Viktor, was a Polish Lowland Sheepdog who shared his views on life and had a following of loyal readers from around the world . He sadly left all of us us way too soon. He left his PON brother, Frodo and his Berger Picard “brother”, Elroy to continue his “legacy.” We now welcome a new PON brother to our story- Wojtek- who in many ways, has the very same “bigger than life attitude” as Viktor. So we know Viktor’s spirit lives on, as does the spirit of Paxton, his Bernese Mountain Dog…
Hey hey hey blogaroos. Squirmy here for another Wonderful Wednesday! And today I’m here to tell you about my new vocation – I have officially been granted the title of poopologist! And guess what???? So is the Coyote!!! And we have an Applied Poopology degree. That’s where we beat the Boss. He just has the basic level degree.
So for those who may not be familiar with these illustrious titles – let me tell you about them. Poopology, while not an exact science, is the study of poop. And really, any human who is owned by dogs is a junior Poopologist. We know how you two-leggeds not only pick up our poop – but you keep a mental record about it too. Like when did we go. And what did it look like. So you have your Introductory Poopology degree. The next level is where we canines start to excel. Because not only do we look at poop, we REALLY study it. I mean we use our olfactory senses to figure out who left the poop AND we can even figure out what the guy had for his last meal. I mean just watch us when there is a poop sample that we come across on a walk. Our noses hit the ground in the general vicinity and we sniff faster and more frantically the closer we get. And then. The study. While some dogs like The Boss do the study which includes lots of sniffing and up close examination, SOME of us have an Applied Degree. Which means we sample the sample. And lately, I am a bit obsessed with sampling wild animal poop found in the woods or on our morning walk on the golf course. In fact, I remember the exact location of every sample on our walk – and each day, try to sample more before My Enforcer wildly runs over and tries to stop me.
Even the Picky Picard now seems to have developed a taste of the wild. Bunny balls are a great appetizer before breakfast. Well, they’re really a good snack any time of the day.
I try to grab a snack before My Enforcer calls me and then I come running to her with lips smacking. She generally says “Ewwwwww.”
Some dogs like to sample the offerings of other dogs – and some actually produce their own snacks. Now that’s where I draw the line. I prefer a wild free-range diet.
So that’s the poop for today. Now excuse me while I get ready for my walk – and my foraging. Things are extra tasty in these cold temperatures- yup – they are poopsicles! Sometimes even I think I’m funny!!!!!
Howdy blogees. Elroy here on another Marvelous Monday. Here to recap our weekend- which overall was pretty low key. Like me. Unless I escape…
Let’s see. On Saturday, the Shark went off with Her Highness, our friend Wendy and the Shark’s girlfriend, Gena to a “handling” class. Meanwhile, the Boss and I had several relaxing hours (without him) at home. I heard that it’s surprisingly not HIM who needs the handling – it’s Her Highness. Between you and me and the hundreds of other people reading this – when you see her photo in the dictionary, the caption does not read “graceful.” Klutz is a better caption. She has to learn to be less tense. And more ballerina-like. Good LUCK with that.
What else? Oh yeah. Here’s a good one. I’m not supposed to talk about it – but I’m not supposed to run out the front door if it’s open either. So heck – I’ll spill the biscuits. Plus those PONs will clean them up.
As some of you long-time readers may recall, Her Highness tried the on-line dating thing before. We won’t go WAY back but suffice to say she hasn’t done it in a long time. Then COVID struck – and she got bored hanging out with just us. I’m not sure why. We keep her busy enough. Anyway, she decided to “dabble again” this winter. I’m thinking she could start her very own blog about her (mis)adventures. There was a guy who was supposed to be a good match. And it turned out he was a super nice guy. Funny. Smart. Great storyteller. Not hard to look at. One TINY little issue. He’s not a “dog person.” You can stop laughing – although it took us several minutes. It seems our chaotic household wasn’t REALLY his thing. And who could blame him. BUT – he and Her Highness DO both enjoy hiking – so they have mutually agreed to be hiking buddies – which is PERFECT. AND – he actually reads our blog now! So that’s all we’ll say about him. Cause we know he’s reading. Just jokin’. He and Her Highness are both very happy in their friendship role.
There was another “match” who also wasn’t a dog lover. Although it clearly stated in her profile that if “you don’t like dogs, we are not a match,” it appears she should have put it in all caps and in bold lettering. Clearly these dudes don’t read the full profiles or pay much attention to the content. Or they think she’s joking about dogs. Wrongo.
