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Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy Wormy here. Your happy-go-lucky-wild-wooly buddy. It’s Saturday- and it’s sunny. Life is good.

So today I have a funny story about The Coyote. And a case of mistaken identity.

It happened the other day when he and My Enforcer were walking down the road. He was prancing along in his blissful Picard state when a car passed by them on the road. The car suddenly put on the brakes, and My Enforcer watched as they pulled into a driveway and turned around and came back toward them. The driver slowed and rolled down his window. They stopped on the other side of the road and the driver and passenger were staring at My Enforcer and the Coyote. It was rather early in the day so it wasn’t likely that they were enamored by the radiance of My Enforcer. I mean I shouldn’t tell tales, but she barely pushes down her bed head and brushes her teeth before she takes us on our morning walks. I mean no offense but let’s just say we don’t love her because of the way she looks in the morning…

Anyway, the driver stopped and shouted out to My Enforcer “excuse me – what kind of a mixed breed is that?” My Enforcer shouted “he’s not a mixed breed- he’s a full fledged Coyote.” Just joking – she walked into the middle of the road and explained that he was a purebred – and he was a Yorkshire Terrier who she fed too much. Just joking again – she said he was a French herding dog called a Berger Picard or Picardy Shepherd. They said they just had to ask – they thought he might be a German Shepherd-poodle cross. Really. I’m not joking about that part. In that weird pleasant voice that she uses sometimes when she wants us to come to get groomed, she explained that he was not a Germadoodle. He was a card carrying registered real breed. Well they just thought he was THE coolest dog they had ever seen. Meanwhile, the Coyote stood there and listened while he watched birds overhead. My Enforcer explained a bit about the breed – and they were just delighted to have seen him. Thankfully Mr Spectacle didn’t jump on the side of their vehicle and scrape the paint off. He was actually very well behaved- and a good ambassador for the breed. They thanked My Enforcer for sharing all the breed info. Probably more than they wanted to know…

I can’t say any cars have stopped to ask what breed I am. Good thing – I believe that strangers equal danger, so while I may LOOK like a cute puffy ball of fluff, I do a really, really good Cujo impersonation with anyone I don’t know. Just like The Boss. Just keep on driving folks.

Today I have to do some cramming because my rally class starts up again tomorrow!!! Can’t wait to see all my classmates. OK. Let’s be honest. What I REALLY can’t wait for is the cheese strings. And I do like our teacher too.

My Enforcer might start painting the deck today – I hope she lets me help! Call me PONcasso – I know I can do a lovely job!!!! I’ll keep you posted!

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

Hey everybody- it’s me – Squirmy! Also known as Captain Chaos. Yup. I keep things hopping around here. And yesterday, My Enforcer looked at me and said “Do you know what the letters P-O-N stand for? In your case – Pest Or Nuisance!!!!”

Yup I was in the doghouse yesterday. But it REALLY wasn’t my fault. I didn’t get a walk in the morning. All because of some stupid thunder and lightning and rain. So without my walk, I had double the energy to burn…

It all began when My Enforcer was trying to eat breakfast. First I got into a jumping and wrestling match with the Coyote. When we nearly knocked over a lamp – My Enforcer told us to knock it off. So I moved on to my next victim. The Boss. Lately I have decided that I really don’t like his hairdo. So, at every chance I get, I try to rearrange the hair on his head. And ok, around his neck too. And I’ll try other body parts if he’ll let me. Yesterday though, he was cranky because he got wet in the rain, and every time I tried to fix his hair, he would grumble at me. My Enforcer said to leave him alone. But the urge to fix that coiffure was too much. I tried again, and again the Boss grumbled. My Enforcer warned me again in that slightly louder and more annoyed voice that she has when I don’t listen the first time – and when she hasn’t had enough coffee. After my third styling attempt and a louder grumble from the Boss, guess who ended up in his crate? Yup. Vidal PONsoon.

