Hey everybody- Elroy here! Holy smokes, our household is pretty wild these days. The Shaggy Shark has pretty much taken over – and her highness thinks he is even busier than I was when I was a puppy. Can you imagine? One thing I know for sure, she didn’t need an oil can when I was a pup.

But before I get to our need for fixing a number of squeaky doors, let me just tell you, I have had to let the Shaggy Shark know when I have had enough. He’s all cute and fuzzy looking, but underneath that sweet exterior is a monster. A monster who never lets up attacking when he gets in his “frenzy” mode. He bites and bites – and her highness is sporting puncture wounds on her ankles, hands and butt!!! Oh yeah – she has tried the loud “OUCH” and that signals for him, that he is winning the game! He just comes back harder! I know what you’ll say next- “Walk away.” That’s hard to do when his teeth are clamped on your pant leg. Shake him by the scruff- nah – does nothing. Mind you – the Boss just needs to LOOK at him and he doesn’t attempt any biting with him. I guess her highness and yours truly have to show our teeth more!

I DO enjoy playing with him when he’s not in frenzy mode, though. And he’s super cute when he’s sleeping.

When he’s sleeping, her highness will try to sneak out of the room. She has to sneak away, because if he sees her going – he starts screaming and shouting. He can have THE yummiest stuffed Kong – and if he sees her going, it’s game over. The other day she tried to sneak upstairs and she gestured to the Boss that he should stay. She got to the stairs when the Boss went to follow her, waking up the Shaggy Shark. The shouting began.

She has to oil the door to the garage – because it squeaks. And he thinks that means food time- since our food is stored in the garage. He RACES to the door when it is opened. He’s JUST like Viktor – he dodges like a little football player around her legs to get in there.

He can be all relaxed after he has played, eaten, peed and pooped and he’s content to go in his ex pen. As long as she is in the room. Last week, when she went out to mow the lawn, he shouted pretty much non-stop for over an hour!!!

BUT – I do think it’s getting better because yesterday she mowed and weed whacked for almost two hours – and he was silent. I think it’s also because she locked the gate at the bottom of the stairs so the Boss and I had to stay down there with him. The Boss wasn’t impressed – but he went to sleep.

When her highness came in from outside, that’s also when she cursed the squeaky garage door. She THOUGHT she could MAYBE, sneak in and take a quick shower after her work outside. But the squeaky door gave her away and the Shaggy Shark siren went into full blown mode. She could have ignored him – but she also knows that after a two hour nap, he would need to pee. So she let the beast loose. Ah – fun and games!!

He is also getting more bold – and fast. When she took him out, he was in his post nap revved up frenzy mode (come to think of it, he gets in frenzy mode when he’s tired too) – and while he was outside, he was insistent on going under bushes in front of the house- to stay out of the sun. That’s the photo you see. He was on a long line-and her highness STILL couldn’t get him out. He started digging and growling at the bushes and barking. He finally came out as a muddy, leaf covered mess when she started squeaking a toy like crazy. Of course he came out to investigate- she tossed the toy and then slowly approached him from behind to grab him. She’s getting lots of good exercise with him.

I’ve had a couple of good swims which I love. Plus alone time with her highness is good too. She’s anxious for her quarantine to be over so we can get back into our longer walks again. She has a few more days to go.

Well – time to begin another day at the circus. We really should sell tickets. Hey – I think we would make a GREAT reality TV show!! Mind you, anybody thinking about getting a dog (who doesn’t already have one), might change their mind….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Hey everybody! It’s me again! Wojtus! Aka Shaggy Shark! I’ll just put this song right here, so it will permeate your brain and you’ll think of me ALL DAY!

https://youtu.be/XqZsoesa55w

Everybody looks at pictures of me and they say “look how sweet he is…..he’s so adorable.” Tee hee. They don’t see me when I go into my frenzy mode. I RUN wherever I am- whether it’s outside or around the dining room table. Then I launch myself off whatever comes my way – whether it’s the hoverer (I must get a new name for her), or the coyote or my crate ….or the old guy. Launching off the old guy is not advisable. When I’m in TOTAL full on frenzy mode, my feet work in sync with my jaws. I’m running and snapping. So if you TRY to stop me, you have to hold me out away from you because I’m like a snapping turtle.

