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Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy here to report on my latest infractions here at the penitentiary and also when I was out on parole in the community. But the first one wasn’t my fault….well – not totally.

So the other morning the Warden announced that she and I were going to do a workout at our favorite training center. I always know I’m going training when she puts my barrette in. She figures I see better – so I have no excuse for doing what she shows me. I on the other paw, can make up plenty of other excuses.

When she was getting ready to load me into Ludwig, I got all excited and started preforming my Schutzhund routine. Leaping and biting. Great fun in my mind. She was so busy trying to deflect my attack mode that when she let me and the Boss out the front door to pee, she forgot something. She forgot to close the hallway door. For people who follow this blog – you probably know where this is going….

The Boss and I ran out to pee and she went in the garage to get some treats for the Boss and the Coyote- since they were staying home. She came out of the garage expecting to see me and the Boss waiting there. Well the Boss was the there- and I actually ran in the door for a moment – but then took off in hot pursuit. Guess what I was chasing? The Coyote. Who was already out of sight. And THAT is why we call him a flight risk…

The Warden shouted for me – but I felt it was my duty to be sure nothing happened to the Coyote- so I kept going. The Warden threw on her coat and grabbed a leash and stepped out the door. Where she discovered that the thin coating of mist on the driveway had turned to black ice. Completely. And somehow she had to get up the driveway to go after us renegades. She treaded slowly up the hill- calling my name repeatedly and saying something like “if I fall and break a hip – you’ll be sorry!” Not exactly in those words – but along that line. She didn’t call the Coyote. She knows that’s pointless.

She cut through one neighbor’s yard as she suspected she knew where we were headed. To the home of the neighbors who have two cats. It was our mission to visit. Sure enough – as she crept into their backyard, Mike (the neighbor) shouted out the back door that we had been on the deck – but had headed around to the front of the house. He had also messaged the Warden too – but she hadn’t seen it yet. She shouted her apologies and headed around the house. She called my name and I came running – but then headed back to the Coyote who was circling their vehicles in the driveway. The Coyote bounded up to her with tail wagging as if to say “hey – what are YOU doing here? Don’t they have a great yard?!” She lassoed him and proceeded to head back home. I followed along behind. When Mike shouted out the window that he was glad we had safely been captured, yours truly didn’t know where the voice of God was coming from – so I raced at the house barking. The Warden shouted “LEAVE IT” so I figured I had better head home, and stopped attacking Mike and Pam’s house.

So that was BEFORE I got to training….

Now for the most part, training went well. Our friend Norma was there with her Borzoi, Chloe – who I know from class. And we worked well in different parts of the room, not paying attention to one another. In fact, I think we were both rather brilliant. But THEN – the humans decided we should pratice our “stays”. And this is where my good behavior took a u-turn. Norma thought her other Borzoi, Chievie, could practice with us. Well. Holy Babushka. Once I caught sight of that new-to-me Russian babe- I couldn’t take my eyes off her. The Warden warned me to “leave it,” but I misinterpreted the “it”. So I left my spot as soon as she started to walk away for the stay exercise. I walked right past Chloe – whose eyes bugged out of her head and sauntered over to this new Kremlin cutie to introduce myself – with my butt wagging at 1000km/minute.

I don’t remember much after the Warden tackled me.

So those were my infractions- all before 11:00 AM. I think it’s a new record.

The Warden had a nap when we got home. She needed it. No stamina I tell ya. But I’m working very hard to train her. It’s such a challenge some days…

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

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy here – with a perfect example of what’s called click bait- posting a sensational headline or photo to encourage readers to click onto a site. Did it work? I mean WHO can resist a cute puppy photo? And from what I hear, he’s as cute in person as he looks. Not that WE canines got to meet him…

Friends of the Warden got that sweet golden fluff, whose name is Timo, a few weeks ago. And of course the Warden HAD to go over with a pocketful of treats to say hello. She says she loves puppies because they are so fun to train. Well – at least some are- like Timo. Apparently Timo doesn’t exhibit Baby Shark behavior. He lives up to the lovable characteristics of his breed. He was bouncy and busy, but gentle taking treats – AND he even has an “off” button – where he relaxes. I was the antithesis of a Golden puppy. Crazy, frenzied, shark-like with no “off” button. Hey – I’m kinda still like that!