After My Enforcer finished breakfast, she announced that since it was a crappy day, it was PERFECT for grooming. And guess who her first subject was? Yup – yours truly. I’m just over 13 months and holy biscuit – my coat is wild lately. I must be getting a big boy coat or something, because all you need to do is look at me, and I mat! And it’s not like I didn’t just have a good brushing on the weekend!!! So we went into the grooming palace aka garage and My Enforcer turned on a fan and opened the garage door – to keep us both cool. It took just over an hour to smooth me out.

Next it was The Boss’ turn. He took off when she went to get him. The deck door was open – BUT it was raining. He was between a rock and a hard place – rain or grooming. She pretty much had to put a leash on him and drag him into the garage.

That’s when My Enforcer REALLY saw the results of my styling work. The Boss was one giant mat around his neck, on the top of his head and on his face. OK maybe it wasn’t THAT bad – but enough that My Enforcer let out an anguished cry when she examined him closely. And again – it’s not like he wasn’t brushed for a month – he was brushed last weekend too!!!! Now I’m not bad when it comes to grooming – but we all know that the drama king moans and groans and pants throughout the brush-a-thon. Mind you he INSTANTLY stops every time he gets a treat – which is pretty frequently.

After that hour and a half marathon, she brought the easy-care Picard in. He needed his nails dremeled and he needed a brushing too. And then, My Enforcer announced – “you kinda stink. I think you need a bath.” Poor dude. He got the full spa treatment. Although he’s pretty cooperative.

So after over 3.5 hours of brushing, wrestling and bathing, we were all done. My Enforcer announced that she needed another coffee. And maybe a nap. I suppose, at that point, it wasn’t super wise of me to start trying to restyle The Boss’ hair. “Aggghhhhhh” My Enforcer shouted. No then I think she said something about “escaping from this institution” for the rest of the day. She didn’t really go anywhere. It was just her being a Drama Queen. We know where The Boss gets it from.

No rain in the forecast today – so I’ll get a good walk!!!! Something tells me that will be good for EVERYONE.

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

Salutations blog readers. Frodo here. In the balmy Maritimes. Yes – summer has arrived before the official “date.” We cannot blame the groundhog for this early arrival – he is only “responsible” for Spring forecasts. If one believes a prognosticating rodent. But I digress.

It is very warm here. And there are two weather phenomena that this PON does not appreciate – rain. And heat. I’m a cool, dry kind of dog.

These days we find ourselves losing our hearing by the minute. Due to the fans working at high speed in every room. No. We do not have air conditioning. Yes. You may feel sorry for me. But not to worry too much – as I do plant myself in front of each fan as I move from room to room.

Today according to the Crazy Calendar is something called World Pet Memorial Day. A day to think fondly of those pets who completed their roles on earth, and have gone to the Rainbow Bridge. The reason for this day is not meant to be sad, but to be thankful for having the privilege of being owned by those pets in the first place – no matter how long the time. And it’s key not to focus on the time – because let’s be truthful- it’s never, ever, ever long enough.

Her Highness’ first dog (when living away from home) was Barney – a terrier-cross who she adopted from the SPCA. He was labeled “the biter” and he wore his label proudly. He and Her Highness learned to respect each other – and he taught her a great deal about patience. That was back in the day when she fed him a diet of what would be considered junk food today, and she had him vaccinated every single year. He failed obedience classes miserably, although he was an extremely smart dog. And yes- he bit her on more than one occasion. But he had an alter ego that WAS sweet and loving. Despite his diet of simulated food made mostly of colored grain and corn – in the shape of beef patties, and the application of “toxic vaccines and flea and tick medications” he lived to 17.5…. He probably taught her more than any dog ever has…

The other canine crew included four Bernese Mountain Dogs – Schubert, Guinness, Harper and Paxton. That tri-colored crew introduced her to the world of dog shows, obedience, rally, draft and even an agility. As well, Her Highness became involved in Drill Team with her Berners – which included visitations to nursing homes and small groups. Her Highness still thinks it was one of the most rewarding things she did with her dogs. Each Swiss bear was different- but each was a loving, lovable companion.

