taking so long. Mum always laughs when she gives me my tablets, I always think they're some fantastic treat and I sit eagerly waiting for them. Mum makes me shake paw so I think I'm being rewarded and i just chew them up like it was cheese, always extremely happy with myself. She's never met a dog that takes tablets so well bol.

Not another vet visit :( POP please?

At around 6pm last night I started coughing but it wasnt like anything mum has ever seen before and she's been around dogs for a long time. I was coughing and hacking but it looked like I was trying to cough something out of my throat. It continued through out the night and mum said if I was still doing it in the morning then I would have to go to the vets. She thought of kennel cough because I was recently in a kennel with other dogs but this isnt anything like it. Mum thinks I may have something lodged in my throat and I cant get it out. Usually this happens with a bone but mum hasnt given me a bone in weeks. She hasnt fed me anything but kibble and canned food.

This morning mum came out to check on me. As soon as she walked out there I started coughing and hacking again. Then mum noticed that I was drooling more that usual. She's starting to get really worried now. The vet doesnt open here for another hour but as soon as they do she's going to make an appointment and take me in.

Mum gets home tomorrow!

Oh I am so excited that mum is coming home tomorrow. Four days ago she dropped me off at the boarding kennels filled with tonnes of other dogs. She walked me up to the big runs and put me in there, taking off my collar and taking it with her. I was terrified in the run, crouching down and not knowing what was going on. Is she leaving me in this place? The days have passed and still she has not returned, I dont know it now but she's coming to get me tomorrow. I will be so glad to finally get out of this place. Plus mum cant wait to see me again, she missed me!

Not going to be around much the next week

Well mum is working the next 3 days for 10 hours each day, she wont be getting home until around 5:30pm here which is 12:30am dogster time. She is going to be exhausted, three days of working 6:30am-5pm. Then Saturday will be packing day, Sunday mum leaves for Melbourne and returns 5 days later. Mum will be out having fun on her holiday so no computer time then either. Hopefully we can get online on the Saturday before we have to leave. I cant believe mum isnt taking me too, I have to stay in a boarding kennel (well mums work bol) for the whole time.

POP please. Mum might be over-reacting but she's worried

Just then mum threw the crust of her bread to me like she always does only it went behind the door. We have an ant problem so in all the corners we have ant poison, well it happened to land next to that and when I ran across the room Shandi whad swallowed the bread and was about to swallow the poison. It was inside a plastic case but she bit that and cracked it so I know she ingested some of it. I did pull it out of her mouth though. I just hope it doesnt turn serious...

A trip to the vet

Well today was rather fun, mum was gone for the whole day but when she came back she said we were going somewhere. Turns out I have to have my vaccination so that I can go into boarding. Mum is going away on holidays for in 2 weeks and I have to go into a boarding kennel while she's gone. So off we went and I was super excited, so many smells to take in. So many other dogs to sniff butts with. I was rather well behaved and mum was very proud of me. Mum also signed me up for training lessons which she is very excited about. I am already trained but I think it only applies when in the house so hopefully by getting out and training in a different place I will learn that I have to listen everywhere that I go.

Tagged by Sparky and Skye

1. What color is your collar? Green checked

2. What kind of food do you eat? Raw, pedigree, chum

3. What are your favorite treats? Cheese!

4. Do you have a Valentine or significant other? Kinnick although I havent spoken to hime since February

5. Do you get Table Scraps? Yes, all the time

6. What is your favorite toy? I love all my toys, probably the ones the squeak though. I love pressing them with my nose

7. When is your Birthday? We know I was born in October 2006 so mum just made it the 18th because that was the date I was adopted.

8. How many times a day do you get to eat? Just once at around 8:30pm

9. Do you have a favorite color? No.

10. Do you hope all your pals put this in their diary? I doubt they all would bol

June 10th 2009

I lay on my bed soaking up the bright morning sunshine, what a beautiful day it was going to be. Perfect for sun bathing and a little playing. Stretching with a groan a repositioned myself and that was when the door slid open.

Mum!

I ran up to her, my whole booty wagging with my tail and gave her that special one lipped smile she loves so much. I licked and licked, my tongue working overtime. Mum pet my head and body but not saying anything. I stopped, sat and looked up at her. What I saw shocked me, so lifeless and dull. No sparkle in her eyes, there was nothing at all.

I stayed close to mum until she had to leave that morning. She put me back outside and I ran around to the gate to say goodbye like I do every morning.

The day passed so slowly, I got a little bored and decided to dig some big holes. Havent done that in a while, it felt good to rebel just a little. Then I saw the kitty and it was fun time! After doing some zoomies I settled in a sun patch and fell asleep.

I heard the door opening, I had lost track of time. Mum went straight to the back door and let me in. She looked the same as the morning. "Cheer up mum" I told her and again gave her lots of licks. She kneeled down to my level, took my head in her hands and looked deep into my eyes before pulling me in for a bear hug.

"I know what I have to do Shandi," she said to me.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur, some nice lady turned up after mum made a teary phone call. I knew something was going on so I stayed with her at all times. Mum and the lady were sitting at the table talking and I just sat quietly next to her, she pet my head and looked down at me frequently.

The lady said "Wow, she really does never leave your side does she?"

Mum replied, "No, she just knows. I love her so much"

And with that another batch of tears started to flow.

I sat there not really knowing what was going on but I heard words being tossed around like ambulance and emergency department. I knew they were bad because mum cringed at the sound of them.

30 minutes later and I was told to go outside, I obeyed. Then mum was gone.

Where did she go? Something was not right, I could feel it. Is she coming back?

I whined at the side gate this time. Dont go mum!

I slept to pass the time and finally hours later I heard the car pull into the driveway. Mum stepped out and I ran around in joy at the gate, whinning. She let me in and I was so happy, I jumped all over her and licked her face which is something I never do. Mum kissed the lines on my forehead. She looked exhausted with eyes half closed. She got me my dinner and then flopped straight onto her bed.

I happily wolfed down my dinner and settled in for another night of dreams.

Thank you for coming back mum.

June 5th 2009

Mum stayed home a little later than usual today, she needed to make a quick phone call before leaving. She also let me in earlier so I slept around the house for an hour or so. Mum started getting ready and I followed her around like usual. She went to make her phone call and I stood at her door watching her. She was fine and then suddenly her face changed and tears started leaking out of her eyes. I wanted to go lick them away and tell her it was ok.

No sooner had she hung up the phone she dialed another number and the stream turned into a river. I walked into her room and sat next to her with my head on her lap.

"What's wrong mum? It will all be alright."

Mum stayed on the phone for a long time when she finally stopped her tears and hung up the phone. She then went into the lounge room and I followed. I know what mum is like when she gets like this and I know that I have to stay near her.

She laid down on the cold, hard floor and rolled over onto her side, I laid down right behind her leaning agsint her back.

"It's ok mum, I'm here"

She lay there unmoving, her eyes closed but I knew she was not sleeping. Tears rolled down her cheeks while she lay there. I stood over her and looked down on her, licked away her tears.

"You know what you need mum, a walk. I wouldnt mind one either"

Mum opened her eyes and looked up at me. "No walks right now Shandi, maybe later."

She got up and started playing music although she was blank.

A few hours later after another round of tears it was walk time. We went down to the beach for an hour and a half. Mum took me into the water and I splashed around a bit. Then we made our way back home.

Now we are home and I am watching out for mum, never taking my eyes off her.

"It's going to be alright mum, you'll see."

Why I love you...

I love the way you whine at the gate when I come home

I love the way you go crazy and hyper, doing zoomies all over the yard

I love the way you hit people with your front paws to get attention

I love the way you nudge peoples hands to make them pat you

I love the way you dig your head into people when they pat you

I love the strange sounds you make when you scratch your ears

I love the way you stare around for what made the noise when you fart XDD

I love the way you get so excited when you know dinner or a walk is coming

I love the way you are my shadow, following me around everywhere

I love the way you attempt to play with the cat and when she attacks you it makes you even more hyper because you love the fact that it's dangerous LOL

I love the way you do every trick you know just to get that piece of food

I love the way you think, well know, that anytime you do the puppy eyes you can get exactly what you want

I love the way you 'smile' at me in the mornings when I let you in, have to get that on video some day

I love the way you love me, honestly and unconditionally

And most of all, I love the way you saved me. Without you I dont know if I would be here today, you are my saviour, my life, my bub.

I love you Shandi!

May 30th 2009

Well today mum went down to the shelter to volunteer. She was then informed that the manager wanted to talk to her and previously this had never been a good thing. Mum was reassured it was a good thing though. So the manager came and turns out it was a good thing, they offered her a job and of course she accepted. This means she will be working at the shelter and maybe some days she will even be able to bring me to work with her. How exciting!

This leads me to the next fantastic news, mum discovered some unbelieveably cheap airline tickets to the USA for this November/December. Only $1200 return :O A great find after only seeing ones for around $2700. With this new job mums savings will increase at a steady rate and she should be all set to go on this trip. She is just looking for accommodation before anything is set in stone. So anyone in California know of any good places to stay, cheap but not run down. Mum is also hoping to visit a few dogster pals :) We'll have to do some reasearch and see what happens. Oh, if any dogster people have a spare room mum would be willing to pay board BOL!

May 27th 2009 - What a bad day

Well yesterday didnt start off so great. Mum as getting in the car to leave in the morning when she saw that the side gate was open, how strange. The side gate is never open, mum locked it because I kept getting out through there. Maybe the lock was taken off without her knowing. Anyway, she walked into the yard to check it I was in there. I wasnt. Mum freaked out, who knows how long I had been gone for and we live on a fairly busy and extremely long road. Mum had to make a choice then, would I go in the beach direction or highway direction. She hoped for the best and started running down towwards the beach. And there I was, jogging happily down towards the beach. Mum started yelling me name and finally she caught up with me. She double checked the gate then and put the lock back on, that wont be happening again anytime soon.

Then that afternoon mum took me jogging, it was all going well and I was keeping up and having fun. Mum had to slow to a walk when other dogs were around otherwise I would have tried to yank her over to them. Then about half way through our jog we were running along when out of no where a dog comes running out and starts acting really aggressively towards Shandi. I tried to block her, stay calm and walk away but this dog had other ideas. It started lunging at Shandi, previously making a loud noise saved mum from a dog attack so she yelled "Oi" at the dog. It stopped and the owner came running out apologizing and quickly grabbed her dog. Mum told her to next time make sure he cant get out.

We continued our jog and we were almost home when we saw it. A couple jogging with their dog. This dog wasnt an ordinary breed of dog, it was a dingo. Boy was it a cute one too!

Wow, DOTD and Daily Diary Pick

Yesterday mum was just about to get offline when she thought she'd check who was the new DOTD, her eyes almost popped out of her head when she saw it was me. I was outside and already doing zoomies in the backyard at the time so mum ran out and joined me. We ran and rolled around in the grass, dodging and blocking. Oh it was so much fun! Thank you so much HQ! I am so honoured and thrilled to be chosen, it means so much to me.

Here are the two email I received;

Congratulations, Shandi Dog of the Day and will be featured on Dogster's homepage all day!

We have also credited your account with 25 Zealies to help you celebrate Shandi's day in the spotlight!

I know I know, we're barking like mad over here too!

Thanks so much for running with the Dogster pack.

Much Woof,

Dogster

Dogster wanted you to know that Shandi is one of today's featured diaries and it will be displayed all day on our Diary Central page at http://www.dogster.com/diary/dcentral.php under 'Today's Picks'.

I know I know, we're barking like mad over here too!

Thanks so much for running with the Dogster pack and keeping a diary.

Much Woof,

Dogster
For the love of dog

The Beach

This weekend was the funnest time that I have had at the beach in a very long time.

On Saturday I went down with Andre in the morning since we thought no one else would be down there but we were wrong. Finally the stinger nets are gone and we can go swimming again. When we first arrived we ran into a Kelpie mix who was trying to herd all the other dogs, mum thought it was rather funny. As we walked further down the beach mum decided to take me for a swim so she took her shoes off and in we went. Then a ridgeback/shepherd decided that we looked like fun and came to investigate. We hit it off straight away, we splashed and dashed through the water. Then along came the kelpie and he joined in too. Then from out of no where came a cattle dog puppy plowing straight into the water, he was the most adorable thing! He kept trying to climb up onto me and sit on my head.

After an hour of playing our mums all made us move off but it was so much fun!

Later that same day mum took me for another walk down to the beach.

Today mum took me down again and this time she brought cheese and toys with her. She wanted to do some training with me. She actually dropped the leash and walked back about 5 paces, I stayed. Even when a bird flew past I ignored it which is a first. I was praised and rewarded with cheese. Mum got some good photos of me too. It was fantastic and with alot of work I think I might be allowed off the leash. Lets keep our paws crossed.

Adopt 09 Contest

Well we've known about the contest for a while and have been eagerly awaiting the opening so I could enter. Now mum was stuck for a long time, she didnt really know what to write for my entry because I entered last year but mum put the main focus on Sharna, but she has had a sudden inspiration so here it goes;

Shandi's mum talking;

After the sudden death of my previous dog Sharna I waited 5 long months until I found the perfect dog. I wasnt in a rush to get another dog and thought I would wait and when I found that right one I would know straight away and that I did. The first time I met Shandi I just knew she would be coming home with me.

So lets start at the beginning, it was a week before I met Shandi and I was at the shelter with my family looking at the dogs when the shelter supervisor informed me of a Lab/Ridgeback mix coming in the next weekend. Because of Sharna I had fallen in love with Ridgebacks so I put my name down to volunteer the day this dog was going to be surrendered so I could be the first to meet her.

That day I arrived at the shelter and went about my duties. I remember the very first time I saw Shandi very clearly, I was down in Kennel 9 near the front entrance and a lady in a silver car pulled up. She got out of the car and out jumped the most beautiful dog I had ever seen, they called her Shady. After all the forms were signed I took Shandi to her kennel and she was terrified, crouched down with her tail between her legs and drooling. I comforted her in the kennel and she attached herself to me straight away. Later I came back to clean all the kennels and while I was doing Shandi's she followed me around like a shadow, she wouldnt leave my side. Then at the end of the day my family met Shandi and they loved her too. We signed the papers, paid and 5 hours after she had been surrendered she had found her new home.

One week later we brought Shandi home and the very first thing she did was zoomies around the yard. This certainly wasnt the dog I had seen on her first day at the shelter, she sure had come out of her shell. At first Shandi was depressed having lived her whole life with another dog and now be by herself. She was destructive destroying countless items, some of very high value, and dug huge holes in the yard. We quickly discovered she couldnt be trusted off the leash after we almost lost her. She almost went to doggy heaven a few times at the start, she sure did have alot of luck in that area. Then it was health problem after health problem; ear mites, urinary problems, hormone problems, hip problems. Shandi's behaviour when on walks was not getting any better either, I spent the whole time fighting her on the leash and would return home with cuts all over my feet. We invested in a head halter which helped alot but her behaviour still was not improving and still I was getting hurt. After a while I wondered if she really was the right dog.

I am going to be honest here and this is something that alot of people on dogster dont know. I found it very hard to form a tight bond with Shandi because of what happened with Sharna. I didnt want to attach myself too much to her just to have her suddenly taken away and have to go through all that pain again so I put up walls. Of course I loved Shandi but the bond just wasnt the same as with Sharna. I knew this wasnt fair to Shandi but it was something I just couldnt help at the time.

After a few months Shandi stopped the chewing and digging, I worked hard with her leash manners and she now sits at every corner and (most of the time) is well behaved on walks. She is alot more well behaved than that first month she came home.

These past 6 months in my life has been extremely hard on me, certain situations have taken a heavy toll on me emotionally and physically. This past month things went down hill very quickly but I realised the only time I was happy was when I was mucking around with Shandi. When I got a certain way I would take Shandi to the beach just to think. Most of the good times have been with Shandi. She was there to let me cry into her fur and hug her, she seemed to understand and never left my side.

My walls came down and my bond with Shandi is closer than it ever has been before, I love her with all of my heart. She means more to me than most things in my life and I am so thankful that she came into my life. She could have been adopted by anyone but by some miracle I was lucky enough to get that honour and while it was tough in the beginning not one day do I regret my decision to adopt her.

Now why such a long story you might ask. Mind you I kept out alot of my person details out of this but if it wasnt for Shandi I think things would be alot worse than they are now. The reason I write this is that not only is adopting saving the life of an animal and giving them a second chance, it can also save the life of the human that welcomes that animal into their home. When you think about it us humans are the blessed ones to have been lucky enough to have our special dog/s in our life.

So there you have it, adopting a dog can save a human life too. Remember, adoption is always an option!

