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Hey everybody! Squirmy here again. On this wonderful Wednesday. No new broken bones or cracked phones- so the week has been good so far.

Today’s blog is a mishmash of sad, happy and informative. Let’s start with the sad….

We learned the other day that a very pretty Picard by the name of Flicka, went to that place they call the Rainbow Bridge. Flicka would have turned 14 in June. And in her 13+ years – she packed in a LOT in her life. Her humans were forever traveling with her on adventures- and they have hundreds of beautiful photos showing her living her large life. Flicka even visited Nova Scotia (before my time) and came to our house! The Beatnik was completely smitten with her.

They even danced together…

She was a very lovely girl. I hear that every dog takes a special place in his/ her human’s heart. And some dogs take a special place in MANY peoples’ hearts. That was Flicka. Everybody who met her, liked her. We feel very sad for her family – but we know that they have many wonderful memories of a dog whose life was well lived..

It’s hard to write anything more after that story, but I’ll give it a try. I guess I’ll call this part the informative section.

I’m sure we’ve written a blog post on blueberries before, but this is just a good reminder. Blueberries, in case you didn’t know, are very good for us dogs. Here’s an older article which talks about blueberries and dogs.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16520073/

We dogs get blueberries every day in our house. My Enforcer even had a little song she made up to sing while feeding us the tasty blue orbs. But she had to stop singing it because the Beatnik refused to eat them while she was singing. He prefers blueberry dining in silence. And he’s 50-50 on whether or not he really likes them. I always stand next to him because if he’s in a spit out mood, I grab the castoffs. Works for me.

And lastly I have a funny video. Check out this super smart Aussie.

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/australian-shepherd-appears-to-outsmart-owner/

Now I’m smart, but no way would I have done what he did. Seriously? If I could get into the drawer, I could perform magic. Every one of the treats would vanish into thin air. Forget about putting one back.

So that’s it for me today- that’s all I have. I wish you a Wonderful Wednesday.

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

Hey everybody! Squirmy Wormy here on another marvelous Monday! The start of another week of walking, playing, eating, biting, ricocheting and causing chaos!

Now we know that I’ve been getting a bit of a bad rap recently because of the broken hand thing and the chipped iPhone. But really – neither of those actions was done deliberately. Well- I guess the jumping and ricocheting were deliberate, but I didn’t do them to cause trouble. It’s just my joyful personality that explodes from within and I can’t control what my body does. I didn’t anticipate the outcomes.

So imagine how nervous My Enforcer was yesterday- when I was going to my first ever Rally Obedience class! We were joining a group that had previously been meeting – so we and one other team (a pretty Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and her human) were the class newbies. I think I might have been the youngest one there too.

My Enforcer was kinda glad we were newbies and I was the youngest – because she had an excuse if I was my regular wild self. I came in and was a bit inquisitive about the other dogs for like 10 seconds when suddenly, My Enforcer pulled out her secret weapon. A cheese string. One whiff of that thing, and she pretty much had my attention for most of the class. When we had to go up and practice a course, I stuck to her like dog hair on a fleece jacket. I strutted my stuff and almost looked like I knew what I was doing.

A couple of the girl dogs didn’t know quite what to make of me. The class has 4 girls and one other guy, They were no doubt impressed with my rugged shaggy appearance- because thankfully, My Enforcer forgot my barrette. I like going without a barrette because with my hair over my eyes, nobody can tell when I’m staring at them. And trust me, I did check everyone out!

There was just one problem in the class- which is the typical problem in all this training stuff. The handler. We dogs just listen and wait to be told what to do. And 9 times out of 10 – it’s the handler that makes the mistake. And yesterday, my handler made a big mistake. She forgot I’m a newbie and was treating me like The Boss – who knows all this stuff- and doesn’t need lots of rewards. But I’m a baby – and I need rewards. Even our teacher told My Enforcer to give me a treat!! I later realized she had only brought ONE cheese string – so she was trying to ration it. Don’t worry – she had plenty of other treats – which of course I like too – but those cheese strings are THE best thing I’ve ever had. She’ll have to stock up on the cheese strings the next time.

So all in all, My Enforcer was very pleased with how I did in my first class. She told me she was proud of me! So I guess I have redeemed myself. For now. We’ll see how long I stay in the good graces. It IS just Monday…

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

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

The imp has been fairly well behaved the past few days – although any improvement is notable as the bar is set underground. He still has moments of total insanity – like yesterday when he grabbed Her Highness’s left sleeve and would not let go. He is well aware that she could not use her wounded right hand to pry open his jaws, and she repeatedly (and rather unsuccessfully) told him to stop. She envisioned dragging him to the treat jar – (which clearly is ridiculous given the bad behavior ) – but she thought he might at least sit on command. Thankfully he let go before that.