The coyote and I play outside for just a few minutes until the hoverer breaks us up. Sometimes the fun police (the old guy) just stands and barks at us. Other times he just stays in the distance and watches.

One thing everybody has figured out is that I LOVE food. The hoverer is kind of shocked how much I remind her of some guy named Viktor. I’ve only been here a week and I already try desperately to get into the garage. I haven’t seen where the dog food is kept in there- but I’ve already figured out that whenever it is meal time, the food comes from that room. So I’m crazy about getting in there. I also like to carry my food dish around – just like that Viktor guy did.

I don’t mind getting brushed on this tall table. I mean not for long. But I’m getting the whole “lie on your side and then get a treat thing.” That’s if I’m not a squirmy wormy.

I’m kinda bold – I’ll run off into the woods for .09 seconds – just long enough to make the hoverer panic. Seriously, I know my way back.

I also have figured out how to be a guard dog. The hoverer had a friend pick up something outside our door the other day and I watched him through the window. I growled at him. I’m pretty sure I scared him off because he left right away.

The old guy had to get brushed last night – and I tried to save him by shouting “help – he needs help.” The entire time he was being brushed in the garage. My yelling must have worked because they eventually stopped. The hoverer didn’t even know it had started raining really hard – she couldn’t hear the rain over my shouting. I’m getting the impression that continual shouting is not really appreciated. I can’t WAIT to see how she’s going to get me to stop.

So those are my observations for today. I’ve been here for over a week today. And I’m pretty sure I am past my “return by” date. My big mission right now is to get that old guy to play with me. He will. I know it. Come on – who can’t love me? Except when I’m doing my shark/snapping turtle routine….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Hey everybody. It’s me Wojtek! Guess what? I have more new names! I’m called Squirmy Wormy, Squeaks, Little Poophead (that’s usually after my teeth meet with human skin), and Loud mouth. I also hear the name STOP. A lot. Personally, I like Squirmy Wormy.

Now some might call me busy. I think I’m just a typical 10 week old puppy. And already, I am learning LOTS about training humans. Let me give you a rundown of our early morning routine.

First off, I have learned to sleep through the night. I’m in a wire crate right next to the hoverer. As soon as I suspect she might be waking up, I sit up – usually around 5-5:45. And then as soon as she turns on the light, I shout out “Good morning!” Several times. Especially if she decides to go in the bathroom for 15 seconds.

I sit quietly when she comes to open the door and I have already learned to sit and stay in my crate until the door is open and she says “OK.” Then I explode out!

She scoops me up, I give her a big kiss and we head outside where my little bladder is finally able to burst open. Sometimes twice! Then I race back to the front door.

After that, she feeds me part of my breakfast. Because I am STARVING. While I’m eating, the old guy gets some kinda pill that he’s supposed to have before meals. Then I get to go out again – because I need to poop. I usually pee again too. Then I’m feeling all revved up! If I don’t attempt to race off into the woods, I jump on the hoverer and attack her. I’m practicing Schutzhund moves. Yesterday she removed my teeth from her sleeve and walked away. That didn’t deter me – I jumped up and bit her in the butt. I’m not sure I’ll do that again.

After that I race back into the house, because the other guys have to get their breakfast, and they need to go out. I’m given the rest of my breakfast while I’m in my crate – and those guys go out one at a time. As soon as they step out the door – I begin shouting “have a good walk.” Over and over and over and over and over…..Even though I’m not alone because one of them is with me, I don’t stop shouting. The hoverer actually closes windows – so we can reduce the sound of my shouting to a 5km radius from a 10 km radius.

When those guys are done, I become silent. No more need to shout. So I wait patiently while the hoverer opens my crate door. Then I go out for another pee.

I come back in, and now it’s yoghurt container time. I sit patiently and each of us gets to lick the container. I’m last. I get it – there’s a seniority thing. I might lobby for taking turns differently. But I won’t shake things up until I’ve been here a bit longer.

After the yoghurt container licks, we then get blueberries. The hoverer sings this little blueberry song and again, I’m last in the lineup. I’ve watched the other guys eat the little blue orbs, and so I figure they must be edible. I no longer spit them out.