Timo even gets along with his “brothers” – another lovable Golden named Kirby, and a bright, brilliant Cairn named Robbie. Kirby would like you to pet him until your hands go numb, and Robbie tries to find a way to get into your back pocket (with the treats) by cleverly sneaking behind you on the sofa. Even though he’s not supposed to be ON the sofa. Sounds like my kind of super sneak.

Here are a few shots she caught of the boys:

We wish Timo a lifetime of good treats – and fun!

When the Warden came home after her visit, we tried to inhale her. Literally. In fact, yours truly got SO excited about how she smelled that I almost started practicing a Schutzhund routine on her- leaping at and pulling her clothing. I went crazy. Completely crazy.

What else is new….oh I went to another practice obedience match. And I was again above mediocre. The Warden said she is starting to think we may go in a real trial someday. But no immediate plans. I’m still too much of a wildcard – but I’m getting there.

Today is Paczki Day. That’s Punshkee day if you don’t speak Polish. Paczki are donuts. Really good donuts. Today is also called Pancake Day. Or Shrove Tuesday. So it’s a day to load up on donuts and pancakes before Lent begins tomorrow. Humans “give up” stuff for Lent – kind of a second stab at New Years Resolutions. The Boss says he’s giving up grooming. The Coyote is giving up responding to his name. And I’m giving up….lettuce. The Warden said she’s giving up wine. Except after dog class. Or after an obedience match. Or any time we practice. Which is pretty much daily. She said it’s her reward for making it through a session with me – and she’s not ready to totally withdraw the reinforcements. Plus Sundays are a free day too. So she can have wine on Sundays too. I think she’s making up her own Lenten rules.

That’s it from here. We’ll close with a photo of the Warden giving a talk to Kirby, Robbie and Timo about the fact that ANY dog can be like Lassie – if they work hard. “Channel your inner Lassie,” she said. And I would add: Especially if there are treats….

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

Good morning blog aficionados. Frodo here today for your reading pleasure.

Let me begin be bemoaning the fact that we have experienced a wide variety of weather lately – most of which has involved some form of precipitation – from rain to freezing rain to snow. While yours truly does not generally mind snow, I do not particularly appreciate the type that lends itself to snowballs which form on one’s paws or “sensitive” areas. I also do not appreciate slush. And in the past few days, we experienced all of the above. Is it any wonder I was reluctant to go walking to the lake in such moist conditions?! But alas, in the spirit of good sportsmanship, I trudged along, attempting to look happy. PLEASE – is it too much to ask for dry, frozen ground?!

Yesterday, after a night of freezing rain, followed by snow, I supervised Her Highness as she shoveled most of the driveway. There was not enough snow for the plow gentleman to come – although I do believe 4 inches of a white blanket SHOULD be enough to warrant a plow. I guess he prefers to sleep in instead. So Her Highness moaned and groaned and pushed the white stuff around, while I watched. I am the designated supervisor- because if forced to remain inside during the proceedings, I would incessantly shout out instructions. Instead, I watch and repeatedly stand in the way of her shovel when I get bored.

Once back inside, we were FINALLY fed breakfast, blueberries, frozen stuffed apples and crusts of bread. Which is our morning routine. But the Imp was still rather wild, so Her Highness brought out her “secret weapon” to keep us content while she had her breakfast. The weapon – those beef cheek rolls. I believe we have mentioned them before. They have become the ultimate chewing object for the Imp. While we all still do enjoy Bully sticks, the Imp can literally devour the “Giant” 12 inch bully stick variety in less than 30 minutes. While the FG and I are still chewing away, the mini power chewer is done. As a result, Her Highness has turned to the cheek rolls – which provide significantly longer chewing time. We still have the three we received at Christmas time and only about 1/4 is gone from each one. Admittedly, they are not left out for free-for-all chew fests, but even so – after 30 solid minutes of chewing , very little is gone. Even the FG enjoys them. I also think they are palatable, but truth be known, sometimes when the younger boys are given the cheek rolls, yours truly receives a Bully stick. Which is less work for a senior dog. Still – I do enjoy both.

