Hey everybody! Squirmy here on a terrific Tuesday! And terrific describes how we’ve been doing the last two days. Sue and Keith arrived Sunday afternoon- and we’re loving our time with them!

We got pretty over-the-top excited when they arrived- which was kinda expected. In fact, the Warden kept me and the Coyote sequestered on the deck while they came in with their bags. She knew we would be crazy – whereas the Boss shouted out his welcome, and then just watched the proceedings. As soon as they had all their stuff in, we were allowed in – and I promptly ricocheted off both of them. Good times.

Yesterday the Warden and Sue sequestered themselves in the garage – and finally put together that new charcoal barbecue that the Warden bought last year. The Boss was allowed to come in to supervise- but his job quickly ended when he kept walking through the assorted parts – including many small bolts, washers and nuts. Yup- lots of nuts – including the two who were doing the assembly. Keith was smart enough to stay clear of the ranting women who assembled and disassembled some pieces several times. We could hear the whole thing. And this was a simple charcoal BBQ.

Once they had it assembled, they moved it onto the deck and attempted to start a fire. Now I understand why people have propane barbecues. Between the assembly, the fire building and the cooking of hamburgers they could have ordered takeout from a restaurant an hour away. But in the end, the burgers were yummy ( we canines got to sample one). Now the big challenge will be in keeping the Coyote from peeing on it. He’s already been giving it the eye.

Yesterday was also the inaugural gathering of the blueberries- from the one bush we own. It was planted a couple of years ago, but every time the berries were almost ripe – the birds beat us to them. So this year, the Warden bought some netting to protect the bush and keep the birds off. And it worked! The Boss got to supervise the harvest and got a few samples. He was not impressed though, having to sit with the small bounty – as he would have rather eaten the whole thing. We all like blueberries- but he LOVES them. You’ll note his serious look…

Today is Tell a Joke day, and so I found a bunch of dog jokes for you. Most of them are pretty bad. But remember I didn’t write them:

https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-jokes/

Time to get the guests up and walking. We’ll see what’s on the agenda for today. Besides giving us ear scratches and belly rubs.

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

Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here on a super Sunday! Guests have not yet arrived- but cleaning continues in full swing. I don’t know if you can tell, but I’m holding a vacuum attachment in the photo. I stole it. And I was pretty proud of myself doing laps around the dining room table as the Warden repeatedly instructed me to “drop it.” I wouldn’t. I ran and ran. Then she firmly (in her totally exasperated voice) said “SIT!” So I did. And she grabbed the brushy thing immediately after she snapped the photo. Honestly- I was just trying to help!

Not much new around here other than vacuuming and lawn mowing. Yawn. I did go to class on Friday and I was positively mediocre. Again. Now I wasn’t BAD with my recalls and my heelwork. But I now have decided that during sit or down stay practice, that I really should try to get to know the other dogs in my class. I mean up until now, I stayed in my place. Like I’m apparently supposed to. But on Friday, I was feeling a bit bored, so I got up and wandered over to see my buddy Ranger. Ever want to see the Warden move quickly? Break your stay. It’s not like I was mean or growly or pushy – I simply wanted to say “hey – what’s waggin?” But noooooo. Socializing is not in the “rules.” I get it. Maybe. Ranger didn’t care. He’s a well behaved dog. A VERY well behaved dog. He stayed in place. I think he rolled his eyes at me and continued to look at his human. He couldn’t be tempted by the shaggy distraction next to him. He stayed. But I was quickly returned to my spot. I think we need to look at my whole breaking stays thing as a way to HELP my classmates. Distraction dog. That will be my new role. Up until now, I’ve been PRETTY good with my stays. WELL- at least I stayed in place – I may not have always stayed in the desired position (like doing a down when you’re supposed to sit), but I never went wandering. The Warden says just when you THINK I’ve learned one thing, another thing she THOUGHT I knew, goes to pot. Hello? It’s called intermittent reinforcement. HOW many times do I have to tell her that?’ Talk about a challenge to train!

Here’s a funny story I found in the news. TOTALLY sounds like something that could happen in our house:

https://people.com/human-interest/couple-gets-8-from-oregon-lottery-after-dogs-ate-winning-ticket/

Imagine if the ticket had been for like a million dollars. And imagine if they couldn’t put it all back together. That would happen in our house. For sure. That’s why the Warden doesn’t buy tickets.