There was the Labrador, Beamish, who introduced Her Highness to field work. And dogs who like to eat poop. Not one of his most endearing qualities. But there was a dog whose tail never stopped wagging. He was a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. All the time.

And last but not least there was Viktor… the dog who is responsible for you reading our adventures today. Crazy, rabbit-chasing, wild Viktor. Sometimes I think that Viktor has returned – there are tremendous similarities between him and the imp…..with a bit of devil thrown in for good measure.

So today take a moment to remember those who dogs have fulfilled their duties on earth. I suppose it’s rather ironic that there is a “day” devoted to this – as I dare say, most humans do not need to be reminded to cherish those memories. They do so almost every day….

“No longer by my side but forever in my heart.”

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

Howdy doody blogaroos! Happy Sunday! It’s the Squirmster report today! I hope you’re having a waggy tail kind of day. I sure am!

So yesterday- I went back to school. Well, not the full class. This was a one-on-one session with my favorite teacher, Jane. My Enforcer said it was a remedial class. Because I need remedial work. Whatever that means.

Anyway, I think back to the first day I met Jane when I was just a little guy. I was kinda shy and nervous. Now I jump on her – AND if she starts walking like she’s doing heel work, I go right next to her and join in!

Even though we’ve kinda been on a training hiatus with the COVID, I remembered everything I needed to do. PLUS – My Enforcer told Jane I needed help with my dumbbell- because I drop it before I return with it. I heard her telling Jane about the problems I was having. So guess what – I did my favorite thing- I proved her wrong! I did my dumbell retrieve just fine. My Enforcer just looked at me. I just wanted to prove her wrong and show off for Jane. Score!

The other guys were annoyed when I got home. My Enforcer had to give them extra treats to keep them happy. Mind you, none of us were happy for very long. Why? The deck ordeal. What’s the deck ordeal? Well. We have this deck. And before My Enforcer bought this house, the previous owner painted it. So. Every year it needs a touch up. And then every couple of years it needs a MAJOR touch up. We’re talking scraping and sanding and lots of four letter words. We dogs did a pretty good job of scraping some of it – like at the top of the stairs. And we COULD help scrape more if we were “allowed” to. But no. We just have to watch My Enforcer with her sander, moving back and forth. Up and down. Side to side. It sounds like she has a pattern – but she doesn’t. No wonder she ends up dizzy after a couple of hours.

After the sanding will come the painting. I can’t WAIT for that!! I think my paws would look cool in a rust color.

I’m not really sure why she’s going through all this torture. I mean within 24 hours if it being finished, one of us will pee on it, and somebody else will scrape off some paint. Seems like another one of those pointless two-legged tasks. Like vacuuming. Hello? You have dogs. Just ignore the fuzz.

Today I’m going out AGAIN! I’m going for a walk with my girlfriend, Gina. She hasn’t seen me in so long- I hope she remembers me. Just kidding. We all know I’m unforgettable.

Oh. Before I end – did you SEE this video that went viral – of a girl saving her dogs from a bear?! Check it out:

https://globalnews.ca/news/7911534/teen-girl-shoves-bear-save-dogs-fence-video/amp/

Holy biscuits that’s one cranky bear! And that girl was sure…..I’m not sure what the right word is. Brave? Or crazy. My Enforcer said that if we encounter a bear like that, don’t count on her pushing it. Mind you, I doubt a bear would be walking on our wire fence.

OK. Gotta go get brushed so I look good for Gina.

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

Yo. Blogees. Elroy here. Ready to roll into another weekend. But really, since Her Highness retired, every day is a weekend. Mind you, her work productivity is less. But – who am I to say anything? My idea of work is actually bringing back a fetch toy.

Speaking of which, I kinda blew it the other day when it was my turn to play. Her Highness had taken each of the mops out, one at a time to do some “training.” The Boss doesn’t really need it – but Captain Chaos can certainly use it. Anyway, she decided to break out the REAL training crack – cheese strings. Even I can’t pass up one of those soft yellow-orange worm-shaped wonders. The mops go out of their minds when the lanky fromage is removed from its wrapping.