Million Paws Walk

Today was the day of the Million Paws Walk, mum and I ended up going with Rusty, Cherry and his mum. It was so much fun and there were so many dogs, at least 200! At first I was really hypo and kept pulling towards all of the dogs. Then after about 20 minutes I started to calm down. We started off the walk and about half way we saw some people walking ponies. Mum asked very politely if she could take a picture of me with the foal and they said she could. I stood next to the foal and she just loved me, she was grooming my head and giving me kisses. Rusty was not so much of a fan, he was scared of the horse and Cherry, well she just wanted to attack it BOL.

We got lots of free stuff like toys and food. I also made so many new dog pals, it was crazy the amount of dogs that attended. Then the newspaper people were walking around taking pictures and I got a few snapped of me so fingers crossed I'm in the paper tomorrow. The news channel also had cameras going around so mum and I might be on the news tomorrow night.

All in all it was a fantastic day and now I am buggered. You can check out my page for some pictures from today.

Longest walk ever!

Mum got home early today and she was chatting to Rusty's mum. They were talking about leash manners and how well Rusty had improved, also how unrealiable I am off lead. Rusty's mum offered to help so we were going to meet her down at the beach to get some pointers.

So off we went about half an hour early because mum wanted to jog me a bit and get me running. We go to the beach and then came the first test, mum made me sit next to her while two dogs came out of the pathway. One passed within inches of me and I didnt even move, I just sat there. Mum was so proud of me, she gave me lots of praise and treats. Then we were practising some obedience in the grass area behind the beach and some lady came up and started yelling at mum to let me off the leash and to be a normal dog and the whole time her dog was trying to bite my face.

After all that we met Rusty and I was so happy to see him, it had been such a long time! He sure is really well behaved when off leash, mum only dreams I could behave that well but I dont think anything can help. My prey drive is just too strong. So after a long walk with Rusty up and down the beach mum decided to take me home, I was getting pretty worn out because by this point it had been two and a half hours since we'd left home. Oh, and also, Rusty, Cherry and I are all going to the Million Paws Walk together since Andre couldnt make it anymore.

We started off home again and can you believe mum jogged me, I was tired enough as it was. Eventually she gave up on me dragging behind her and we walked the rest of the way. As soon as I got home I drank a whole bowl of water and went straight to sleep. That walk lasted 3 hours, mum never takes me on walks that long.

About an hour or so later the phone rings and it's Andre's mum, she wants to know if we want to go for a walk. Mum said ok but she decided to leave me at home since I was sound asleep but as soon as I heard her get ready to leave I wanted to come too. So mum clipped on my halter and off we went, this walk lasted about an hour. My mum and Emma's mum sat in the gutter talking for a bit while Andre and I went crazy playing.

Now I have just been fed and am sleeping on my bed again, mum thinks I'm going to be sore tomorrow. Overall that was a 4 hour walk today. At least it's keeping both mum and I in shape.

May 10th/11th

Putting this entry in two to make sure my Adopt 09 entry stays on my page.

Yesterday (10th) was such a fun day! Mum was gone for most of the day but when she got home we played HEAPS and I went crazy! She got some rather funny action shots of me that she might upload though they arent that good. It's been raining here everyday for the past two weeks and that makes things really boring. I havent been going to the beach anywhere near as much as I usually do.

Yesterday I went down with Andre and I made alot of doggy friends, I was really well behaved most of the time. I met a Bull Mastiff and I really wanted to play with her but mum made me continue on our walk because the dog was trying to get into the car. Then I ran into my pal George the Beagle and there were a few dogs I had never seen before. I saw a Rottie that looked a little like me and mum even saw a dog from the shelter that she knew from a while back. Then there was the cutest Staffy puppy, only 8 weeks old at the most. Cutest thing ever!

May 11th:
Well mum was rather distant this morning, she was super busy working on something. She didnt even have time to say good morning to me and before I knew it she was out the door.

Six long hours later mum arrived home again and can you believe it, she didnt even say hello to me. I mean what the heck was going on here! She got straight back to work and I watched her from the back door, she sat in that seat for hours. I have no clue what she was doing but it couldnt have been as important as me right.

Finally mum got herself a snack (turkey and cheese sandwich which I later stole off the plate) and finally said hello to me. I went crazy and I couldnt control myself. Mum apologized to me and to make up for it she grabbed a huge bone out of the freezer, it was a whole joint! I was so excited I kept jumping up and down, after I settled down for a few hours of chewing mum snapped pictures of me for about 30 minutes. Then she went back inside and left me to eat, well attempt to, my bone in peace.

Now mum had been feeling on edge all day for some odd reason, like she just knew something bad was going to happen. She thinks I knew too because after my bone I stayed real close to her. That was when the first bit of bad news hit, maybe we wont be getting a puppy after all and that shattered mum. She was counting on this puppy to help her through her rough time, to keep her distracted, focused and motivated. Of course I help mum as much as I can but I am already trained. After this news mum kept her cool, it wasnt definate yet so there was still a chance.

Then the second bad news hit, my ride to the million paws walk bailed out so I highly doubt we will be able to go. Mum has been looking forward to this for months, it takes alot to get her excited and actually happy these days and all of a sudden the only two happy things she was holding on to were taken away just like that. This last piece of news was just to much and sent mum over the edge.

Details are not needed but I stuck by mum, just as she started typing this I popped around the corner and came into her room so she could cry into my fur. I'll always be here for you mum and you know that. Right now mum can see me from her door, I am sound asleep out in the lounge. Waiting for my dinner no doubt and as soon as I hear those bowls I'll be darting to that back door.

Stay strong mum, I need you here and I'll stick by you no matter what.

Adopt 09 Contest

Well we've known about the contest for a while and have been eagerly awaiting the opening so I could enter. Now mum was stuck for a long time, she didnt really know what to write for my entry because I entered last year but mum put the main focus on Sharna, but she has had a sudden inspiration so here it goes;

Shandi's mum talking;

After the sudden death of my previous dog Sharna I waited 5 long months until I found the perfect dog. I wasnt in a rush to get another dog and thought I would wait and when I found that right one I would know straight away and that I did. The first time I met Shandi I just knew she would be coming home with me.

So lets start at the beginning, it was a week before I met Shandi and I was at the shelter with my family looking at the dogs when the shelter supervisor informed me of a Lab/Ridgeback mix coming in the next weekend. Because of Sharna I had fallen in love with Ridgebacks so I put my name down to volunteer the day this dog was going to be surrendered so I could be the first to meet her.

That day I arrived at the shelter and went about my duties. I remember the very first time I saw Shandi very clearly, I was down in Kennel 9 near the front entrance and a lady in a silver car pulled up. She got out of the car and out jumped the most beautiful dog I had ever seen, they called her Shady. After all the forms were signed I took Shandi to her kennel and she was terrified, crouched down with her tail between her legs and drooling. I comforted her in the kennel and she attached herself to me straight away. Later I came back to clean all the kennels and while I was doing Shandi's she followed me around like a shadow, she wouldnt leave my side. Then at the end of the day my family met Shandi and they loved her too. We signed the papers, paid and 5 hours after she had been surrendered she had found her new home.

One week later we brought Shandi home and the very first thing she did was zoomies around the yard. This certainly wasnt the dog I had seen on her first day at the shelter, she sure had come out of her shell. At first Shandi was depressed having lived her whole life with another dog and now be by herself. She was destructive destroying countless items, some of very high value, and dug huge holes in the yard. We quickly discovered she couldnt be trusted off the leash after we almost lost her. She almost went to doggy heaven a few times at the start, she sure did have alot of luck in that area. Then it was health problem after health problem; ear mites, urinary problems, hormone problems, hip problems. Shandi's behaviour when on walks was not getting any better either, I spent the whole time fighting her on the leash and would return home with cuts all over my feet. We invested in a head halter which helped alot but her behaviour still was not improving and still I was getting hurt. After a while I wondered if she really was the right dog.

I am going to be honest here and this is something that alot of people on dogster dont know. I found it very hard to form a tight bond with Shandi because of what happened with Sharna. I didnt want to attach myself too much to her just to have her suddenly taken away and have to go through all that pain again so I put up walls. Of course I loved Shandi but the bond just wasnt the same as with Sharna. I knew this wasnt fair to Shandi but it was something I just couldnt help at the time.

After a few months Shandi stopped the chewing and digging, I worked hard with her leash manners and she now sits at every corner and (most of the time) is well behaved on walks. She is alot more well behaved than that first month she came home.

These past 6 months in my life has been extremely hard on me, certain situations have taken a heavy toll on me emotionally and physically. This past month things went down hill very quickly but I realised the only time I was happy was when I was mucking around with Shandi. When I got a certain way I would take Shandi to the beach just to think. Most of the good times have been with Shandi. She was there to let me cry into her fur and hug her, she seemed to understand and never left my side.

My walls came down and my bond with Shandi is closer than it ever has been before, I love her with all of my heart. She means more to me than most things in my life and I am so thankful that she came into my life. She could have been adopted by anyone but by some miracle I was lucky enough to get that honour and while it was tough in the beginning not one day do I regret my decision to adopt her.

Now why such a long story you might ask. Mind you I kept out alot of my person details out of this but if it wasnt for Shandi I think things would be alot worse than they are now. The reason I write this is that not only is adopting saving the life of an animal and giving them a second chance, it can also save the life of the human that welcomes that animal into their home. When you think about it us humans are the blessed ones to have been lucky enough to have our special dog/s in our life.

So there you have it, adopting a dog can save a human life too. Remember, adoption is always an option!

Daily Diary Pick!

Wow, just wanted to thank HQ for choosing me as a Daily Diary Pick! This is my 5th time now and still I get all excited and honoured. I love writing in my diary and I'm glad that some pups appreciate that. Thank you again dogster and I will continue to write in my diary :)

Million Paws Walk this weekend! Wooo

Well it's that time again and the MPW (Million Paws Walk) was so much fun last year! I went with my pal Andre and our mums dressed us up and even matched us. We were lucky enough to get in the newspaper too.

Now this Sunday it's happening all over again and I think this year mum is really going all out. It will also be a good test of how much my behaviour has improved around other dogs. Mum has decided that I'll be dressed up as a hula girl this year with the grass skirt and the flower necklace. I personally think it's ridiculous but whatever makes her happy I guess. Maybe we'll win some prizes this year!

Also since mum has been going through some really hard time recently the idea of getting another dog, well a puppy to be more precise, is being revisited. Personally mum feels that would be the best therapy for her, give her something to focus on and to motivate her. The best part is I would have a playmate! Mum went to volunteer at the shelter last weekend (she hasnt been in just over a year :O) and she fell in love with a 7 week old red ACD puppy ironically called Cherry. Now all she has to do is convince the family and while they flat out refused before things are different this time and they know it would really help mum. I guess we'll just have to wait and see, I will keep you all updated.

Ahhhh! Snake!

Ok, so my encounter with a snake today wasnt that exciting but I think it deserves to be the title since it's really the most exciting thing that happened today.

Mum has been bad lately and eating lots of unhealthy food and as a result she's packing on the pounds so this morning she decided to take me for a jog. Usually something she wouldnt consider doing with me because of my leash manners, that and the last time she did I tripped her over three times.

So off we went and we started out with a brisk walk, it was about 7:30am and cloudy, no one else was around and mum thoughts maybe we would be lucky enough not to run into any other dogs. After the first corner was a long stretch of road so we started jogging. I was so excited at first, I kept trying to run full speed but mum kept pulling me back to her side. Eventually I understood and jogged next to her, everything was going good.

We walked again until we rounded the next corner, there we ran into an older corgi off leash. I was super happy and I got to smell the corgi while mum talked to the owners, they were commenting on how pretty I was. After that I was super hyper and we took off jogging again, by now we were on the street right on the beach. Just as we went around the corner mum spotted something on the road in front of us but didnt know what it was. It wasnt until she almost stood on it that she realised it was a SNAKE! She was one step away and jumped right over it, not sure if it was dead or alive but we werent going back to check. Mum quickly went to the other side of the road and we continued to jog.

By now we were half way through our jog and I was getting tired, I'm not a very fit dog. Mum was trying to jog but I was laging behind, it looked like she was dragging me. The leash was pulling on her arm and she had to slow down to a walk for me. We ended up walking the rest of the way back. Mum will keep taking me on these jogs because it will be good for both of us, we're both rather unfit. Hopefully we wont have any snake run-ins any time soon.

I'm famous

I am a featured picture in this months Dogs Life magazine which is the biggest dog magazine in Australia and New Zealand. The surprising part is that it wasnt the picture mum expected. I had photos taken by their photographer for a story and mum was looking for that but it ended up being a photo she sent in last year. I also got a huge box of treats which we didnt know about. Maybe I'll get lucky and be in next months issue too.

I think mum has gone crazy!

Well for one this I am super lucky that some of that focus from the camera is going to be shifted off me this week, mum has two photoshoots set up for this weekend which she is extremely excited about. One if of a shelter dog that mum knew from when she was at the shelter and boy was she a mess when she came in, infested with fleas the poor thing. It's going to be great to see her in a better condition and in her new home. They also have a Border Terrier called Sunshine. Then the other photo shoot is a Lab/Dane mix puppy.

Mum took the day off today and decided after her appointment to go out to the shops so off she went. I was left at home which I wasnt too thrilled about but I was overjoyed when mum arrived back home.

This afternoon mum took more photos of me, boring!

Then tonight mum went crazy, well it sure looked crazy to me. She put these things in her ears, she calls them headphones. She had the music so loud that even I could hear it clearly. Then she started dancing around the house, these humans are strange. I just lay on the floor watching her and then she came over to me and I joined in with her. There we were, one crazy human and one crazy dog dancing around the house. Mum jumped up and down and I jumped up and down next to her. That was so much fun mum! We have to do it again soon :)

April 12th 2009

Well for most of the morning I slept, mum went around the house doing her business and I followed her from room to room like usual. She finally settled in her bedroom for a while and I slept at the door with my head poked around the corner. Mum says she doesnt know what it was but mum was talking about a very tough subject for her and the second she said something I was standing at the door whinning and staring at her and is mum said it just touched her. She called me into her room and I stood over her. She hugged me tight and cried into my fur. We stayed like that for a little while and then she told me to lie next to the bed so I fell asleep there on the floor. Then mum started crying more and I knew something was wrong.

She recovered herself, clipped on my halter and ran out of the house. She had her music blasting her in ears and she brought the camera. I was hoping I wouldnt be her subject today. We made our way down to the beach and because it was only 11am and just stopped raining there was no one else there. We walked down onto the sand and then we stopped half way. Mum took some photos of me and just some things around her. She even let go of my leash but I didnt seem to realise. Mum knew I wouldnt run away, not today.

We continued another few minutes down the beach when mum stopped again to take pictures. Then we set off again and shortly after we were at the end of the beach. Like usual we turned around and walked back along the beach, when we made it back to the pathway I expected to go back up but nope, mum turned around again and we repeated our walk. Then I thought we were definitly going home now but mum set off down the grass path just behind the beach, this was the longest walk mum had ever taken me on. We finally made it to the other end of the beach and mum decided that even though she didnt want to go home I was looking pretty tired. We stopped at the tap to get me a drink and then we set off home.

Mum took me the long way home, taking an extra 15 minutes walking time. By the time she got home she seemed to be in a better mood and boy was I puffed out. Our walk lasted almost 2 hours and it was the middle of the day so it was rather hot. Mum hosed me down to cool me off before jumping in the pool. I jumped over the side and started splashing, mum buckled again and lifted me into the pool with her. I swam around for about 10 minutes before she hoisted me out of there. After a nice roll in the grass I settled down and went to sleep.

A few hours later mum settled herself on the trampoline with a book to do some tanning and of course I couldnt let her leave me out. I jumped up there with her and we lay together for about an hour. I did disturb her from reading but that doesnt matter. I love having cuddle time with mumma.

Now it is almost dinner time and I am in mums doorway sound asleep. Not long now until it will be dinner time for me too, yay!

April 11th 2009

Well I wasnt let inside as early as I would have liked and pranced up and down the back whinning. Mum was awake so why couldnt I be inside with her? I didnt understand it. She made it up to me though, at 8:30am she let me inside and she had a leash with her which means walk! I was so excited that I was jumping up and down but sat still so mum would put my halter on.

Then we started down the road like always, rounded the corner and we were walking towards Andre's street. I watched eagerly, waiting to see if he would appear at the corner where he usually waits for us. As we got closer there was no Andre, then just as we reached the corner he came walking up and I was thrilled to see him!

Then we continued on down towards the beach which is my favourite walk! There were not that many dogs on the beach and the minute I got on that sand I started rolling around just like ususal. Andre was running around off leash but I had to stay on my leash. We got to the stinger nets and there was a younger dog there but I was even more hyper than usual so mum didnt want to have any incounters with other dogs today, we turned around and walked back up along the grass instead of down on the beach.