OK. Time for walks. I’m going to look at the sunflower on our road. It’s at the end of a neighbor’s driveway. All by itself. Looking perky and sunny and happy. The Warden and I saw it yesterday. She thought it was fake- but it’s not. I wasn’t allowed to get too close – for fear I would attempt to “water” it. Wouldn’t THAT just ruin the scenario?’

Anyway – I hope your day is full of sunny moments!

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

Hey blogaroos! It’s Squirmy here on yet another Fantastic Friday. The end of the week for working humans (as opposed to leisure humans like the Warden) and the beginning of the weekend. And it APPEARS we are going to be having a goooood weekend. We have company arriving!

I’m not sure exactly when. Judging by the lack of obsessive dusting and vacuuming, I’m thinking it’s not tomorrow. When you are owned by dogs, there is no point in dusting or vacuuming until minutes before guests arrive. Even when you do finish the final preparations, it’s inevitable that as you open the door to guests, a fur ball will roll by.

And in our house, no doubt just before the car is heard in the driveway, someone will be out peeing on the plastic chairs on the deck. We’re not SUPPOSED to pee on the deck – but all it takes is one of us to break the rule (and it’s usually the Coyote) and we ALL must march by and follow suit. It’s kinda mandatory canine behavior. Pee mail. Drives the Warden bonkers. She comes rushing out with her giant spray bottle which is mixed with water, detergent and vinegar. So then the deck smells like a clean French fry. Or something.

Anyway – Sue and Keith are coming for a visit. They are coming from their island on the Titanic. Wait. The Boss said it’s not the Titanic. He said it’s a fairy. No wait. A ferry. Anyway – it’s a boat. Wonder if they’ll do any fishing?

Hey – with three people here you know what that means?! Three dogs going for a walk at once!!! Total chaos. I CANNOT WAIT.

The Warden keeps threatening to tie Swiffer cloths to our feet to help clean the floors. And she said no ripping out each other’s coats for 24 hours. What the heck are we supposed to do to entertain ourselves while she’s busy cleaning?! Just lounge in front of the fan? Watching our fur balls fly by?

Well I had better go and get my fetch toys all ready. Two willing victims will soon be here. I mean pitchers…

This is going to be FUN!

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

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy here on another wonderful Wednesday. And do you know what day it is? According to the Crazy Calendar??? It’s Spoil your Dog Day!! YeeeHaw!

The Warden laughed hysterically when she read that. She said EVERY day is Spoil your Dog Day in our house. I’m not sure what she means by that. Us? Spoiled? Just because everything the Warden does takes us into consideration- do you think that means we are spoiled? Because we eat before her, we’re spoiled? Because she is more likely to come out of a store with something for US rather than herself, we’re spoiled? Because we have routines that are strictly followed (or we’ll bark in protest), we’re spoiled? Because we have more toys than a daycare, we’re spoiled? Because she can’t plan a vacation until she FIRST finds a sitter for US, we’re spoiled? Because we get fresh blueberries and stuffed Kongs every day, we’re spoiled? Because we categorically rule this household, we’re spoiled?

OK. Maybe a bit. But today we get to be extra spoiled!!!! Plus let’s face it – we are worth spoiling!

Today is also Smithsonian Day. And if you don’t happen to live in Washington, DC – and you are interested in all the dog stuff they have (what else would you want to see?) – check out this link:

https://www.si.edu/spotlight/dogs

The Warden’s collection of old dog stuff probably rivals the Smithsonian. OK. Maybe not exactly. I think she has more….

Time to get out before the deer flies wake up. And time to be spoiled!

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

.

Greetings blog aficionados. Frodo here – planning a trip myself to a much cooler climate. The weather here the past few days has been dreadfully hot and humid. You would not BELIEVE what it can do to one’s hair. As soon as I exit the house, I wish to return home. I’m not even particularly interested in going on early morning walks. The temperature may be reasonable, but combined with the humidity- I walk almost as slowly as if it was raining. I perform my best imitation of a funeral match.

I definitely require a good brushing, but Her Highness worries about a heart attack . Either hers or mine. Because I DO pant very hard during the torture exercise and truth be told, I try very hard to escape. Combine my behavior with inferno temperatures, and she keeps putting off my brushing. Who can blame me?