The jury is out on the current prospect. It’s way too early to see where this one will/could go. There’s been no meeting yet. And since he lives in the Ukraine, who knows. Just kidding. He lives in Lapland. Or some place like that. And we aren’t even sure he reads this – he knows it exists… but has never said much about it. One very good thing about this guy- he has a dog. So bonus points there. Mind you, that could add a whole other level of drama if we canines did not get along. Her Highness is throwing in the towel if this doesn’t pan out. She said it’s more work than work.
Oh yeah- plus she’s shipping me back to Quebec to get a job. Sadly, my home province has a huge number of COVID cases, so the entire province has a curfew from 8PM to 5AM daily. You can leave home for work, to go to a pharmacy or for an emergency. OR if you have to walk your dog!!! So. Rumor has it that people are renting out their canines to dogless people – at $100/hr!!! Well. It’s supposedly a rumor. But Her Highness said it would be a way for me to make some biscuit money. Plus, I do speak the language.
So that’s the gossip from here. Tomorrow the Shark has his own private obedience class. I think it’s because he was too rowdy in group classes – but nobody is saying anything. All I know is that it means some QUIET time at the ranch. Maybe I can scroll through the on-line dating sites while Her Highness is gone, and re-write her profile. I mean really – who knows her better than us? Now THIS could be fun…….
Hey hey hey everybody! Squirmy Wormy here. To brighten your Saturday! And GUESS what today is?! It is Word Nerd Day!!!! I’m thinking The Boss should have written this blog because he’s more of a nerd than me. But he told me I have to do it and I do whatever he commands.
This first part he told me to include. It’s terms having to do with the word “dog.” It’s a bit too academic for me!!!! Even My Enforcer didn’t get all of them correct….
Now the next part is more up my alley. It’s slang words having to do with us pets. Like sploot and derp and frap.
Sploot is when we dogs relax so much that we have our bellies on the floor – but our feet in the back go behind us. Puppies often do it. And I do it a lot. Here’s me splooting as a little puppy.
Derp is the term that describes when we canines have a silly or clumsy expression. Like these…
And frap is an acronym standing for Frenetic Random Activity Period. Better known as the Zoomies. Like these:
Salutations blog readers. Frodo here for your reading pleasure today. It seems that the imp has managed to squirm his way into more postings lately – perhaps channeling brother Viktor. I must say, there are many similarities between the two. Although I don’t recall Viktor being quite so “mouthy.” But not to worry – this mature bark is still louder than his, and my cracked teeth can still defend possession of ANY stuffed toy. The teeth are equally good at destroying said stuffed toy.
I return to academia tonight. Yes – another round of Masters classes for yours truly. I need to clarify here that the classes are NOT for me. They are for Her Highness – who really needs to study her Rally signs. She did actually crack open the iPad the other day, and began to review them. There are, I believe at least 95 signs. She got as far as #30. Which is rather pitiful given that those included “Start,” “Finish,” “Fast” and “Slow.” Good thing I can hold up my end of the performance.
Allow me to share some news in the world of dogs today. The AKC has just recognized its newest breed – the Biewer (interestingly pronounced “beaver”) terrier. The 4-8lb shaggy toy breed is apparently an adaptable little fella – excelling at agility, obedience and even dock diving. Personally, I would like to see one dock diving. You can read more about the breed here – and about their interesting roots.
While the Biewer seems to be getting press in recent days, it appears three other breeds will also be attending the famous Westminster Kennel Club show this year for the first time. They include the Lakenois – a Belgian herding dog, the Barbet – a French water dog who is in the sporting group and the Dogo Argentino, a dog from Argentina bred to hunt dangerous game like wild boar and pumas.
And did you know that the famous Westminster Kennel Club show will NOT be taking place at Madison Square Garden in 2021?! It will be relocating to Tarrytown, NY at an estate which belongs to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. And it will be in June.
My beauty pageant dog shows are long ago in my past, but I believe the imp is trying to follow in my paw prints. He is returning to his “handling class” on Saturday. Heaven help Her Highness. I don’t recall that biting at one’s handler is looked upon as “good” behavior.
Finally, I’ve left the sad news for the end. For regular readers, you may recall a visit we had in the summer of 2019, by some of Her Highness’ family from Buffalo, New York. Lou ( Her Highness’ first cousin once removed – which means her mother’s first cousin – for those not good with pedigrees) and his wife Rose visited for a few days and toured around the Maritime provinces. Lou was 92 going on 65. He was a fabulous chef, gardener, baker, jam, wine and sausage maker, lover of music, and someone who would have been a fabulous Jeopardy contestant- his knowledge of various subjects was amazing. Anyone who met him was shocked to learn his age. He liked dogs and cats – and was delighted to meet us. When one thinks of the words “living large” – that was Lou. Sadly and quite unexpectedly, he suddenly became ill, and passed away yesterday. He lived a long and FULL life, yet it is never easy to lose someone. We can only hope that his never ending zest for life and new experiences serves as a model for anyone who met him. He was truly a remarkable man…
Hey blogaroos!!! Squirmy here! So we have completed 4 days of 2021 and guess what? I’ve been pretty good! If you don’t count the fridge magnet that I tried to eat. And the fact that I have taken half our toys outside and left them in the snow. And you ignore my ricocheting off My Enforcer. And the fact that I have now decided to chew on the chairs in the kitchen. But that’s just little stuff.