We had just started walking along the beach when Andre had run ahead and there was alot of barking going on. When the other dogs came into view there were two tiny dogs, one a fox terrier and the other an Italian Greyhound. Mum stopped on the spot and put me into a sit position on the other side of her blocking me from the dogs. The lady called back her dogs and luckily they were well trained ones. She continued to walk past us and mum made me stay in the sit although I didnt really want to and tried to pull towards the dogs. I could have done better really but like I said I was super hyper today.

Then after we walked along the grass back to the sidewalk we had come down mum spotted two large dogs at the other end who quickly turned around when they saw us coming. Mum sure was grateful for that because although she didnt know what breed they were those dogs sure were HUGE! I was doing well because I didnt notice the dogs standing there and then they made me notcie them. When we got closer mum saw that one dog was a Bull Mastiff and the other was an unbelievably large Rhodesian Ridgeback, the ridgeback just went off it's nut, barking and growling at us. My hackles went up and I tried to pull towards him whinning. Mum pulled me around and I stopped after that just looking back at the dog. Mum said compared to that dog I was well behaved, haha very funny mum.

Then we went back home and I was so hot, I was slobbery everywhere so mum hosed me down quickly to help me cool off. She jumped in the pool and I jumped up on the side, stuc my paws in and started splashing around. Mum knew I wasnt allowed in the pool but she thought just this one time and hoisted me up over the side. I started paddling around and mum quickly snapped some pictures of me. I LOVED it in that pool! it was so nice and cool and I hadnt been swimming in such a long time. After a few minutes mum said it was time I got out but I didnt want to, she had to drag me out of the pool.

Then after a roll in the grass I curled up at mums feet and slept for the rest of the day. What a great day it was!

Time Out for me!

Well mum has been interested in photography for a while now and after a long time of planning she has finally put her ideas into action. She is starting her own pet photography business so hopefully this means I will get a break from being behind that camera. Mum has been working on the website for a few hours and I think it came out rather well. It would be great fo anyone to check it out and maybe pawmail mum with some feedback or suggestions. You can visit the website here;

www.tropicpaws.webs.com

Having visitors is fun!

Well our guests have been here for 5 days now and I am having a blast! All those extra pats and cuddles I get and the longer walks. The other night mum took me for a walk down to the beach at 7:30pm and it was just beautiful down there. Mum has been so busy lately she has hardly been home so the visitors have been able to keep me company. Mum says only a few more days and then she'll be home for easter but she still has more appointments to the human vet so she'll be gone for those too. Mum says he dogs will always be her babies so it doesnt matter how the results turn out.

Mum is going to be gone all day today, hmph. She better take me for an extra long walk when she gets home.

Visitors

Today we have visitors come up to stay with us for a week and of course I love having extra people around, that means extra attention for me. Mum was talking with them and found out they have a really good pro camera and the visitors said mum can use it. You know what this means, she's going to be taking ALOT of pictures of me this week. Oh no, I need to go find a hiding place!

I'm going to be in a magazine!

Well one of our fellow dogsters has a mum that takes pictures for a faily large dog magazine here in Australia and she asked my mum is she would like me to be in the next issue. Of course she said yes and yesterday we went over there to take the pictures. It took a while but we finally got the shot and mum cant wait to see it in the magazine. I think it's going to be in the July/August issue.

Daily Diary Pick!

Wow, wasnt expecting that at all! This makes 4 times (I think) that I've been a daily diary pick and it always seems to happen at the perfect time. Thank you so much HQ, I love writting in my diary. It's a great way to look back on the funny things that happened and laugh. Remembering things that happened.

March 26th 2009

Mum was super busy today so I didnt get to spend that much time with her. This morning she was running around the house getting ready in a rush and I just followed her around. Can you believe I didnt even get a proper good morning, terrible! I didnt do anything interesting while I waited for mum to return home, sniffed a little and slept a lot just like the average day.

The time came when mum would usually return home but no one was there and I continued to wait and wait. When she finally came home I was already waiting at the gate and whinning because I was so happy to see her, finlly we could have some time together. My other human opened the door to let me inside and I ran straight to mum licking her and wagging my tail at super speed. Abruptly I stopped and started sniffing, sniffing up and down her legs, then her hands and slowly up her arm. She smelt like that human vet again but it was stronger this time, awful. I just stood there looking at her and mum said "It's alright Shandi, I'm ok. Now go get your toy." I ran as fast as I could out the back door and we played together until I had no more energy.

I continued to watch mum for the rest of the night, she sat at that table for well over an hour. She finally got up to have dinner and of course I sat there trying my luck, maybe I could convince her to slip me some this time but nope. I did get to lick her plate though, yum!

Now I am sleeping next to mums chair, well I appear to be sleeping but really I'm just waiting for my dinner. As soon as mum says the word I'll jump up and run to the back door eagerly waiting for that one meal a day and what a good one it always is. Such a spoilt pooch I am.

March 22nd 2009

I awoke bright and early this morning and waited patiently at the back door for mum to let me inside. Mum and I have been spending alot of time together lately, I let her cry into my fur and give her lots of kisses until she has a smile on her face.

After snoozing inside for a few hours mum called my name and grabbed something out from under thesink before telling me to go outside. I saw what she was holding, a bottle of shampoo, and I made a run for it. I ran out the back door to the back roner of the yard and refused to budge, I just HATE baths! "Come on now Shandi," mum said "You havent had a bath in months." She she dragged me over to the hose and I stood there patiently while she bathed me. I think I got some payback by drenching mum and then before she could even towel me down I went and rolled in the grass.

After another few hours of napping inside mum grabbed out my leash and halter, I know then that it was time for a walk and I started jumping up and down with excitement. We went down to the beach and as we got to the pathway that lead to the beach 3 little dogs were running out. Mum made me sit and wait for them to pass and she was surprised when I didnt even pull, I just sat there and then we continued on our walk. Down along the beach with me walking in the ocean, that was until mum saw the jellyfish washed up on shore. Then back up and along the grass. Then we went to walk back up the pathway and a large dog off the leash was running down. Mum made ms sit again and I did exactly as she told me. By the time we got home I was pooped so it was nap time again.

Later that night mum wanted to have some cuddle time with me she she lay down on the hard floor next to me. We lay there for almost an hour and mum almost fell asleep but I kept punching her in the face reminding her to keep patting me. All in all it was a great day.

I'm back

Well after a break from dogster mum has pulled herself together enough to come back. I wanted to thank the pups that gave mum and I POP in this hard time for her. We are happy to be back and cant wait to catch up on everything we missed.

Going to be gone for a while

I dont even know what to say, today turned mums whole life upside down and I need to be there to let her cry into my fur. Right now mum has to deal with some other things and unfortunately we dont think dogster is a place we can be right now. We may be gone for a few days, a week or longer. At this point I'm unsure how long it will be but I'll miss all of my pals and hopefully we'll be back soon. Who knows, maybe mum wont be able to stay away.

March 17th 2009

This morning mum stayed home later than usual so I got some extra cuddle time. She then left, went off to do strange human things and I chilled out at home. I had fun rolling in the grass, attempting to play with the cat and having dreams of more tennis balls than I could ever imagine. I awoke to the sound of the car pulling up the driveway, mum is home!

I got up quickly and ran around the the side gate, waiting eagerly to greet her with my usual kisses. Mum walked inside and went to the back door to let me inside. I was so happy to see her and gave her lots of kisses but she smelt different again, like the human vet. I am starting to recognise this smell easier as it's becoming more common. After a good sniff I let mum continue on her business and I flopped behind the couch and went into my world of dreams again.

After a few hours when it was starting to cool down and the sun was lowering mum was cuddling with me on the couch when she decided it was time for a play in the backyard. Mum got me all super hyped up and when she opened the door I bolted out like a speeding bullet. Mum jumped on the trampoline with me and I went mental, I started tackling her and jumping all over her. I then jumped off back on the grass, grabbed my tennis ball and did zoomies around the yard. I stopped in my usual corner waiting for mum to chase me. She slowly got onto the grass, crouched down and started walking very slowly towards me. I stood there waiting for her to make her move and then she jumped on the spot. Off I took again and it turned into a game of chase, mum and I ran around that yard for a good 20 minutes when I flopped on the grass. The grass was freshly mown so I decided to roll in it, talk about going green BOL!

Now I am sleeping next to mums chair as she types this for me.

Also an update, my cough isnt bad anymore, just the occasional cough once or twice a day. Thank you all for the get well wishes :)

*cough cough*

Well I am acting completely normal but still coughing and hacking, mum thinks maybe I have something stuck in my throat. We'll see how it goes and if it doesnt go away then it will be a trip to the vet. Looks like the varnish didnt affect me which is good!

Not feeling very well

Well as mentioned in my previous diary entry mum thinks I drank a little of somewhat dry varnish. I was acting normal up until about 30 minutes ago. Mum was sitting on the couch watching a movie and I was lying at her feet when I started hacking. I tried to throw up 3 times but nothing came up. Mum sat on the floor with me and tried to soothe me, I seemed alright but as soon as I sat up I started hacking again. Now I just ate dinner and I am acting like my usual hyper self but mum doesnt know how long it will last.

Mum is worried about me

Well today was a cruisy day, I was home alone for the most part and I didnt even realise when mum came home because I was sleeping in the backyard. An hour after mum came home she went to go visit Andre's mum and she decided to bring me with her. Well after a bit of rough housing with Andre I was really thirsty so I searched for some water. I saw what looked like a water bowl to me and drank out of it, mum could hear me drinking something but it sounded like there wasnt much in there. After a while mum came out to play with us in the yard and she saw the ice cream box I was drinking out of, it was full of varnish. Now mum is really worried even though I seem perfectly fine. She sure is going to be keeping a very close eye on me. The varnish was pretty much dry but mum still worries.

March 13th 2009

What a boring morning it was! Usual morning routine happened but this time one of the humans stayed home with me so I wasnt alone today. I went on a big walk around my favourite block, I sniffed taking in all the smells.

Then in the afternoon mum came home, lots of kisses for her "Phew, Shandi your breath stinks!" She walks to the freezer and takes out something, is that a bone? Yes! It's a bone, I jumped around in excitement. Mum told me to sit and like a good girl I did, she gave me the bone and I ran outside o the grass to eat it. Oh what a good bone it was! A good 30 minutes later I found a good patch of grass and rolled around on it, making lots of grunting noises. Mum just watched me from her window laughing.

Then it was 5pm, the time all the dogs are out walking. I plonked myself at the front of the house waiting for those dogs and people to go past. Naturally I have to warn them a bit and just let them know that this is my territory.

March 12th 2009

Well the day started off like any other, mum was up extra early so she decided to let me inside for some cuddle time. I just love extra cuddle time! An hour or so later mum put me back outside and off she went like every day. Now to keep myself entertained until she returned, what to do? I know, lets chew up some of that hose again because it was so super fun last time! After chewing up some more hose I slept for a while and before I knew it mum was back home.

She let me in straight away and I gave her the usual greeting for kissing her. Mum was on the laptop, fingers drumming away on the keys and I decided that I needed some attention too. So in I walk into her room (which I am not allowed in) and parked myself next to the bed. She looked up at me as if contemplating if she should allow me to stay there or not. This was the time to make my move, I put my head on the edge of the bed and put one paw up. Mum kissed me on my nose and then continued to pat me. Quick, up goes the second paw. "Shandi, would you like to come up in the bed?" Huh, was this really working? "Come on then" mum said patting the spot next to her on the bed. Yes, it did work!

So up I hopped onto the bed and made myself comfortable right next to mum. She continued drumming at the keys and I just rested my head in her lap watching her. I rolled over for a belly role and mum caught me just before I fell off the bed, lucky save. I tried to drag my rump back on the bed and as I did my claws scratched at the laptop keyboard and rip, there goes one key. Boy was mum mad "Out Shandi!" Oh well, at least it was fun while it lasted so I settled back at the door and feel into a dreamfilled sleep.

I'm here

Yesterday mum came home extra early, alot earlier than usual so there was the first sign. She walked around the house a bit and i just watched from the back door, I dont know what she was doing but it looked like she was just walking with no purpose. She disapeared into her room for a little bit and then came outside to let me in. I was happy to see her like always and gave her lots of kisses until I rolled over for a belly rub.

After the proper greeting mum went into her room again and I slept at the door like usual. Only this time I was watching mum, she was on the laptop and then her face changed. I could tell something was wrong, her face showed it all.

She got up, walked to the fridge and got something out of it although I'm not to sure what. She walked back into her room and I just stared at her, she said to me "It's been a rough day Shandi" and then she started drinking something. Three glasses later and mum turned the fan on higher, she kept putting her hand on her head so I guess she must have been hurting. So up she gets and walks over to the draw and pops out some pills. She takes them and goes back to what she was doing.

Half an hour later mums lids were very heavy, she laid down on the bed and tried to sleep. She then put her hand over her stomach and ran to the bathroom. I followed her and stood at the door watching her. What is wrong mum? Dont worry, I'm here. She turned around to look at me "It's alright Shandi, false alarm." She walks back to her room with me quickly on her heels. I want to know what is going on, what is wrong? Mum laid back down on the bed and tried to sleep again, this time I came into her room (which I'm not allowed to do) and sat next to the bed with my head right next to hers. It's going to be alright mum, I'm right here. After what seemed like an eternity of going back and forth from bedroom to bathroom mum seemed still tired but not wanting to sleep anymore.

She got up and walked out into the lounge room and I followed, she settled on the couch and me right at her feet. We both settled in to watch Disturbia. Mum seemed to be feeling alot better and at the suspense parts I even got into it, mum was talking to me saying something along the lines of "Oh my god, he's going to get her. Get out of the house!" She was laughing while she was talking and about half way through the movie I sat up and put my head in her lap and looked up at her with those puppy eyes she knows all too well. She said "I'm alright Shandi"

Are you really ok? I'm here mum.

11/3/09

Well today wasnt anything special, mum didnt let me inside this morning again so I was by myself for a few hours until she got home early. I was so happy to see mum that when she finally let me inside I jumped all over here which is something very unusual for me, I never ever jump on people. Mum wouldnt pat me until I sat so I qickly parked my bum on the ground and got lots of cuddles. Mum then wwalked outside and I had decided to chew the hose during the day and the patio was covered in little pieces of hose. There was one big piece left so mum threw that for me for a little bit. Then she went inside and has been going about her business and I've been sleeping at her door.

Woah, sure dodged that bullet.

Well today was a super boring day, mum was in such a rush this morning that she didnt even let me inside before she left so there was no good morning :( I waited patiently during the day for her to return and in mums rush she forgot to bring the cat inside so I was stuck with her all day. She is evil I tell you, when mum got home I wasnt going anywhere near her and then she attacked me. Mum yelled at Zara to get inside and I quickly followed showering mum with kisses.

This afternoon wasnt very eventful but at least I was finally allowed inside and say proper hellos to everyone. Mum then got out her camera, she does that when she wants to relax, and we went outside for a quick session. After that I cam back inside and slept for a few hours while mum went about her usual business.

Now it is 7pm here and mum isnt in the best mood so to speak, I randomly started barking and growling out the front window and mum called me over. I know she hates it when I do that but I have to defend MY property and MY humans. I ran up to mum with my head down and she said "Shandi, dont you bark...." Now I knew I was in trouble but I also knew the perfect way to get out of it. So what did I do? She was in the middle of telling me off and I gave her a big lick right on the chops. She just started laughing and said "Oh Shandi you goof." I know I was off the hook then and I continued to give mummy kisses while she cuddled me. She said a quick thank you and I turned around and flopped at her doorway where I lay now sleeping.

It's going to be ok mum

This morning was very fun, Andre got out and came for a visit. we played for a little while before his mum came to pick him up. Then mum left at her usual time but came back home early. She was frantically running around the house getting ready and then 20 minutes later she was gone again. Then after an hour and a half she came back home smelling like the vet again, the human vet she said. Something was different and I could tell, as soon as mum let me inside I jumped on her lap and licked her face as if to say "It's alright mum." She just hugged me tight and said "You'll always be my baby girl." Then she was off making phone calls and crying in between, I just stayed next to her the whole time trying to lick away her tears. After all that mum decided she needed to clear her head so she took me for a walk tonight with Andre and his mum. We walked down to the beach and back, at least an hour. Mum says it was good to get out of the house and think clearly. We just got back from our walk and I am now lying at her feet while she types this for me. Mum says she's going to be going to the human vet alot over the next month but I just keep giving her kisses letting her know it's all going to be ok.

