Viktorsviews. The Next Chapter.

That makes scents…

December 28, 2015Leave a Comment

On our morning walk. BEFORE the snow started!

Well we DID get the snow. It didn’t start when they said it would – but that’s no surprise. My human laughs when she looks at this weather forecasting link on her phone and it says things like “Snow will start at 8:10.” It’s funny when you think that someone probably had to type in that info. And the likelihood that it would be correct is like 1 in 43.8 billion. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a job where you just make stuff up all the time?

Because it was wet, heavy snow, we stayed in and played games. I demonstrated for my human’s mother just how well I play the Casino board game – where I have to sniff out the treats and open the little drawers to get them. I am a super star with that game. In FACT, because I am so great with the nose work, my human did something yesterday. She registered me for a CLASS – where I will learn how to do scent work. Now won’t THAT be entertaining?! She didn’t register Frodo – he gets bored with looking for things. He’s better with fast “action” activities. And Pax? He would be WAY too busy trying to meet everyone else in the class. He’s too sociable. My human thinks this will be perfect for me. At very least, it will provide stories for my blog! We’ll be starting in two weeks.

We have been very well behaved since my human’s mother arrived. She even remarked how we didn’t take off any of her fingers when she was giving us pieces of banana. She continues to call me Cocoa. She knows my name – we’ve been through this before – but she thinks I look like a Cocoa. Whatever a Cocoa looks like. I mean I’m not even chocolate in color. That’s OK. I’ll answer to anything if food is involved!

Well, speaking of bananas, I think I smell one being peeled. Gotta go! Have a great day!

Snow?

December 27, 2015Leave a Comment

So. On Christmas Day we had temperatures of around 14 degrees Celsius – 57 for my American friends. So NO snow for Santa. Clearly his sleigh has convertible wheels on it. Anyway – TODAY we are having LOTS of snow. At least that’s what the weather person says. Snow with a chance of freezing rain and ice pellets. As usual, they are hedging their predictions by including the “r” word in the forecast. That way IF it is NOT snow and it is REALLY rain, they have themselves covered. Pretty clever. We all know how I feel about the weather forecast. Their predictions are about as reliable as I am. You can NEVER tell WHAT I will do – so I’m kind of like the weather. Call me Typhoon Viktor. Or Viktor the Twister. Anyway, my human is DREADING our first snowfall. She has visions of the mountains of snow and the luge run driveway from last winter. And Frodo and I have visions of the dreaded snowsuits. Remind me again WHY we live in Nova Scotia? Oh right. It IS very pretty. VERY pretty. Part of the year.

Well we have started playing with our new Christmas toys. Remember the Pyramid we got last year? The sturdy hard plastic toy that was weighted on the bottom with a small hole near the top, where treats can come out. The toy that Paxton loved to carry around and tactically spun so the treats would come out. The toy that I loved to chase and play with – gobbling treats as they came out. The toy that Frodo frantically BASHED around the room – not even CARING if treats came out. The toy that would damage walls, furniture and human ankles if they mistakenly were in the path. Well. They made a NEW, softer “quieter” model – which of COURSE we had to get. And it’s true. It is softer. And quieter. And less dangerous to humans and surroundings. BUT…the treats come out VERY quickly. Very VERY quickly. I’m not sure why – it LOOKS the same as the old version, but boy those treats just FLY out. I LOVE it. Frodo still bashes it around – without caring that the treats are even there. Paxton now just bats it with his paws – quickly dispensing treats in one place. So although WE like it, my human isn’t QUITE so thrilled. We have ANOTHER new toy too – we’ll test that one today.

Well excuse me while I go and look out the window AGAIN. That’s REALLY the best way of forecasting the weather. Heeeeeeeere we go again!

Boxing Day

December 26, 2015Leave a Comment

Waiting for the “OK” to open our special surprises. Note – mine is already started. I couldn’t wait…

Another Christmas Day done. Whew. That was a lot of work. Just kidding. We dogs don’t have to work too hard – although we do get to monitor the frenzied behavior of our humans – and that in itself is exhausting. But the Christmas feast came out lovely – and this year I didn’t steal any turkey legs while my human wasn’t watching. Sometimes I underestimate her. She REMEMBERED my theft from last year – so this year, we were sequestered OUT of the kitchen. AND she played the whole “gift opening” game quite strategically as well. You see, she let us open the toys we got from Santa in the morning – but saved the BEST gifts for later in the day. When she KNEW we would be so excited and occupied by them – that we would leave the humans in peace to eat their Christmas dinner. The special surprise? We EACH got a deer antler. But not just ANY antler –an antler STUFFED with sweet potato and beef. I could not WAIT to open my package. And Paxton also tore his apart. Frodo – the good dog who never rips things, didn’t know what to do. My human had to open it for him. I kid you not. And he’s supposed to be the “smart” one?!

