Viktor, was a Polish Lowland Sheepdog who shared his views on life and had a following of loyal readers from around the world . He sadly left all of us us way too soon. He left his PON brother, Frodo and his Berger Picard “brother”, Elroy to continue his “legacy.” We now welcome a new PON brother to our story- Wojtek- who in many ways, has the very same “bigger than life attitude” as Viktor. So we know Viktor’s spirit lives on, as does the spirit of Paxton, his Bernese Mountain Dog…
Hey blogaroos. Squirmy here on a wonderful Wednesday. We continue to enjoy having our guests here- good walks, good treats, good times. I am used to Keith with hats now – although I did have a mini meltdown when he and Sue came back from a paddle the other night….
I am NOT used to seeing ANYONE on the lake – and I didn’t have a CLUE what these aliens were that were approaching from the water. I nearly pulled the Warden’s arm out of the socket trying to run away. But as soon as I heard Sue’s voice, I calmed down. I’m learning lots during this visit.
In other news, when the humans go out for a few hours, we sleep and as soon as we hear them returning we shout out our joyous welcomes. And we cry. Don’t believe me? Research says we do:
Yup. Tears of joy. Because we were fearing that supper would be late, so it’s tears of relief and joy that we’ll have our meals on time. Just joking! Sort of.
Howdy blogaroos. Another manic Monday after a weekend of birthday celebrations. Cake and ice cream and fireworks. OK- we didn’t really have fireworks. And the cake and ice cream was for humans. But we still got to watch. And got some treats too.
The Warden was overwhelmed by the birthday greetings she received from folks all over the world. I reminded her that she has us canines to thank. Nobody would know her if it weren’t for us. We’re infamous. Or something.
Yesterday the humans went out to do some touristy stuff – a place where dogs weren’t allowed. Must have been boring.
Then they came back home and I got weird. Keith walked in and was wearing a hat. I’d never seen him with a hat on – so for about a minute I ran away from him, barking. The Boss and Coyote looked at me like I lost my marbles, the Warden said “It’s Keith!”, and Keith just ignored me. I thought it was pretty brave for some dude to just walk in the house. After the minute, I finally realized it was him. The Boss just rolled his eyes at me. Hey – he could have been a burglar. Or not.
When the humans came home, they went to lounge on the deck. But yours truly decided they shouldn’t just sit around. They had removed their socks and shoes and were sitting and reading . Without anyone watching, I slyly meandered past Keith and nonchalantly stole his socks. The Warden happened to glance up as I was trotting by- with something sticking out of my mouth. “What have you got?”she asked – as if she expected me to say “Why I happen to have Keith’s socks. Both of them in fact.” She told me to bring them over. I came within one foot of her chair and circled away. This happened three times. FINALLY she stood up and came toward me. Game on! I raced down the deck stairs and across the lawn. She kept unsuccessfully demanding the socks- and I kept running. But then I got cocky- flipping the socks in the air. Of course I missed one- and it hit the ground – so she grabbed for it. She was close enough to grab for the second one – still in my mouth, so I tried the drop and roll move. Didn’t work. Sock game over. It was fun while it lasted.
The Coyote and I are continuing our excavation projects in the backyard while the humans lounge. We have dug a pretty good hole by one of the gates. The Coyote’s goal is to dig a deep hole to cool off. Me? I’m a bit more interested in how a hole might help improve gate clearance…..But I think the Warden might be on to me…she’s watching the work site with interest….
Not sure what’s on the agenda for today. The Boss wants Keith to go out and come in with a different hat. I’m not going to fall for that trick again! I don’t think….
Hey blogaroos! Happy Saturday! And we are celebrating a big day in our house – it’s the Warden’s You Day. Yup. The one day of the year when we are on our best behavior. OK – that and Christmas Eve. On Christmas, though, it’s more of the good-behavior-for-fear-of-missing-treats thing. On the Warden’s You Day, we just try to be good because it’s her day.