Oh boy, mumma and her photography

Well mum really like photography and of course I am her main subject which most of the time doesnt bother me. I am pretty much used to having a camera in my face now and I dont mind it anymore although I continue to be very hard to photograph which is good for mum because it challenges her. Now she's been playing around with the idea for a while, she wants to start her own pet photography thing. She has to wait about 2 weeks because she's going to buy a new lens before she starts any of it.

Yesteday a family friend said she mum could do a session with her dog (an adorable Lab mix puppy) to build up her portfolio. She also said that she knows a woman who owns a dog grooming sallon and that she wants to introduce her to mum so they can meet and the groomer can send mum some costumers. Mum is super excited, all we're waiting for now is the lens and then she'll get started. Making her own website and everything!

This is why I love you...

This afternoon after mum came home (smelling funny might I add, kinda like the vet. She said it was the human vet :S) I went really crazy. I usually get very hyper after 6pm because thats when it cools down, I do non stop zoomies around the yard. First of all I attempted to play with the cat but she just ran away so that wasnt much fun but I was doing zoomies anyway. Then mum came and sat on the grass next to me smiling. My crazy antics humor her very much so she tells me. Then I started play biting her leg so she started ruffling my fur around, I went completely physco and started jumping on her and running around and around in circles. Mum was laughing so hard and it wasnt a fake laugh she has been doing alot lately, it was a real genuine laugh. I started biting her arm and then I randomly turns around and sped off around my personalised race course in the yard. I dodged around the trees and around the pool, only at the very end to take a flying leap and land right on top of mum. It made me so happy to see her happy that I attacked her face with kisses. And there we were, a human and a dog, sprawled over the itchy grass having fun.

Shandi's mum speaking;

We sure have had our hard times Shandi but this is the exact reason why I love you, no matter how bad I feel or how bad life seems you always put a smile on my face and cheer me up when I need it most. Thank you for being the goofy girl that you are and I love you with all of my heart.

Help Animals In Need By Entering A Contest!

I am hosting a contest on dogster called Express Yourself 09 and for each picture entered I will be donating 20 cents to our local shelter. Why not enter, it's tonnes of fun and it's helping out homeless animals. For more information click on the above link.

For my dogster pals... Thank you

Well as everyone in the dogster community knows this website is full of some of the kindest people and dogs. Always willing to lend a helping hand and offer great support. I have so many wonderful pals on dogster that I wanted to write this diary entry to thank them for just being the wonderful pals that they are.

BooBoo ~ What a great Aussie pal you are BooBoo, always so friendly. I really enjoy our IM chats that we sometimes have. You are a great pla of mine and who knows, maybe one day if we're down your way maybe we could even meet.

Tillie ~ You are one of the sweetest pups I know on here. Always so friendly and suck a great pal to have! You helped mum when she was going through a rough time and we're both very grateful for that. Thank you and hopefully mum can meet you when she goes to the US.

Manny ~ Well you sure have given mum alot of great advice on photography and helping with my manners on the leash. You're a very fun loving pal.

Louie ~ You and your family are such great pups, always joining in the fun around the Plus forums. You know how to bring a smile to someones face.

Sadie ~ Our families have known each other for so long now and you're such a great bunch of pups. You're such a fun pup to be around and I've enjoyed our YIM conversations. Always joking around.

Rusty &Cherry ~ You two are my best friends in real life and I am so glad that I actually get to meet you in the fur. We always have a blast zooming around the yard, even when Cherry isnt exactly in the happiest mood. BOL Looking forward to alot of future playdates and fun times!

Ozzie ~ You are one of my best pals Ozzie and whenever mum needs some cheering up we know we can always count on you. I am so thankful to have you as a pal, it means more than words can describe. Oh, and tell your mum to look out for those flying emus xDD BOL!!!

Bella ~ You are just the most adorable girl I have ever seen, and I know I say it so often but your pictures are amazing. Very inspiring to mum. You are a very kind hearted girl and always trying to help in some way or another.

Champ ~ Another of my close friends here on dogster, our mums always have so much fun chatting on YIM wether it's obsessing over Twilight or discussing other stuff lol We have alot of great memories and hopefully mum will be there in time for a Eclipse convention or something like that haha.

Murphy ~ One of my very close pals here on dogster, our families have known each other for some time now. You have always been such a great help and support for mum. You've helped her through alot and she is so thankful for that. We're so happy that we are pals and we hope our friendship lasts for many more years to come.

Buddy ~ You are one of the most creative pups I have met and you're always planning some fun game. You are a very fun pup and just have a certain happiness about you, always so positive. You are adored by many and are a great part of the dogster community.

KABX ~ My favourite mexican Lab xD You are such the joker and always know how to bring a smile on someone elses face. You bring fun and laughter with you where ever you go. A fantastic pal to have, thank you for being the cheerful KABX that you are.

Juno ~ My best pal on dogster, our mums sure have been through alot and supported each other through it all. Words cant express how thankful we are to have you in our lives. I cant wait until that day when our mums can finally meet, maybe I can sneak in a suitcase and come too BOL

Kasey ~ Oh Kasey, where to start? BOL Your mum is one of the most hilarious and goofy people I have ever met. She always knows exactly what to say and alot of the time it is just so funny. You're the one that cheers mum up when she's down.

I know that I have so many more pals but my paws are tired from typing all this. I may do a continued one in another diary entry.

Also a shout out to Chaz & family, Kurowski 6 pack, Sammy, The Cali Crew, Troop, Chuppy, Skye, Snoopy and... I'll just do a follow up one xD Keep in mind I did this at 6am, I just know i forgot some pups but I'll put you in the next one .

What a nice last few days

Well the last few days mum has been taking me down to the beach with Andre. She says I have been very well bahaved around all the other doggies. I tried playing with a few of them but I cant be let off the lead. Mum brought her camera and was taking pictures of me jumping over the stinger nets. Andre's mum jumped me over but she accidentally let go of the leash. Mum freaked because I was now loose and we were right near the car park. Luckily I didnt even realise no one was holding onto my leash and I ran straight to mum.

Then the other day while on a walk a nice lady commented, saying what a beautiful dog I was. I think I let that get to my head a little too much, BOL!

Last night there was a HUGE storm! It was right near the house and the thunder was so loud. Mum let me sleep inside last night so I was happy about that. I hardly ever get to sleep inside and even though I dont get scared in storms mum still doesnt like having me outside. Suits me just fine, I dont mind sleeping inside.

Today mum was gone for the whole day and when she got home she gave me a big bone and I chewed on that for about 2 hours. I just love the big meaty bones mum gives me. Now my teeth are pearly white.

Rain, rain go away. Come again another day

Well it has been pouring here on and off for a while now. Mum really though there would be some flash flooding this afternoon but it only rained for a few hours although that was long enough to turn a slow flowing creek into raging rapids. I want to go down to the beach but I cant go until it's actually not raining. Go away rain and come back another day, I want my beach trip! Rain is no fun at all :( BANDI

Tropical Cyclone Ellie

I was commenting to my pal Murphy before how the weather outside looks kind of like a small cyclone, very strong winds and lots of rain. Mum decided to check the weather channel and she went to the warnings section. Turns out that we are under a cyclone warning at the moment and no one had no idea. Turns out that a cyclone (tropical cyclone ellie) formed overnight just off the coast. Right now we're having very strong winds but it's expected to hit a little further south of us. Please keep us in your thoughts, we dont want the power to go out.

Today = my gotcha day, 1 year in my forever home.

Well I still remember the first day in my forever home, I refused to get into the car so I had to be carried. I didnt exactly like the car ride because of all the turns but I loved sticking my head out the back window and sniffing in all the smells.

Then we got reached our destination and I was taken through a gate into a lovely back yard. Mum picked up a ball and threw it for me, I went crazy chasing after it and did zoomies around the whole yard. Mum was in a laughing fit watching me BOL!

Then for the rest of the day I was either getting cuddles, sleeping or playing. It was fantastic!

Boy has alot happened since then, I seemed to be a dare devil. Living on the edge and all that stuff. Mum quickly discovered I couldnt be let of the leash and nothing could be left lying around otherwise it would be chewed into tiny pieces. After a few months that chewing stage passed although I still do it every now and again.

I had a fantastic year with my family and made some great doggy friends, I am so happy living here and I know that I have many more year to come!

Wont be around as much

Just letting you all know that summer break is over here in Australia so mum is going back to work and school now. We wont be online as much near the day, if only I could type with these huge paws but I dont know how to work the laptop. I will be still be around, dont you worry about that but not for 10 hours on end BOL!

Plus renewed thanks to Mazie and family

My plus was due to run out in a weeks time and mum didnt have the finances at this moment to renew it for me. Then today we come online and find out that Mazie and her family renewed it for us. We are so very thankful and happy that we will be around plus for another wonderful year! Thank you Mazie and mum!

Almost a year in my forever home

My gotcha day is coming up on Feb 1st, I cant believe I have been with mum for almost a year already, time sure does fly! I'll write a bigger entry on my actual gotcha day ;)

Away for the weekend

Well mum has decided to go away to Port Douglas for the weekend and can you believe she isnt taking me with her! I have to stay at home the whole time. I tell you she better bring me back something pretty special. So I wont be around dogster probably until tomorrow night. I'll talk to all my pals when mum gets back.

Severe Weather Warning

Well the cyclone crossed the other side of the gulf at 4am this morning and is now starting to move inland where it will weaken. We have been issued a severe weather warning which says to expect damaging winds, very heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Right now the rain is bucketing down very heavily, I wouldnt be surprised if we had a flash flood. In the past two weeks town on The tablelands have been having flash floods and unfortuately someone did loose their life. We'll be racing off to get emergency supplies today in case the power goes out. Right now there is also alot of lightning and thunder. Arears around Cairns have already reported up to 250mm of rain in the past 6 hours and no doubt that rain has now reached us.

Tropical Cyclone Charlotte

Well as expected the low has turned into a cyclone which at the moment is only category 1. It is moving inland and then expected to move across the state and then back to the ocean again. When it hits land it will most likely turn back into a low but who knows what will happen when it goes back out to sea. We are just hoping and praying at the moment. The weather here isnt going to be very good for the next few days, we will be getting lots of rain and maybe even some gails. Guess it's time to start guying those emergency supplies.

Cyclone Watch, uh oh

Well the top half of the state of Queensland has been put on cyclone watch. There is a massive low hanging around which may possibly turn into a cyclone so right now we're all just trying to keep updated and hoping that it decides to move away from us. Although mum does like cyclones, nothing bigger than a category 2 is fine with her. Anything bigger, now thats just scary!

We have a break through

Well I have always had some not so good leash manners, especially when mum first adopted me. Mum has been working very hard in training me and now I dont pull and I sit at every corner before crossing the road. There was still one issue, whenever we were on a walk and I saw another dog I would try to pull her over and I would get very over excited.

Today we were on the last part of my walk and i had been very well behaved. Then mum was another dog come around the corner, a very large dog, alot bigger than me. Mum BANDI would have crossed the road but that was were all the birds nests were and she didnt want to be swooped. So mum decided to keep walking and kept me on a very short leash right next to her. She was hoping to walk on the right side that way the dogs wouldnt be near eaach other but the other lady went over on that side, I moved to the left and the two dogs were going to walk past each other in the middle.

Mum was braced to hold me back but when i walked past this dog we stopped for a few seconds, sniffed each others noses and then I kept walking. Mum was so proud of me, I got lots of praise and then alot of treats when we got home.

Potential fosters

Well today mum went down to the shelter to finally meet the dogs and see if there are any there that she would be interested in fostering. We wont be able to foster for about a week but mum really wanted to go look.

Mum came across two dogs that she is interested in fostering although she does think one would be more suitable.

The first is a 2 year old female called Sally. She is a Border Collie mix and just the sweetest thing. She loved to cuddle with mum and get lots of attention. The only thing mum is worried about it I might be a little bit too full on for her. She looks like a very fragile girl.

The next dog is one that mum really wants to foster but he was only just desexed so still has stitches. It might be too late by the time he gets his stitches out. His name is Big Show, a one year old cattle dog mix. He was so friendly and full of energy just like me. Mum says she knows we would get on perfectly. He is such a happy pup and when he gets really happy he wags his whole body, BOL!

2008, what a year!

Well it wasnt until January 18th that I came into my mummas life. She had heard about a Lab/Ridgeback mix that was being surrendered so she wanted to be there on that day. She said that she just had a feeling about this dog even though she hadn't met her yet. The first time mum saw me I was terrified and drooling, I didnt want to be in this strange place. After all the forms were signed mum took me down to my kennel and just sat there for a while with me. I followed her all around the kennel and kept nuzzling her for pats, for comfort. She knew right then and there that I would be the dog for her, 5 hours after I had been surrendered mum adopted me.

Then on February 1st I was brought to my new home. The first thing I did in my new home was play a game of fetch and do zoomies around that yard, you can see the video on my page.

Health wise this year wasnt very good for me, I came home with ear mites. I had food poisoning at one point, had a fungal infection on my nose, almost broke my toe, went on hormone replacement therapy and countless other things. Mum now has my own medication box in the pantry just for me.

I came close to joining Sharna at the bridge a fair few times. Almost being hit by a car twice and almost being hit by a bus. I escaped from the yard twice but luckily I stayed at the front of the house. I was very badly behaved at the beach twice swimming out hundreds of meters and endangering my life. There was one point where mum thought I was gone and I wasnt coming back.

I was also the destructo dog chewing up at least $300 worth of items which ranged from shoes, shirts, plants to electrical cords and ipods.

On dogster I made alot of new pals and I even found myself a boyfriend, the wonderful and handsome Kinnick.

I received a few gifts from my dogster pals this year and in return I sent out a few. I always got so excited when i saw a package, I just seem to know that it's for me and of course I have to open it and not mum.

I got to meet some wonderful dogster pups in real life! Rusty and Cherry, we always have so much fun when we get together. We always go hyper, bite each other and do lots of zoomies around the yard. Although I dont really like it when Rusty sits on my head and lies on top of me but I guess I have to put up with it.

Well overall 2008 was a great year for me and I cant wait to see what 2009 brings!

I'm on the dogster homepage!

Mum has just got home from a very long day and she came onto dogster for some relaxing time to be around pals. She went straight to the homepage as usualy and there is was. My smiley face staring right back at her and of course this put a smile on my face. I'm going to put a badge on my page so you can check it out there or on the homepage. First the dog blog and now the homepage, thank you! This has been the little thing that brightens up mums day just proving how amazingly wonderful dogster is!

I'm in the Dogster Dog Blog!

Today I received a pawmail from Bo, his dad writes the dog blog on dogster. He said that he had chosen oneof my pictures to go along with the story :O I was so shocked and happy that I was in the dog blog. Go here to check it out!

http://dogblog.dogster.com/2008/12/26/stop-thief/

Hormone Replacement Therapy, again

Well months ago I was having trouble with leaking urine when I was alseep or relaxed and it was very big puddles. I was treated for a UTI at first but I was still having problems and the vet came to the conclusion that because I was spayed so young something didnt have the proper time to develope therefore I dont have the muscle control that I should, something to do with hormones. Mum was told that I would have to be on medication for the rest of my life and she was upset by that but the medication did work. The vet said sometimes the pills would fix it for months but then it would come back again. I was on the tablets for about 2 months and the problem went away, mum asked the vet if she should continue me on the HRT pills and she said to start gicing it to me again if I start to leak.

Well on Christmas I was sleeping infront of the couch when mum noticed a large puddle. I stood up and my whole side was wet, she know I had started leaking urine again. It has been at least 6 months since this last happened but luckily mum still has enough pills left to last for the week. Next week mum will be going back and getting me some more pills. I'll most likely go back on them for a few months and then see what happens.

Most amazing christmas gift!

Well here it is Christmas Eve right now and with mum being partly german she gets to open the presents on christmas eve. The last present she received was two stunning portraits of me and one of Zara. They were just amazing! The lady that does the drawings connects with the animals too and she said that it was a great pleasure to paint Zara and I. She said that out of all the animals she has ever painted that we were very special, especially Zara. She said that she has NEVER met any animals like us :)

Mum will try to get pictures of our portraits and put them onto our pages. What a wonderful christmas. Mum wont let me open my present until tomorrow morning because she says it's too late for me right now :(

My day - December 19th

In the morning I was home by myself the whole time but I managed to ammuse myself very well and I mainly just slept.

Then mum got home but the furless baby and the rest of the visitors weren't home so I finally got some peace and quiet. That baby just follow me around everywhere and he loves playing with my ridge. He comes up to me and gives me kisses on my back and he like to lie on the floor on front of me and just stare at my face. I love the little guy but sometimes it just gets to be too much and I need my alone time. Mum can tell when it gets a bit much for me so she lets me have a little break. my mum is always looking out for me.

