It’s me again -Squirmy!!!! You’ll know what? I’m starting to answer to Squirmy! It’s such an appropriate name for me!

My enforcer thinks I’m pretty funny. Sometimes. Other times she threatens to put me on a bus to New Jersey. And I just laugh – because everybody knows the border is still closed!

We know that we puppies go through various stages as we grow. Like the teething stage and various fear periods. And I have entered into the Kleptomaniac period. I am obsessed with getting in that closet – or mini warehouse that my enforcer has. That thing is chockablock full of cool stuff. The BEST thing is a basket full of…are you ready…..SHOES!!!! I am RARELY ever unsupervised- but IF she goes into the bathroom for just a minute, and I’m left out with the other guys, the first thing I now do is push that door open and go exploring. Of course, like all the doors in this house, it squeaks, so my enforcer immediately comes to see what I’m doing. By the time she comes out, I usually have a new piece of foot ware that I have stolen. I wait for her to see that I have it- and as soon as she says “hey what have you got?” I hightail it for the dining room. As FAST as I can possibly go. Now my enforcer KNOWS that she shouldn’t laugh AND she shouldn’t chase me – so she tries to keep a straight face while she offers the Boss some super yummy treat. And you know I have to see what he’s getting. So far, the value of those treats has outweighed the foot ware value – so I abandon my stolen foot ware. So far.

My enforcer was trying to see if ALL puppies go through the Kleptomaniac period. It was interesting to see that hunting breeds particularly like to steal. And busy breeds like Border Collies may do it just to burn off energy. I think that’s me. I’m like the Energizer Bunny. It takes a LOT to tire me out. Anyway, here’s and article about us klepto-canines:

https://wagwalking.com/behavior/why-do-dogs-take-things-and-run

Besides my new role as a robber, I also have started to become very serious about my role as a guard dog. If I hear something out of the ordinary, I bark a really serious big dog bark. Again my enforcer tries to keep a straight face. I guess my sweet looking shaggy appearance doesn’t really go with the Cujo mode.

Well time to go for my morning walk up the driveway. Then I come back and the other guys go out for their walk. And I bark the entire time they are gone. And even with the windows shut, my enforcer can hear me. Any suggestions on how to get me to be quiet are most welcome! Don’t bother suggesting something yummy to eat or chew. Doesn’t work. Although I DID actually eat a couple of biscuits yesterday- but not everything. I’m a chatty guy – what can I say? And I’m lovin’ life and have to tell the world that I do!!! I think I’m precious. Sometimes.

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

It’s Squirmy here again. The other two guys are finding this weather too hot – so they didn’t feel like writing. I gladly volunteered!

So what’s new with me. Well I met another neighbor the other day. The nice guy from across the road was putting out his garbage, so my enforcer asked if he had a minute to meet me. He said “sure” so my enforcer went on to tell him that he should just ignore me – and not put his hands out unless he wanted to lose a finger. Just kidding. Sort of. She did say to not make a fuss about me – as I can be aloof with strangers. Yeah – well that was last week. I’m over the aloof stuff. I walked right over and jumped on him. And I didn’t rip off his fingers as he went on to pet me. My enforcer needs to chill – I’m a sociable guy. Sure I don’t love people getting in my face – but what dog does? OK – maybe a Lab or Golden – those guys are pretty laid back. Mind you, even they might not appreciate super closeness with strangers in the first 2 minutes. My enforcer read an article on Wastebook the other day – and it said that people who meet a dog for the first time shouldn’t do the one thing that most people do – put their hand out for the dog to sniff. This article said that we dogs have superpower noses – so no need to stick a hand into our personal space for us to smell you. We already have smelled you. Just stand and wait for US to come over – and then don’t pat us on the head – but rather a few slow pats on the back. If we’re all happy and waggy-tailed, then you can get less reserved with your pats. I mean I’m not suggesting you now slap us on the side, but you know what I mean.

Anyway, I was a polite neighbor and no bandaids were required.