Now how old is she? I’m not supposed to say….but let’s just say her age is the atomic number for Terbium. Or was it Neodymium? Wait – maybe it was Caesium? Beats me. But she beats the record for the longest living dog by more than two times. She’s been around a looooonnnnnnggggggg time.
In her life as an adult, she’s been owned by 10 dogs including me. She counts herself as lucky in being able to work with her dogs and get titles with them in conformation, obedience, rally, agility, draft and a working certificate for retrieving breeds. She’s attempted Barn Hunt ( with a dog – not by herself) and a bit of Herding. Of course there are also the unofficial counter surfing, bunny chasing and incessant barking awards too. I think it’s suffice to say that we canines have been a huge part of her life. And she says she wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s a Crazy Dog Lady. And she wears the badge proudly. Well…proudly when we’re not barking our heads off at a stranger or a neighbor on the road. Then she’d like trade her badge for one that says Crazy Cat Lady. Just joking. I can’t believe I said that….
Her interest in all things dog has resulted in many many friendships- around the world. Heck – if you’re reading this, it’s a good chance you are her friend because of dogs. We dogs have a special way of bringing people together. It’s one of our many super powers.
So we sat for a group shot for her day. We only had two birthday hats – so Elroy got to wear the Happy New Year hat. I managed to convince him that it’s the Warden’s new year. He bought it.
Time to get the birthday girl up and moving! We don’t want her to waste a second of her day!
Hey blogaroos! It’s me- Squirmy. I figured I had better introduce myself as you might not recognize me since I started my newest untrained hobby. Music aficionado and quasi dancer. Yup. I have taken up the 6-step – that’s 4 paws and 2 human feet. And my wonderful dance partner is none other than Aunt Susie. Yup. Who knew how much I enjoyed hitting the dance floor?
It all started when the Warden went to shower after breakfast. Keith was downstairs reading and Aunt Sue was upstairs with me and the other guys. At first, I tried to chew her hands when she tried to pet me. But then she would ignore me. She would attempt to pet me again, and much as I enjoyed it, I would get so excited, my shark personality would come out. So she ignored me again. After a third futile attempt to pet me without me gnawing at her hands, she tried a different approach. She started singing the melody to the song “Save the Last Dance” using a repetitive “do do do” instead of the actual words. I loved it. It was like I was hypnotized. She was able to massage me all over while she was singing. I would slowly spin around. At one point I was flat on my back with my feet in the air as she scratched my belly. She was shocked . It was like I was a different dog. So she kept do do doing and I kept begging for more. We almost had a slow motion cha cha going on. This went on for several minutes. Of course as soon as she stopped, I tried to bite her… but a few musical notes and I was again silly putty in her hands. She then demonstrated the routine for the Warden, who jokingly asked “Did you drug him?” Yup the old quote that “music soothes the savage beast” really is true! We’ll see how I do today with a different song…
Meanwhile, in other news, I got in a bit of hot water because of three “friends” I brought in the house yesterday. GROSSNESS WARNING: Skip the next paragraph if you are easily grossed out. Like the Warden.
We had rain yesterday – a lot of rain – so our walks were pretty quick. At one point during the day though, I went outside – and broke the supreme rule of the Kong – I took one out and left it on the lawn. Yesterday evening, the Warden went to stuff Kongs and realized one was missing. She looked around and told me that if there was one outside, I had better get it. So I dashed out onto the deck, down the stairs and returned with a Kong. I was rewarded for my good retrieving ability. Anyway – remember how I did this once before – and I brought in the Kong with a slug inside? Well this time there wasn’t a slug. There were THREE!!!!! The Warden screamed “Ewwww” when the first one came out. Imagine her joy when buddy was followed by two more friends. The Warden just glared at me. Hey – I was just asked to bring in the Kong – which I did. I didn’t know there were freeloaders.
Well, time to take the guests for a walk. Plus Aunt Sue and I need to try a new song today. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Hey everybody! Squirmy here on a terrific Tuesday! And terrific describes how we’ve been doing the last two days. Sue and Keith arrived Sunday afternoon- and we’re loving our time with them!