After a few hours the visitors came home and I had a play in the backyard with the furless baby of course with mum supervising. He likes to pick up my toys and throw them for me which I love. Then he was throwing grass out into the yard and accidentally wacked me right in the snout. It didnt hurt that much but mum kissed it better anyway, BOL.

Then after everyone had dinner mum decided that it was cool enough to take me for a walk so off we went. We went for a quick walk around the block but then we ran into a little dog standing right infront of me and I was going all crazy so mum decided to turn around and go back the way we came. Then she decided to quickly go to Andre's house. I was so excited because I hadn't seen Andre in so long! We just hung out at the front of the house on the cool tiles and attempted to play a little bit but I was so tired from my walk.

Then I got home and it was 9:30pm :O We had been gone for an hour and a half, time sure does fly when you're having fun BOL. After we got home mum fed me and then I was off to bed.

Visitors are coming

Well tomorrow mum has some visitors coming up and they will be staying for 3 weeks so I am unsure how much I will be able to come online but I will pop in to say hi to all my pals. Before you know it I might even be online my usual times.

Big, scary storm

Last night the thunder and rain started at around 9pm, it wasnt very big so I was sleeping outside like I do every night. Then by 3am the rain was bucketing down really hard. That was when the loud thunder and blinding lightning started. The thunder was so loud that it felt like the house shaking, the lightning so bright that everytime it flashed it looked like day outside. I didnt seem bothered by it but mum brought me inside anyway so I got to sleep inside which I was very happy about. I think mum was more scared than I was, BOL!

Now it is just raining outside and very overcast. Looks like it's going to be another day at home with mum, well another morning at least.

May be missing from dogster

Just letting all our pals know that we may be missing in action for a few days. The reason is too personal to say but we hope to be back soon. We'll miss you all

Slowly getting better

That pain medication seems to be helping a little. I'm not limping while I walk anymore, just after I get up from lying down for long periods of time. This afternoon I had a big play and I was running around the yard like a crazy dog. If I'm not too sore to do zoomies then thats a good sign. So overall I'm still a little sore but starting to feel better. Should be a few days and I'll be back to normal and having playdates.

Results

Well I just got back from the the vet and unfortunately there was a blackout about 10 minutes before out appointment so I couldnt get my xrays done today. The vet felt my hips and watched me walk around a bit. I actually wasnt limping which is good. She also felt down my back and there is one particular part right near my pelvis bones that is very sore. Whenever the vet would touch it I would move away or sit down. I have been put on pain killers for now and if I am still limping in two days time then I will go in to work with mum and get the xrays done. Lets just hope that this all goes away.

A package, for me?

Wow, about 30 minutes ago mum was having a break down kinda thing and I was sitting next to her on the floor giving her lots of kisses and cuddles. Then some guys pulled up out the front of the house and he had a package. Mum knew right away that it was for me from my pal Ozzie in Canada. Mum thinks that I knew it was for me too because I was so excited. Mum opened it for me and showed me all of the pawsome stuff that I had received. I was such a happy puppy even though I was still sore I wanted to play with the toys. Over all I received 1 frisbee, 2 bandannas, 1 leash, 1 rope toy, 1 sqeaky toy, 1 blanket AND for Zara a collar and a bookmark for mum. The blanket eveen had some Ozzie hair on it. Thank you so much for the pawsome gifts Ozzie! It made both mum and I feel so much better!

Xrays

Well mum called the vet and I am going in for xrays this afternoon. When mum got home just before I was so sore that Zara was in a cranky mood and she came running at me. I didnt even run away, just stood there and she sunk her claws right into my chest. Boy did she get in trouble from mum for doing that. Then I was lying on my bed and she was lying underneath and she decided to attack my feet. She sure wasnt in a good mood today. I will keep you all updated on the xrays.

Mum is getting worried now

All the other times mum saw me limp with my back leg it was only once during the day but I seem to be doing it everytime I get up. I just got up to walk over to mum for cuddles and I was limping. She touched my hip back leg and I stumbled, probably because it hurts. I think that tomorrow might be a trip to the vet for xrays. Mum knew that this was going to come some day but she didnt think it was going to be when I was this young. She is so worried about what the outcome will be.

Very sore hips, may be back to the vet

The last few days mum has noticed that I have been having trouble with my hips. About 2 days ago I was lying next to her bed while she was on the laptop. I got up to go and lie under the fan and I wasnt using one of my back legs. I limped for a few steps and then just flopped onto the floor. Mum totally freaked out and ran over to me. She called my name and I got up and walked normally over to her, I even forced her to throw the toy for me that afternoon. Then yesterday afternoon mum thought she saw me do it again but she wasnt sure. Then just now I got up from sleeping next to mums chair and did the same thing but it was my other leg this time. I took two steps limping, not using my back leg and then laid down again. It seems to happen when I sleeping for a long time. Mum is keeping an eye on me and if I do it more then it will be back to the vets for some xrays.

Wow, Daily Diary Pick Again!

Wow, this will be the third time whilst being on dogster that I have been chosen as daily diary pick. I seem to recall being chosen not that long ago. I am so thrilled on honoured and I would like to thank HQ and all the lovely pups that enjoy reading my diary:) Thank you!

My day - December 3rd

Well like all days it involved alot of sleeping. Mum was working today until the afternoon so I was at home by myself for that time although mum thinks that I kept myself entertained by chasing the cat because Zara was not at all happy with me when mum got home. That's how she can tell that I wouldnt leave her alone.

Then it was time for picture taking which I of course posed for. Mum takes so many pictures of me but has already reached my limit of 100 photos so she has a hard time deciding which ones to delete.

Then my dogster and real life pals Cherry and Rusty came over for a play late in the afternoon when the weather had finally cooled down. We ran and ran all around the yard, Cherry even joined in for a little bit. Rusty did keep trying to hump me the whole time but I wasnt really fased by it, BOL. Then Rusty and I were playing really rough like we usually do and I went over to mum to give her kisses and my whole mouth was covered in blood. Looks like I had cut my tongue and it sure was bleeding alot. After dripping some blood, wiping it on Rusty and mum she hosed my mouth out and after a few minutes it stopped bleeding. Then it was back to running around and wrestling.

Then I said good bye to Rusty and Cherry. I am now lying at the back door panting really fast and trying to sleep. I need to get my energy level back up for tomorrow, who knows what that will bring.

Fleas!

The other day I was lying next to mum and she saw something on my leg. She took a closer look and sure enough it was a flea. Mum has owned me for 10 months and this was the first flea she had seen on me. Mumma says that the flea treatment is going to be coming out along with some special shampoo to get rid of those little buggers.

My day - December 1st

Well the morning wasnt very exciting, I slelpt next to mum for a little bit and then she would out for a few hours so I was in the backyard with the kitty the whole time. Then mum got home and I was really excited! We had a short session of toy throwing before I parked myself next to her chair and fell into a deep slumber.

Then later on in the afternoon I was standing at the front door patrolling my front yard when I saw this big black dog walking towards the house. At first I was barking and then I realised that it was my friend Andre who I havent seen for over a month. I was so excited that I started running up and down and whinning.

We went through to the back yard and we were off, racing around the yard. Weaving in and out of the trees, racing around my own little racecourse. After a little time of playing mum said " Do you want to go for a walk?" I just cocked my head and in one leap jumped off the trampoline and ran straight to the front door. Andre and I went for a walk around the block and we ran into another little Jack Russell which I wanted to play with but mum wouldnt let me.

Now I am sleeping next to mum's chair, puffed out from my play and walk.

Kitty sister is COTD!

OMD, We are all jumping up and down with happiness!!! Zara means princess and she sure is going to live up to her name today. Mum says she's going to be super spoilt but maybe I could get in on it too, BOL. Congrats to my kitty sister Zara!

My day, November 30th (in Australia)

Well mum was home pretty much all day so I lazed around almost the whole time. I follow mum pretty much where ever she goes so when she's on the computer I sleep right next to the chair. Then when she gets up and does other things I'll go to the door way and just lie there until she is on the move again. So after alot of sleeping and a few cuddle sessions mum went outside with me to throw the squeaky toy around. It wasnt that hot but I wasnt really in the playing mood, I ran after it a few times but then decided I wanted to go and sleep again. Mum has been very short with me lately, I have been barking alot and mum seems to be taking it out on me which she knows isnt a good thing. I know that she doesnt mean it and I just come and give her lots of kisses afterwards. Sometimes she accepts them and sometimes not to much, like after I've had a huge drink of water and all the slobber, BOL!

Then later in the afternoon mum went for a swim in the pool and of course I tried to jump in a few times but mum wouldnt let me. Of course I got back at her when she was leaning on the side and I jumped up and wacked my paws into her head.

Oh, and I got daily diary pick which I was very excited about!

Dogster Daily Diary Pick!

Wow, thank you so much dogster for picking me as one of todays diary picks! I am so excited and proud because I just love writting in my diary and keep all the dogsters up to date on what is going on. Plus it's always fantastic to look back at the good and not so good things that I have done since mum adopted me.

Mum saved a stray today

Mum was on her way to mail off Ozzie's gift when she saw a stray dog in the middle of the road. She got out of the car and the poor thing was so scared. Mum managed to grab the dog but luckily the other cars stopped for her. The dog was named Ziggy and it looks to be around 7 years of age, a smooth haired Border Collie. Luckily the dog had an ID tag to mum called the owners and they said that they were in the city but could be there in 20 minutes to pick up the dog. So mum brought the dog back home, locked me in her room and tied the dog up outside. I saw the dog out there and I went crazy, barking and whinning.

The guy just came to pick up the dog, he said that they had just moved house the day before so the dogs must have been trying to get back to their old home. Unfortunately their other dog, a small jack russell is still missing but mum was just glad that she could help one get back to his home. She is going to keep an eye out for any jack russells running around and hopefully they will find him.

What a nice walk

Well I just got back from my morning walk. It is way to hot during the day now so I either have to be walked early in the morning or just when it starts to get dark. This morning it was just before 7am and no one else was around. Mum tooks me for a walk down past Andre's house but we had to turn around when we got to a certain point because there is a willy wagtail that swoops you and I dont like it when birds swoop me. I was so weel behaved on the whole walk, mum didnt even put me on a short leash and I was walking next to her the whole time. I sat at every corner and I waited for mum to tell me it was alright to cross. There was even a Border Collie walking right behind us and I paid no attention to it. Mum says that I am getting better and better.

What was that? A foster dog?

Thats right! Mum has been wanting to foster a dog for a while now but something has always come up and she doesnt want to foster a dog and then not be there most of the time. Then the last time we were going to foster I ended up getting a fungal infection and wasnt allowed to be around other dogs. Mum has just found out that she gets 10 days off work during just after christmas which is when all the shelters are always so busy. During that time mum is going to help out and foster a dog. It's going to be so good having a playmate around 24/7.

What a scary night

Last night the clouds started to get darker and darker. Then a rumbling could be heard from the distance, a storm was coming. At around 8pm the strom was very close, there was lightning and thunder. Then just before mum went to be at 9:30pm it was really bad. The lightning was so close and so big that it looked like the whole house was lighting up even if there weren't any lights on. The thunder was so loud that the house felt like it was almost shaking. I have never been scared in storms before but mum checked on me just before she went to bed and I looked scared so she decided to let me sleep inside for the night. I was so excited because I am never allowed to sleep inside with mum. She got a towel, laid it out on the carpet for me to lie on, then switched off the lights and laid in bed. Now of course I didnt think it was very fair that I had to lie on the ground when there was a perfectly good bed that would fit both of us. So I decided to make myself welcome and I flopped right on top of mum. We both fell asleep but then a few hours later I really needed to go potty and the strom was almost gone so mum put me back outside again.

Keeps getting hotter

It's is almost summer here in Australia, only a few days away and boy am I starting to feel this heat. I do not like it one bit, all I want to do is sleep for the whole day. Mum has to wait until night time to walk me but it is still hot then. Yesterday on my walk it started raining and that was so nice! It's been around 94F lately and it's still spring. I cant imagine what summer is going to bring. Mum has been hosing me down every few hours to cool me off.

A video about my sweet Shandi

Check out Shandi's latest video! She is my special girl and has brought so much love to my life. I thought she deserved a video just for her.

Sore legs no more

Juct quickly updating on my legs, it turned out that I just had a lactic acid build up so my muscles were a bit sore for a few days. Today when mum got home I was doing zoomies around the back yard, looks like I am back to normal.

Update on my legs

This morning I seemed to be walking alot better although I was still crouching down a little. Mum had to leave early and didnt get home until later in the afternoon so I was at home by myself. Mum got home and she guessed that I had been running around chasing the cat during the day because she couldnt find her to put her inside and she was already running late this morning. Mum let me inside and I seemed ok but then when I went to sit down I yelped again and then slowly flopped onto the ground. Mum has been watching me very closely and she is thinking that it might actually be my hips because I have always had problems with them and I have been sitting very unusually since the incident.

Mum is still keeping a very close eye on me but I all I am doing in sleeping. Mum says that if I'm not improving soon then I will be going to the vet next time she's working.

*Yelps* sore leg :(

Today I was taken to the beach for a really long walk and even though there are jellyfish around I got to go swimming inside the stinger nets so it was safe. Everything seemed fine and when I got home I was pooped and went straight to sleep. Mum then went out for about two hours and when she got home I didnt come running over to the gate like I usually do when the car pulls up in the driveway which mum thought was a bit strange. She went inside to the back patio door and I looked like I was limping a little. Mum let me in and I was excited but as soon as I was inside I circled, let out a yelp and then laid down slowly. Mum crouched down next to me and was patting me. Then she walked a few steps away and called my name to see which leg I was limping on. I walked over to her and it looks like it's one of my front legs but mum couldnt really see it properly. Once I walked over to mum I slowly laid down and mum could tell that I was hurting.

I havent moved from that spot and have been sleeping there for the last hour. Mum is just worried about me right now and hopefully it will heal soon.

We got a new pool!

Mum decided that the weather is just getting to hot and with no air con or a pool she decided to buy an above group pool. That way when it gets into the cooler months we can just take it down. The pool will be going up soon and this means I will be able to splash around in it, how fun! Keep an eye out for some pictures;)

My day - I took a tumble and loosing power

The morning was very uneventful because I was home by myself until about 2:45pm. Mum came come and I was really excited but flopped next to her right away because it was so hot.

Then as mum was typing for me the screen when black and all the fans stopped, 10 seconds later the power came back on. Then mum restarted the computer and it was flickering a little but stopped after a few seconds. Then about 30 minutes later the power went out again and this time it was out for about 5-10 minutes. The power has now been back on for about 30 minutes bt hopefully it doesnt go off again. The weather is fine so we dont have a clue why it's happening.

While the power went off mum took me outside to get some pictures since the lighting was perfect! I went to jump up on the trampoline and I took a tumble. I only half went on and then my legs got caught in the springs and I fell backwards. Luckily mum was standing right next to me and caught me in time to reduce an serious damage. I was in a bit of shock but was fine afterwards.

Summer is coming and the beach are closing:(

The temperature sure is starting to warm up here in Australia. Summer is only a month away and already it's hit 90F (32C). Mum took me down to the beach yesterday and it looks like the currents have changed bringing in seaweed and lots of sand paritcles with it and we all know what comes when that happens, JELLYFISH! These are no ordinary jellyfish, these are tiny ones and they are deadly. Mum got stung a few years ago (luckily not by a deadly one) and boy did it hurt.

A few days ago a crocodile was spotted at the next beach and with all the jeallyfish coming mum says we wont be going swimming anymore
:(

Mum, there is a stranger in our yard!

Just now mum was typing away on the computer for me and heard these birds start screeching, she looked across the road and saw that a cat had caught a bird. A litle boy, about 10 was trying to get this bird off the cat. The screeching stopped and mum went back to what she was doing, then the screeching started and it sounded closer. I was standing at the side gate barking like mad so mum decided to go see what was wrong. There was nothing there so she went back to the computer. Then she just saw the little boy sitting on the end of the driveway watching. Mum decided to go out the front and there was the bird that their cat had just caught in our yard and my kitty sister Zara was freaking out like she usually does when strangers come over.

This little boy had taken that bird off his cat, brought it over to our yard and put it near our cat and then watched to see if our cat would kill it. Zara was still in shock so mum grabbed her before she could hurt this poor bird and put her inside.

P.S This is the same family that just a few days ago I saw hitting their Chihuahua for being in the driveway.

Christmas Gift Exchange, how exciting!

I am helping my pal Rusty out with a christmas gift exchange in the plus fun forum. I am so excited that I will be getting something from another dogster pup for christmas.