Although Her Highness had read about the benefits of cheek rolls over offensive rawhide, she did do more research on the two – as they LOOK remarkably similar. The following is an excellent podcast on the subject – should you be considering beef cheeks for your canine companion. It’s time well spent on the subject – and it helps you to select THE best cheeks for your dog.

https://brindleberrypetphoto.com/are-beef-cheek-rolls-rawhide-rebranded-podcast-episode-14/

I pity the store where Her Highness buys cheek rolls in the future. I hope they can answer the barrage of questions she will now have about their “cheek source”.

In other news, yours truly has been battling on ongoing ear issue for several weeks now. It does not help that the Imp INSISTS on licking the affected ear. Her Highness cleans my ear and puts in medicated drops, but the Imp is like a magnet to my ear. When Her Highness goes out, she must separate us – for my own protection and comfort. I warn the Imp to cease his licking behavior, but he continues to tbe point that I give up. The lad is persistent and exhausting. Her Highness considered putting a cone on HIM to stop the behavior. Yesterday Her Highness was home most of the day, so she was able to moderate his behavior. As a result, my ear showed significant improvement. Paws crossed that we continue to progress in that direction.

Today the Imp has some kind of obedience practice. That spells respite for me and the FG. Of course we DO love the Imp, but when he goes to a class or practice match, we experience a period of complete peace. We enjoy seeing the busy boy when he returns – but our mini “vacation” is always appreciated.

That is all the less-than-exciting news from our happy abode. I wish you well, and non- goopy ears.

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

Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here – two days post Valentines Day. The flowers never arrived for the Warden. I think I forgot to hit “order”. I’ll be more careful for Easter….

It’s going to be warmish today- like 12 Celsius or 53 Fahrenheit for our American buddies. But yesterday was still around freezing – so the snow was still with us. It was the kind of snow that was snowball-forming, sticky stuff, that can make it kind of hard to move around. I didn’t really care too much – although I kept stopping to bite the balls off between my pads. At first, the Boss didn’t want to go on our morning walk- he knew what would happen – but he begrudgingly agreed – and trotted along. The Coyote started off great and then he gets this weird look and starts walking like his legs are frozen. But the next minute he’s fine.

Ever wonder what our morning walk looks like? Well there won’t be any Academy Award for cinematography- but this short clip gives you an idea. Complete with cold feet.

https://youtu.be/6MIVVAufuaw

We all survived – and our feet had a quick rinse in the dog tub with warm water to remove the offending balls when we got home.

You’ll note my bell in the movie. That’s before it got clogged with snow. The Warden doesn’t like when that happens- because she doesn’t know where I am. I cover three times the area as everyone else. I’m a ramblin’ guy. And no – none of us went walking on the lake this year. It hadn’t been frozen long – and trust me – I’m not taking ANY chances that I could get wet. I’m following the lead of my older brother when it comes to puddles and water in general.

That’s it from Snow World. Tomorrow we could be having freezing rain or plain old rain. So we’ll be reporting in a day or two from Mud World. Now THAT would be a fun video!

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

Howdy blogaroos! Happy Valentines Day! How did the day come so quickly? Wasn’t it New Years last week?

The Warden was going to attempt a cute Valentine photo with us- but it was chaos. Complete chaos. Of course she left it until yesterday. She had no great props (thank goodness) except a backdrop with hearts. She attempted to drape it over the railing on the deck. BUT – it was snowing. And windy. First the Coyote tried to pee on it. Then it blew off and I grabbed a corner and ripped it. That plan was canceled. So she took us in the yard. Remember- it’s snowing. And frankly, she had crappy treats. She also had one measly garland with hearts which was used in previous Valentine photo shoots. She didn’t think we’d remember- but we did. It also wasn’t long enough to drape over all three of us- and I decided I should just attempt to pull on it.

Then the Boss got annoyed and started shouting;

The photo at the top was the best we could do – and she added the hearts afterwards because even if she had hearts to hang around our necks, we would have pulled them off. It was snowing!

We used her credit card to order some Valentine flowers on-line and some dog treats too. Might as well treat ourselves too, since we had the card.