My Enforcer had some great fun with us yesterday. I think she was screaming with excitement. But the Boss said she was screaming with frustration. Sounds the same to me.
We got two of them. They are great for playing fetch! And you know how much I like to play fetch. And so does the Boss. If there are treats.
So yesterday, My Enforcer loaded her pockets with treats and took us in the back yard. I was jumping and spinning and waiting for her to throw a bumper. The Boss was also waiting- calmly. But- we had another player yesterday. For some reason, the Coyote wanted to play. He was standing and shaking in anticipation of the bumper being thrown. But there’s one giant problem with him playing the game. He races to get the bumper and then runs away with it. He doesn’t get the retrieve part of the game. So every time he got it, My Enforcer had to chase him to get the bumper back. So what she started doing was throwing it the opposite direction- so one of us PONs could get it. She was throwing it strategically so he wouldn’t get it. And it worked a few times. But her great strategy didn’t go exactly as planned when, instead of heaving it far across the lawn, she kinda goofed and threw it up. We all raced around to find it. Only problem? It was stuck in the tree.
Well. We’ve seen them stuck on the roof before. Oh. Did I mention she’s not super coordinated sometimes? Anyway, we have to always wait for a wind storm to get the ones off the roof. But this was in a tree….
So she made all kinds of groaning sounds and marched into the house. The Boss followed her. Meanwhile, I started to eat the rope on the other bumper while the Coyote was still wandering around trying to find the one stuck in the tree.
Well. Two minutes later, My Enforcer marched out of the house carrying this long pole thingy with a sharp blade on the end for cutting branches. She mumbled something to herself about me ( the canine ping pong who likes to use her as an upright trampoline) and the fact that she was carrying a long sharp object. She tossed some treats in the snow to keep me occupied. That was smart.
Meanwhile, she was standing on tiptoes trying to catch the branch. I think I heard her praying. Or maybe it was swearing. Anyway- after a few tiptoe lunges she finally knocked the bumper lose – nearly beaming herself in the process.
After that she announced “Games over. Everybody inside.” The Coyote was still looking for the bumper. The Boss just wanted to go in and eat the treats. And it was just me who wanted to play more. Sometimes I think I need a more active household where the housemates can keep up with me.
Looks like we could get some snow flurries today. I better get out in the yard to bring in my toys before they’re buried….And MAYBE we can try the bumper game again. In the front yard.
Hey blog readers. Linda here. Now you don’t need to panic – I think the only times I have been allowed on here is to convey bad news. EVERYONE is fine. Well, that is probably a bit of a stretch – as that little guy is not always “fine.” He is frequently threatened with a bus trip back to New Jersey. The other day after he dragged my coat out of the closet while I wasn’t watching him for 30 seconds, and after he stole a toy from Elroy and barked incessantly in Frodo’s face, I looked at his sweet, shaggy face and said “You know, at this very moment you don’t have many friends in this house.” He looked right at me, lunged at me and tried to pull the sleeve off my sweater. The one I was wearing. He’s generally not trying to win a popularity contest. Good thing he’s cute…
But this blog isn’t about our usual household chaos. This is about a question posed to me several months ago – by someone I met at a social gathering. Clearly it was awhile ago – I can’t recall the last time I went to a social gathering where I didn’t know everyone. So we’re talking pre-bubble days. And it ties into a gift I received for Christmas.
The question I was asked was “Why do you like dogs?” I felt like responding “Because they don’t ask crazy questions,” but I said that in my head. Or I think I did.
But it really is an interesting question. And yours truly, who is rarely at a loss for words, was silent. At least for 10 seconds. What is it about these furry four legged beings that steals our hearts? And our pocketbooks.
It certainly isn’t for the grooming. I mean, who wants to have a wresting match with a dog who sounds as if he is being murdered?
It isn’t for the incessant barking. Sometimes to alert you to a flying leaf or a rabbit. (Mind you, one never knows when one of those bunnies might have a violent streak. ) I should mention that the crazy barking DOES excuse the fact that my doorbell is broken. So I don’t NEED a doorbell. Hearing aids from the ear shattering barking -maybe…
Liking dogs has nothing to do with sending my vets on many all-inclusive vacations. I mean I love my vets – but the less I see of them, the better.
