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The Days of Shasta's Life

Christmas Day!

Wow-today was the best day! Mom said it was something called Christmas. I don't know what that is, but I like it. I got these things called presents. Actually, I got a lot of presents. I didn't know what they were because they were wrapped in paper, but once Mom took off the paper, I found out. It was so great. There were so many new toys. I didn't know what to do. Mom kept laughing because I didn't know what to do with each new toy. Should I drop the one in my mouth and take the other one? Should I just keep the one I had already? Mom thought this was very funny. Finally, I decided to put the "old" ones in a pile and go take the new one. Oh, I had a stocking. There were all sorts of treats in the stocking. Yummy, yummy treats. Of course, I deserved all of these things because Mom made me wear a stupid Santa hat and took a picture of me in a huge stocking. If that weren't humiliating enough, she put me in an elf costume earlier in the month and had a photographer take my picture. Then, she had the picture made into a card and sent to all of our family. Still, I think all of my toys made up for it. Grandma even says she is going to send me a toy box. The only problem I see with this Christmas thing is that it only happens once a year.

My first trip to dog beach

Mommy took me to a wonderful place today-dog beach. It was amazing. There were so many other dogs. Three of them played with me-two other labs (Bailey and Lily) and a little dog named Chelsea. There was this strange stuff on the ground; it was very grainy. Mom says that is sand, and she didn't get upset at all when I was digging in it. I don't know what sand is, but I love it b/c I can dig in it and not get into trouble. And, there was this huge pool thing there. The water tasted different from the pool at my house; plus it was much bigger. The water tasted like salt and there were waves. I loved it all. Well, I didn't love when the bigger dog ran into me. She hit me in the head, and I stood there very dazed and confused. Mom was a little worried b/c it looked like I might pass out. But, Mom gave me some hugs and kisses and checked me out. Then, I felt much better. Oh boy, you should have seen me playing in the ocean (that's what mom calls the big pool). It was so much fun. I just keep running and playing, and I even went back to mom when she called me. (She says that is impressive b/c I was distracted with all the new sights, smells and dogs the entire time). Just b/w you and me, I only did it b/c I knew I would not get to go back if I didn't behave. Mom says we will definitely go again, and soon she will post pictures of my trip to the beach for all to see.

The House to Myself

It finally happened-the day I have dreamed about. I knew if I waited long enough, it would happen. Mom left the screen door from our house to my dog run propped open and the regular door didn't latch completely when she left. So, with a little pushing on my part-I got into the house. (I am not allowed in the house without supervision-something about chewing and not being housebroken. WHATEVER!) At first, I was a little afraid b/c someone might have still been home. So, I peeked around the corner and listened intently. NO ONE WAS HOME! Complete and utter freedom for me. I ran through the house; it was all mine. I ran to my crate and pulled out my favorite toys; the ones I normally only get to play with at night before bed. Clifford and Ducky were all mine for however long I wanted. Then, I ran to the bathroom and grabbed some toilet party. What's a party without confetti. After I shredded the toilet paper and played, I really needed a nap. Crate or couch? Tough decision, but you know the couch won out. I almost never get that thing to myself. So, after my nap, I played some more. Then, there was that dreaded sound-mom's key in the lock. She sure was surprised to see me standing at the front door waiting for her. She was so happy to see that I chewed nothing other than the toilet paper. No furniture, no shoes that had been left on the floor in the guest bedroom, nothing but that toilet paper. Best of all, I never went to the bathroom in the house; I continued to go out to my dog run. Mom says she might now start leaving me alone in the house for short periods of time, and eventually, I get a doggie door to come and go as I please.