Not much else is new. I went to two practice matches on the weekend- and I was above mediocre. That’s my goal. The Warden was pleasantly surprised. I told her not to get too crazy excited – don’t sign up for any real trials just yet. I’m still a wildcard.

We’re feeling kinda lazy – so we’ll resurrect Viktor’s Valentine poem. It’s worth repeating….

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

You take us on walks,

You pick up our poo.

We steal your mittens, 

We jump on your bed,

We bark incessantly

While waiting to be fed.

You brush us and groom us 

While we squeak and complain, 

You have great patience 

While we drive you insane. 

We make you laugh

We make you cry

You teach us about manners

And SOMETIMES we try.

We snuggle and cuddle

And love belly rubs from you,

We give you big licks 

And giant wags too.

We’re happy you picked us

And we’ll protect you till the end

We love you – our human –

From you very best friend.

Sending licks and love to the Warden – and to each and every one of you!

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

Yo. Blog people. Elroy here. The mops are in the other room barking at each other for no reason, so I walked out to escape the PONdemonium. The Imp is continually attempting to lick Einstein’s face and ears so I must hear Her Highness saying “Wojtek leave him” at LEAST 50 times each day. At LEAST 50 times.

Now it’s not that I don’t bark at all. I bark not just to hear myself talk – but to warn about important things. Like a falling leaf. Or wind.

While the Imp likes to run like around through the woods like a maniac chasing nothing, I prefer to silently commune with nature. I would probably do well living off in some remote Tibetan monastery- listening to nature. Instead I’m trapped in an asylum were the other residents don’t have the foggiest clue what the word “quiet” means. Sometimes I believe we live in parallel universes. And theirs is much more noisy than mine.

The ruckus is particularly obnoxious at mealtime – when a sound level meter would likely explode. A rock concert holds no competition in sound level compared to the two mops

I’m quiet at mealtime because I believe the whole eating thing is overrated. Some meals I eat. Other times I just say “meh.” Meanwhile two drooling banshees are staring at me through the French door – leaving beautiful olfactory art on the glass. I am served my meal first and while I sometimes actually DO choose to eat immediately , other times I prefer rituals. Her Highness looked up mealtime rituals and found the following article:

https://iheartdogs.com/5-strange-eating-habits-and-what-they-mean-about-your-dog/

Interesting – and some of you may identify with some of these behaviors exhibited by your canine companion. But none actually describe what I do. My ritual includes standing over my bowl and staring at my food. Then I will bounce my head around the edges of the bowl. The Imp thought I was saying grace and then blessing my food. I suppose it could appear that way. I just like to see if I can count the kibbles in my bowl, before I begin eating them. I also like to closely examine the bowl to see if there are any additives, like cheese, or some pieces of bread. Her Highness likes to occasionally put extra things in my bowl so I like to fully identify them before I dig in.

I will go through streaks with eating. Some days I completely refuse one meal entirely. Her Highness must quickly pick up my bowl before opening the door to the hallway befote the food clearing crew runs in.

I must confess, I HAVE acquired a taste for frozen blueberries like the mops lately. We have them each day. But keep in mind, I may decide today that I dislike them again. My tastes change.

I do enjoy eating snow – despite Her Highness’s requests not to continually gobble it on a walk. She warned me that snow containing bits of pine needles would NOT be good and I must confess – she was correct. I later vomited them. Next time I’ll stick with pure snow without the sprinkles.

Someone once described me as “ quirky.” Yup. That’s me. Quirky and smirky. I just watch the frantic mops and roll my eyes. They need to commune more.

Well it’s almost time for the morning circus. Geez I wish Her Highness would let me run free. But she fears I would take off. Can you blame me – I’m trying to escape the mops! But before you start thinking I don’t like them, I suppose I should explain that I actually do. Where else can you get this kind of entertainment- and where else are you loved just for being different?! Her Highness hugs me and thanks me for being so quiet. I’m her sanity support dog. She no longer stresses about my weird eating rituals or refusal to eat. She gets me. Now if I would just come when called. But I’m usually too busy communing with something. Yo – I think she just called me. This time I’ll think I’ll respond. Or wait – what’s that fluff on the floor….