My enforcer tries so hard to be sure I’m safe all the time – and because my bones and joints are still growing, she doesn’t want me racing up and down stairs or jumping off high surfaces. Well – she can control my access to the stairs with a gate – so she has that covered. BUT – outside is a whole other story. You see she had this little vegetable garden and it’s on a little wall. The wall is about 2 feet high. And do you know what? When I get my crazy zoomies, my favorite thing to do is fly off that wall. Up and down. And my enforcer cannot catch me – I’m so fast. So yesterday, she thought she would be clever and she put a row of lawn chairs blocking me from going up and down that wall. So what did I do instead? I PLOWED through that vegetable garden. Lettuce went flying and tomatoes went rolling. The ONE pumpkin came close to being severed from the vine and it’s not nearly finished growing. When I got myself tangled up in the tomato cages, my enforcer had to release me from my bondage – all the time I was in frenzy mode – snapping like a crazed shark. I was exhausted by the time I got out of there. Why do tomatoes need cages anyway? Are they going to take off and go to another part of the garden?!

That’s all my news for today. The coyote is still in quarantine- although he seems a tiny bit better. Still, we’re not allowed to wrestle yet. So I guess it will be me and the tomato cages for the foreseeable future.

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

Hey everybody! It’s me- Squirmy!!!!! How’s your large life today? Mine is just the biscuits.

I must say though, that it’s hard work being a puppy. Here I am working to dig some new holes for planting some shrubs. I’m following the moves of my mentor – who you’ll also see in the video.

Here I have to really put my heart into it -so I add some vocals.

And if it’s not bad enough that I have to work in the garden – I now ALSO have to work for my lunch!!!

My enforcer bought these intellectual toys for my brothers a couple of years ago – and they have been sitting in their boxes gathering dust. So – she got this bright idea to try them out with me. Here is one.

See those little black handles? When you pull them, there is a little drawer where treats are placed. So you pull each one and voila – you get a treat! Or in my case – my LUNCH! You can smell the food through the hole in the top. Once you figure out the drawer thing, you can make the game more difficult by putting a peg in the hole – so then you need to pull out the peg before you can open the drawer. I have the drawer thing down – although I do get into a bit of a frenzy opening those things. And I’m actually starting to figure out how to pull out the peg – BUT I get so excited with the peg that I just take off with that -and would like to chew it! So I’m not really ready for the peg part yet. Here’s a quick video of me at lunch time. This is my second time around. I already emptied it once with half my lunch. You see the idea. I didn’t pull the peg out in this one – but I did the first time around.

So that’s me working for my meal. I need to see if there is such a thing as Puppy Labor Laws. I think I’m a bit young to be working for my meals, don’t you?

I think I’m due for some socializing today. We were home ALL day yesterday- so I need to do something today. I can’t play with the coyote which is killing both of us. So time for a road trip. My choice is somewhere that they sell food or toys. But not the educational ones. Or maybe someplace that sells shrubs…..

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

Howdy readers. Elroy again. I’m figuring you might want to know how I did with my Massage Therapy. So I get to write again. Mind you – I SHOULD be the one writing as it’s like quarantine all over again for moi. I can’t do much of anything else! I’m happy, but not happy.

So here’s the story. I loved the whole massage gig. The therapist, Liz, met me and I was happy to make her acquaintance. Although at first I thought it a bit odd that she just let me walk around the room, while she stared at me. That was a bit spooky. But I then realized she was trying to see where my problem was – and it took her about .05 seconds to figure out which leg was bothering me. So right from the start, I knew she had good eyes.

Then, she started to touch me all over. At first I thought it a bit odd – I would rather be giving her kisses and just jumping around. But after a few minutes, I figured out this whole Zen massage thing – and I let her fingers do the walking. When she would find a tender spot, she would do something magical, because while I initially responded with a jump the first few times she touched the sore area – after she massaged it, I was no longer jumping when she touched it. Her Highness witnessed the whole thing – and could SEE how my muscles relaxed.