He HAS learned that throwing oneself against the door will not make it open. He now sits and stares at it. So he is somewhat trainable. When he wants to be.

Since things are relatively quiet here, I will turn to the news for some relevant material. Two stories of lost and found…

The first is the well-reported story of the horrible dog-napping of two of Lady Gaga’s French Bulldogs and the atrocious shooting of her dog walker. After a day or two of worry over the medical status of the dog walker and the whereabouts of the dogs, everything ended well. The dogs were returned and the dog walker will make a full recovery. The singer had offered a $500,000 reward for the return of her two precious pets. I dare say Her Highness would offer a substantial reward should I ever be dog-napped. Which is highly unlikely as I would put up a serious resistance. The other stooges, I am not so sure. About the resistance and about the reward money. I say that in jest. Although I do believe I am the “favorite” around here. I am relatively well behaved- and quite reliable. The Beatnik’s behavior over all is not bad, but he still remains a flight risk. And as for the imp- I believe any dog-nappers would pay Her Highness to take him back.

The other lost and found story involves a dog here in Nova Scotia by the name of Jasper. Seven months ago, Jasper escaped from a boarding facility, the day after his humans left him there to go on a little vacation. So much for that holiday. They returned to look for him – with many people assisting in the hunt. But alas, Jasper was gone. BUT he was found, as I mentioned, 7 months later at a location over 240 km (or approximately 150 miles) from where he escaped. IMAGINE his surprised and relieved humans when he was returned to them. I can certainly empathize with Jasper’s annoyance when his humans left him to go on vacation, but I think he took his protest a bit too far. Yes. That was an attempt at humor.

And lastly in the topic of dog news, there is some interesting research going on in the study of coprolites. What are coprolites? Fossilized animal feces – and in this particular study – dog feces. I might suggest that they come to our property to collect samples as the snow has melted and Her Highness has yet to remove the frozen artifacts. She needs her special boots for the job – as one cannot simply pick up frozen poop. One must kick it first. But I digress…

Why would one study fossilized dog poop? To see what dogs once ate, of course. This provides information about the health of ancient dogs, and also gives insight into human diets and health as well – as dogs likely ate some of the scraps that humans provided them. Interestingly, researchers found that the dog diets included duck, fish, walnuts, and grapes. The grapes and walnuts are particularly interesting because today, grapes and black walnuts are considered toxic for dogs. If you would like to read more about the poop study, here is a link:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/02/210224120338.htm

We dogs would be excellent at studying coprolites – as we are excellent at reviewing even more “fresh” samples. Perhaps they could use some canines in this research….

Well that is my review for today. It must be almost time for our morning constitutionals. Since Her Highness injured her hand, she can only walk one of us at a time – and I must say, I do enjoy the individual attention. I think we all do. AND Her Highness is getting plenty of exercise – which will finally, hopefully address those Halloween candies which she ate in 2018. I purposely put my paw on the scale when she stands on it – so our walks keep getting longer and longer. She’ll thank me. Because, after all, I am her favorite….

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

Hey hey hey blogaroos. Squirmy here. Getting ready for another terrific day! EVERY day is terrific in my eyes! I’m just a joyful kinda guy. Even in my crate…

And speaking of which…. remember how I was granted the status of “big boy” – and I was allowed to sleep out of my crate – and free in the bedroom? Well… that lasted all of three nights. I guess it ended when, for the third night in a row, I decided it was party time. At around 4AM. I put my paws on the bed and stared at My Enforcer- with my butt wagging – and ready to play. She said “go to sleep”. Since she was an unwilling participant, I decided to bug the other guys. I think sleep is overrated. So I’m back in my crate again.

The other thing which I feel is overrated is grooming. I mean it’s not like I’m going in any show any time soon. They’re all canceled- for now. BUT the problem is – if we PONs are not regularly brushed, we get fuzzettes. That’s what I call them. Actually, I suppose I should call them fuzzickies. That sounds more Polish. They’re kinda like the “m” word – but not totally as bad. The “m” word (in case you don’t know) is mat. Mats (for those who either don’t have a dog – or own a wash and wear easy care breed like a Doberman ) are basically hair that tangles together and gets stuck in a big glob. And they usually show up in the most uncomfortable spots – like under your front legs or (just thinking of this makes me shiver) around your private areas. And oooo eeee. Getting those things unglued is not pleasant. So. The key is to not getting them in the first place.

So you need to be brushed. Now mats don’t just appear. First you get fuzzickies. Fuzzickies are kinda tangling, but not totally stuck. They are the precursor to mats.