The dreadful oven temperatures aside, I saw a rather unusual activity that some dogs in California do – to beat the heat. You may read about it here – and even play a video:

https://www.surfdogchampionships.com/

For me, this particular activity could not be any more dreadful or frightening. While they CLAIM that dogs enjoy this unique “sport” – I’m not so certain they do. I could not evem bring myself to watch the horror show. I’m not a fan of grisly films. And to me – this is one of THE most upsetting pieces of journalism I have seen. That being said, I would likely excel at the sport because I would try with every fiber of my being to keep from being submersed. Heat or no heat – I’ll suffer in silence rather then get wet. Count me out.

The photo you see is at our neighbors’ house. They were away for just a few days, and Her Highness went over to water their garden. Thank the heavenly powers that she went up yesterday morning. Had she not, she could have caused the demise of their potted basil plants. She doused the garden with water while I patiently waited. It is just as well that she did not plant a garden herself this year. Last year’s minimal return deterred her from attempting the farming routine this year. The fact that we canines did like to use the beds as a romping area probably did not help last year. I shall miss the tiny tomatoes though.

Well, we supposedly have rain in the forecast the next few days. I just hope it brings a close to the oppressive humidity. And I hope it stops raining while I must do my daily constitutional. Speaking of which, it is almost time to begin property patrol.

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

Howdy blogaroos. Happy Saturday. I hope your weekend is fun packed and bath-free. I mention bath-free because yours truly had to undergo an unplanned emergency bath yesterday, and it wasn’t even my fault! For a change. Plus I could report the Warden for canine endangerment. But I won’t. If she pays me off in treats….

On Thursday, the Warden visited with two peeps who I mentioned a few weeks back. They lost their 16 year old Golden and are dog-free for the first time….ever. So they asked the Warden if she could use some dog supplies – instead of them throwing them out. Things like shampoo and ear cleaner. The Warden reluctantly took the supplies – as she does hope they will get another canine kid some day. But she understood their wanting to clear some things out. And heaven knows we can use bathing supplies. I’m saying that with my eyes rolling.

When the Warden got home, she put the supplies away and put a Detangling Spray on a wheeled stand that she has next to our grooming table. She figured it would be great to use during brushing.

Fast forward to yesterday morning. It was super foggy during my sunrise walk- and the combo of my foggy wet coat with dried mud from the trail, made for a perfect mud spa appearance. Mostly on my feet and belly. So when I got home, I marched into the garage, all prepared for a quick rinsing in the tub – of my feet and belly. I stood like a little soldier as the water turned brown in the tub. The Warden lifted me onto the grooming table and gave me a good towel dry. So I was damp but clean. And then she had this bright idea. She would try some of that new detangling spray. She grabbed the bottle and spritzed some on my back and either side. With a final spritz on my butt. She sprayed some on her hand to check the fragrance. “Gee” she thought, “ it smells fresh and clean, almost like an all-purpose cleaner.” And then she looked at the bottle more closely. She had not sprayed me with the detangler she had been given – but household cleaner that she had been using for something the day before. And which she had left on the grooming table. Her eyes popped out of her head. She whisked me off the table and back into the tub and quickly doused me in water. Now I should add that this thankfully wasn’t a cleaner with caustic agents or bleach- but still, clearly not designed for dogs. She saturated my coat and then shampooed me. Three times. I think once would have been plenty. Then I was half dried with the jet engine dryer. All while the Coyote was still waiting for his walk. With his legs crossed.

Let me tell you, I was certainly clean at the end of my triple bath. Plus I think the household cleaner probably also helped brighten my coat. I’M JUST KIDDING. It wasn’t on long enough to do anything. I don’t think anyway.

The moral of the story. Make sure the fog on your glasses is WELL wiped off when you come in the house. And maybe coffee MIGHT be a good idea BEFORE we walk.

Good thing we love her…

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

Hey blogaroos! Squirmy here. So here’s a riddle? What comes out in hot weather? Has wings? Likes dark colors? And likes to bite? Nope- not a vampires. Deer flies. And they are are HERE.