Liz thought that my problem was a bit with the iliopsoas muscle – but she felt the REAL problem was actually my pectineus muscle. That’s deeper in the groin. Same general area. Same symptoms though. She showed Her Highness some exercises to do with me daily. I’m not allowed to rough house with the shark and all my walks must be on leash. I can go for a walk up to 20 minutes, but no jumping and acting like a gymnast. She said to continue with the meds my vet gave me – and to add some Omega 3 to my diet. Looks like fish oil will be on the menu. She wants to see me again in 3 weeks.

Her Highness was relieved to hear the same observations from the therapist that we got from our vet. As well as several friends who have watched my videos and have ALL said it was a muscle strain – and not a joint injury. We are aware that this doesn’t necessarily speed up my recovery time, but we’re thankful I’m not looking at surgery.

Meanwhile, the shark is having to entertain himself. The Boss almost lets him play with him – but not like I do. And Her Highness is forever saying “No bite” and stuffing toys in his mouth to take the place of her arm or leg – so she doesn’t play like I do either. The Shark looks longingly at me – and does try to instigate play when I’m out of my crate. Even I try to play with him – by shoving a toy in his face. But Her Highness – the original Fun Police, will not let us have ANY fun. She keeps trying to entertain him and tire him out – and sometimes he does it himself. He runs FULL speed like a balloon with the air escaping – around the yard, under the deck stairs, into the house, out of the house, around the yard, into the vegetable garden, around the yard – and then like a deflated balloon, he collapses. The worst time of day is the morning. It’s like his batteries have been charging overnight, and he’s all juiced up. Her Highness was seriously think about sending a thank you letter to the makers of those Kong things that you stuff with goodies. They have been a godsend. The Boss gets one too – otherwise he stares at the Shark waiting for him to drop it (if he’s not in his crate or ex pen). If the Boss has one, they are both busy. I have been offered one numerous times – but no thanks. Chewing rubber is just not my thing – no matter what it’s stuffed with.

So that’s my story. Patience. Patience. And more patience is what I need. And so does Her Highness. I figure I’ll be all recovered by Christmas, and then she’ll be worried about me on ice. Yup that bubble wrap suit is looking better all the time.

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

Howdy everyone. Elroy here. Also known as Gimpy. I must tell you, being injured is not fun.

So I went back to the vet yesterday, and Her Highness was armed with more videos. The vet moved my legs all around – and I was the perfect patient. She concluded I have NO joint issues – she did numerous tests on my joints and everything was fine. The only time I was not comfortable was when she started probing my iliopsoas muscle. That bothered me. I never heard about an iliopsoas before. It almost sounds like some kind of dinosaur. Here’s some info about it:

https://criticalcaredvm.com/iliopsoas-muscle-injury-dogs/

Sooooo…..today I have an appointment with a Canine Massage Therapist who works with dogs who have soft tissue injuries. My vet said if that doesn’t work out well, she will refer us to someone else. Her Highness is very hopeful that we may get some help today with that therapy. Time will tell. I just need to relax. But it’s hard to be a relaxed canine when you have a new fenced yard where you can run and play – AND you have a Shaggy Shark brother who WANTS to play. I’m just worried that once I’m all better, Her Highness is going to want to wrap me in bubble wrap. Mind you, that might save me from the Shaggy Shark….

Meanwhile, although the snapper is smart, he still hasn’t figured out that mud equals bath. He continues to dig – and continues to get baths. At least he smells nice. After.

But the funniest shark story came in the mail yesterday. It all started because Her Highness has a dear friend who was on a little holiday last weekend. Actually, you might remember her – she is Mighty Milo’s human. We haven’t seen them since the Great Pause. We miss them both!

Anyway, Mighty Milo’s human saw this item in a gift shop while on her holiday- and had to send a photo to Her Highness. Well – you KNOW Her Highness HAD to get this – and both the Boss and I agreed that it was a good purchase. It’s a good warning system for the unsuspecting public. Check it out…

It was perfect timing because the Shaggy Shark is just about to outgrow his second collar. Even putting a collar on the Shark is not a simple task- wrestling with sharp teeth is not easy. But Her Highness did manage to somehow get it on him. Now to get him to stay still long enough for a photo. And before the collar gets all muddy.