So each of them had a training turn – and then it was my turn. Not to train – but to play with Her Highness. She got a couple pieces of crack, gave the mops some kibble to keep them quiet for 10 seconds, and took me outside. The plan was to “play fetch.” At least that was HER plan. But before we began, she noticed someone had left a “monument” in the yard. She didn’t want me running through it – so she took a bag out of the ever-present supply in her dog pants pocket, and scooped up the poop. Meanwhile, yours truly was wandering around the yard aimlessly. And I was getting bored waiting. After her clean up, she excitedly showed me the crack. Cool. She had a bumper toy and she wound up and gave it a throw. I got ALL excited, practically leaped out of my skin and raced to get it. Grabbed that toy, turned around – and ran straight back up the steps and to the deck door. Her Highness repeatedly called to me – but it’s not like I listen. Cheese strings or no cheese strings – I do not like the fetch game. But we all know I could change my mind tomorrow. Picard rules. It’s also that intermittent reinforcement – you KNOW she’ll try again. She trudged up the steps and just looked at me. “Good thing you’re cute” she said as she opened the deck door.

Plus I have a story about Captain Chaos. You know, sometimes he walks around this place like he owns it. He’s all bold and full of himself. Sometimes The Boss and I need to remind him that he’s Number 3 on the seniority list.

Anyway, yesterday morning, he was out on the trail for his morning constitutional, when suddenly a neighbor came into view on the trail, coming toward him. Well, Mr Bossy Bold Pants had to do the whole mop mania thing where you bark and pull like Cujo. Her Highness moved to the side, and did the aPONology (that’s the apology PON owners give to people when the mop mania is displayed). The woman just smiled and said “have a nice walk.” After she passed by, puffy pants finished his grumbling and continued on his walk – all proud of his brave persona.

They walked quite a way and turned around to come home. Now I should mention he’s on a long leash – so as not to do any exploration in tick-ville aka the woods. There were puddles on the trail after all of our recent rain. As they were walking, Her Highness unintentionally kicked a pebble and it landed in a puddle with a kerploop. Well. Mr. Bossy Bold Pants didn’t know WHERE the kerploop came from. I think he thought there was some kind of Loch Ness monster in the puddle. He leaped off the trail and got his leash tangled around a tree. He stood there strangling himself and looking like he had been shot at. He kept eyeing the scary puddle. Her Highness released his leash from his collar in order to untangle the leash from the tree. She looked at him and said “Seriously? It was a rock in the puddle!” She shook her head at him, hooked him back up and continued on their walk. He had to give the puddle one last look over his shoulder to be sure Nessie wasn’t emerging. So while Mr Big Dog thinks he’s all mature and independent, there’s still some puppy behind all the fuzz….So we’ll continue to cut mini mop some slack – for a little while anyway.

Speaking of walks, it’s about time for mine.

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

Good Wednesday blogaroos. Squirmy here on a finally sunny day. It seems we’ve had lots of rainy, foggy mornings lately – meaning our walks are short or we end up getting a longer daily bath than usual. Well – our feet and legs get a “bath.” And part of our bellies. So it’s a half bath.

Ah yes- our morning walks…

In our latest morning routine, yours truly goes first, followed by the Boss and then the Coyote. And all is peaceful in the household when the Boss goes out. It’s peaceful because he’s gone. When he’s left with me, or the Coyote, he barks to tell the missing party to hurry up. The whole time we’re gone. Now he doesn’t bark when My Enforcer drives away somewhere. And if she’s in the yard working, he’s quiet. But when it comes to walk time- well he never shuts up! I think he’s shouting to get us to hurry up so he can have his breakfast. When he’s left with me, while the Coyote is out, I sometimes make it a duet.