We got pretty over-the-top excited when they arrived- which was kinda expected. In fact, the Warden kept me and the Coyote sequestered on the deck while they came in with their bags. She knew we would be crazy – whereas the Boss shouted out his welcome, and then just watched the proceedings. As soon as they had all their stuff in, we were allowed in – and I promptly ricocheted off both of them. Good times.
Yesterday the Warden and Sue sequestered themselves in the garage – and finally put together that new charcoal barbecue that the Warden bought last year. The Boss was allowed to come in to supervise- but his job quickly ended when he kept walking through the assorted parts – including many small bolts, washers and nuts. Yup- lots of nuts – including the two who were doing the assembly. Keith was smart enough to stay clear of the ranting women who assembled and disassembled some pieces several times. We could hear the whole thing. And this was a simple charcoal BBQ.
Once they had it assembled, they moved it onto the deck and attempted to start a fire. Now I understand why people have propane barbecues. Between the assembly, the fire building and the cooking of hamburgers they could have ordered takeout from a restaurant an hour away. But in the end, the burgers were yummy ( we canines got to sample one). Now the big challenge will be in keeping the Coyote from peeing on it. He’s already been giving it the eye.
Yesterday was also the inaugural gathering of the blueberries- from the one bush we own. It was planted a couple of years ago, but every time the berries were almost ripe – the birds beat us to them. So this year, the Warden bought some netting to protect the bush and keep the birds off. And it worked! The Boss got to supervise the harvest and got a few samples. He was not impressed though, having to sit with the small bounty – as he would have rather eaten the whole thing. We all like blueberries- but he LOVES them. You’ll note his serious look…
Today is Tell a Joke day, and so I found a bunch of dog jokes for you. Most of them are pretty bad. But remember I didn’t write them:
Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here on a super Sunday! Guests have not yet arrived- but cleaning continues in full swing. I don’t know if you can tell, but I’m holding a vacuum attachment in the photo. I stole it. And I was pretty proud of myself doing laps around the dining room table as the Warden repeatedly instructed me to “drop it.” I wouldn’t. I ran and ran. Then she firmly (in her totally exasperated voice) said “SIT!” So I did. And she grabbed the brushy thing immediately after she snapped the photo. Honestly- I was just trying to help!
Not much new around here other than vacuuming and lawn mowing. Yawn. I did go to class on Friday and I was positively mediocre. Again. Now I wasn’t BAD with my recalls and my heelwork. But I now have decided that during sit or down stay practice, that I really should try to get to know the other dogs in my class. I mean up until now, I stayed in my place. Like I’m apparently supposed to. But on Friday, I was feeling a bit bored, so I got up and wandered over to see my buddy Ranger. Ever want to see the Warden move quickly? Break your stay. It’s not like I was mean or growly or pushy – I simply wanted to say “hey – what’s waggin?” But noooooo. Socializing is not in the “rules.” I get it. Maybe. Ranger didn’t care. He’s a well behaved dog. A VERY well behaved dog. He stayed in place. I think he rolled his eyes at me and continued to look at his human. He couldn’t be tempted by the shaggy distraction next to him. He stayed. But I was quickly returned to my spot. I think we need to look at my whole breaking stays thing as a way to HELP my classmates. Distraction dog. That will be my new role. Up until now, I’ve been PRETTY good with my stays. WELL- at least I stayed in place – I may not have always stayed in the desired position (like doing a down when you’re supposed to sit), but I never went wandering. The Warden says just when you THINK I’ve learned one thing, another thing she THOUGHT I knew, goes to pot. Hello? It’s called intermittent reinforcement. HOW many times do I have to tell her that?’ Talk about a challenge to train!
Here’s a funny story I found in the news. TOTALLY sounds like something that could happen in our house:
Imagine if the ticket had been for like a million dollars. And imagine if they couldn’t put it all back together. That would happen in our house. For sure. That’s why the Warden doesn’t buy tickets.