Now the little flying blood suckers aren’t EVERYWHERE- and thankfully there are actually few around our house. BUT, when we go for a walk up the road, and onto the public trail- well they dive bomb from out of nowhere. They like my head and body because my coat is dark grey in color. They like dark colors. They don’t like the Boss or Coyote as much. They also like the Warden’s head. So when we hit certain spots on the trail, her arms are a-flailin’ trying to keep them out of her hair and off the back of my head and my body.

If you don’t know anything about the flying piranhas – here’s an article with photos:

https://commonsensehome.com/keep-biting-flies-away/

Now if your dog is bothered by flies, here is an article for Fido:

https://outwardhound.com/furtropolis/dogs/how-to-keep-flies-off-dogs

Frankly, I wasn’t thrilled with that article. I’m a clean guy – and the mini buzzards still chase me.

Most the articles we found talk about methods to keep flies away at home. But not many give suggestions for dogs out walking. Sure – humans can wear a cap – and some even wear caps with sticky strips to catch the flies. The Warden isn’t into picking flies off sticky strips. Ewwwwww.

It’s not so bad when it’s windy – and if you get up before the sun comes up, you’re probably safe. Then you’ll just run into bears and porcupines.

And speaking of the moving pin cushions, our neighbors have had numerous fruit trees destroyed by the prickly pigs. They can rip branches and chew bark better than a dog. They are on the look out for a live trap. I want to see what happens when they catch one. I’ll be on pins and needles to see what happens.

It’s hot here- so have to get walking early. Before the flies wake up.

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

Hey blogaroos. Squirmy here on another terrific Tuesday. We had a good weekend- and a quiet Monday – after my little walk-about the other day. The Warden said no more off leash for me for awhile. She’s SO dramatic. She wants me to be sociable – and then she gets annoyed when I am. Sometimes ya just can’t win.

So here’s some trivia for ya….. what is one activity that has the ability to relax the fear center in your brain – the amygdala. This activity reduces stressful thoughts and a restless mind. It’s easy. Kids like to do it. The answer: Live with three dogs!!! Hahaha haha. I’m joking. Remember, the Warden says living with us is like living with two year old triplets. Nope. Whatever it is, sounds like something the Warden needs to do. The real answer: coloring. And, According to the crazy calendar, today is National Coloring book Day. But you knew that, right?

So if you’re feeling stressed today, here are some websites that have what are supposed to be “free” coloring pages – of dogs. Some are for adults and some are listed for kids. I don’t think the Coloring Police would arrest an adult using the ones listed for kids or vice versa. I say “free” because some do have lots of ads. The first one is the best for different breeds – although you’ll note no Picard or PON. Color the Old English and cut off his legs a bit and you could make him look like a PON. Maybe. As for the Picard, take the Schnauzer, change his ears, give him a more shaggy wild coat all over, add a tail and voilà! He’ll look like a Picard wannabe.

https://www.first-school.ws/theme/animals/cp_pets/dog-breed-coloring-pages-1.htm

https://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/dog-coloring-pages.html

https://www.justcolor.net/kids/coloring-pages-of-animals/dogs/

And THEN, if you live in a household like ours, you will need this article…

https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-eats-crayon/

Frankly, I think colored pencils would be more palatable.

OK. That’s all we’ve got today. Have a terrific Tuesday!!

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

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy-don’t -do-that-again Wormy here on another sunny Sunday. Ah yes- a good day for lounging- and trying to stay out of trouble. I’m “trying” alright….

So who remembers our blog post from March 1? Anybody? Just joking – we didn’t remember either – so let me refresh your memory.

It was the last time the Coyote escaped. And the Warden didn’t know WHERE he went. But she soon found out – because his running image was captured on a neighbor’s security camera. So the Warden knew exactly where he had gone.

Who knew our OTHER neighbors ALSO have a security camera? And THIS time the image was of a smaller, shaggier, grey and white dog. Yup – yours truly decided to do some visiting.

I was coming down the driveway with the Warden after my morning walk, and she took me off leash. We did 30 seconds of heelwork, and when we stopped, I got a treat and the Warden said “free.” Now this is where there was a misunderstanding. To her, “free” means to walk or run to the door on my own. To ME, “free” means FREE. Free to go wherever I want. So I heard the word, and bolted into the woods. The Warden called me once, but knew I was likely on the bunny trail. She went in the house, but then came back out and marched up the driveway. She walked down the road toward the direction I went and in the direction of the nearest house. She walked to house, looked down their driveway, but saw no evidence of a shaggy runaway. She went back home, expecting to see me waiting for her – but nope- I was still on the lam.