My Enforcer doesn’t want us shouting out directives now that summer is almost here – and our windows will be open. Even though it’s not like we live in the city and our neighbors are right next door, the sound of the PONdemonium does carry. She could give us our frozen Kongs, but then she would have no peace while she’s eating her breakfast. A Bullystick could keep us busy – but if we ate a bully stick every day, she’d be in the poorhouse. So yesterday she had this “brilliant” idea. She would spread/hide bits of kibble all over the downstairs rec room, and in the kitchen and dining room. And that would keep us busy and quiet.

So she got a handful of kibble and tossed some around the dining room; then she went downstairs to spread/hide the rest. That was her first mistake because while she was downstairs, we ate all the stuff upstairs.

So then she came up and opened the gate at the top of the stairs. We immediately ran downstairs. All three of us.

“No – Elroy- no!!!” she shouted. Too late. He suddenly thought “find the kibble” was a GREAT game. This is coming from a dog who thinks food is overrated. He’s busy vacuuming up kibble with us PONs when she runs downstairs. She shouts “come on Elroy- we have to get out of here!” He runs upstairs, she latches his leash and as they are ready to close the door behind them, I’m already finished downstairs and checking for leftovers in the dining room. “AGGGHHHHHH” she screams. By the time we hit the road, she can hear the faint shouting of The Boss.

Dogs 1 Human 0.

Hey did you know that on this day in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her coronation! So she’s been at the same job for 68 years! Holy biscuit that’s a long time. The other day My Enforcer was looking for something and found this book – that she didn’t even know she had. We always knew the Queen was a dog lover and it obviously started when she was young. I’ll share a few photos from the book – in honor of her big day. I’m sure she’ll enjoy them because she no doubt reads this blog.

I would have sent a coronation card, but I couldn’t find one.

OK. Time to hit the trail!

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

Howdy doody blogaroos. Squirmy Wormy here. It’s the very last day of May – holy moly that month went by quickly! We’ve been in lockdown forever – so no classes this past month. I have forgotten everything I ever learned. Well not really, but I’m pretending to. Plus when two-leggeds are in lockdown, instead of using the time to be productive (like to train us dogs), they become blobs. At least My Enforcer has become one. Sure we do our walks and play time- but our training regime has kinda gone off the rails. I mean we do a LITTLE bit of training – but not a lot so she was SHOCKED the other day when she took me and the Boss out to do a tiny bit of work. She was shocked because while she did work with one of us, the other guy had to stay in a down stay and watch. Holy biscuit that’s difficult!!!! But guess what?! I did it!!! I know you think I’m faking – but it’s true!!! I love doing nothing (in a “stay”) and getting treats for it. Score!

Thankfully, things are reopening a bit this Wednesday. No big classes BUT I have a private class next weekend to whip me into shape. Actually, it’s more about whipping My Enforcer into shape. She needs it.

So the other day, the Boss and I were walking on the public trail early in the morning. It was pretty quiet, except for the birds. We were both on leash, because early morning can equal critters. And sure enough- we were trotting along, tangling up our leashes, leaving lots of pee mail, sniffing for things to roll in – when suddenly we saw something on the trail ahead of us. But it was so quick – we don’t know what it was! For sure it wasn’t a rabbit. Or a pheasant. Or a deer, porcupine, squirrel or bear. It looked kinda like a fox, but we haven’t had foxes here for quite a few years. It could have been a coyote. But it seemed kinda small. Anyway, we saw him- but surprisingly didn’t go bat poop crazy. We just pulled to see where he went – but no insane barking which we have been know to do. On occasion. My Enforcer took us a little further on the trail , but then she kinda freaked out because she didn’t know what it was – so she turned us around and headed back home. Personally I think she had nothing to fear with us PONs- we would protect her from anything. Or at least we would take off and run for help. Suuuuure we would….

Next the Coyote went for his walk on the trail. No wildlife, but they did run into a guy with a giant camera who was bird watching. He and the Coyote were listening for the birds. My Enforcer just smiled. For a herding breed, he sure likes his feathered friends!