After that, I go out for one more pee. Before the hoverer has her breakfast.

Yesterday, I kept jumping on her while she was eating, at the same time the old guy was attempting to rip a hole in her pocket because she had some kibble in there. She announced “take a break.” She put me in my crate with a frozen Kong loaded with yoghurt, kibble and treats. I took two licks and stared screaming for my release. She waited until I got quiet and let me out – which resulted in me and the coyote-like guy racing around the dining room table. The hoverer ate the rest of her breakfast while standing because she was also acting as referee.

Yesterday she didn’t even attempt to finish reading the paper or finish her coffee. She announced “we’re all going downstairs.” That means I’m going in my other prison – the ex pen. It’s full of toys and a bed- and of course she also puts that Kong in. I shouldn’t probably snitch – but she has to battle the old guy who wants my Kong and my favorite toys. He tries to sneak in my pen. She clearly needs to buy more Kongs.

But before I go in my pen – guess what? I get to go out for another pee! Yesterday when I came in, I did settle down and work on my Kong for about 15 minutes. By now it was already 7:30!

So I have trained the hoverer to take me out LOTS of times throughout the day. I have trained her to let me out of my crate or ex pen – just by being quiet. HOWEVER – I do participate in nonstop shouting when she’s not in the immediate vicinity. Like when she takes the other guys out – or she attempts to shower.

I’m having such a wonderful time training everybody here!!! Stay tuned for more of my adventures! The hoverer says it’s a good thing I’m cute. And trust me, I know it!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Yo everybody. Elroy here! So how do I tell my story today? I guess I might as well get right to it. I’m afraid that despite my wonderful behavior in tolerating the Shaggy Shark, I almost jeopardized my title as “Good dog.” So I’m here to make my confession….

But before I get into my little “misstep,” I need to tell you about our village. You know that old saying “It takes a village to raise a child?” Well…it takes a village to help the crazy lady who has a circus of dogs at her house too.

We told you the story of Wojtek’s journey from the US, and how her highness needed to cross multiple borders to get him home. But hello? Did anyone wonder what the Boss and I were doing in the meantime?! I’m sure you did – but just didn’t ask. So let me tell ya the scoop.

We had a VILLAGE of people looking after us. And it was all carefully orchestrated. Her highness took us out super early the morning she left to get the Shaggy Shark. Then, mid-morning, our old friend Anna, who used to give Viktor his pills sometimes, came by to let the Boss and me out for a pee. Later that afternoon, one of her highness’ best friends, Marg, came by to walk us, give the Boss his cardiac medication, and feed us. She also just hung out with us. And she learned my trick of one paw one your lap, two paws and then a full body launch while you are sitting and minding your own business.

That night, a neighbor, Pam came by and let us out for a pee. We spent the night on our own. Her highness was a bit worried about that – and would never do that for more than one night, but honestly, we were fine because early the next morning, Marg was back. She took us for walks and she learned how the Boss likes to poop in the MIDDLE of the road. She learned how you have to get out of the way if a car is coming – and you pray that they don’t swish the poop. The stars aligned and there was no squished poop. But a couple of tense moments.

Anna came back to let us out for a pee at lunchtime, and then her highness was home with the Shaggy Shark at supper time. So all worked out great – thanks to our village. We are so grateful to them!!!

But now we get into the heart stopping little incident that we had yesterday- thanks to yours truly.

So. I’ve been enjoying playing with the Shaggy Shark in the backyard- and you will note in my videos that I am off leash. I have not attempted to run down to the lake – or into the woods. I’ve been the PERFECT Picard….

But yesterday, I lost my perfect title. It all started when Her highness was busy making pill pockets for the Boss. One minute the Shaggy Shark was there – and the next he was gone. She went to find him and he was having the his first “accident “ in the house. On the dog bed that nobody likes to sleep on. So she scooped him up and ran for the front door. The Boss was right behind and followed them outside – which was fine. He never goes anywhere. BUT – yours truly saw the open front door and ALSO bolted out. Her highness KNEW this could spell trouble. She did that futile “Here Elroy” in the panic voice that means “you are off leash and I don’t trust you.” She went towards me – but I saw the driveway – and off I ran. With the Shaggy Shark on my heels.

