Hello . . . Hello

Hey pals,

Has any pup out there heard from Saphira? It was her woofday on the 2nd and she didn't make an appearance on dogster.

Sometimes . . .

I can be mad at Dad.

On Saturday, little miss Caileigh happily joined Dad in the ensuite bathroom where the water was running in the big soaker tub. I took one look and headed down stairs.

Caileigh on the other hand got into the tub and let Dad give her a bath. She didn't love it, or at least that's what she told me. Nonetheless she went along with it.

When Dad was done with her, he came looking for me.

I was in my doghouse, under the dining room table. Dad approached from one side and I backed up. Then he went around to the back and I moved forward. No way! No bath for the Rye Rye!

Dad then started to reposition the chairs, blocking me off. I saw an opening and took off to the kitchen. That wasn't the best move. I backed myself into a corner. Dad took me by the collar and led me upstairs.

I went happily, I am a good boy . . . until we were just outside of the ensuite. Then I put the brakes on and planted myself. Like a statue, deeply set into the ground. Dad tried and tried, but I wasn't going anywhere. Then Dad picked me up. "No fair!" I barked.

Dad was nice and kissed my head and told me I was a good boy, but I still had my sad face on. The entire time Caileigh ran around the tub, jumped up and sniffed my face and was the happiest little girl ever. I guess she was taking great pleasure in my sadness.

Finally it was over and ran around the house and rubbed myself on the carpet.

I'm quick to forgive, so Dad was back to being number 1 (behind Mom) in my books after he gave me a bunch of treats.

Why the baths, you may ask?

Well, Caileigh and I went to visit our family. It was awesome fun. Caileigh's two brothers, Tank and Ty, were there and her sister, Gretchen. Her Mom, and my sister, Miyah, was a little grumpy and not all that happy to see us. My Dad, Theo was trilled to have me visit. The two of us really had a great time. Dad recently had the "operation", so I was able to give him some good advice.

Last we got to see my grandma, Fiona. She's getting up in age (12) and doesn't move as well as she used to. We shared pleasantries and for most of the night she slept.

We have some photos of all of us running and playing. Dad will post them soon.

Today is a day of romance and I want to wish all my lady friends a very happy Valentine's Day!! If I could, I'd plant a big smooch on all of your noses.

With all this love, also comes some sadness. My Mastiff pal, Moses is going to the Bridge today. His family will miss him dearly, especially Roudy. I know that Moe will make great friends at the Bridge. I think the gang could use a big boy like Moe.

We'll miss you, Buddy.

Doooooooo

Hey pals,

My sweet friend Doo is dog of the week.

Congrats Doo, we're so happy for you. What a great week you're going to have.

If you're not pals with Doo, go by and say hi.

Also, my pal Tanner is dog of the day.

I can't believe I'm pals with such celebrities.

Staycation for me and Caileigh

Hey pals!!!!

Mom and Dad went on vacation to Costa Rica. Although I was standing next to the door and ready to join them when they left, sadly I had to stay behind and take care of Caileigh.

Dad told me to look out for her, since this was the first time Mom and Dad would be away from her.

No worries, I took great care of her. Oh, there was also a friend of Mom's staying with us, but most of the caregiving was done by me.

Luckily, Caileigh listens to me and follows all of my orders. She was a good girl and we enjoyed Mom's friend as well.

But let me tell you, I was so happy when Mom and Dad walked through the door. I was jumping around, making cries of joy and delivering big hugs. Caileigh was also happy to see Mom and Dad, but she didn't miss them like I missed them.

Life is great again--my family is together.

2011

Hey pals!!!

Caileigh and I would like to wish all our pup pals a very happy new year.

We love all of you and your families.

Be safe tonight.

If any of you are looking for me, I'm picking up the Z-Pup and we're heading to Demon Flash Bandit's for a big bash. Luckily his address is still in the GSP.

Your pals, Riley and Caileigh

Christmas in MIchigan

Hey pals,

We're back from our Christmas trip to Michigan.

I hope all my pals had a very nice Christmas, me and Caileigh had a good time. There's lots of snow in Michigan. We went on several big walks in the fields by my Auntie's house. Caileigh even got to run free.

Dad put me in charge of her, so I had to keep my eyes on the rascal. She stayed real close and was a good girl.

We also got to meet my cousin, Bailey. He's a Boykin Spaniel. There were four dogs in total: me, Caileigh, Bailey and Clarise. All of us got along really well. Bailey was real nice to open up his house to us.

Guess what else? Dad and I drove to visit Demon Flash Bandit and Angel Zoom Smokey!!!

I have to be honest, I was a little mean and I feel terrible about it. I think I was overwhelmed a little by DFB and his sister. Dad was disappointed in me and I had to listen to him tell me so during the ride home. Dad got to spend time with them and said they were very sweet. Dad brought DFB his favourite--Burger King.