Rain in the forecast for today. Again. We’ve had rain on and off for days. Maybe we’ll do some indoor training. Or maybe not. More likely we’ll cram on Friday…..

Oh plus one funny training technique My Enforcer tried with me. I LOVE to retrieve. I mean LOVE. And I bring back the bumper every time. BUT I often will not hand it to her- I’ll drop it like 3 feet away. So yesterday, she kept telling me to bring it closer. She had treats ( of course) and I would still drop it before she could take it from me. So sometimes one has to be innovative. As I was running toward her, she would turn her back on me, stoop over, spread her feet apart, and look at me upside down between her legs. Really. I’m not making this up. I thought that was crazy – BUT I came through her legs and gave her the bumper every time! It looks pretty funny – but it worked. I’m just not so sure it would be allowed in an obedience ring….. The stuff she’ll do to outsmart me. Isn’t it wonderful how active I keep her brain? I’m a training genius.

OK. Gotta go!

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

Howdy blogaroos. Happy Saturday. Happy weekend. Happy breakfast. Happy walk. Happy fetch. Hey – I’m just a happy kinda guy!

So the Coyote did a commercial message the other day encouraging people to shop local. And it sounds like a few people did!!! That’s great!!!!

Today I get to do a commercial. For PONs! OK. Well not really a commercial- more like an infomercial. I’m not selling them (although sometimes I think the Coyote wishes he could sell me). No – I’m here to tell you all about us. Because some cool PON lovers in the UK put together a wonderful overview about us!! You can hear all about our history . You can learn about how we should look. There’s all kinds of cool stuff. Like even if you don’t have a PON, it’s interesting. Kind of like Animal Planet goes PONs. Now…there are a few steps to see these videos. And I should mention it’s FREE. But you do need to register with the UK Kennel Club to see the info. And then, if you’re interested in learning about more breeds, you can watch a module on another breed. I’m starting you on the PON course, but you can learn about Labs, Goldens, Chows, Keeshond-and a bunch of others. Unfortunately, the Coyote was disappointed because the Picard isn’t there. Maybe someone can make one..

Because not everyone is techno savvy, I thought I’d help with the steps to watch the videos.. If you’ve already seen the site, or for some odd reason you don’t have an interest in dog videos ( or you just don’t have the time because you’re busy playing with your dog) you can skip the paragraphs in italics….

First go to this link:

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/academy/breed-specific-films/courses/polish-lowland-sheepdog/?enrol=true

Now you should see a screen telling you to sign in. Click the Sign up now. Unless of course you have an account! I’m doing this part for people who don’t.

When you go to the Sign up page, all you have to do is give your email and then hit Send Verification Code.

You’ll then get an email with a code number. It comes almost as quickly as the time it takes me to eat my supper.

You put that number in the box and hit the verify code button and it will take you to a screen to create a password. Put your secret password in and then write it down somewhere so if you’re like My Enforcer, you won’t forget it.

Next you sign up with your name. Your birthday is optional. Hit continue.

Next you decide which info you want them to send you. Like the newsletter. Then you agree to the conditions that state you must send Wojtek of Nova Scotia some free dog biscuits. That’s in the fine print. Check the box. And complete your registration.

Now it says Account created. Hit continue. Is anybody still following me?

Voila. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog course should appear! Hit the button for Start the Module.

Now here’s where My Enforcer got lost. But allow me to help. Read that stuff – then scroll down. You will see the words Next Module Page. Those words are above the green banner at the bottom. You keep looking for those little words as you go through the course. They are kinda small. The History of the Breed Video is the best!!! If there’s one part you watch – that HAS to be it! I loved hearing about my ancestors!!!!

Now if you complete the module and you want to learn about some other breeds, here is what you do…

See your name at the top? Click on it and click Manage Account. See under TASKS the word Academy? Click on that.