Now remember that her highness is supposed to be in quarantine and not leave our property….so that is racing through her mind – but she has to catch me!

She yelled my name which I chose to ignore – and the Shaggy Shark stopped, so she scooped him up. The Boss was just watching the proceedings with a smirk on his face.

She raced in the house, put the shark in a crate and told the Boss to stay inside. She grabbed the car keys, opened the garage door and took off up the driveway in the car.

Meanwhile, our neighbor Pam was on a Zoom call with people overseas , when she saw me race by her house. She told her Zoomers she had to go – and ran out in bare feet after me.

Her highness drove up the driveway- and there I was, running along the road on the other side. Thankfully there was no traffic. She parked the car, I ran over, she opened the hatch and I jumped in. Busted. That’s when her highness saw Pam running up her driveway to see where I had gone.

Yup – we have a very good village.

Needless to say, I’m now back on my long line. AND the Shaggy Shark who is becoming more and more bold every day, is also sporting a long line. Just the Boss is allowed out leashless. Unless it’s at night. That’s all her highness would need would be a porcupine encounter. Her heart took about an hour to stop racing after my little adventure….

Yup. We have a full fledged circus. Aren’t you glad just to read about us – and not live with us?!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Heaven help us. Frodo here blog readers. I am here to share my views on the PONdemic which has hit our happy abode. I’m talking about the whirlwind plaque who is better known as the Shaggy Shark.

Now I was well aware for quite some time that a youngster PON would be joining us. I was not aware, however, that the “adorable little imp” would come complete with needle-like teeth. I suppose I have erased my memories of the teeth belonging to youngsters Viktor and Elroy.

Thus far, I have conveyed to him that I am not currently fond of “bitey” shenanigans. He is very clever in understanding that I prefer not to have my face bitten. So he generally chooses to ignore me. I am known as the curmudgeon. Unlike the Beatnik – who appears much more tolerant. But even he has learned that he must express his opinion. The other morning, while her highness was standing and attempting to eat breakfast in the midst of the circus, she witnessed the Beatnik being chased around the dining room table by the Shaggy Shark. The Beatnik ran to hide behind her highness who immediately had to act as referee. Ah yes. He LOOKS sweet. But there is a Tasmanian Devil that is behind that angelic face – which emerges every so often.

The Beatnik tends to avoid him indoors as he finds himself easily cornered by the snapping turtle wannabe. BUT – outside we have a different story. Here the Beatnik is able to escape – as seen in these two videos. Note the Beatnik’s quick responses – and his approach from behind – where there are no teeth.

https://youtu.be/vney480NRUA

https://youtu.be/_bNUsVzwIp8

Now personally, I DO enjoy stealing his toys and the Kong stuffed with goodies. The Kong is given to him in a futile attempt to keep him from barking while we are taken on OUR walks. Or while her highness rushes through her shower. I have met my MATCH in the incessant barking category. As SOON as her highness leaves the room, he begins. And when he hears her coming, he stops. He’s a clever lad. It’s a good thing we don’t live in an apartment building. We would surely have been served with our eviction notice by now! Yes – besides the teeth – the barking is probably his biggest vice. I can’t help him with that issue – I’m certainly no role model for peace and quiet.

He is sleeping through the night which is delightful for all. And he is pretty good with his “sit” command response – and he is learning “down”. He plays the “here” game with kibble that her highness tosses back and forth – and he has quickly figured that out. No indoor poops – and only one pee – when her highness wasn’t paying attention for 30 seconds. So it’s clear he is very smart – and is doing a brilliant job in training her highness to give him treats.

He does sit and wait his turn to lick the yoghurt container – AND he did eat his blueberries- after the first day. Frankly, I didn’t care if he spit them out – I got to clean them up. But now he eats them. He’s not yet fond of bananas though.

I must confess ….despite what might sound as a complaining tone, underneath it all, I do like him. I will allow him to lean against me – with a fence between us. I also find he is rather comical and is able to entertain himself – as you can see in this video. You need to understand that HE turned over the dog bed – where one of his toys became trapped.

https://youtu.be/aF18ypRHEG0

We have yet to get an excellent photo with the three of us. But no doubt her highness will keep making attempts until she gets that favorite shot. Fine with me – it just means more treats.