Today is Boxing Day. I thought the name came from the fact that humans get into fist fights while trying to return Christmas gifts – and while fighting for bargains – but apparently it has nothing to do with shopping rage. The name apparently comes from the UK – and has something to do with servants and tradespeople receiving boxes or gifts from their employers the day after Christmas. In Canada it’s a holiday – and it’s also a day when stores have BIG sales – kind of like the day after Thanksgiving in the US. It’s a big deal in lots of areas in Canada – but for some reason, everything in Nova Scotia is CLOSED. Not a store or business can be found that is open. So the big Boxing Day sales begin the day AFTER Boxing Day. But they still call them Boxing Day sales. Confused? Yup. Another brilliant human idea. We don’t really care. I mean, it’s not like we would be returning those deer antlers that Santa brought. Let’s just say, they are already well used.

The best news for today is that we have COMPANY coming! My human’s mother is coming to hang out with us for a few days. Not that she lives that far away. Or that she wasn’t here yesterday. But she is coming to STAY while my human is on vacation. And we KNOW I am her favorite grand-dog – so that means MORE bananas and treats for me! OK. OK. She does treat us all equally. But MAYBE – I can work on that – with my adorable, fun-loving, sweet entertaining persona. I certainly will try!

I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas – and will continue to enjoy the rest of this holiday season!

MERRY Christmas!!!

December 25, 2015Leave a Comment

Just a quick note today as it is CHRISTMAS!!!!

Last night my human and her mom and sister had the wigilia supper and went to church and today everyone is coming to our house for turkey dinner. It appears that Santa overlooked my indiscretions and did leave some presents. We never heard him arrive but he clearly was here. What I find unusual is that the gift wrapping job is actually quite horrible and it bears a strong resemblance to my human’s handiwork. I’m assuming Santa asked her to help him out. I’m doubtful he’ll be using her services in the future. Mind you, we’ll be tearing off that paper in 0.25 seconds – so I guess it doesn’t REALLY matter what the wrapping looks like…

In addition to Santa arriving – more importantly, Baby Jesus is now in the crib in the manger. Frodo said he was hiding behind the manger up until now – but all I know is that around midnight, he appeared IN the crib. With the shepherds, the sheep and the cow and the dog. Of COURSE our manger would HAVE to have a dog in it.

You know – this Christmas is extra special as it is a FULL moon! As if presents alone aren’t enough to make us crazy!

Well – I am about to open those presents. I hope my wish for your joyful, happy Christmas is coming true! Peace my friends!

Dear Santa…

December 24, 2015Leave a Comment

Dear Santa.

Before I get into my list, I have some “housekeeping items”. I am hoping that you will come to our home FIRST because my human has spent an inordinate amount of time cleaning the house and us. We cannot maintain this façade for very long.

Also please disregard the previous email list that I sent to you. I hit the “send” button before I was finished with my message. You will note that the previous list included a goat. I have subsequently taken that item off my list because I realized that my human has enough work taking care of us three dogs -so a goat would probably not be a good idea.

I have tried to be a good dog this year with “tried” being the operative word. You see I have been diligent in writing my blog almost every day. And I actually engage in some of my antics purely for my readership because really, if I was well-behaved all the time, the blog would be would become quite boring. I must confess I did enjoy destroying the elf and making friends with the porcupine and disappearing in the woods and licking Frodo’s face and Paxton’s ears and breaking into the DFZ and chasing the neighbor’s cat and and and…. well maybe not EVERYTHING was purely for my readership. I hope you will not hold those “indiscretions” against me.

So back to the list. I had World Peace as number one- but I realize that’s a BIG order…

Some toys would be nice – although none of those “educational” toys this year. Thanks but no thanks. We’re still trying to figure out the toys from last year. So something basic – like a toilet paper roll would be fine. We quite enjoy those.

No clothes. Again – thanks but no thanks. Give those to someone else who really needs them. And enjoys wearing them.

Of course, I always enjoy some treats. And an extra helping of food would be nice. Mind you, I already have those too.

We have a comfy bed – which we DO share. My human could use a bigger bed – but I DO manage to get up there too– but don’t tell her…

Let’s see what else could I ask for? Santa – perhaps what I will ask for is not for me. I will ask for something for every person (and dog) who is reading this blog. I ask that they share the joy and happiness that Christmas is all about . A smile, a handshake, a phone call, a hug – realizing that Christmas ISN’T about the presents – but about those moments that you share with others. Human OR canine. OK. Cats too. And ferrets. And rabbits. But not snakes. OK. Snakes too. But just for today.