I think he’s the guy who should be going for massage and relaxation therapy. If the therapist is willing to take the risk….

Anyway – wish me luck!

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

Greetings blog readers. Frodo here. I’ll begin my blog today with a Jeopardy answer. See if you can figure out the question…

Dogs do this behavior if they are seeking entertainment, comfort, or attention, or they are planning an escape or hunting prey.

And the question? Why do dogs dig?

In our household, we are all lately displaying varying degrees of this behavior. Personally, when I dig, I am trying to find a cool, comfortable spot – and dug up earth provides the perfect bed. Mind you, I also dig at the tile floor in the kitchen as well. My efforts in doing so do not really result in a more comfortable bed, but it doesn’t stop me from trying.

Thus far, none of us has dug anywhere near the fence so clearly we haven’t yet begun to plan our escapes. Note I said “yet.”

As well, none of us have begun to hunt for the chipmunk who has a little hole in our dog yard. In fact, I haven’t seen much of him since the fence was completed. Guess he didn’t want to play fetch. And be the fetch toy.

Now my other two “brothers” dig for both entertainment and for attention. Digging for entertainment is simply a way to burn off energy – or even to potentially bury toys. And when digging occurs just AFTER one has been brushed – and has then headed for the mud hole when Her Highness shouts “no” – that’s for attention. This behavior is demonstrated perfectly by the Shaggy Shark.

On a different topic, the Beatnik was feeling in tip top condition when he visited the vet the other day. Her Highness could not accompany him in yet – so she described his problem to the technician who came out to gather him. Complete with video footage. However, the vet saw no evidence of a problem when she examined him and said he could return to normal activities. Oh – he DID have one rather embarrassing problem having to do with his ummm…anal glands. They were – how can I say this, rather enlarged – and needed “attention.” Her Highness had discovered that in the morning, before his appointment- so she had mentioned it. She had actually found a site on the internet which said that “uncomfortable” glands could even result in lameness in some cases. She wondered if this could have attributed to his rather unusual soreness.

Anyway, his glands were attended to – and all seemed right with the world. That is until he began running and wrestling with the shark again – and guess what? He was sore again. So he will be returning to the vet – AND I believe I also heard about a visit to a Canine Rehab specialist. More on that to follow.

I understand the Shaggy Shark has a special package that will be arriving in the post any day now. Perhaps when we next write, we will be able to share the mystery parcel. My bets are on shampoo….But we’ll see…

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

Hey readers. Elroy here to tell you about my new role as a middle canine. I’m not so sure I like it.

Let’s face it- for 4 years I have been the baby in this household. And now, I have had to relinquish that title to the Shaggy Shark. And I’m not all that impressed.

Sure he’s fun to wrestle with – but all that playing got me in trouble – I’m sore and achy and as a result have been spending a lot of time in my pony sized crate. I walk fine- and if anyone saw me, they wouldn’t notice a thing wrong. But Her Highness noticed that I was favoring a back leg when I’m standing still – sometimes, so she’s been watching my EVERY move like a hawk. I’m definitely better than last week, but rumor has it I might be going to the vet today – just to be checked out. At least I get to escape for an hour or two from the singing PON duo. A guy needs a break every now and then.

And speaking of health news – there’s good news and bad news when it comes to COVID and us canines. The bad news – the first dog to have contracted the virus in the US has died. Yikes! BUT – and here’s a big but- the dog also had lymphoma. It sounds like COVID didn’t help – but may not have been the primary reason for his death. Here’s the full story:

https://api.nationalgeographic.com/distribution/public/amp/animals/2020/07/first-dog-to-test-positive-for-covid-in-us-dies

In a good news COVID story – we dogs are coming to the rescue in helping to detect the virus. We may have talked about this before, but there have been some recent advances in training us dogs to sniff out the virus. Here’s a link from a few days ago;

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/german-researchers-trained-dogs-sniff-out-covid-19-coronavirus-infections/

I bet that shark could sniff out the virus. He can smell the tiniest piece of treat in Her Highness’ pocket. He’s crazy about food.