We will continue to keep you apprised of his antics. They are sure to be entertaining.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Hey everybody! I’m Wojtek! Also known as Wojtus (pronounced Voy-toosh); Little Monkey; Little Bugger; Hey Hey Hey; Ah Ah; and Ouch! I’m thinking I may get some other new names in the days ahead.

Being a puppy is pretty neat. Everybody loves you! Unless you bite them. Then not so much. Now I’m not talking about a really nasty bite – I mean a play bite! I’m a puppy – and I don’t realize my teeth are so sharp. I’m just learning about all my parts – I don’t know how to use everything just yet! I have figured out that when a wag my little tail (well I kind wag my whole butt), it’s a thing that the giants like. The giants have two legs. But you can make them bend down to your level if you grab their pant legs. Or try to chew their shoes while they are wearing them. I’m learning all sorts of things.

I went for a really long car ride the day before yesterday. I initially expressed my protest at not being allowed to sit in the passenger seat, but then I just fell asleep. I slept a LOT. We stopped every couple of hours and I had a pee and something to drink. All my needs are met. I even have my poop picked up! I’m going to love this career as a canine.

I had to cross into a whole new country. With a different flag! This flag has a maple leaf – which comes from the maple tree. It MUST be a country for dogs – because we all know we dogs love to pee on trees!! Well – we do when we get older. It’s all about the “parts” thing again.

Anyway the guy at the border who opened the hatch on the car looked at me and said “Whoa – he’s going to be big.” Guess he hasn’t seen a Great Dane puppy before.

I came to a new home – and wow- there is a lot to learn and explore. I met two roommates. One looks more like my mother did. But he’s a boy – and although he looked happy to see me, he kinda grumbles at me. So I respect him.

And the other guy – whoa- he’s huge and like NOTHING I’ve ever seen before. I was actually scared of him for 3 seconds – but then I realized he’s super friendly. In fact, he LOVES to play with me. I am particularly fascinated by his tail! He lets me jump on him and let’s me chew on him. I hear I’m payback for all the stuff HE does to the old guy. The hoverer watches us all the time we are together and if we start getting TOO wild, our play is suspended. That’s the “rule.” It’s one of many rules I am learning. Play must not get “wild”. It can be fun- but not wild. And it can’t go on very long at all. Check us out here:

I also learned that I am supposed to sleep in a crate at night. I’m not overly impressed with that rule. I kinda voiced my objection. Rather loudly. Every time I was put in. But then I would settle down. And a couple hours later would ask for permission to use the bathroom. So we went out in the dark. And then I was put back in the crate, I protested and then fell asleep. I went out three times the first night. Last night I just went out once! It was great fun.

What else have I learned… Oh! The grumpy guy loves my toys and my chew things. If he can get into my fenced area, he’ll steal them.

Oh – and I love how somebody chewed the corner of the carpet already! So I decided to continue the project!!! Here I am working on it while my buddy watches.

I was instructed to stop this project. We’ll see….

Yesterday and today I got everybody up at 5AM. No point in wasting the day. Finally around 10 AM yesterday, after about 16 trips outside, I decided to nap for about two hours. The hoverer did too. She didn’t want to move for fear of triggering my barking machine. So she napped on the sofa. I think she needed it.

Wow. It sure is a big world out there. And for a guy who is less than three months old, I’ve already traveled and have lived in two countries! Life is good. Very very good.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Elroy here!!! Holy moly I got THE best gift on the planet yesterday. A fluffy whirlwind shark named Wojtek. (It’s pronounced Voy-Tek in case you don’t speak Polish, like me.). He arrived and now I am again outnumbered by the Polish guys. That’s OK – I happen to think they are cool.

The story of Wojtek began before the Great Pause. As you all know, we lost Viktor early in January , and well, our household became pretty darn quiet. So, after a few weeks, her highness started thinking that maybe we should think about getting another Musketeer. So she got in contact with Maggie, a very nice lady in New Jersey, because her highness had heard that Maggie might be breeding her girl, Maya. Maggie said that she was not just thinking about it – the matchmaking had just taken place days before. And Maggie said that she would consider our home for a puppy, IF things worked out. I guess our blog didn’t scare her off…

Little did we know just how many things would have to “work out.” Because it was just a few weeks later that the pandemic hit and borders closed. International borders closed – and within Canada, provincial borders closed. But there were steps before that which had to happen- regardless of the Great Pause. Maya had to be “with puppies” – AND she had to have a boy. Because adding a girl to our gong show house would NOT be a good idea. This has always been a boys only house – except for the Queen of course. Guess she likes it that way.