Anyway, since My Enforcer had the hand episode, I have not been brushed. And while I was enjoying my rugged shagginess, it began to drive My Enforcer bonkers. She was forever feeling all over my body and shaking her head every time she ran across a fuzzicky . So on Tuesday, she couldn’t take it any more and “invited” me into the garage aka grooming torture palace. But remember- she’s still wearing a splint on that broken hand.

Somehow she managed to get me into the table and like a one-armed cowboy managed to wrestle me onto my side. But THEN the challenge began. It started with her brushing me with her left hand. Remember she’s right-handed – and that’s the one with the splint. To say she’s uncoordinated with her left hand is an understatement. My hair was going in all different directions and she was making a real mess. And then she got to the fuzzickies. In my private areas….

One clumsy brush move in that area and I was ready to head for the hills. It was at that point that she realized she had to TRY using the three available fingers on her broken hand to hold the brush. This whole thing was not pleasant for either of us. She kept giving me treats – and I WAS very tolerant- but after 1.5 hours, she only had half of me fuzzicky free before her three fingers cramped up. She had to stop. She should have done the other half of me yesterday, but she wasn’t ready for another round. Fuzzicky fighting is not easy. I expect we may go into battle again today. And then it’s The Boss’s turn. He’s miserable with grooming at the best of times so this should be interesting. As for the Beatnik – no problem. His coat doesn’t really tend to get mats and he’s generally fuzzicky free. Plus he’s easy to brush and when you finish after 10 minutes, he looks exactly the same. Lucky guy…

Anyway, keep your paws crossed that I have fewer fuzzickies on the left half of my body. Just keep those treats coming and we’ll hope that we don’t have another hair raising experience.

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

Yo readers. Elroy here. Finally getting to write a post. The two mops seem to enjoy writing- so I let them do their thing. Kind of like the whole “find the smelly, soggy stuffed animal” game. You need ways to keep yourself busy – go for it. I really don’t get the huge “frenzy” over searching for an arbitrary thing that is deliberately hidden. Now finding Her Highness’s car keys – THAT would be functional. Mind you, you know our Picard attitude. You lost it. You find it. I’m content to just watch her rifling through her coat pockets and that suitcase she calls a purse. Same thing with the soggy stuffed toy. When I DO find it, I do it to humor her. It’s called intermittent reinforcement. She actually THINKS she’s training me. But trust me- it’s totally the other way around.

The mops get excited about doing ANYTHING. If there’s food. In fact, their eagerness can sometimes be borderline nuisance. I’ve seen it with my own eyes when I walk with The Boss. He will suddenly start going into this formal heel work routine – like he’s in a competition walking down the road. He trots RIGHT NEXT TO Her Highness. Looking up at her like she’s some kind of goddess. And it’s fine for 100 feet of walking but then even Her Highness tells him to stop. She says “Enough. Free.” Yeah well the mops are pretty stubborn. If they decide it’s game on – it’s game on. He’ll practically trip Her Highness. And if she stops, the guy stops and sits. Which is lovely if they are training or competing. But he expects a treat each time. And he literally won’t stop heeling like Velcro until he gets that treat. And you would think that would end the routine. Nope. He starts up again. Man he has her so well trained. And get this – the little guy does it too now! He prances along like he thinks he’s a Lipizzaner stallion or something. The other day they did all their obedience practice as they walked down the entire road. I should be selling tickets. Wait until she starts carrying the traffic cones for the Figure Eights….

Meanwhile, yours truly would much rather sniff and stare at things on a walk. I’m an environmental kinda guy. But the other day, I decided to try a mop imitation….

I suddenly nuzzled right up to Her Highness as we were walking. She looked at me like I had three heads. Her words were something like “Seriously- you want to strut?! OK – sit.” I figured I would show her- I literally threw myself back into a sit like I had hit an invisible brick wall. She started giggling- as it was a bit over the top. She looked at me and said “strut” as she stepped forward. Well, in an over-exaggerated mop move, I leapt up and started prancing like a pony. Head tilted back and looking at her – with legs flying. She laughed out loud, gave me a treat and told me I was brilliant. She decided to try the routine again. And I did a repeat performance. She kept telling me how brilliant I was as my legs were flailing along, and as I again threw myself into a sit when she stopped. She gave me a treat and a hug. I love hugs. But honestly, when she tried the third time, and she said “strut” I just sat there and didn’t move a muscle. I mean come on. She knows I think treats are overrated. How many times did she expect me to do it? Wasn’t two times enough?! She looked at me with the “oh I get it – it’s Picard rules” look and said “free.” I made a dash for the ditch on the side of the road to sniff. And stare. Because let’s not forget – I’m no mop.

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

Hey hey hey. It’s me – Squirmy Wormy, Crash Test Smarty who has another new name!! Chipper. Or Chip for short. And I got it for two reasons…..1. That little chip in My Enforcer’s hand and 2. That little chip in the corner of her iPhone! Yup!! I’m back at it. Destroying everything in my path like a tornado. It’s quite a skill!