Dad had a really nice time talking with DFB's Mom. They gave me and Caileigh some Christmas gifts. A stuffed racoon and skunk. I think the skunk sprayed Caileigh on the way home. BOL!!!

I also got to spend time with DFB's Mom. We cuddled on the couch while she and Dad talked.

Well, Caileigh and I were happy to get home on Monday. We like our routine and I'm happy to get back into it.

I hope everyone had a very nice time with their families. Oh, I'd like to wish my pal, Wesley a happy birthday today.

Bark at you later, pals.

Awesome Friends

Hey pals!!!

First, I'd like to say congrats to my sweet friend Quincy. He just went to the Bridge last week; today, Dogster has honoured him as thee Diary of the Day.

I know Quincy that you are having a great time with all of the Bridge pups and cats.

Now pals, I have an awesome surprise to tell you about. Yesterday a package arrived for me. That's right a big package.

Mom waited until Dad got home before we opened it. It was from my sweet pals, Arnie and Tanner.

Well, let me tell you I was so surprised. I got a tick squeeky. It ain't pretty but it makes a lot of noise. I'm sure Caileigh won't let me even get a sniff of it. We also got some tasty treats. There were also Christmas-themed socks. Caileigh showed a lot of interest in those. She loves socks. Dad had to keep grabbing them from her. BOL!!!

Oh, the card was also super cool. It had Arnie and Tanner on it and Tanner was wearing his cool shades.

The gift that Dad enjoyed was a large garden paw print with my name on it. We just did our landscaping in the summer and this garden paw print will be so awesome. I wanted to put it in the garden right away, but then Dad reminded me that we have snow right now.

Thanks so much to our pals Arnie, Tanner and their wonderful family. This was a very sweet surprise. Tonight Dad's going to take a picture of us with everything.

We love our pals very much.

My Friend Quincy

I first became friends with Quincy in October of 2009. A month earlier he had been diagnosed with cancer.

I read through his diaries and looked at all the photos on his page. Quincy had two furbros, Cosmo and Butch, that had gone to the Bridge. Cosmo had made his journey only a few months before our meeting.

What became very evident was Quincy's gentle and kind soul. He was living in a house with several cats; many of his photos showed he and the various kittys in loving embrace.

I followed Quincy's weekly updates. I looked forward to Thursdays and reading about how he was doing. Many of the diaries described his latest adventures, the most common was his love of finding tennis balls on his walks.

Quincy is the type of dog that you fall for instantly. He's always smiling, his long pink tongue dangling. On his tongue, contrasting the tender pink is a heart-shaped beauty mark.

That year Quincy won best tail in the Dogster Coolest Dog Photo Contest. In his winning photo, his long, curved tail was swaying back and forth. Over time, the chemo thinned out the fur on his tail, but it never stopped wagging, never stopped swaying proudly behind him. Of course, the winning photo also showed that charming Quincy smile that I loved so much.

The weekly updates continued. Quincy was in full remission. This brave boy inspired me, filled me with hope.

In the new year I sent photos of myself and Quincy made a wonderful keepsake that contained many of his friends. "Quincy's Circle of Friends" showcased how many of us Dogster's loved him and supported him.

In the last few weeks, his weekly reports have brought sadness, as his treatments were no longer combating the cancer, but also many smiles and wonderful moments. Diaries described his walks, his tennis ball finds, his rolls in the grass, his visit with Santa.

I consider myself lucky. Lucky to have become friends with this sweet boy.

On Dec. 16th, around 2:00 pm Pacific Time, Quincy made his journey to the Bridge.

In his final moments, he knew the love of his family and the love of his Dogster pals. I will miss you deeply, Quincy. Your bravery, love for life and charming smile will forever be with me.

My thoughts are with your family. At the Bridge, I know you were welcomed by a gang of awesome pups and cats.

Your friends forever,
Riley and Dad

U.S. Thanksgiving

Hey pals,

So, up here in Canada, we celebrate thanksgiving in October.

This year we're celebrating twice.

Mom's sister lives in Michigan and she's coming up with her family this weekend. So, we're going to celebrate thanksgiving for a second time.

Me and Caileigh are so happy about that. In October we had mounds of turkey. I just love my MEATZ.

Caileigh and I and Dad would like to wish all our U.S. pals a very wonderful thanksgiving. Enjoy your turkey and have fun with the family.

Congrats to My Pals!!

Lots of my pals are finalists in the Coolest Dog contest.

I'd like to say congrats to:

Zaidie -- he's been nominated twice.
Rinky
Whitney
Ella
Ernie George
Freckles
Roudy
Natcho
Derringer McQuade
Wesley

Good luck to all of you. You're all winners in my book!