So step one. Maya had to be having puppies. Check. The matchmaking worked. Step two. She had to have a boy. Check. She had FOUR boys and one girl.

Yippee. We were getting a puppy!!! Beep beep. Reverse. All those borders were still closed.

Her highness heard of people shipping puppies across the border with truck drivers. Well that seemed like a good idea – IF you happened to personally know someone. Her highness couldn’t imagine shipping a baby puppy with someone she didn’t know. And she didn’t know any truck drivers.

Then she investigated pet moving companies. She sent three emails to a company that came highly recommended- AND spoke to someone on the phone – but they never confirmed they would do the job. She gave up on that idea.

There were no international flights coming into Nova Scotia since the Great Pause, so that was out.

After weeks of investigating options – she FINALLY had a catharsis. She’s a dual citizen of the US and Canada. So the question now was whether she could drive back and forth. Well low and behold – she found out she could! BUT- she technically couldn’t cross the border of New Brunswick to drive through to Maine. At least not in the early days of the Great Pause. However, just last week, because the pandemic numbers have been low in the Atlantic provinces, the government announced a “bubble” so people could freely travel within the Atlantic region. That’s staring July 3.

So all was looking good. Because her highness could not take a friend along who wasn’t a dual citizen, she would have to drive down to New Jersey alone. So Maggie kindly agreed to meet her highness in Maine. Unfortunately, though, Maggie couldn’t come the weekend of the 3rd due to her business…..

So her highness decided to take a chance. She checked to see if she could now just drive through New Brunswick. The person at the government office said “yes” – but her highness was well aware that all she needed was a cranky person at the border to say “come back July 3,” and she would be sunk. But she decided to take a chance…

And guess what?! It all worked!! She had nice border officers at each spot. So after a 9 hour drive – she got to meet our new addition. And she fell in love!

He was a great little traveler for the drive home. They had a few pee stops, and little walks and after an initial scream for two minutes each time he got back in the crate, he was quiet the rest of the way.

When he got here, her highness decided to do introductions one by one. She started with Frodo – the puppy nanny. I mean he raised me and Viktor, so she figured that would be a piece of cake. He was initially all waggy tailed – I think until he realized the shaggy shark is staying. Then he acted like a grumpy old man. He’ll soften up. Give him a day or two.

I, on the other hand, adored him from the minute he tried to rip the fur off my face! I think he’s hysterical! FINALLY- somebody who likes to play! Her highness had to supervise all of our interactions because he’s just a little guy- but I was super gentle with him. I let him crawl on top of me- and rip my hair. Those teeth are like needles!!!

He’s a pretty bold little guy- who gets the zoomies like all puppies. He also likes to hide under things. Like the sofa downstairs in the rec room. He hides and then darts out like a snapping turtle – trying to grab me. He’s SO cool!!!

He’s not big on photos yet. Getting the three of us together will be a miracle…..

And speaking of cool – it was super warm in the house last night – so we all slept in the rec room – it’s great down there. Wojtek was NOT impressed when he had to sleep in his crate. Ooooooeeeeeee- I think everyone for 5 km could hear him. But he did settle down eventually. I love my crate – which doesn’t even have a door on it! I’m sure he’ll learn to love his. I’ll just have to teach him.

Tomorrow we’ll show him the lake! He has lots of places to explore on our property. And we’ll have lots of time to get to know each other – we’re in quarantine for 14 days!

This is the start of a brand new chapter for us…. I can’t wait to see the adventures we’ll share!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Linda here!

Well as everything in our lives, there is always a good story. And this one is just beginning! This one involves a wonderful new addition to our family….. and border crossings ( which are closed due to the Great Pause!).

I am in the US and I am traveling home from Maine with Wojtek. Once we get home and settled today, we’ll fill you in on all the details.

A wonderful new adventure begins. And my heart is already larger….❤️