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

Greetings blog aficionados. Frodo here today for your reading pleasure.

Thanks again to all who sent greetings for my celebration of becoming a teenager. I enjoyed the kind well wishes, and I read every single one. After I ate my birthday treats.

We have all recovered from the deep freeze although I must confess, I don’t enjoy the slushy mess that the warmer temperatures bring. Thankfully, despite my increasing years, I remain an excellent puddle jumper.

I understand that the furnace repair man will be making yet another visit today. Something about the annual furnace cleaning. No doubt we will be sequestered during his work- although I fully intend to tell him just how I would like the work done. I’ll be sure to yell out my instructions loudly and clearly.

Otherwise, things are rather quiet these days. Therefore, I searched the news for more exciting stories than our currently boring lives. For example, who wants to hear our story of the FG being “stuck” outside – because the sliding deck door was only open a foot, and he couldn’t figure out how to push his way in. He pitifully stood squeaking on the deck, until the Imp went out and demonstrated for him the way to get in. After several moments he took the daring plunge- and pushed the door open. There was rejoicing in the land.

I told you things were boring here – so onto stories about Boji, Bobi and Ghost. And no – I did not select the stories based oh the dogs’ names.

Let’s begin with Bobi – a dog who has now been proclaimed the oldest living dog. Ever.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/take-bow-wow-meet-bobi-worlds-oldest-dog-record-2023-02-04/

Here is a short video about him as well – so you can see how the senior gets around;

https://globalnews.ca/news/9458327/bobi-worlds-oldest-dog-ever-lived-30-spike/

It’s rather remarkable how well he is doing. Her Highness watched the video and felt this compulsive urge to brush him. I think that perhaps his clean but scruffy appearance and lack of brushing may be a secret to his longevity. I suggested she instantly stop brushing me – heaven knows the torture takes years off of both of our lives. I also suggested that she share more of her meals with us. Clearly it’s been beneficial to Bobi. It’s rather amazing to consider that I am not yet even half his age! Stop the brushing and allow me to put on a few pounds – and I’ll attempt to break his record.

Next we have the story of Ghost – a dog who found himself living with coyotes. And I am referring to real coyotes- not the Picard variety.

https://www.kcra.com/article/dog-rescued-coyotes-desert/42769173#

It appears Ghost survived for quite a long time with the wild coyotes, but I doubt it will take him long to adapt to the creature comforts that most of us canines enjoy. He looks to be a very sweet fellow.

And finally, we have the story of Boji – a dog in Instanbul. This story was recently shared with us by a loyal reader – David – and we thank him for that. Read about Boji’s adventures:

https://everydaykoala.com/30km-by-subway-9z-ext/?utm_campaign=9z-us-d-edk-tracken-ek29b2b-c4-a4-v1&utm_source=facebook-9z&utm_medium=9z-us-d-edk-tracken-ek29b2b-c4-a4-v1&cot=co&bs=lc&fbclid=IwAR2r9cyx6mmKW–LgKoWOLTi1LJAlhIgSVFYZqYpVv7AxhFChLAJuD2pjtE

I find Boji’s wanderlust quite fascinating. He knows exactly where he wants to go – and how to get there. It’s quite amazing. I’m not sure any of us would be so adventurous. The Imp and I don’t wish to wander far – for fear of missing a meal. And given that the FG cannot find his way through a partially open door – I doubt he would be getting on and off buses and trains. Independently.

Well I must prepare and warm up my vocal cords for the arrival of the repair man.

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

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy here on a chilly Sunday. Now today is supposed to be warmer then yesterday- and boy we hope it is! We are talking paw chilling cold yesterday. None of us loved it – especially the Coyote who wanted to go out every half hour and as soon as he got out, and he started doing the cold paw dance, he wanted to come back in. The Warden was ready to strangle him.

I think she was extra stressed because our furnace wasn’t working right with the deep freeze. So the furnace repair guy had to come TWICE! The first time he came- we were all sequestered in the bedroom behind a gate doing our best Cujo impersonation. He didn’t seem to care – and came right over with his hand extended. The Warden quickly said he better not try to pet me – as he might be missing some fingers – and she needed the furnace fixed. He just laughed, but backed away. Good move.