Meanwhile the Coyote was waiting with crossed legs to go out. So she leashed him up, but instead of heading toward the road, decided to go around the house toward the lake. She marched around the house with the Coyote who immediately stopped to answer nature’s call. As she was waiting for him, she heard crashing in the woods and one ragged looking stick filled mop emerged, huffing and puffing. That would be me.

She just glared at me. The old “I can’t get mad at you because you DID come back” conundrum. Because you are mad. But relieved. We went in the house and she wondered just where I had been.

Well. Like I said before, who KNEW more neighbors had security cameras. The Warden got a text saying I had been spotted on their property. Checking out some items they had bought at Costco – but had left on the steps. What can I say?’ We know I love checking out grocery bags. I just happened to be passing by and wanted to be sure there wasn’t any food inside. That might spoil. Or be stolen by a raccoon. Not to worry – no edibles were found. All was safe….

The Warden said I need to understand exactly what free means. I said she clearly doesn’t understand the definition herself. She said freedom is not FREE. I said she needs to watch Braveheart. She said NO MORE out-of-sight freedom and visiting. I said “oh yeah?!” She said no treats. I said she wins.

Never, ever a dull moment…

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

Hey there blogaroos! Squirmy here on another fantastic Friday. And it’s doubly fantastic- because it’s a super special day. Today the Boss turns 12 1/2! Every day is REALLY a special day with seasoned dogs. We don’t like the word “senior.” Although the Boss says if it gets him discounts at the pet store, they can call him anything. Anyway, he’s feeling good – has good energy (even given the heat), he still loves to train, he STILL loves to eat- and all bodily functions are doing well. OK- one ear is still a bit goopy – just when the Warden thinks it is fine, yours truly starts licking it again. OK- I’ll stop. I think the Boss MAY get a special trip to the Pet store to celebrate his special day. Mind you, he’s never been CRAZY about car rides- so he’d probably be just as happy if the Warden went on her own and just brought him home a treat….The ONLY issue with the Boss, besides his never-ending love of barking, is his new thing when it gets dark out. Which at this time of the year isn’t until after 9PM. He starts to bark. To basically tell the Warden that he wants to go to bed. Well, it’s not bed so much as the treat he gets before bedtime. So around 9, he stands up and this is the conversation:

Boss: Boof. It’s bedtime.

Warden: It’s just 9. Wait at least 15 minutes.

One minute later…

Boss: Boof. It’s bedtime. Now!

Warden: Go out and pee.

Boss: Boof. I peed already.

Warden: You peed at 7. You need to pee again. Go out!

Boss: Boof. Nope.

Warden: Go out.

Boss: Boof. You come out too.

Warden goes out onto deck.

Warden: Now go down and pee.

Boss: Boof. I peed already.

Warden: You want a treat? You go pee.

Boss: Boof. You come with me.

By this point, I have run up and down the stairs 6 times and have peed 6 times. The Coyote is off wandering the yard.

Warden: I SAID go pee.

She walks to the top of the stairs and says “Go PEE.”

Boss: Boof. Show me how.

She dangles the treat, and he takes two steps down and stops.

Boss: Boof. I really don’t NEED to pee.

Warden: GOOOOOO

He FINALLY goes down the stairs, squats at the bottom step and pees. He races me back up to get a treat.

While we’re chomping away, the Warden is calling for the Coyote who saunters up the stairs in Picard time.

This routine happens every night. And THAT is why he’s called the Boss….

I have school this afternoon- which is always good fun. Except for the obligatory brushing beforehand. Why is it whenever we canines go out in public, we have to be presentable? The whole barrette thing drives me crazy. All week I can have my rugged, wild-looking macho appearance- and whoosh – I’m going out in public and the barrettes come out. The Warden says she wants to look at my eyes- I guess to be sure I’m not staring at my classmate Ranger’s owner. She gave me a treat. Once. And now I’m hers. For life. I think the Warden is jealous. Not to mention the fact that I love our teacher. She has really good treats. And I know it. Hey. You want me to be sociable, right?

That’s it from the funhouse. Time for walkies!

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