Santa I ask for peace and happiness within the hearts of those reading this – even if just for a moment. And that feeling of pure joy – that we dogs know ALL about. That’s what I wish for.

Oh – and if you DO decide to drop off a parcel – and you can’t fit down our chimney – I’ll leave the door open. And I’ll remind Frodo that’s it’s OK to let you in. I’m not sure about leaving you milk and cookies – it is likely one of us would eat it. Sorry about that….

Safe travels Santa – don’t forget to buckle up and you probably should also be wearing a helmet. Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!

Your best friend.

Viktor. The PON.

Does Santa REALLY care how we smell?

December 23, 2015Leave a Comment

I should have seen it coming. We were picked off one by one. It started with me on Monday. My human took Frodo and I out to play fetch – and I noticed that she was throwing my toy on the lawn – while she was throwing the toy for Frodo on the driveway. The lawn, I might add was wet and muddy. I thought it odd – and then realized what she was doing. She was letting me have a great time – BEFORE the dreaded bath. Yup. I was the first victim. I’m actually NOT too bad when it comes to bath time – although I do attempt to eat the dryer that has the jet engine when she starts it up. But all in all, I’m not TOO bad. Frodo and Paxton hardly recognized me when I emerged from the “spa.” I initially protested the fact that I was the first victim…

But then realized I DID look and smell pretty nice…

Yesterday, I figured it would be Frodo’s turn – so I gave him a pre-wash before my human began. He was NOT impressed with my handiwork.

He got a good brushing first, so when that was over, he thought he was done for the day. Wrongo. My human had to catch him after he jumped off the grooming table when he realized she was testing the water temperature in the tub. My human DID catch him – she always does. You can run – but you CANNOT hide.

My human planned to give Paxton his bath today – but yesterday after bathing Frodo, she figured she was wet already, so she tackled the worst. Not worst in terms of behavior – Paxton GLADLY jumps on the grooming table AND in the tub. He loves the whole experience. He often sits with his eyes closed while he is being dried – like he’s getting a massage. He LOVES bath time.

The bad part about Paxton’s bath is the nuclear hair fallout. My human brushed enough hair off him to fill a garbage bag before she began – but he STILL loses hair like leaves coming off the trees in the fall when he is bathed. That’s in the tub while he is being washed. And then when the dryer starts – well it is EVERYWHERE. It’s raining down and flying all around the room. My human has it in her eyes, her mouth – she should probably be wearing a hazmat suit. And the cleanup after takes longer than the bath!

But we are all done. And all ready for Santa. Just putting the finishing touches on my list – I’ll email it. Because we all look and smell marvelous, there will be no fun retrieving in the muddy yard until AFTER Christmas. I’m just fearful we will have to wear our snowsuits to keep us clean until then.

Have a great day! We WILL – because NO baths today!!!!!!!!

Alvin!

December 22, 2015Leave a Comment

December 22. On this day in 1958, the Chipmunk Song hit #1 in the charts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whY9MKlvisI

Seriously. It WAS #1. My human said if I were one of the chipmunks, I would be Alvin. Great. Now you know it will be my new nickname.

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of chipmunks. I mean they are fun to chase – but pretty tough to catch. Mind you, I’m not quite sure what I would do if I DID catch one. We had a chipmunk who dug a hole in the middle of the island in our driveway. If you put a rock over the hole, another hole would come up alongside it. The island was covered with rocks – and my human FINALLY gave up. Score: Human 0 – Chipmunk 1.

Hey speaking of humans and mistakes – did you hear about the Miss Universe Pageant?! It’s REALLY a weird show where human women march around in bathing suits – and there is NO pool in sight. Another brilliant human idea. But the big news – the announcer – some guy named Steve Harvey announced the winner. And he made a mistake. The poor woman had 2 minutes of thinking she was queen of the universe and then they took off her crown. Whoa. I’m thinking that may be Steve Harvey’s last job for awhile. Hope somebody buys Steve a reading program for Christmas.

We are getting VERY excited about the arrival of Santa. I’m assuming the deadline for my list is the 23^rd. Still working on it.

Well – back to bugging my human. Have a universally super day!

More daylight. And winter.

December 21, 2015Leave a Comment

December 21. It’s official. The first day of winter. So far, we have had VERY mild weather, but we awoke to a dusting of snow yesterday morning. It was C-O-L-D and windy, but we still wanted our walks. We allowed our human to sleep in until 6:30 and then insisted that she get up. Frodo and I got the first walk. The cold air TOTALLY invigorated me. I was CRAZY. I mean CRAZY. It was all my human could do to hold onto the leash. I was darting back and forth – running and stopping. I LOVED the weather. Frodo on the other hand could not WAIT to get home. He found the snow too cold – so 2/3 of the way through our walk, he started limping. He doesn’t like snow between his pads. Seriously. There wasn’t even much snow. But he had quite enough so he wanted to go home.