OK. Time for walks. I’m going to look at the sunflower on our road. It’s at the end of a neighbor’s driveway. All by itself. Looking perky and sunny and happy. The Warden and I saw it yesterday. She thought it was fake- but it’s not. I wasn’t allowed to get too close – for fear I would attempt to “water” it. Wouldn’t THAT just ruin the scenario?’
Anyway – I hope your day is full of sunny moments!
Hey blogaroos! It’s Squirmy here on yet another Fantastic Friday. The end of the week for working humans (as opposed to leisure humans like the Warden) and the beginning of the weekend. And it APPEARS we are going to be having a goooood weekend. We have company arriving!
I’m not sure exactly when. Judging by the lack of obsessive dusting and vacuuming, I’m thinking it’s not tomorrow. When you are owned by dogs, there is no point in dusting or vacuuming until minutes before guests arrive. Even when you do finish the final preparations, it’s inevitable that as you open the door to guests, a fur ball will roll by.
And in our house, no doubt just before the car is heard in the driveway, someone will be out peeing on the plastic chairs on the deck. We’re not SUPPOSED to pee on the deck – but all it takes is one of us to break the rule (and it’s usually the Coyote) and we ALL must march by and follow suit. It’s kinda mandatory canine behavior. Pee mail. Drives the Warden bonkers. She comes rushing out with her giant spray bottle which is mixed with water, detergent and vinegar. So then the deck smells like a clean French fry. Or something.
Anyway – Sue and Keith are coming for a visit. They are coming from their island on the Titanic. Wait. The Boss said it’s not the Titanic. He said it’s a fairy. No wait. A ferry. Anyway – it’s a boat. Wonder if they’ll do any fishing?
Hey – with three people here you know what that means?! Three dogs going for a walk at once!!! Total chaos. I CANNOT WAIT.
The Warden keeps threatening to tie Swiffer cloths to our feet to help clean the floors. And she said no ripping out each other’s coats for 24 hours. What the heck are we supposed to do to entertain ourselves while she’s busy cleaning?! Just lounge in front of the fan? Watching our fur balls fly by?
Well I had better go and get my fetch toys all ready. Two willing victims will soon be here. I mean pitchers…
Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy here on another wonderful Wednesday. And do you know what day it is? According to the Crazy Calendar??? It’s Spoil your Dog Day!! YeeeHaw!
The Warden laughed hysterically when she read that. She said EVERY day is Spoil your Dog Day in our house. I’m not sure what she means by that. Us? Spoiled? Just because everything the Warden does takes us into consideration- do you think that means we are spoiled? Because we eat before her, we’re spoiled? Because she is more likely to come out of a store with something for US rather than herself, we’re spoiled? Because we have routines that are strictly followed (or we’ll bark in protest), we’re spoiled? Because we have more toys than a daycare, we’re spoiled? Because she can’t plan a vacation until she FIRST finds a sitter for US, we’re spoiled? Because we get fresh blueberries and stuffed Kongs every day, we’re spoiled? Because we categorically rule this household, we’re spoiled?
OK. Maybe a bit. But today we get to be extra spoiled!!!! Plus let’s face it – we are worth spoiling!
Today is also Smithsonian Day. And if you don’t happen to live in Washington, DC – and you are interested in all the dog stuff they have (what else would you want to see?) – check out this link:
Greetings blog aficionados. Frodo here – planning a trip myself to a much cooler climate. The weather here the past few days has been dreadfully hot and humid. You would not BELIEVE what it can do to one’s hair. As soon as I exit the house, I wish to return home. I’m not even particularly interested in going on early morning walks. The temperature may be reasonable, but combined with the humidity- I walk almost as slowly as if it was raining. I perform my best imitation of a funeral match.
I definitely require a good brushing, but Her Highness worries about a heart attack . Either hers or mine. Because I DO pant very hard during the torture exercise and truth be told, I try very hard to escape. Combine my behavior with inferno temperatures, and she keeps putting off my brushing. Who can blame me?