The second time he had to come back, he didn’t call ahead. Precipitating an unexpected doorbell ring followed by what sounded like a pack of rabid wolves. Oooo-eee the Warden had a tough time rounding us up to go back in the bedroom. He didn’t bother extending his hand this time.

And if it wasn’t bad enough that the furnace went on the fritz- the propane fireplace- which provides extra heat – also stopped working. Two calls to propane people (after an hour on hold) – and the diagnosis was a frozen doomaflicky on the tank outside. The suggested solution involved a hair dryer and several extension cords. The Warden said that fix can wait until the weather warms up.

Because we had to wait for the furnace guy on Friday, I missed my class. Then – a practice match had to be canceled yesterday because the facility couldn’t stay warm enough- and the pipes were freezing.

And ALL of this drama is one guy’s fault. Sam. The weather prognosticating groundhog. He predicted 6 more weeks of winter – and our balmy weather instantly hit the deep freeze. Not fun AT ALL. Mind you – tomorrow we could get rain. Still – any chilly temps are the fault of that rodent fortune teller.

Meanwhile some poor groundhog in Quebec didn’t have such a good February 2. Picture this…crowds are gathered. Everyone is anxiously awaiting the appearance of the star of the show – Fred. Drumroll please…

Well they go to get Fred out of his den, and I might as well cut to the chase – Fred is dead. Yup- they figured poor Fred went to the Weather-forecasting bridge several WEEKS ago. Seriously they never THOUGHT to check on him well before showtime? Imagine THAT backstage scramble. I read somewhere that they grabbed a stuffed toy, gave it to a child, lifted the child on some dignitary’s shoulders and proclaimed that Fred predicted 6 more weeks of winter. After they announced “Fred is dead.” Sounds like a Chevy Chase movie.

But to cut them some slack – it happened once before when another groundhog elsewhere died just before the big event. Here’s my suggestion – CHECK on the rodent at least several days ahead – AND have a stand-in JUST in case.

So our condolences to Fred’s family and friends. We thank him for his important public service. Although we read somewhere that the whole groundhog forecasting thing has been correct about 40% of the time. Maybe a coin toss – with a groundhog on it might be more successful.

Well hopefully our walks will be REAL walks today. I need my exercise and 25 laps of the dining room table didn’t do it yesterday. It HAS to be warmer today. Frozen paws crossed.

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

I

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy here on this important holiday – Groundhog Day. I’m posting this while it’s still not completely bright out and we wait for full sunrise to see if Nova Scotia’s prognosticating rodent, Shubenacadie Sam, will forecast 6 more weeks of winter – or an early spring. If you want to read how fat rodents began to predict weather, here’s an article about how it started in the US:

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/groundhog-day-history-superstitious-tradition-us

I find it interesting that everyone gathers to see the rodent’s forecast, but does anybody go back 6 weeks later to see if he was correct? Where’s the accountability for this prognosticating? But then again, the REAL meteorologists can’t give you info that’s much good beyond an hour – so I guess no one is going to hold a rodent to a 6 week prediction.

Not a whole lot new here. We’re still recovering from the big birthday bash. We all were into the biscuits a bit much. Phew.

This morning I go to work out with the Shaggies. That’s always fun. We’ll see how I do with my dumbbell skills. The Warden was feeling pretty exasperated in trying to get me to hold that thing. I’d take it, and if she let go of it- plop – I dropped it. After 267 trials in which she begged me to “hold it” she got a bright idea. Cruel in my mind – but brilliant in hers. When supper time came around, instead of feeding me, she took me downstairs – with the dumbbell AND my food bowl. She sat on the couch, and put my food bowl behind her. As you might expect, my brain exploded. WHAT could she be doing with it? I jumped at her and she said “off.” And then she pulled out the blasted dumbbell. “Take it,” she said. At first I stared at her and then I slowly took the thing like it was hot coals. She then said “hold it,” removing her hand from below my chin. I held the stupid thing for 2 seconds. She put her hands on it and said “give.” I happily released the plastic stupid stick as if it was covered in Bitter Apple. She reached behind her and gave me a handful of food. Then she tried the whole sequence again. After three successful “hold its” I realized that she was “training” me – so I just backed off and started barking at her. “I’m starving. I’m going to die if I don’t eat. I HATE dumbbells!” She just gave me a little smug smile and held out the dumb dumbbell. Again. I grabbed it and held on for dear life. She said “give” and I immediately let go. Jackpot! The rest of the food bowl was ceremoniously presented.