Then it was Bucket Head’s turn for his walk. Well. If you think I liked the cold weather – Paxton was TOTALLY in his glory. My human took a few photos of him. But every time she would back up to take a shot, he would charge at her. He LOVES the cold and snow.

Besides the beginning of winter – it is also an important day – because now the days will start getting longer. I got up at 5AM to see if there was a difference, but it was still dark outside. Hmmmmmmmm.

We are doing a splendid job of keeping our human busy now that she is on vacation. If she even ATTEMPTS to sit down and read, it is my solemn duty to sit by her and stare at her. I mean, I’m just thinking about her health. She needs exercise. The effects of all that Halloween candy are still evident, but don’t tell her I mentioned it. So besides our long walks in the morning, it is essential that she not sit and rest. At all. Even though she does things like vacuuming. And washing the floor. And doing the laundry…She must play with US too. She must take US outside to fetch toys. She must feed US extra treats. Yesterday she took all of us with her when she went to go to the store. It was just a quick trip – and we had to wait in the car. She was hoping all the “excitement” of the car ride would wear us out. Fat chance. Yes, Pax and Frodo did take a nap when we got back – but not me. I never rest.

Well, time to go and bug my human. Have a lovely ACTIVE day. I am going to enjoy every extra second of daylight that I get!

Go Caroling Day

December 20, 2015Leave a Comment


An old photo of Frodo caroling…

December 20. Today is Go Caroling Day. Every day for Frodo is caroling day. He sings. Lots.

The first Christmas carols date back to the 4^th century – but the first time carols were sung in churches was not until the 19^th century. Before that, carols were often sung at communal gatherings – and people used to go from house to house – wassailing. According to some historians, somewhere around 500 Christmas carols have been discovered in museums. That’s a LOT of singing. And that doesn’t even include our modern Christmas songs!

Some carols are familiar world wide – like this well-loved German song. There are many versions of it – it is hard to pick just one example of it. Here’s a version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BRVkgaIcaE

And one without music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sme8N2pzRx8

Then we have songs that are unique to countries, like this Canadian carol sung in Huron, French and English:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6IG6F6E5Ac

And of course, I MUST mention POLISH carols. My human can sing along to many of these – because she heard them as a child. She has no idea what she is singing – but she loves them just the same. This is a great list:

https://crazypolishguy.wordpress.com/2014/12/15/best-polish-christmas-carols/

BUT – it doesn’t include one of her very favorite songs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4urEpOPlhhY

And what would a blog about Christmas songs be without one of THE most famous renditions by dogs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCBhQCCyhTo

I went MAD when my human played that. So did Paxton. We were singing along. And Frodo was silent for a change. Clearly he prefers to be a soloist.

If you have a favorite song from your country – please feel free to share it to my Facebook page! Happy singing!

Super Saturday!

December 19, 2015Leave a Comment

Today is Super Saturday. Or it is also known as Panic Saturday – the last Saturday before Christmas. Apparently some businesses do a huge amount of their holiday sales on this day. My human does not want to even get NEAR any big stores today. She THINKS she has most of her shopping done. But she will no doubt think of SOMETHING she has forgotten and will have to venture out.

I’m calling it Super Saturday for another reason. Yesterday was her last day of work until the NEW YEAR!!!!!! So she will be home with us, playing with us, walking us, giving us treats, playing with us, feeding us, playing with us….And it all begins today! Rumor has it though, that her time off MAY also include a Christmas BATH for each of us. And that is NOT so super. I say that she should give Frodo and Paxton their baths first – because maybe she’ll be so tired there won’t be time to give ME a bath. Paws crossed.

I’ve been trying to convince my human to take us to one of those photo places where you can get your picture taken with Santa. I think that would be awesome. My human says it is OUT of the question. Can you IMAGINE that scene? The three of us with some big guy with a white beard wearing a red suit? Frodo would DEFINITELY have NO part of it. Paxton would be fine. Until he realized there were photos involved. And me? Just TRY and get me to sit next to him. Mind you, I was fine with the bagpipe player… I’m going to keep trying to convince her. Although I’m not sure how I would explain the elf incident to Santa….

Well, since we have less than a week until the big day – time to share some dog Christmas videos – just to get you in the spirit! Enjoy!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnxKQTT9sGY

Have a super SUPER Saturday. I know I WILL!!!!!!