The dreadful oven temperatures aside, I saw a rather unusual activity that some dogs in California do – to beat the heat. You may read about it here – and even play a video:
For me, this particular activity could not be any more dreadful or frightening. While they CLAIM that dogs enjoy this unique “sport” – I’m not so certain they do. I could not evem bring myself to watch the horror show. I’m not a fan of grisly films. And to me – this is one of THE most upsetting pieces of journalism I have seen. That being said, I would likely excel at the sport because I would try with every fiber of my being to keep from being submersed. Heat or no heat – I’ll suffer in silence rather then get wet. Count me out.
The photo you see is at our neighbors’ house. They were away for just a few days, and Her Highness went over to water their garden. Thank the heavenly powers that she went up yesterday morning. Had she not, she could have caused the demise of their potted basil plants. She doused the garden with water while I patiently waited. It is just as well that she did not plant a garden herself this year. Last year’s minimal return deterred her from attempting the farming routine this year. The fact that we canines did like to use the beds as a romping area probably did not help last year. I shall miss the tiny tomatoes though.
Well, we supposedly have rain in the forecast the next few days. I just hope it brings a close to the oppressive humidity. And I hope it stops raining while I must do my daily constitutional. Speaking of which, it is almost time to begin property patrol.
Howdy blogaroos. Happy Saturday. I hope your weekend is fun packed and bath-free. I mention bath-free because yours truly had to undergo an unplanned emergency bath yesterday, and it wasn’t even my fault! For a change. Plus I could report the Warden for canine endangerment. But I won’t. If she pays me off in treats….
On Thursday, the Warden visited with two peeps who I mentioned a few weeks back. They lost their 16 year old Golden and are dog-free for the first time….ever. So they asked the Warden if she could use some dog supplies – instead of them throwing them out. Things like shampoo and ear cleaner. The Warden reluctantly took the supplies – as she does hope they will get another canine kid some day. But she understood their wanting to clear some things out. And heaven knows we can use bathing supplies. I’m saying that with my eyes rolling.
When the Warden got home, she put the supplies away and put a Detangling Spray on a wheeled stand that she has next to our grooming table. She figured it would be great to use during brushing.
Fast forward to yesterday morning. It was super foggy during my sunrise walk- and the combo of my foggy wet coat with dried mud from the trail, made for a perfect mud spa appearance. Mostly on my feet and belly. So when I got home, I marched into the garage, all prepared for a quick rinsing in the tub – of my feet and belly. I stood like a little soldier as the water turned brown in the tub. The Warden lifted me onto the grooming table and gave me a good towel dry. So I was damp but clean. And then she had this bright idea. She would try some of that new detangling spray. She grabbed the bottle and spritzed some on my back and either side. With a final spritz on my butt. She sprayed some on her hand to check the fragrance. “Gee” she thought, “ it smells fresh and clean, almost like an all-purpose cleaner.” And then she looked at the bottle more closely. She had not sprayed me with the detangler she had been given – but household cleaner that she had been using for something the day before. And which she had left on the grooming table. Her eyes popped out of her head. She whisked me off the table and back into the tub and quickly doused me in water. Now I should add that this thankfully wasn’t a cleaner with caustic agents or bleach- but still, clearly not designed for dogs. She saturated my coat and then shampooed me. Three times. I think once would have been plenty. Then I was half dried with the jet engine dryer. All while the Coyote was still waiting for his walk. With his legs crossed.
Let me tell you, I was certainly clean at the end of my triple bath. Plus I think the household cleaner probably also helped brighten my coat. I’M JUST KIDDING. It wasn’t on long enough to do anything. I don’t think anyway.
The moral of the story. Make sure the fog on your glasses is WELL wiped off when you come in the house. And maybe coffee MIGHT be a good idea BEFORE we walk.
Viktorsviews. The Next Chapter. 