If you would like to check out the thread and possibly sign up please go here.

http://www.dogster.com/forums/Plus_Fun/thread/56980 6

I was in the paper and didnt even know

I cant believe I made it into the paper last week and mum didnt even have a clue. Mum only buys the weekend newspaper and I was in one during the week. We only just found out by chatting to Cherry's mum. Mum says she's going to try and get a copy of it.

Guess what!

Sometime within the next few days mum will be opening a seperate bank account for all her vacation money to go in to. Of course she will be going to the US and meeting some of her dogster pals. She was planning to take me with her but that stress of a 17 hour flight would be to much on me plus it costs and extra $5000 and takes over a month to get back in to Australia.

Mum is going to be staying near Chico, CA but she wont be going for at least another year or so.

My walk today

Well this morning I went to the beach for an hour and I got to go for a swim, ther were not that many dogs there and I was very well behaved. I am starting to get alot better on the leash.

Then this afternoon mum was talking to Andre's mum and they decided to take the dogs for a walk. I was really excited to see Andre at first and he was jumping up and down. A bit further down the road we turned a corner and there was a dog coming right towards us on our side of the road. Mum recognised this dog as Sharna's old playmate Basil, of course he was all grown up now. I got to sniff his nose and I was so excited to see him, I kept trying to play with him. He didnt really seem to like me though and started growling.

The rest of the walk was rather normal, I was really well behaved when all of the other dogs were walking past. We went past Cherry and Rusty's street and I kept trying to pull mum down there.

Now I am passed out in the middle of the lounge room with my huge tongue hanging out of my mouth.

Almost 9 months

Well it has almost been 9 months since the day that mum brought me home. I remember the first thing I did was do a few zoomies around the yard, pick up a tennis ball and just started being my goofy self. Mum knew at that point that I was the perfect dog for her. At first I was depressed because I had lived with another dog my whole life but now I was alone. I would chew up everything I could get my paws on and dig giant holes in the yard. I even escaped a few times.

I was a very big daredevil dog, in these nine months I have almost gone to the rainbow bridge about 3-4 times and almost ran away. Mum puts up with my goofy, puppy like antics and that is what she really loves about me. She wouldnt have it any other way.

My Woofday Party!

It was so much fun! Cherry, Rusty and Andre all came. We played so many different games and had some really yummy cake that mum made. Go to my page to see more pictures from my special day :)

2 year old today!

Well October 18th marks my second birthday. I have heard humans say this is when pups start to calm down but I have no plans on doing that! I was taken on a bige walk and got lots of extra cuddles. Then mum went out shopping for my birthday party things. We didnt really celebrate much on my actual birthday because mum is doing that at my party which is tomorrow!

Birthday party details

I turn 2 on October 18th and mum has decided to throw a party for me and invite all of my doggy pals. It's been raining for the last 3 days but hopefully the weather will clear up by the weekend. The house is getting painted on the Friday and then my party will be on the Sunday which is the 19th. It will only be a small party with 5 dogs in total. Mum is planning lots of games and fun things. Rusty, Cherry, Andre, Cooper and I will all be there and most likely just want to play the whole time XD On Friday mum is going shopping to buy everything.

Back from mum's work - what a day

Well mum only expected to be going in for a few hours today because we only had one thing to do but alot of unexpected cases came in so she only got started on me at around 2pm. I had been out in the run since 9am and I was howling the whole time because I couldnt see mum and though she'd left me there.

So mum had to mind hte practise for about an hour while the vet went off to do some things and I was allowed to come inside with her and roam around. At first I didnt realise it was mum who let me out of the cage but once I looked at her face I was so happy and went nuts! Then we were sitting at the front counter and there was a huge poster of a cat on the wall. I kept barking at it and walking closer but running away. Mum kept laughing at me but I dont know why, I mean there was a cat sitting on the wall just watching me XD

Afterwards mum finally got started, shaved my leg and wipped it with a cotton ball. She had to give me the sedation and it was her first time ever giving an injection, well in the vein anyway. The vet explained everything to her and then it was show time. I didnt really know what was happening but I was happy to have people paying attention to me. Then mum stuck the needle in my leg and on the first try she got it in the vein. She was pretty proud of herself. I started getting really sleepy and soon I was out.

The vet showed mum all of the places she could give injections and mum got to do one in all of them. She also got to practise drawing blood, only a little bit though. Afterwards she gave me an injection to wake up and an antibiotic in my leg muscle.

It took me a while to wake up and I was drooling everywhere. Every time mum went out of the room I started whinning. So she stayed with me for a bit. It took me about an hour to start walking around again and when I did I was very wobbly. The sedation that I was given has an after effect which makes the animals feel like they're 'off with the fairies' so I have been a bit out of it.

Right now I am sleeping on the floor with my tongue sticking out and I defininitly will be needing a bath tomorrow. I should be back to my normal self in no time.

Going to work with mum

Well mum went to work today and she was asked to work again on Monday, all there is to do on Monday is take some blood from a dog which wont take very long. Mum suggested that she could bring one of her animals in so the vet can teach her some things. She thought it was a great idea so now mum is going to bring me in. The vet is going to teach mum how to find a vein and give injections. I dont know if I trust mum giving me injections but luckily I will be sedated before hand. I will let you all know how it goes, mum also might be minding the practise for a few hours so I can keep her company.

Worlds Coolest Dog and Cat Show!

I am so excited that the show has finally started, I have been looking forward to it all year! Last year a few of our pals made it through to the finals too. I have entered a few catagories as have Sharna and Zara. I would just love it if all my pals could vote for me. If you would like me to vote for you just drop me a line:)

http://www.dogster.com/show08/vote_pet.php?i=71025 5

I am puffed!

Well after being gone for 8 hours mum finally got home this afternoon at almost 5pm. Andre's mum called and they chateed on the phone for a little bit when mum got another call coming through. She answered the call and it was Rusty and Cherry's mum asking if she wanted to bring me over for a play. Of course mum said yes and we were soon on our way. The walk was only about 15-20 minutes and I didnt really have a clue where we were going. When we got to the house and I saw Rusty's doggy nose sticking out from under the fence I got so excited!

We went into the yard and we were just so happy to see each other. Cherry wasnt there at that point because she had been taken for a walk. We ran around for a while and both our parents followed us around with cameras. Mum said most of the shots she got were blurry, darn my dark fur. After a little bit Cherry came home but she wasnt really in the modd for playing. After an hour of playing it was getting close to dinner time so mum decided to take me home.

We started the 20 minute walk back home and just as we got out of the street I ran into Andre. I was happy to see him but really tired so we didnt play. I was so tired that I didnt even pay any attention to the dog walking in front of us which is amazing! The whole walk home I was trailing behind mum and walking really slowly.

When we got home I had a huge drink and flopped on the floor. I have been sleeping ever since and it is a very deep sleep too. I was so tired that when the cat jumped over me I didnt even move which I never do.

All in all it was a good day and I had alot of fun!

Now feeling very well

Well mum went to go and let me inside just now. I am normally very happy, my tail wags really quickly and I can stop licking. This morning I came in and just stood infront of mum, my tail wasnt wagging. Then I turned around and walked outside which is very odd. After I got outside I started throwing up now mum thinks it's either because I was eating grass or I ate some cat poop, yuck. I seem to be fine now and I am eating but mum is just going to keep an eye on me.

Updates on everything, ringworm and a foster pup

Will this diary entry is more just like an update on some stuff that I have mentioned in past diary entries.

Well I will start with the ringworm that was on my nose. We dont know if it's a ringworm or not but we do know that it is some kind of fungal infection that I most likely got from sniffing around on the ground and digging my nose into dirt. I have had cream put on it for about four days now and it doesnt seem to be doing anything. It atually seems to be getting worse so if it isnt improving within the next few days I will be of to the vet.

Now because of this fungal infection unfortunately we were not able to foster a dog, if we were we would have picked him up today. We just cant risk this infection being passed on to any other pup. I'm not even allowed to have any playdates until it's gone.

Fun Halloween Contest!

I am hosting a really fun halloween contest in the plus fun forums. There is a section for real pictures and then a section for edited pictures so this way anyone can enter. If you are interested in entering please check out this thread.

http://www.dogster.com/forums/Plus_Fun/thread/561 173

Ringworm

Yesterday when mum got home from work she let me inside and was patting me when she realised there was something on my nose. I finally stayed still long enough for her to look at it and mum thinks it's a ringworm which means she might get it too. Right now mum is putting daktarin on it and hopefully it will clear up soon but if not then it's off to the vet again for me.

A foster pup?

Well mum was planning on fostering a dog these holidays but she ended up working almost everyday for the first week. This week she is only working three days which leaves four days that she will be at home. The dog that mum originally wanted to foster is still at the shelter but she is torn between two. One is a cattle dog/staffy mix named Bravo and the other is a deaf bull terrier/cattle dog mix named Unison who is only 5 months old.

Fostering is different here than in the USA, in the USA you foster for months but here it's only for 2 days - 2 weeks. We would only be fostering this pup for 4 days but mum thinks it would be great for me to have another dog around and she wants to see how I would act living with another dog.

I will make sure to keep you all updated on the situation:)

Mum got a new camera

Noooooo! Quick, find a hiding spot. To late, this darn tail always sticks out. Mum got a new camera today, a Pentax K200D. She sure is excited however I am affraid because this means I'll probably have a camera in my face and following me around for the whole day. Make sure to keep an eye out on my page for the pawsome pictures.

Plus Fun Trivia Night!

I am so excited about starting the Plus Fun trivia night! I just hope that for the first game there is a good turn out. There will be a trivia night every Saturday at 2pm dogster time in the Plus Fun forums. If you would like to play please go to this thread but make sure you read the rules on the first page before playing. The more players the better.

http://www.dogster.com/forums/Plus_Fun/thread/559 380/

P.S You can earn points playing this and if you earn enough you get cool prizes!

Fun in the sun!

Well mum has decided to take me to the beach every second or third day to get me more used to being around dogs and hopefully I will calm down when I see them on my walks and mum will be able to control me. Mum and her friend decided to take Andre and I to the beach today, it was around 2pm so there wasnt any dogs there. I was so good on the walk down, I sat at every corner and I didnt go crazy when I saw other dogs.

Mum hasnt been swimming in the ocean for a few years even though she lives right near it because she was stung by a jellyfish but today she actually went in the water with me. She didnt let me off the leash but I was swimming around for about an hour until I saw some birds and then I kept trying to swim out to sea even though they were long gone. While we were swimming a few dogs walked past but I didnt really pay any attention to them and mum kept saying I was a good girl. Mum also remembered to bring her camera so you can see the pictures on my page.

Mum took me back down to the other side of the beach so she could dry off and wash the sand off me. After we got there 2 dogs walked past and I couldnt control myself, I started barking and whinning. Mum made me sit and distracted me which did the trick. On the way home I wasnt really very well behaved because I was so hyper from being in the water.

Anyway I had such a fun time and I cant wait to do it again within the next few days:)

Daily Diary Pick! YAY :)

I am so excited that I have been chosen as one of today daily diary picks. I always try to write in my diary as much as possible and make it fun to read. This is the email I received today;

Dear Saskia,

Dogster wanted you to know that Shandi is one of today's featured diaries and it will be displayed all day on our Diary Central page at http://www.dogster.com/diary/dcentral.php under 'Today's Picks'.

I know I know, we're barking like mad over here too!

Thanks so much for running with the Dogster pack and keeping a diary.

Much Woof,

Dogster

Thank you again HQ and thank you everyone that has sent me a pawmail or rosette:)

OMD, I'm going to be in a book!

Well a few weeks ago I entered a contest called The Cutest Pet Contest. The prize was to be in a book and win up to $1000. Since I made it to the semi finalists I have automatically been selected to appear in the book. This is the email that mum received today.

Congratulations Saskia! Your Photo Of Shandi Has Advanced To The Semi-Finals & Has Won A Chance To Appear In Our Next Cutest Pets Photography Book!

The Votes Have Been Pouring In For Your Photo of Shandi. Therefore, It Has Received Enough Votes To Appear In Our Next Photography Book!

Dear Saskia R,

Thank you for recently entering the Cutest Pet Photo Contest co-sponsored by CutestPetContest.com. Good News! The votes have been pouring in for your photo causing our judges to sit up and take notice! Our judges have compared the other photo entries to yours and have unanimously selected your photo of Shandi as a semi-finalist in the contest! You have a great chance of winning one of many prizes, including a $1,000.00 Cash Prize! Daniel Hawley recently won $5,000 Cash and Candice Ramsey recently won $1,000.00 Cash. Your photo has automatically advanced to the final round of judging to take place soon. I'll keep you posted on your standing as the contest progresses and wish you the best of luck.

This book costs $70 but mum says it's worth it to see me in it. Wish me luck everypup!

Result of xrays

Well I was at the vet all day today and I didnt like it at all. I thought mum wasnt going to come back from me but when I saw her I was very happy! Mum took me for a walk and toilet break because I had been in the cage all day. I was given a sedation for my xrays which mum took herself, I was fast asleep the whole time. The good thing is that the xrays showed up normal which means no broken toe for me. The vet cut both my dewclaws very short, even past the quick so I was bleeding for a bit. I got bandages put on both my paws but I ripped one off already. Right now mum just has to wait for the swelling to go down and I should be back to normal in no time.

Back from the vet, not the best news.

Well as mentioned in previous diary entries I have been having trouble with my left dewclaw lately. Mum took me to the vet this afternoon and it wasnt what mum thought was wrong. The vet thinks that I most likely broke my toe. On Wednesday I am getting dropped off at the vet at 6:30am and am staying their all day until mum starts work which is at around 1pm. Then I am going to get my foot xrayed to see what exactly is going on. I might get my hips xrayed too. Then if my toe is broken I will have to go back to the vet on Saturday and have it removed because it most likely wont heal right. I am not allowed to play until I get my x rays done. I will make sure to update you all after my next vet trip.

Clicker training and another vet visit

Well yesterday Rusty came over for a play and his mum bought my mum a clicker. I was always hard to train, very stubborn and not focused at all. Mum was hoping that maybe clicker training would get me to pay attention to her and actually listen. Well she introduced it to me with tricks that I already knew like sit, paw ect. Mum was very surprised at how focused I was and I had so much drive to impress her.

It's only the second day today and I am very used to the clicker now. Mum refreshed my memory on stay since I wasnt that good at it and now she can walk 20 meters away and wait for up to a minute without me moving at all. She is also working on touch which I am picking up very easily. It's when I touch her hand with my nose. Mum wants to maybe teach me roll over, play dead or limp next.

Now about my paw, it still isnt getting better and it is very swollen now. The colour is a reddish purplish colour and I wont let anyone touch it. Today when mum got home she could see that I was starting to limp which isnt a good sign. She threw the ball for me in the yard and I ran after it but it hurt to much so I started walking and limping. Unfortunately mum cant get me to the vet for another 2-3 days but I will be going. This will make it the 4th vet visit in the last 7 months. I just contantsly have things going wrong with me.

Paw is getting worse

Well I am still licking my dewclaw on my left paw. I have been yelping a few times and today when Rusty came over for a play I yelped again. Mum had a closer look because this time I actually stayed still. The nail looks cracked all the way through and the quick looks like it's coming out of the nail. It is swollen, red and tender from me licking it and looks like it may be infected. Mum doesnt know what I did to make it this way but it is very painful for me. She might be taking me to the vet on Saturday but she may have to catch a bus home which means she cant bring me.

Mum is thinking of maybe getting my dew calws removed because I have cracked both of them and I always seem to be hurting them. Depends on how traumatic the surgery is and how much it would cost.

I'm just in the wars, sore paw

Well mum noticed that for about the last week I have been licking my dew claw on my left paw. She didnt really take any notice of it at first but I was doing it constantly. Yesterday mum want to look at my paw and as soon as she touched my dew claw I yelped in pain. Mum was being very gentle and trying not to hurt me, she looked at my dew claw and saw that I have a crack on the side which looks to go almost all the way through the nail and it looked very moist and sore. Then at the base of the nail it was torn and there was a small cut and some blood (about the size of a pin head).

Today just I yelped in pain 3 times. Once when mum was trying to push me off the couch, another time when I did high 5 and another when mum was looking at my paw. Mum doesnt know whats wrong but it I start limping then she will be taking me to the vet. I have cost her so much money so far and it's only been 7 months.

Best Dressed Contest winners announced!

Go here to see who won the contest I hosted. There were a staggering 131 entries.

http://www.dogster.com/forums/Plus_Fun/thread/55 3270

I got a package

Today mum got home and there was a package sitting out the front of the house. She looked at the tag and it was for me, hehe. It was the gifts from out partner of the gift exchange, Murphy. Mum cut off the sticky tape for me and then put the box on the floor, she had to make sure that I didnt eat any of the packaging.

