Dog Days of Summer: My Kind of Season

This is my first summer and while I'm still learning and haven't learned too many human expressions, I did pick up this one: "Dog days of summer." How cool is it that my species has its own expression. But the reality is cool it is not as the meaning refers to things being hot. My people tell me that the phrase "refers to the hottest, most sultry days of summer." Here in Texas I completely understand that meaning.

The last 2 months have been soooo hot. My people can't leave me outside for too long or I roast my little paws off. But they are nice to me and set up my own pool just outside the backdoor. This is fun because I like to take a dip whenever I go out. It's so hot out that by the time I get out of the pool and back to the entry to the house I'm nearly dry.

While the last couple of days have been rainy (also a very fun thing for a water dog like myself), I look forward to this extended warmth. I have it so easy in a nice AC house (that's Air Conditioned for you young pups), but I get to enjoy the near tropical heat whenever I scratch at the back door. Too fun.

And best of all, no one thinks twice if I'm lazy and sleep all day.



Bark at ya later!

leash

It was dog gone crazy Sunday. my owners say we need to rest then,but I went on an adventure.I broke through my leash.I almost got away but big A caught me by a small part that didn't break. it was so crazy.oh about the Sunday thing,am I supposed to rest also? this is off talk I know,any way there has been talk about a cat. that could be a bad sign.I hope i miss understood.this is not right if i get a feline in big brother lucky's and my house.

Bark at ya later!

two days ago

I bit my oldest boy's bum . it was barkairiaus. I almost barked.

Bark at ya later!

Puppy in Training

My people have been very naughty by not updating my daily adventures so I'll have to give a synopsis of my latest challenge: Training '08.

I so look forward to Tuesday night's at PetSmart as I get so many good doggy treats and lots of attention. If I'm lucky, I get to sniff at other friends and have quite a party. Part of the time, even though they think I'm just in it for the treats, I take mental notes of what I'm being taught and what I observe the other dogs doing. Last night was really fun. I learned to count and did it quite well. Not only could I count the number of treats left on the floor that I wasn't supposed to touch, I could prove it with my head movement and eye scans. I received so much praise from my instructor and my people. I love praise. This morning I repeated the lesson flawlessly.

Last night I also learned how to sit during a walk. It's pretty easy, especially when treats are involved. My biggest struggle on a walk is I get so distracted with all of the delicious scents and sights. I want to explore all of it. But I realize that my people are working with me and at times I give in to the "loose leash" attitude and let them walk me (secretly I'm walking them).

I also learned how to get all the way down on the floor to follow a treat. They think I'm just laying down on the job, but really those treats just really do it for me.

All of this training is exhausting and I slept so well last night.

Well, off for a run and a sniff.

Bark at ya later!

Wet Saturday, and I Don't Mean Rain

I absolutely love my people and they were so encouraging with me as I first moved to my new home. They were patient as I'd have little wet accidents around the house. I quickly learned the techniques to best teach them when I need to go outside. They caught on quick and I was rarely embarrassed by times when they just didn't get it.

But something happened this last Saturday. My family was gone most of the day; something to do with that round ball they kick around all of the time (I can't wait until I'm a little bigger and can play kick with them). I was stuck in the kennel most of the day and I just couldn't hold it. Seems like every time I needed to go out, you know, felt that urge, I just let loose. It was so embarrassing. The big guy couldn't tolerate it and was very mad at me. He tried playing with me but that seemed to just make things worse.

After a full day of pee'ing everywhere, I finally was able to settle down some and sleep it off. Yesterday was much better and hopefully the worst is over.


Bark at ya later!

Me Run? You Gotta be Kidding

When I first came to my new family, I absolutely looked forward to our daily (sometimes 3 times) walks. At first I would walk with my friend Lucky and show him that even though my legs were 10 times smaller than his I could keep pace, no problem. But after a few walks my people stopped taking Lucky then me. Time passed and my friend Lucky has moved on (still not sure to where) and my people started taking me for walks.

Harrumph! I'm not interested in walking where they want me to. I want to go where I want and honestly, it's really quite offensive how they tug on that rope thing to make me go with them. Why can't they just let me roam free? I love to just plop my bottom down and give them my sweet pathetic look of "please don't make me walk any further." Then I give them a little whine. That makes them stop and notice me. But it doesn't get me out of the walk. They tug and tug and I pull back until we just stop all together.