In another health note, Her Highness decided to make us some Tumeric Paste the other day. The magic concoction is supposed to be an anti- inflammatory, anti-cancer wonder. Here’s a video about it:

https://youtu.be/wLkDPrROAZ0

Well. Imagine throwing a teaspoon of that in the bowl of a picky Picard like moi. Her Highness had to keep throwing extra goodies like freeze dried liver in my bowl to make me eat my supper. I DID eat everything- but I’m not so sure I’m a fan of the yellow blob just yet. Meanwhile, the PONs inhaled it.

So keep your paws crossed today that the vet doesn’t find anything serious wrong with me. Although maybe she can counsel me about my new role as a middle canine. You know, there’s lots of famous people who were middle children – like Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Jr., Bill Gates and Lech Walesa. And those guys did pretty well in life. So I’m sure I’ll do just fine. Once I start feeling like 100%. But recovery takes time…. so I need to be patient. To be truthful- it’s not ME who needs to be patient- it’s Her Highness who could use some relaxation therapy right about now. She does sleep well at night though…

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

Squirmy here everybody! I’m a couple days older than the last time I wrote – so I think that I’m even more mature. Sure I am! I want to be a biting, wild, Shaggy Shark puppy FOREVER! You know that song, “Born to be Wild?” It’s my theme song! That and “BabyShark.” I mentioned that so you’ll be stuck with that song all day now.

My latest skill is RACING as fast as I can under the deck stairs, and attempting to bury my toys there. I’ve learned in the past few days that IF you grab the hose while the enforcer is watering the garden (the one I did a little dance in the other day), you end up getting all wet. And when you dig and try to bury your toys after getting all wet, your fur turns a different color!

Then, after you get really good and muddy, the party comes to an abrupt halt. And you are taken into the torture palace ( that’s what the Boss calls it), you are put in a tub, you get all soapy, and then you get all rinsed off. Yup. That really happened to me. And if that wasn’t enough of a shock, IMAGINE my surprise when the enforcer turned on this THING that blows air like a jet engine. Good thing I’m not a chihuahua- I would have been blown off the table. The enforcer introduced the air slowly – but I didn’t care. I mean it’s just air. Anyway, after I was all fluffy and clean, she let me out for a pee and she had to tackle me because after I peed, I was headed back to bury more toys. Good times.

I must confess, I’m feeling sad because my best buddy is in house arrest. The coyote’s leg IS better- but still not 100%. Most people wouldn’t even notice he has a problem, but the enforcer, with her constant surveillance, watches every move he makes. She sent a couple of videos of him to her buddy Glenda, who said in 2/3 videos, she saw nothing unusual. She did see a tiny issue in one video – so she said to keep him sequestered for a few more days. I just stay outside his house and wait for him….When I’m not trying to rip the sheets off the bed.

As a result of not being able to torment er…. I mean play with the coyote, I’m stuck with the grump. He won’t play, but he will sing along. Here’s another duet – to drive your dogs crazy!

You know, I like to follow the enforcer wherever she goes. Except I’m no longer allowed in the bathroom. There was this little incident with pulling most of the toilet paper off the roll that got me banned from the bathroom. Some people call it the restroom. The enforcer calls it that because it’s the only place she can get away from us and rest- and where I don’t bark incessantly outside the door. I know she has to eventually come out – so I just wait. She mumbled something the other day about putting a cot in there. She’s pretty funny.

So those are my latest views on this cool world. Some people are all stressed out about this pandemic thing and the state of the world. Not me! It’s the only world I know. I was born in the pandemic. I’m a pandemic puppy. I find it hard to believe things could get any better. I guess it’s all about perspective. I’ve got food, a house, water, brothers to kill…er I mean play with…. Toys and furniture to chew on. A yard to dig in. What more could a guy want?

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

Greetings readers. Frodo here. Reporting from the circus. If anyone is looking for an older, distinguished PON, who is generally well mannered, who knows a variety of obedience commands, who avoids puddles (therefore rarely requiring the need for drying off), and who will guard your home, road and county – I am looking for a new abode. At least for a few days.