I dug my head into the box and grabbed out a huge, squeaky tennis ball. I ran around with it throwing it about. I loved it so much that I didnt even want to give it to mum and kept running away from her. After a little play we went back to the box to see what else was in there.

The next thing I grabbed out was a huge purple kong, it was still in the cardboard so mum had to help me with that. I was so excited to be getting all these new things as I just love getting toys ect. After another play we went back and there was some wrapping. Mum took it out and opened it for me. It was the cutest matching collar and leash. Mum says she's not going to use them when we go to the beach because she doesnt want to ruin them. Also in the package was the a pretty butterfly collar charm which unfortunately doesnt fit on the collar but I'm sure mum will find somewhere to put it.

Thank you Murphy so much for all of these glorious things! Luckily mum filmed the whole thing and took picture which will be up soon.

A life on medication :(

Well a week ago I finished my UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) medication but I was still having accidents in the house. The second option was to put me on Stilboestrol which is for hormone replacement therapy. Right now I am on a trial but if it works then i will have to have it for the rest of my life. I have been on it for 3 days now and it seems to be working. I have to wait a week and then I only have to have the tablets on Mondays and Fridays.

I just hope that this works because mum has been spending alot of money on vet bills lately. At least the medication only cost $25 for 100 which will last about a year but mum still has to pay for my hip treatment when it comes around.

I may have a life on medication ahead of me but that wont stop me from being my goofy and silly self.

Interesting walk today

Well mum was feeling a little angry this afternoon so she decided to take me for a jog to blow of some steam and just have some alone time. At first I was a little clumsy and kept bumping into mum but then I got the hang of it. We went down the the beach (ot on the sand) and jogged along there. We were half way and I was already pooped. Then as we can back down the street this little dog came running out of no where and started following me. Mum kept trying to pull me away but I wanted to play with this dog. Then all of a suddne this little dog lunged at my face and tried to bite me. Mum yelled at the people to call their dog, they were standing there the whole time ignoring it. I was starting to get a bit worked up too. The people called the dog and we continued with our jog. By the time we got home I was trailing along behind mum. I had a huge drink and then flopped on my bed and went to sleep.

Enter my Best Dressed Contest!

I am hosting a contest for plus and non plus dogs called the Best Dressed Contest. There is a thread in Plus Fun and Other Barks and Woofs. All you have to do is tag a picture of you in your cutest outfit. Entried close August 29th. Ted was kind enough to post about it in the Sit Updates.

http://blogs.dogster.com/dogster_site_updates/20 08/08/17/enter-your-dog-in-the-best-dressed-contest/

More medication, when will it stop?

Well the day before my medication for UTI finished I was still dripping in the house. I have now been placed on Stilboestrol which is for HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). Mum is going to wait a few days before she start giving me the tablets to see if I stop having accidents. In 2 weeks I will be getting a urine test done because the vet is going away. That will tell us what is really going on. Hopefully we will find out what's going on with me.

Please vote for me:)

Mum entered me in a cutest pet contest. We could win up to $1000 or be on the cover of a book. Mum would love it if we could win. Afterall I am just adorable, BOL!

Vote for me here:
http://www.cutestpetcontest.com/bigpic.php?enum=10033 6581

I went to the vet today

Well mum was working at the vet today so she decided to bring me in to get my urine problem looked at. Just as mum had thought I have a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). I am on anti-biotics for 5 days and hopefully it will clear up by then. If not then the vet suspects I may need hormone replacment treatment.

Also as soon as I walked in the door the vet had a very shocked look on her face. Mum asked why and she said that I had some of the worst hips she had ever seen, you can see them click when I walk. Sometime in the future I will have to get them xrayed and we will go from there but that is only when I start showing signs of pain which I dont seem to be in right now. The bad news is that because my hips are bad it's not good for me to walk on soft sand so I can only go to the beach once a week now:(

Water girl

I had so much fun today! Mum took me to the beach with my best pal Andre the standard poodle. I laid down with the waves breaking right behind me and I stuck my head underwater blowing bubbles. Then I went back to Andre's house and I went for a swim in his in ground pool. His mum took pictures and will be sending them in the next few days. I will put them up on my page when I get them:)

No more fires

Yay, all of the fires are gone:D

Fires?

Our town is surrounded by mountains. Today when mum was coming home she noticed that the whole side of the mountain near our house was covered in about 6 different fires. I hope that they dont get to bad. They do seem to be getting bigger and there are helicopters flying around.

What a wonderful day

Well today didnt start off that good. I was home by myself from 9am to 3pm:( I just hate being by myself, I always chew up something to keep me ammused and today it was some palm frons.

Anywho, mum got home and I was so excited. She played with me in the yard for about 15 minutes and then we had some cuddle time. She then typed for me while I slept next to the computer chair. Then mum left the room and came back with my leash. I was so excited that I was jumping up and down. Mum has been very bad with walking me lately. She decided to take me down to the beach which she doesnt do to often since the insident about 1-2 months ago. Plus I whine, bark and jump at the other dogs, mum gets really embarrassed by it. I just want to play but I get to excited.

When we walking onto the beach the tide was up very high so there wasn't much room to walk. There were 3 dogs playing in the water. One of them ran out of the water and came up to me. She was a Boxer named Jewel who I had seen on the beach before but this time I dont think she was very fond at me. She raised her hackels and then snapped at me, I was still trying to play with her but mum had to drag me away.

Then she took me into the water for a while and I just swam around. I didnt get to go in for to long though because mum is very cautious of crocodiles in the area. I got out of the water and then rolled around in the sand for a little bit. Then Jewel came up to me again and snapped at me. After that I saw a beagle running towards me. Mum instantly regocnised him as George, a beagle that lived down the road when mum still had Sharna, and buy was he grown up now. We had a little sniff but it was starting to get dark so we started to head home. There were at least 4 different dogs walking around me and I didnt know which one to go to. I just walked and whinned the whole time. Then as we were walking back home we ran into another one of Sharna's old friends, a Mastiff/Boxer mix called Basil.

We were almost home when I heard a familiar sound, then around the corner came one of my best pals Andre. Mum invited them back to my house and we had a little romp around the yard. After he left I rolled around in the grass to get all of the sand off me.

Now while mum types this diary entry for me I am so pooped and sleeping next to her. Today turned out to be a great day. Maybe I can go back to the beach again soon.

Mum visited the shelter puppy, Lollie

Well 2 weeks ago when mum was volunteering at the local shelter she fell in love with a puppy called Lollie. Mum was going to visit her on Sunday but didnt have enough time to. Today she finally went to go visit Lollie and she fell in love even more. Mum knows that I need another dog around and she thinks Lollie would be a perfect match. The thing is mum wants a medium sized dog and Lollie will most likely be large. The other thing is mum really needs to think if her financial situation will allow her to have two dogs. Mum is going to think about it and if in the mean time Lollie finds a home then it wasnt meant to be. Mum is in no rush to get another dog but Lollie has stolen her heart.

Mum's going to look at a puppy

For a while now mum has been thinking about getting me a companion because I dont cope very well being by myself. I have always lived with another dog until now. Sure I have lots of doggy friends but I only see them about 3 times a week and thats just not enough for me.

Well last weekend mum went to the shelter and fell in love with a 10 week old puppy called Lollie (if we get this puppy the name will be changed) who is down as a ridgeback/staffy mix but mum thinks she's a bull terrier mix. Mum has been looking on the website everyday to see if this puppy is still there and now both of her sisters have found homes and she is the only one left. Mum only wants a medium sized dog so today she's going to look at the puppy again and see how big she is. Let's keep our fingers crossed that all goes well.

I had such a fun day!

Today I made a new friend. She came over for a play and guess what. She looks exactly like my other friend Cherry and her name is even Cherry, weird huh? Well we had so much fun! We ran like mad dogs and rolled around all over the yard. I added some pictures to the Shandi and Friends page. Make sure to check them out:)

I am one smart girl

Well mum always knew that I was smart although I never really applyed it to anything but being naughty like working out ways to reach things I wasnt allowed too. Well earlies this week mum taught me head down which she was very proud of because I get distracted very easily. Today she was going through some obedience with me. My pal Cherry is a really smart dog and one of mums favourite tricks that she does is beg. Mum always wanted to teach me it but always thought I was too big. Well today mum decided to try it out and I sat up in the beg position. I guess it just takes a little bit of steak to get me motivated. Mum was so proud of me and I got lots of cuddles afterwards. I have done it about 15 times since then. Mum even got it on video although I'm not perfect yet. I cant really balance but mums sure that in time I will perfect it.

I'm all better

Mum thinks she figured out what was wrong with me and why I got sick. In our fridge mum has doggie buckets which are full of meat for me and the cat. We have a bad seal on our fridge so it didnt close properly. Mum left the room and I was still lying in the kitchen. When she came back the fridge was open and the doggie bucket was lying on the floor. Now that doggie bucket didnt have the 'freshest' salami in it and mum was going to throw it out. Well I ended up eating the off salami and then the next day I got very sick.

I have finished my antibiotics and my fever has gone away. I have been wolfing my food down like normal and I am up and playing again. I am pretty much back to normal aside from the little bit of diarhea which should go away in the next few days.

A little less sickly

I thought I would quickly pop in and give everyone an update. I'm still the same as yesterday really but I have a fever now. I am eating like I normally would but still not drinking much. Mum is going to try to give me some ice cubes or use a syringe to put water in my mouth. Right now I am on 30mls of the really yucky liquid called which is to stop my diarrhea. If I havent improved dramatically by this afternoon then the vet wants me to come in.

They actually spray alot of poison around here, even at the beaches. A few dogs have died from the poison. Mum still doesnt know what's wrong with me but I seem to be getting better slowly.

Starting to feel a little better

Now yesterday mum went to the vets and picked up some tablets for me. She wasnt sure if I was going to keep them down or not. She had to force me to swallow them and I actually managed to keep them down. I started eating a little last night. I ate all of my dinner which was mince meat, eggs and rice and I kept that down but mum didnt give me to much. I still have very bad diarrhea though and I'm not drinking enough water. Mum took me to the park the other day and she just found out that they spray poison around there so mum thinks I might have eaten something from off the ground. Right now I'm getting better slowly and I should be back to my old self by next week hopefully. I will make sure to keep you all updated.

Shandi needs prayers

Yesterday afternoon Shandi didnt have much energy. She vomited in the backyard, she just wasnt acting like her normal self. Then this morning when she was let inside she just lay there when normally she is jumping all over us in excitement. I then went outside and she had only eaten a little bit of her dinner from the night before. Then after I finished eating breakfast I gave her the corner crust like I always do and she just spat it out which is very unusual, Shandi is a very food motivated dog. I followed some advice from a dogster pal and cooked her some white rice which she refused to eat. I offered her some liver snacks, she ate 2 and then vomited twice. She has very runny diahoria (sp?) and is constantly going to the toilet.

I run the vet and she told me to check for ticks. I have checked Shandi three times this morning for up to an hour each time and I can't find anything. Shandi is not drinking much water at all and I think she may be becoming dehydrated. I am about to call the vet back again and I will probably be taking her in soon. I just want you all to pray that Shandi will be ok and that she doesnt have a tick. I couldnt stand loosing her.

Thanks

Not feeling to well

Well yesterday when mum went into the backyard she saw me standing over some vomit. I like to eat grass so she thought that maybe I had eaten too much. Then this morning mum came outside and half of my bowl was still full of my dinner. I only get one meal a day and I normally wolf it down. It is very abnormal for me not to eat. This morning I am doing what looks kind of like burping mixed with trying to keep food down. Mum checked me over for ticks but couldnt find any. Mum is just going to keep an eye on me and hopefully I will start eating again soon. I will try to keep you all updated but for the next few days I'm not going to be online much. Just say a prayer that I get better soon.

Will be gone for 3 days

Just letting you all know that our family will be gone for the next 3 days. Mum has some visitors coming up. I dont mind though, extra belly rubs for me. We will see you all when we get back:)

No, not the vet!

Today mum started her new job at the local vet clinic. She was talking to the vet there about my nose and that it isn't dry anymore but it's not healing either. The vet said to bring me in when mum next goes to work which is in 3 days. I really dont want to go, why did mum have to tell her about it. I better get a liver treat out of this.

Yum, Peanut Butter Barks

I was looking around the forums and found a wonderful recipe for peanut butter barks. Mum made them today and I just love them. Peanut butter is my favourite treeat after all. Here is the recipe is anyone wants to try make it.

Ingredients:

1 cup Peanut Butter
1/2 cup grated carrot
2 jars banana baby food or 2 mashed bananas
1 container of non fat yoghurt - plain

Method:

1. Combine peanut butter, banana and yoghurt in a bowl.
2. Gradually mix in carrots
3. Spread in a tray and put in the freezer to set.
4. Cut ito slabs

This does have to be kept in the freezer or fridge.

Yesterday was so much fun!

Yesterday I was sleeping when I heard someone knock on the door. I got really excited and ran to the door, mum wasn't expecting anyone and didn't know who it was. She opened the door and the first thing I saw was Andre. He had come over for a play and boy was I ready for it. I was in such a hyper mood and started running laps around the yard. Andre only stayed for 5 minutes and when he left I got really upset and started whinning and barking. I wasnt ready to stop playing yet.

Then about 15 minutes later I heard another knock on the door. I was outside and when I came to the back door I saw Cherry and Rusty coming into the house. I was so excited! At first Rusty was a little scared of me because I was kind of rough but in no time we were running around together. Cherry even joined in too although she was a little growly with me, she didnt like sharing the toys. That Rusty boy sure does have alot of energy, after almost an hour he still wanted to run and play but I was pooped.

Rusty and Cherry's mum got a new camera and it's one of those fancy ones. Hopefully she got some good shots of us running around the yard. Mum even took some pictures of me but they were a little blurry because I couldn't keep still. Keep an eye out for the pictures:)

My nose is peeling

Well yesterday afternoon mum noticed that my nose was dry and flakes were falling off. Then this morning when she came out to see me the whole middle part of my nose had peeled off and instead of having the print it was smooth. A little part was even faintly red but not bleeding. Mum is trying to keep my nose moist but I keep licking it when she puts the cloth on. The sides are starting to peel now. If it's worse tomorrow then mum is going to take me to the vet. She thinks that it may be sun burnt because yesterday I was out in the sun alot. However for the last few days I have been drinking twice as much water as I normally do.

Please pray for Pearly!

Pearly's mum is a good friend of my mum and she joined dogster a while ago. Even though she isnt a very active member I still ask for you to pray for Pearly. Yesterday while on a walk she ran off, she ran onto the road and was hit by a car. After she was hit by the car she kept running even though she couldnt use one of her legs. Her mum is very worried about her as she is very badly hurt. Please pray that she makes it home safely.

I made it onto the Dogster Site News!

Check it out!

Dogster Site News & Updates

Thank you for noticing my crazy SPAM hat and thank you Herky for giving me that hat:) I just cant wait to give out some gifts!

Mum thought that she was going to loose me today

Today mum decided to take me to the beach so we all piled into the car including Andre and his mum. Mum brought the camera this time so that she could take pictures to post on my dogster page. It started out like normal, we got out of the car and walked down to our off leash area. Last time mum let me off the leash I was very well behaved so she let me off again today.

I ran with Andre for about 2 minutes and then I spotted a large bird in the distance. I stopped running with Andre and just ran toward the bird which was about 150 meters (164 yards) away. Mum was yelling at me to come back but I didnt. Then the bird saw me and flew away across the ocean. I ran after the bird and the whole time I was going out further and further to sea.

The whole time mum was standing on the shore just screaming out my name but I wouldnt listen. Then I got into deep water and was still swimming after the bird. By now I was about 200 meters (218 yards) out to sea and mum was trying to run towards me on the shore. I was heading towards the rocks and mum was running as fast as she could. She knew that if I went around the rocks I would be coming back. By now the bird was long gone and I was just swimming around, I had no idea where to go so I started swimming out further. Then I disappeared around the rocks and mum thought for sure that I wouldn't be coming back.

Mum was running in mud that was knee deep but she wouldnt dare slow down, she didnt want to risk loosing me. She was still screaming out my name but I couldn't hear her. Mum finally got to the rocks after running 300 meters (328 yards) and started climbing on the rocks trying to get me but I just kept swimming further away. Then she ran over to a sandy part and just ran in the water after me. She screamed as loud as she could and I finally heard her. I then started swimming back towards her, I tried to turn around again but she just kept yelling out my name.

Mum was so releived when I finally came ashore and she just grabbed my collar so I couldn't run away again. Mum is never ever going to let me off the leash again, at least not for a long time.

I think that I might have 9 lives like a cat and if I do I only have about 4 left. I better be careful then shouldn't I.

I went to the beach today!