Yesterday my big man guy, I'll call him Tex, took me on a walk. I new I was in for it when he took me out because he was dressed in shorts, a sports shirt and soccer shoes (I secretly love to nibble on those). Then he shocked me by putting a muzzle like thing over my nose and mouth. I heard him call it a "gentle leader" but there was nothing gentle about it; just irritating. On went the leash and he led out.

We went rounds and rounds on who should lead and where I would sit. I played in the grass a little but he insisted on walking. Finally I wore him out and we stopped at a big silver thingy (he called it a fire hydrant). I approached it and before I could give it a good sniff he pulled me back and started petting me. Tough decision, silver thingy that looked so good or Tex to lick (he was still salty tasting from his soccer practice with little man). I went for the satisfying lick and we played there on the corner for a while.

Then he stood to walk back but I surprised him. I took off on a full run and he had troubles keeping up. I kept looking back to make sure he hadn't fallen or given up because the last thing you need on a good run is someone to yank your chain, if you will. But he surprised me and eventually was side-by-side with me. The race was on and when we rounded the corner to our home it was a photo finish (well, no actual camera but I think I won).

It's nice to get out and when I'm in control it's even better.

Bark at ya later!

A Bit Sad

OK, I'm a bit sad and freaked out. I haven't seen my friend Lucky in 4 days. I don't think this is good. My people haven't gone out looking for him? I've noticed his dog food is mixed in with mine. They're not talking much about him. This couldn't be good.

The last couple of days I've moped around the house as I really have felt like being too happy. I miss my friend. I've heard my people call it melon-collie, you know, that sad feeling you get. That's what I've got. I'm not sure why I would mix a melon with a collie but it's a sad feeling anyway.

If you've seen Lucky, will you please let him know I miss him.

Bark at ya later!

Where's My Friend Lucky? And What's with the White Stuff?

Yesterday was such an odd day. First, some white stuff floated down from the sky. My people are calling it snow. At first I didn't want to go near the stuff but then I got adventurous and tested it out. It wasn't what I thought it would feel like but I was so excited I just had to ruin around in it. It was cold and wet and I could eat it.

My daddy person did a nice thing and started a fire in the fireplace. I cuddled up on my friend Lucky's pillow and took a nice long nap. When I woke up, the snow was coming down even more and the fun got even bigger.

The kids came home and I got to chase them around as they threw snowballs at each other.



But as the day drew on, I noticed something odd. My big brother Lucky was no where to be found. I knew my people took him on a ride earlier yesterday but they didn't return home with him? I'm not sad as I'm sure he'll return home some day. Just odd that he's always been here and now isn't.

Bark at ya later!

people are acting strange

I have this strange feeling in my little puppy gut that something is going to happen soon. My people have been acting really strange the past two days. The play with me plenty but they are coddling my big ole friend Lucky. Today they were taking a ton of pictures just with Lucky. It was really strange. I am the photo queen but I let them have their fun. Something just doesn't feel right. I hope I don't have to leave my new family like I did before. I am sure tomorrow will be just great.

Bark at ya later!

Challenge 2: Springy Hairband/Slick Hardwood

Have you ever slid around on the floor on your belly. Well don't try it on shag carpet but do if you have hardwood. My momma girl had me snag a hairband and she flung me around the floor. If she would have put a pad down and a little cleaner I could have been her mop. It sure was fun. Check it out below.



Bark at ya later!

Challenge 1: Springy Door Stop

Do you love good challenges? I absolutely love a good challenge. Lately I've loved to battle it out with the springy door stop while my people play games. It makes them laugh to watch me but I'm quite serious and competitive. I must make the springy thing stop. But something about it vibrating back and forth makes me just bark from my gut. It's so funny.



Bark at ya later!

Miss Me?

Sorry it's been so long since I've written. Did ya miss me? I've been so busy growing and playing and discovering the world around me that I forgot to ask my people to write for me.



As you can see my appetite has grown and so have I.



My girl loves me and loves to hold me even when I'm sleeping. Check out the next pic. I love her so much and she loves me.



I'm getting kind of worried about my pal Lucky. He isn't doing too well. Every time I nip at him to play he just barks at me and warns me to stay away. I hope he's all right.

Bark at ya later!

I Love to Sleep...

...during the day that is. When I first came to my new family's home I had taken a big nap and was ready to play. I played, then slept, and played some more. When night time came I just had so much energy that I didn't want to sleep anymore. After all, I had a new family and I'm so cute and adorable that who wouldn't want to play with me? I just had to get their attention.