She has won the dumbbell battle with her food bowl ploy a few times now. But trust me, the war isn’t over….She figures that MAYBE by Christmas I’ll hold on. I think she’s optimistic. Maybe she should ask the groundhog.

We got some snow the other day – just enough that the Boss decided he didn’t feel like going down the deck stairs to pee on the lawn. So he peed ON the deck – while the Warden shouted “no!!!” Then he started back for the door, hit the deck and rolled. Thankfully not in his pee. He doesn’t like to walk in snow – just roll in it. And of course you KNOW his peeing on the deck started a whole chain reaction of deck peeing. We ALL needed to pee where he peed. Well everybody except the Warden. She just kept saying “noooo!” Too late. We all left our signatures in the snow.

OK. Time to get up and follow the exciting movements of Sam. I think we all should have gone to see him. We definitely could “help” him in deciding which way to go! Next year for sure. With a dumbbell in my mouth…

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

Howdy blogaroos!!!! Squirmy here to tell you there’s no triskaidekaphobia in this house. At least not today. What’s that giant word? It’s a fear of the number 13. And WHY are we considering the number 13 LUCKY today? Because it’s the Boss’s 13th birthday!!!!! Let the party begin!

Yup – the old fella is now a baker’s dozen. And going strong!

While rain is still a bad four-letter word to him, it never prevents him from going out with the gang, because he doesn’t want to miss a thing. Like the possibility of a treat. Although he does walk like he’s in a funeral march.

He still hates grooming and moans like he is being tortured, but instantly bounces up for a treat. 150 times during an average grooming session.

His eyesight may be a bit blurry but he can still smell the neighbors’ cat at 150 yards.

His appetite is as strong as ever – and he won’t pass up anything that’s edible. Because he’s always starving. He has been his entire life.

He still hates crates and car rides, but is fine as soon as he is released from his incarceration. He does NOT like to feel “restricted” and that’s probably why he moans and groans during car rides. He would rather be driving himself.

He still loves to fetch but has a tolerance of about 15 retrieves after which he takes his fetch toy and heads for the door to go in.

He ALWAYS assumes coat pockets contain treats and will spontaneously heel in place without being asked to do so. Even when the Warden literally pulls her pockets inside out, to show him she has nothing, he doesn’t believe her. He figures her coat pockets might be empty – but what about her pants pockets.

He barks. Because he can. Whenever he wants. For no reason at all. He barks like no one is listening. But we are.

He tolerates my incessant licking of his ears, face, and assorted other anatomical structures. He growls – and I do back off because he IS the Boss – but he’s more tolerant than I would be!

He still LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to have his photos taken because he associates photos with treats. Or he’s just a ham. Yesterday, the Warden brushed him and took him outside for his birthday photos. (While I barked incessantly inside the house). Here are a few Frodo-genic shots:

He still loves to work and train and he had an awesome 2022 – still strutting his stuff in Rally:

He completed his Rally Master title in 2022 and he even got a trick dog title – and a Versatility Title!

He also competed in Team with me and our Shaggy teammates and he added a win in Team to his resume.

He’s got some lumps and bumps, and he takes his cardiac medication every day – but he really hasn’t slowed down much at all. When he saw the cardiologist a few years ago, the doctor thought he might live to 12 with his heart issues. Who knew his 12th year could be so good – and that he would be doing so well on his 13th birthday?! We realize he has beat the odds – and every single day is a blessing and a bonus. I guess the moral of the story – listen to a prognosis- but continue to live. Large. And bark. Because you can.

Happy birthday Boss!!! The Coyote and I and the Warden love ya lots! And lots. We’re also thrilled to wish one of his womb mates – Murray in Ontario, a Happy 13 as well! Keep on ticking boys. Just don’t forget to share your birthday treats.

Enjoy some highlights from the past year:

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