Scroll down and you’ll see the heading “Breed Specific Films.” Now there are only 33 breeds listed – but still plenty to keep you busy on a Saturday night. You need to click View all courses to see all the breeds listed. They are in the same format as the PON module. Just click Enrol Now.

Phew. Who knew I was so good on the internet. Must be from all my on-line shopping. With Her Highness’ VISA. A big box of Bullysticks arrived yesterday. Yee haw!

Oh plus while My Enforcer was typing this post for me, I was kinda quiet. And in the bedroom. I’m never in the bedroom without her because I’ve been known to steal pillows. Anyway, she thought I was quiet so she went to see what I was doing. Well. There was some laundry on the floor in the bathroom, waiting for the first load in the washer to be finished. And I happened to notice that her fleece jacket had not had the pockets cleaned out. There were treat crumbs in the pockets! Can’t have those going in the washer!! So I helped clean them out! Sorry about the hole in the jacket. I couldn’t help it. It’s not like I have opposable thumbs….

OK. Gotta go have a happy day. And hope you have one too. And if you happen to watch the videos, let me know!

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

Howdy doody blogaroos. Captain Chaos here! Leaping, barking and ricocheting into a new day. Life is good.

Today we have news about OTHER dogs – one with bad news and the other with good.

First the bad. Our neighbor, Teddy- a black Lab/Great Dane guy – had a run-in with a pin cushion. A walking pin cushion – the porcupine. In the middle of the day!!! He was with his human outside and he disappeared for 2 minutes. When he reappeared, he was sporting a prickly beard. Yowza. He got to visit the Animal Emergency Clinic – where they sent him to la la land, and when he woke up his “5 o’clock shadow” was gone. And so was a big chunk of money from his human’s wallet….

In better news, a new canine kid is in Marg’s life. As you may recall, Marg looked after The Boss and The Coyote when My Enforcer drove to the U.S. to pick up yours truly. Marg has been a friend of My Enforcer for like 245 years. Dog years. Anyway, Marg and her family had a dog named Jessy – but she went to the Rainbow Bridge quite a few years ago now. Jessy adopted her family from the SPCA when she was over a year old- so she wasn’t a puppy. But now….drum roll…. they got a PUPPY! And what kind of puppy? Our provincial dog – a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. (Toller for short. )

The puppy’s name is Hudson. Named after Rock. Just joking. Hudson is a town in Quebec where Marg’s husband is from. Plus like the Hudson’s Bay company, founded in 1670 is the oldest company in North America. But really, I don’t think those facts played a huge part in his name selection. They just liked the name Hudson.

My Enforcer went to meet the young fella yesterday. She loaded her pockets with THE yummiest treats. So he would like her. And not bite her – because he has those sharp needle teeth. I remember those. Speaking of which, that tooth fairy never did come….

Anyway – Hudson was very well behaved- and My Enforcer said he’s a smarty pants. And hello – she knows all about smart dogs. Present company included. Mind you, smart doesn’t ALWAYS translate to obedient. Because we geniuses can easily outsmart most two-leggeds. BUT – you humans DO win when it comes to treats….

So far, it sounds like Hudson is doing a spectacular job at training his humans. He’s pretty much ruling the place – and he’s only been there for a short time. He has lots more training to do – but they’re quick learners.

When My Enforcer got home, ALL of us gave her the olfactory exam. Not only could we smell bits of treat crumbs in her pocket, we could also smell Hudson. The Coyote took a sniff and walked away with indignation. The Boss barked. And I did a triple ricochet off her stomach. That’ll teach her.

Anyway we welcome Hudson to the big beautiful world of puppydom and maybe once he gets a bit bigger, we can meet! Good luck training those humans buddy – it’s hard work!

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

Yo. Blogees. Elroy here on this Terrific Tuesday. Heaven help me- I’m starting to sound like the imp.

So life is laid back here. At least that’s the way I see it. And live it. Walks in the morning. Lounging during the day. The occasional wrestling match with the imp. Bird watching. Grass rolling. Leaf chasing. Staring into the woods at nothing in particular. But making it LOOK LIKE Bigfoot is lurking behind a tree. Eating supper. Occasionally coming when called. Chewing on the imp’s feet. Letting him chew on my face. Licking body parts in the middle of the night. Yup. A laid back life.