I’m afraid I have met my match with the new addition. I thought I had strong vocal qualities, and a bit of a stubborn streak at times- but I concede defeat to the Shaggy Shark. That lad is louder than yours truly – and he never, ever gives up once he has an idea in his mind. Here is a quick clip of him attempting to convince me to play – and we eventually end up performing a duet. And yes. This goes on frequently in the course of a day….

Heaven help me.

Meanwhile, the Beatnik is currently out of commission because after a roll-a-thon and chase-a-thon with the shark the other night, he ended up with a sore leg. Or foot. Or toe. One cannot actually determine what is wrong other than the fact that he is favoring a rear leg. He appears to walk well, but prefers not to put much weight on that leg while standing. Her Highness moved his leg, examined his pads, his nails, and his toes- and he showed no signs of pain. No signs of swelling. No heat on any joint areas. But of course, Her Highness immediately envisions the worst orthopedic problems in the Merck Manual. So the poor Beatnik is currently on crate rest. Understandably, he is not very pleased. Please send good thoughts for a speedy recovery. Like by the end of today. Or he’ll be making a trip to the vet….

We’ve had no visitors since the last group was sent away sporting flashy bandaids. Just joking. Sort of. The Shark did not go out socializing, as we have had extremely hot weather – so Her Highness knew once he would step outside the air conditioned vehicle, he would be unhappy. And who wants an unhappy shark? Personally, I think a little overheating might have slowed him down a bit. Just joking. Sort of.

Despite what might sound like a disapproving tone – I do like the imp. He’s not afraid to speak his mind – and he completely respects yours truly. Probably even more than he respects Her Highness. That’s because I have sharper teeth. And I’m not afraid to use them. I suppose I SHOULD give some lessons to Her Highness. But I need to let her think it’s her idea.

In the meantime, though, I am still looking for a few days away if anyone will have me. Better yet, I’ll stay and you can borrow the shark. Bring him back when those teeth come out.

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

Howdy blogaroos. It’s me again “no, no, no.” I’m here to tell you the stuff I’m learning. Oh wait – the stuff I’m TEACHING my enforcer.

When it’s meal time and I get absolutely crazy crazy CRAZY, I found out I apparently need to be settled down before I get my food. So instead of launching myself off my enforcer, I sit in my meal time place and I wait while she puts my bowl down. Initially, she needed to hold my collar and to tell me to wait, but within two days I figured out the rule, and now I sit all by myself and wait to be told “free” so I can throw myself into my food dish.

I get tons of treats throughout the day. If I sit instead of jump on the enforcer, I get a treat. If I come when called, I get a treat. If I retrieve, I get a treat. If I’m silent in my crate, I get a treat. I suppose I should clarify a big thing here. When I say treat- it’s usually a piece of my kibble. But I don’t care – it’s food!

Meanwhile, the Grump sees what I do, so he hurries over to the enforcer too. He even answers to my name! He has probably gained 5 lbs since I arrived. Yesterday, I heard the enforcer even say to him “ your name is not Wojtekl!”

I learn from the Grump too. He shows me how to do things like spin around, twist the other way, and how to walk on a leash. He’s my idol. He’s almost starting to play with me – but I have to watch out for him because he steals my toys and then gets SUPER cranky if I try to get them back. The enforcer takes them from him – and guess what he gets? A treat. I’m going to stop calling him Grumpy – I’ll be calling him Tubby soon.

The coyote and I are buddies again. He was kind of annoyed with me for a few days because I must confess, I WAS biting him too hard. But I get it – I need to do a light bite. That makes him much more happy!

I still do try to bite my enforcer when I’m excited. Every day she puts on a clean shirt and discovers it has a tiny hole in it. Same thing for her shorts. I suggested that maybe it’s moths. But since they aren’t wool – I become the usual suspect.

That’s it for now. I think I’m due for an outing today. Wonder what new establishment will be graced with my presence?

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