I started with my little adorable whimper but that just didn't seem to get their attention. I whined a little louder and a little longer. Nothing. I let loose with some belly crying that I didn't even realize I could do. I gave it everything I could and finally my people came to my night time sleeping spot (I think it's called a kennel). The took me out to the backyard to do my unmentionables but I didn't need to. I just wanted to play. I came back in and was ready to roll. Someone give me something to tug on, please.

But no, I was put back in the kennel. I cried a little more but they just left and turned the light off. So I repeated the pattern but this time they left me alone...for a long time. I began to miss my family. I wondered what they were doing and if they had a kennel to sleep in. Where was my momma?

Sometime during the night I had had enough and let loose some long wails and whines and my people came again, barely peering through their eyes at me with a look of concern. I didn't have to do anything, just wanted to be with them. She took me back to her bed and snuggled up with her under her covers. It felt warm and cozy and I wanted to stay there forever. But the man leaned over and saw me. I gave him my best smile but he kicked me out of bed. How rude!

The rest of the night I slept little but was ready for action just as soon as someone would get up with me.

I love to sleep, just not at night!


Bark at ya later!

Tug-of-War: Favorite Puppy Pastime

I love Tug-of-War. I'd say it's my most favorite game next to wrestling. My people love to tug with me and I just can't get enough of it. Check me out in this video clip.



Bark at ya later!

I Love to Play

I love to play! Who doesn't. I mean, it's so fun to get others to laugh and giggle and spend time doing fun things. I get these bursts of energy when all I want to do is have others play with me and make others laugh. My brothers and sisters used to always tug at my ears and legs and we'd wrestle together and have the best time.

I have a big friend at my new home. My people call him Lucky but I think I'm the lucky one. He's a chocolate lab like me but he's really big. It's nice to have a friend I can play with. I like to play the same games with Lucky that I did with my family before we parted. The problem is, Lucky is so big that I'm not sure if he is playing or upset with me. I just tug at him anyway as I'm sure he likes it. You can tell from the video below that he must like it from the reaction I get from him.



Bark at ya later!

My Name is Abigail...

...But you can call me Abby. I was born just before Christmas (Dec. 21 or 22) and I have certified AKC parents, but I'm not sure exactly what that means. My mom's name is Ms. Bojangles VI. What a weird last name...VI. I am a girl chocolate lab and I'm one of 10 puppies in my litter.



Yesterday day I got a new family. A kind lady came and took me from my brothers and sisters which made me sad but I could tell right away how kind she was and I trusted her immediately. The lady took me on a car ride and I got to sit up front. We went to the pet store where everyone we passed made funny noises in my direction like, "Oooooh," and "Ahhhhhh." The lady bought some things for me, including a kennel to sleep in and some food.

Next, the lady took me home where I met my new family. When we came into the room, all of the kids were hiding there faces. At first I thought they were scared of me then I realized they were just waiting for their surprise..me! A big man had some little device in his hands and kept pointing it at me. Later I found out it is called a camera and pictures of me can be stored on a little device to later be posted to this blog. How cool is that!

The biggest girl kid took me most of the day and I just love her. She always follows me around though she claims I'm the one following her around. I love it when she pets me and loves me. I feel completely spoiled by her. I love her.

The other kids are cool too. They give me plenty of attention and I always have someone to play with.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I have a huge friend to play with named Lucky. Apparently he's a kind of chocolate lab too but he's been with my new family for a long time. He has grey hair mixed in with his yummy chocolate fur. He walks funny. I think it's because he's a little old, but I don't want to tell him that because that would be rude and I'm not a rude puppy. I watch Lucky and make sure I do what he does because I know the family loves him and I want the family to love me too. He has so much to teach me. I just hope he stays around long enough to help me learn everything.

Last night was pretty rough for me. With a new home and without my family I felt very lonely and afraid. My family put me in my new kennel and I have a fluffy pillow to sleep on which is fine. But when I realized I was by myself I started to cry. My masters came to check on after a while and tried to console me but I just wanted my brothers and sisters and my momma. I cried and cried and just couldn't settle down. My masters tried to take me out to pee but that's not what I wanted. I did eat a little which made me feel better but what I wanted was someone else to curl up next to and go to sleep. With no one around I just cried.

This morning I'm worn out since I didn't sleep last night. I'm going to go take a nap now.

Bark at ya later!