That being said, we’re still living with the COVID. Nova Scotia had wonderfully low case numbers throughout most of 2020, but around April of this year, all heck broke loose. We went into lockdown. Meaning Her Highness is home ALLLLLL the time. Unless she needs food, or more importantly, needs to get food for us. Despite the lockdown, we’re not complaining. So many people and businesses are having a hard time during this disaster. We are lucky to be able to go for walks in the great outdoors- and to have a big yard to hang out in. But not everyone is so lucky. And we’re not even touching the topic of those who have lost loved ones to this plague….

Small businesses have had a tough go of it – because they are closed during lockdown. Tourism – which is a big deal in our province was hard hit last year with the closed borders. People couldn’t come here. So it’s been really difficult since last year. Which got me thinking…..

Want to come to Nova Scotia? Well – you can’t – at least not now. BUT – you CAN have a piece of Nova Scotia! Now if you’re like Her Highness when she travels, she always brings home guilt gifts for us canines. Something that is made in the place she has visited – for us dogs! So – even though you can’t visit right now, maybe you’d like to pretend you came here- AND you bought something for your dogs. I thought I could share with you some small Nova Scotia dog businesses – and if you’re looking for that pretend vacation gift – you might consider these. Her Highness is all about supporting local.

Here’s a company that we just bought from. Get Dirty Dog. They make cool biothane collars and leashes – like the fancy one in the photo. It’s a hands-free leash – but it can be adapted to lots of options. It could almost have a YouTube tutorial on how to use it. The cool thing about biothane – it doesn’t get soggy in the rain- or stinky. Their link is here:

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/GetDirtyDog?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=811654753

You can custom select your color – and even the type of hardware. We went with neon green- but you can definitely go more subdued. We’re not subdued.

Before I continue, I should note that we are not getting any kickbacks from mentioning these businesses- and in fact, we haven’t even told them we’re doing it. Hope they don’t mind! Most of these businesses depend on on-line sales – and also market their items through local markets and fairs – which have been shut down. Anyway -let’s check a few more.

This local company makes cloth collars. You can find them here:

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/GooberDogCollars?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=695026544

These guys make super durable rope toys. Check them out:

https://johnnyzeesonly.com/

We found this company that will custom design dog tags. I think the imp needs the one in the shape of the Shark:

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TwoBluesMetalDesign?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=816406549

Now if you’re into dog sports and training – these guys have awesome tug toys..

https://snufflesandtugs.com/

This company makes an all natural tick spray. Unfortunately, no spray is 100% effective – but this stuff DOES work quite well – and we use it all the time:

https://atlantick.ca/

Here’s one artist who does cool dog portraits.

http://www.pawpaints.ca/home.html

Conflict of interest on this next one as Her Highness personally knows this artist. Ann does amazingly detailed drawings of your dog. They look like photos:. Check out her work.

https://www.facebook.com/AnnLyonsFineArt/about/

I’m obviously not including pet photographers (as you would have to be here for them to take your photo!). I also didn’t include biscuit or food sellers – as it may be difficult to ship those items. To be included in my little list, the businesses had to have a website, Etsy or Facebook page – and would be able to ship.

I’m sure there are others and I know all of you also have great local dog businesses and artisans. Please feel free to share them in our comments section. If we can help small businesses wherever they are – it’s a good thing!

So that’s my commercial, laid back message for today. And like I don’t want to do a serious sales pitch – as let’s face it – it’s not my style. But I AM a sensitive, caring kinda guy – so it seemed I was the best writer for this topic. The Boss would have droned on about the chemical compounds in biothane and the Imp would have just said “Buy it. Buy it. Buy it.” Yeah – who knew I would be the best salesdog. Will wonders never cease.

Back to rolling in the lawn. Later.

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