I don’t like dogs because I absolutely adore going for walks when there are hurricane force winds and pouring rain. Not to mention the fact that I’m usually dragging a soggy PON behind me – like an inert bag of potatoes.
I don’t like dogs just so I can spend mega bucks to travel to and enter dog shows. Let’s face it – winning a 50 cent ribbon is not exactly a lucrative return on one’s investment.
I don’t like dogs so I can spend more on their food, toys and attire than I often do on myself. I can easily walk away from a pair of new shoes – but passing up a new, tough and durable dog toy is virtually impossible. I can justify every cent I spend on my four leggeds.
I don’t like dogs because I love olfactory art on my windows and fur balls that appear right after I have put the vacuum away. I don’t like dogs for the muddy paw prints that are tracked in right after I finish washing the floor on hands and knees.
The highlight of dog ownership is hardly about picking up poop. Or other bodily projectiles. Some of which you can’t even THINK about because if you thought about it enough, you would never be able to do it!
So how does one answer the question. Why do you like dogs? Kind of like asking, “Why do you like bananas? Or “Why do you like sunny days?”
It’s because dogs represent the best of what we two leggeds should be. They are the epitome of friendship. And love. They are happy to see you whether you have stepped into the bathroom for a few minutes, or you have returned from a two week vacation. They are truly happy to just be with you. Whether it’s lounging with you on the couch while you watch TV, or competing in an obedience trial. If given the choice to go to a training class or to stay at home, dogs do that thing we sometimes do with our friends. “What do you want to do today?” Answer: “Whatever YOU want to do.” And dogs MEAN it. They’re good with whatever makes YOU happy.
Dogs have great perceptive abilities – and are quick to pick up when you are sad and in need of a hug. They also are quick to happily join in on a dance party when an upbeat song comes on the radio. No one has to drag them on the dance floor. They’re always up for a party. And some are quite happy to sing along.
Although some may feel their dogs are snubbing them when they do something their dogs don’t like, dogs are really pretty forgiving. For example, some say their dogs ignore them when they’ve returned from a trip. But really? How long does that last? In my experience, dogs don’t hold grudges. They rebound very quickly.
Sure- dogs may be naughty at times. Who can ignore my long-standing chewed carpet woes. But does a dog do that to knowingly be “bad”. I doubt it. For attention? Much more likely. Again – it’s all about being with us. And if they are WITH us, the likelihood of naughtiness decreases greatly.
So that’s my answer to the question. Rather long-winded and several months late. I welcome your thoughts and feelings on this one too. As part of my Christmas gift from my sister, I received the welcome mat you see above. I can think of no better message for the entrance to my home. That and “Enter at your own risk….” Because you may just lose a piece of your heart.
Happy New Year blogaroos! It’s Squirmy here welcoming in a brand new yearbook with 365 blank pages!!!! I think I will have PLENTY of material for those blank pages!!!
We ended 2020 on a good note- with an obedience class for me and the Boss. I ended up hogging most of the class time – probably because I’m a work in progress – and The Boss really knows what to do – it’s My Enforcer who needs the training. The Boss’ goal is Rally Masters. My goal is how to get the treat jar open without opposable thumbs.
It’s a brand new year. A clean slate. 2020 is OVER. My Enforcer remembers well the beginning of 2020 – which unbeknownst to her, could have set the tone for the whole year. Viktor went to the Rainbow Bridge and then COVID struck. There were other losses and sadness during the year. BUT THEN I ADOPTED HER IN JUNE! On New Year’s Day last year would she EVER have believed how her year would play out?!
Think of today as a new start. Sure – 2020 was pretty horrible- BUT there were bright spots. And hopefully, as time passes, you will focus on those.
I understand that one is supposed to come up with resolutions for the New Year. Which one breaks before the end of January. The key to keeping resolutions (in my mind) is to make them doable. So here we go….
1. Eat everything in your food bowl. Let nothing go to waste as there are dogs in other parts of the world having to scrounge for food. I can do this….
2. Bring back the fetch toy. Because then it is thrown again.
3. Obey commands on the first request. Because great rewards come when you do as told.
4. Don’t be disrespectful to your elders. Like The Boss. Because although their teeth may be cracked, they can still use them…
5. Walk nicely on a leash. Because you get to see the world that way.
6. Don’t destroy stuffed toys or eat inedible objects like gloves. Because hydrogen peroxide tastes yucky.
I’ll start with those. That’s plenty. I don’t want to set myself up for failure.
We hope 2021 is a year full of love, luck and laughter for everyone reading this. And please know how grateful we are for each and every one of you! Keep smiling and pass it on.
Viktorsviews. The Next Chapter. 