I havent been to the beach for a while and last time mum let me off the leash I didnt come back so she hasnt been letting me off. She had been doing training with me in the backyard and I am getting much better at coming. So today mum took me to the beach with Andre. There were no dogs so mum decided to let me off the leash. As soon as she unclipped it I ran full speed in circles with Andre running after me. I was going crazy! Then I found in the shallows I plonked myself down and started rolling around in the ocean. I was having so much fun and even tried to go swimming with some people. I start swimming towards the mangroves which is where the crocodiles live and when mum called me I came straight back over to her. Mum brought some treats and I got when when ever I was good. Next time we go mum is going to take the camera.

Not a very good start to the week

On Saturday mum was trying to do agility with me (so far only working on the jumps) and she had a treat in her hand. I was doing really well and just loved jumping over the hurdle but then I when I tried to take the treat off mum I bit her whole hand instead of the treat. I didn't break skin or anything but mum thinks I hit a nerve or something because her hand is very sore and she cant lift anything. The pain goes to her wrist and sometimes down her arm. It's been 4 days now and it still isnt better:(

Then Cherry and Rusty came over the next day and we played a little bit but for some reason I didnt really have much energy. When they left I was getting really excited because I thought I was going on a walk too. Mum tried to get me to go outside and I swung my head around so fast that I hit my head on the back door and knocked it off it's roller thing. Now the back door isnt working very well. It keeps falling off.

Yesterday mum noticed that I was acting a little strange. For the past few days I have not had much energy and haven't been acting like my normal self. I was a little wobbly yesterday and my urine is very acidic. Mum isnt sure if anything is wrong with me but if it gets worse then I will be going to the vet. To rule out a tick I am going to get a tick bath so that if there are any on me they will be killed.

Million Paws Walk!

The Million Paws Walk is an event which is held all over the country to raise money for the RSPCA (animal shelter). Today mum took me to the Million Paws Walk and it was the first time either of us had gone. I go a bit crazy around other dogs, pulling on the leash and whinning. Today when we got there I was a little crazy for the first 20 minutes but after a while I didn't even care about the other dogs which surprised mum alot. While we were waiting in line to register a woman gave mum a free giftbag which has poop bags, a partable water bowl and a squeaky toy. She also got a behavioral test which I scored a D on, woops. After waiting in line to register we went for a walk to meet all the other dogs. I even met Cherry and Rusty.

Afterwards the walk started and me and Andre were ready to go! Everyone loved our cute outfits. I did alot of butt sniffing and rolling around in the dirt. I was having a blast and when we were resting a became friends with a Lab mix called Coco. Mum worked very hard on my outift and she is glad that everyone liked it. I wore a pink shirt and a pink tiara. Andre wore the same shirt and some devil horns. Everyone was giving us lots of attention which Andre and I both loved!

When we were walking to the registration area a lady came up to us with a camera. She was from the local newspaper and asked if she could take a picture of us. Of course we said yes and she said the picture turned out great. Mum can't wait to see it tomorrow in the newspaper. Then there were news cameras every where. I felt like I was a celebrity.

When we got back to the main area there were contest going on and mum was very upset because we had missed the contest me and Andre were going to be entered in. Then just as we were going to leave a woman from the council came up to mum and said that my outfit had won me free registration. Mum was very happy about that because I am due to be registered next month.

We then left and alked to McDonalds to get some lunch. Everyone was laughing at us but we didnt care. Two cars even honked there horn. Mum was a little embarassed though but I was enjoying it.

We then got picked up and went home. I was so exhausted when we got home I have been sleeping ever since. Boy am I going to sleep well tonight. I just cant wait to do it all again next year! I will be adding some picture onto a new profile that mum is making for me called Shandi and friends.

I went swimming in an in-ground pool!

Today I went over to Andres for a play and his mum asked if mum wanted to take me into the pool. I have never been in one before so mum thought she would see what I did and she knew that I love water! I loved it so much. I blew bubbles and thrashed around in the water. I even swam around in the deep end! After I came out and had another round of playing I kept trying to find a way to get back into the pool. I just can't wait to go back there for another swim!

Almost hit by a car, again

I am starting to make this a habit and one that mum doesn't like very much. Mum was coming back from the gym at around 6pm today. My other human was standing out the front of the house but he forgot to close the front door. When I heard the car coming I ran outside to the car. Just as I ran onto the road a car was coming around the corner. It stopped just in time. Mum got out of the car and grabbed me by the collar then took me off the road. By then there was a line up of cars. This is what you get when you live on a busy road. I must be more careful next time but it's like I don't even see the cars. I just scare mum a bit to much I think.

I made a 2 new friends today

Well I was on my way back from my walk this afternoon when we ran into two other dogs. I see them walk past the house everyday but I haven't actually met them before. One is a young, very large dane/gsp mix and the other is an old cattle dog. The bigger dog came over to me and mum wasnt sure how I would react because he was alot bigger than me. We sniffed for a bit and then we started playing with each other. We were both getting really excited! Then I tried to play with the older dog but she wasnt really in the mood. I am so glad that I have made 2 new pals:)

Adopt 08 Contest

Adoption means alot to me. If it weren't for the people at our local shelter I would be up at the rainbow bridge. They convinced my former owners to surrender me instead of putting me down. I was terrified when I was in the shelter. I was so scared that I was drooling. Mum was there when I was surrender and it was love at first sight. After 3 months for looking for a dog she knew I would be coming home with her. I have had such a great time in the 2 short months that I have been in my new home. I have been loving every minute of it!

I suggest that everyone adopts because no matter what size, breed, age ect all dogs have the ability to be your best friend!

I gave mum a heart attack!

The bus stop is just around the corner from our house. Mum got off the bus and started walking to the house. She has only walked a few steps when she saw a big black dog standing in the middle of the road. She knew it was me. I was so scared and dodging traffic. Mum started calling me and running towards me. I got so excited to see her and I ran straight to her. Mum took me home and I was so tired. Mum thinks I had been running around for a few hours at least.
She saw that I had managed to open the side gate again. This is the second time that I have gotten out through there. When mum walked into the backyard she saw that all of the shoes where there. About 6 pairs. Luckily I only did major damage to one pair and they were old anyway.
Mum is just glad I am safe. I did look a little over heated as it was a hot day today and I broke off one of my dew claws. Mum is just going to moniter me to see if I show any signs of something being wrong. She is glad that I didnt go walk about and that I stayed around the house. Mum has now gone out and bought a pad lock for the side gate so I will not be able to get out anymore. She just hopes that I dont find a new way to escape.

New toys!

Yesterday mum went out for a few hours and when she came back she had a bags full of something. Then she pulled 3 new toys out for me. I got so excited I was trying to grab them out of her hand. She got me a now pointy ball, a rope toy and a squeaky hamburger. I like the hamburger the best. I like to put my nose or my paw on it and make it squeak.
Mum also bought a new toy for the cat. A feather one that you stick on glass. When I first saw it I though it was a bird and tried to bite it. Mum soon showed me that it was just a toy but I am still a little jumpy around it. I can't wait to play with my new toys again!

Today was bath day:(

Well today was the worst day of the week! Bath day. I love getting wet and swimming but not when that smeely stuff called shampoo comes into the picture. I dont know what humans are thinking. I spend such a long time getting my smell just right and they put this disgusting stuff on me that smalls really bad. At least afterwards mum made it up to me by letting me roll around in the dirt. Then she threw the tennis ball for me. I dont mind having baths if that happens afterwards:)

We rescued a stray dog

Yesterday mum was very busy around the house. At around 9am she noticed a dog in our front yard. She had never seen it before. The dog then ran off. Later that day the dog was back in our yard. Mum got a closer look this time. The dog was a tan and white, medium size. She looked like a cattle dog/staffy mix. The dog didnt have a collar, she looked very lost and frightened. Mum opened the front door and the dog got scared. Mum knelt down and started whistling to the dog. The dog started wagging it's tail and walked over to mum. The dog was so friendly, her tail couldnt stop wagging. I was in the backyard getting very jealous at this point. I kept barking and barking.

After mum slipt a leash over the dogs neck so she wouldnt run away again she got it some food and water. After a closer look it turns out that this dog was a nuetered female who was an older dog. About 7 or 8. Mum opened the door of the car and the dog jumped in. It turns out that she loves cars. Mum then took her to YAPS (local animal shelter). Mum decided to call her Brandi.

Mum said that if she didnt already have me she would have adopted Brandi if her owner did not find her. A young pup like me would just be to much for an older dog. Mum is going to check up on Brandi soon and see if her owner has been found. Will keep you posted:)

I had a meet up with a dogster pal!

Well today one I got to meet one of my good pals, Cherry. At first she wasnt to sure but I wanted to play so bad. Then we were let off the leash and we had a ball! I was so pooped by the end of it and we only played for half an hour. Cherry's mum said that she had never seen Cherry behave so well around another female dog(other than Lassie of course). It was such a great day and I hope that she can come around again. Maybe we could go to the beach next time. Mum took a few videos and some pictures so she will put them up on my page soon:)

I have a boo boo

Today mum was playing with me in the back yard and she noticed some blood on my front paw. When she took a closer look she realised that there was a circle, about the size of a 5 cent piece, that was raw and bleeding. It looks alot like what I had when mum first got me. Mum is going to put some cream on it and if that doesnt help then I will be going back to the vets.

Back on medication

Well today I started back on my ear drops for the ear mites. This is just to make sure that they are gone. Although I have been itching my ears a little lately but nothing to bad. The drops should help alot. I may not like them but I might as well just put up with them. Only 3 more days and then no more medication! YAY!

I was almost hit by a car

Mum's visitor was leaving and mum was standing across the road saying goodbye. I was in the house by myself. I didnt like the fact that mum was gone and I was howling and whinning. A car had just turned down the street when all of a sudden I came running out of the house. Mum was shocked to see me and kept yelling at me to stay but I ran across the road straight infront of the car. Lucky the car saw me and stopped. Mum was so scared. She took me back inside and it turned out that I opened the front door and ran out. Mum will know to always lock the front door now.

Digging to China

Well I am not going to make this a long diary entry but yesterday mum came home and there was dirt all over the back patio. She then look over and there was a huge hole! Mum thinks that I am trying to dig to China or something. BOL!

I almost killed a bird

Well mum was sitting on the computer because she was stuck at home. At the moment everything is flooded so mum is stuck at home. All of a sudden she saw me run across the yard. She looked out the window and just as she did I took one huge jump and grabbed a rainbow lorakeet in my mouth. Mum came running outside and I was shaking it around. I then pinned it down and tried to bite it but mum grabbed my collar and dragged me back to the patio.

Mum doesnt know what happened to the bird but she doesnt think it is going to survive. she would have taken it to the vet but when she turned around it was gone. I was in so much trouble. I dont think I have ever been in that much trouble before. Mum now realises why I ended up in the shelter in the first place. I killed the neighbours chickens. Mum thought that I played to rough with the chickens but after seeing that she knows that wasnt the case. I swtiched to full hunting mode. It was kind of scary for mum to see.

My good and bad week

Well the good part is that my ears have cleared up very well and I am hardly scratching them anymore. The other day I went over to Andre's house and we had a huge play in the backyard. I had so much fun and by the time I got back home I was pooped. I slept very well that night. Also yesterday I went crazy while I was playing with mum and we had a game of tag around the yard. I sure did show her how fast I could run. She couldnt catch me.

The bad part is that I have still been getting into trouble alot lately. Like more then usual. I chewed up 4 more plants which mum didnt like very much. I pulled clothes off the line and today I almost gave mum a heart attack. I went down to the beach and mum let me off the leash because there was no other dogs on the beach. I had only been off the leash twice before for 10 minutes each time. I had been very well behaved the other times. Today as soon as I was let off the leash I saw a seagull and ran straight into the ocean. I just kept swimming and mum was telling me to come but I didnt listen. I must have swum out at least 30 meters. Mum was so scared that I was going to get hurt. When I finally came back I got into alot of trouble and we went straight home. I dont think that I will be let off the leash for a while now.

My visit to the vet

Well over the last few days my ears got much worse and were full of sticky yellowish discharge. Mum booked an appointment and yesterday afternoon I went to the vet. I must say that I was very well behaved with all of the other dogs around. We waited about 10 minutes and then the vet called my name. I went into a room that had lots of smells.

Then the vet came over to me and stuck something into my ear. I didnt like it to much but I stayed still. The vet said that I had a very bad case of ear mites. Mum asked the vet how long he thought I had had them for and he said " at least 3 months".

I was given an injection and ear drops. I have to have 4 drops put in my ears twice a day for 4 days and then again for 5 days in one month. Mum was a little annoyed that I had not been taken for a vet check while I was at the shelter but the previous owners said that they had taken me to the vet. Probably only got me vacinated and that was it.

At least now my ears will stop itching and I will be getting the care that I need.

I was a very naughty girl

Well this week I have shown mum that I can be a very good girl but I can also be very naughty. I am still young and am still learning. I have shown mum that I like to chew, alot! Over the last few days I have chewed through an electrical tv wire. I also chewed up 4 pot plants, 2 palm frons, a plastic tennis bat and I pulled apart Sharna's cross. Mum wasn't very happy about that. Apart from that I have been very well behaved. BOL! I have also figured out how to open the back door with my nose so I just come in and out as a please.

Yesterday I went to the beach with my pal Andre. I had so much fun! We played but mum wouldnt let me off the leash so I was dragging her around. I was so excited to see all of these dogs. I almost pulled mum over a few times. I am a very strong girl. Hopefully Andre will come over to my house and we can have a play date. I would like that very much.

Now for an update on my rash and my ears. My rash went away a few days ago. My ears seemed to be clearing up as well. Today mum cleaned my ears and they looked like they were getting bad again. Red, crusty, flaky and I had started itching them again. But today there was a yellowish/greenish discharge in my left ear which only appeared today. It also smells pretty bad. My right ear doesnt seem to be as bad. I think that I might have to go to the vet.

What are all these red spots?

Yesterday mum was patting me and I rolled over for a belly rub. She then noticed that I have a rash on my abdominal area. Right now its not very big but it is getting bigger very slowly. Mum thinks that I might be allergic to something or that it may be a heat rash. But this combined with my ear problems probably means that I am allergic to something. If it gets any worse mum will take me to the vet and see if the shelter will pay for the vet bills. Afterall the dogs do come with a 10 day health gaurentee.

I love my new home!

Well I went down to the beach for a walk and I got so excited when I saw all the other dogs. I just wanted to play with all of them. We were walking along and saw a huge jellyfish in the ocean so mum wouldnt let me go in there anymore but when we got home she did fill up a shell pool for me but its just not the same.

I got a new toy yesterday. It was a rope toy with plastic sausages on it. About 30 minutes after mum gave it to me so I could play with it she came outside to play with me and I had chewed through the rope and the sausages were scattered all over that yard. Mum just laughed at me but I tell you she wasnt laughing when I chewed through one of the TV cords on the weekend. She just got so mad. She kept saying naughty girl and then I had to go outside. She was just being a mum I guess. She also said that she was glad I wasnt electricuted but I dont know what that means.

I went for another walk with Andre yesterday afternoon. I really like Andre. I hope that we can go on alot more walks together and hopefully I will be meeting up with Cherry soon.

My first day at home

Well today was such a good day. Where to begin?

Well mum came to the shelter and I was very excited to leave there. I was wagging my tail to fast and I was jumping up and down. Then I didnt want to jump in the car so mum had to lift me in, I'm not lite you know. I didnt really enjoy the car ride though, it was very bumpy.

I got to my new home and sniffed around a bit. Me and mum played alot (that was when my ball chasing video was recorded), I then walked around the yard more and investigated things. Mum kept sticking something in my face but she eventually stoped. Mum went inside and I was a naughty girl. I tried to dig out from under the fence and I got in alot of trouble. I dont think I will be doing that again. Mum is getting the fence fixed tomorrow.

Then mum decided to take me on my first walk. I was very excited when I saw the leash. We walked around the block and at one house a little Chihuahua came after me and chased me down the road. It was a very scary little thing. We then came home and I fell asleep right next to mum. I slept for 3 hours while mum was on dogster. In my sleep I started whinning, twitching and at one point I even started moving my legs like I was running. Mum thinks that I was having a bad dream.

After the sleep we played a little more and then mums friend came aorund with her dog Andre, he is a standard poodle. At first I wasnt to sure of him because he was much bigger then me but I got used to him. We went on a walk together to the beach. It was the first time that I had ever been to the beach and I loved it. I was playing in the waves and running in circles. I didnt want to leave. Then I said goodbye to Andre and came home. When I got home I had a huge drink and flopped on the patio and went to sleep. As mum types this for me I am sleeping.

Today was a great day and I know that I will have many more days like it. I cant wait to see what tomorrow has in stall for me!

Shandi