So we know about the hand debacle but you haven’t heard about the phone fiasco. It happened yesterday morning….

For SOME reason, My Enforcer got it in her head that she wanted to listen to music while taking us on our morning constitutionals. I don’t think I’ve EVER seen her do that – but The Boss said she went through a phase like that some years ago. Something about making her walk faster. If she wanted to walk with more spring in her step she should have just told me – I can pull faster!! But no. She wanted MUSIC to make her move. So after I did my 23 laps around the dining room table and sat waiting semi-patiently at the front door, I saw her fiddling around with some ear phones and her phone. Cool. As long as she doesn’t forget my treats, I don’t care if she carries a donkey – I just wanted to get moving!

Her pockets were full of treats and poop bags and she shoved her phone in a pocket too. She put my leash on, struggled to stretch a mitten over her hand splint, and put her other mitten on. And we were FINALLY ready to roll.

It was a cold but dry and sunny day. All the trees and bushes were covered in tiny sparkly diamonds. It was sooo pretty. So as we went out the door, into the magical world of glitter and peppy tunes, My Enforcer smiled and thought how PERFECT her morning was going….

And I trotted along in front of her in my ever-lasting state of happiness and wild abandon. And all was right with the world for about 50 feet. We weren’t even 1/3 of the way up the driveway, when for no explainable reason (other than my inner devil) I suddenly turned back toward My Enforcer and did a joyful ricochet off her stomach. Which caused me to tangle my front legs in those ear phone cords. I not only yanked them out of her ears, I pulled the phone out of her pocket and spun around tangling myself further in my own leash! Yup. I was like a calf at a rodeo tangled in ear phone cords and leash, and dragging her phone in the process. Which I guess caused the chip. My Enforcer shouted “Stop. Sit.” Which was awkward to do given how tangled I was. She mumbled something like “2 minutes. We weren’t even 2 minutes out the door!!!” I just looked at her wanting her to untangle me. Of course it required that she remove both mittens, one of which I then attempted to eat.

I think it was at that point that she screamed. OK. It wasn’t a super loud banshee scream – it was more like a mini scream-groan. Probably only 3 or 4 neighbors heard it.

After I was released from my bondage, and she retrieved her (thankfully) still-working phone with a new chipped corner, and she plugged herself back in, and she put on her mittens, we were ready to rock and roll. I didn’t do any more ricochets for the rest of the walk. And I came every time when called when I was let loose on the trail. Thankfully she never lost any treats out of her pocket during the tornado. A few times I even came to her when I wasn’t called. Because I had this weird feeling she was trying to lose me. But I’m sure it was my imagination…

So THAT is how our morning began and how I got the name Chip. Go ahead – complete the following sentence: Good thing I’m ____!

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

Hey blogaroos. Squirmy here. With another episode of my large life.

Not a lot new here – except….something new on the decorative front. So we know all about the whole “creative carpet renovations” that the Coyote and I have done to the dining room carpet….Well I should say we did a long time ago, because since My Enforcer sprayed it with this toxic product meant for horses – our decorative juices have not been flowing. The main ingredient in the concoction is pepper. And oooo-eeeee- neither of us really care for it. So we have left the carpet alone.

However, we have a NEW decorative item in our abode. Which My Enforcer made…

During some recent bad weather, she decided to make a new project. She made something called a floor cloth. Except it’s not made of cloth. Go figure. It’s made of vinyl – and she painted it with a stencil. She did it in the garage – so we canines have not been allowed in there since this project began. It goes back to the whole “dogs and paint” issue. She didn’t want us walking over her newly painted “rug”. So to prevent paw prints and dog hair, we were banned. And even after it was painted, she put some coating on the top, and that had to dry for like forever. Well she finally dragged the 3 x 6’ thing into the kitchen yesterday, while we were all sequestered outside. We watched with great interest through the olfactory art on the deck door, shouting out our opinions as to placement of the new decor.

She placed it in front of the kitchen sink, and stood back to get a look before the decorating team would be let loose. Even with all her efforts to keep us away from her “masterpiece” she still did detect the odd dog hair in the varnish. Of course she did. There’s no place in this house that dog hair can’t reach. No matter how much she uses that new vacuum. The one that has this cool whirring sound, precipitating barking from ALL of us every time it’s used. Great fun. But I’m off topic…

So the door was opened and the troops raced in – with yours truly jumping right over The Boss to be the first one to see the new addition. Meanwhile, the Coyote sauntered in and didn’t even really care.

We immediately stood on it to test it out. Then we sniffed it and closely examined the paint job. We approved the colors and design. Grey. And beige. Like me. Which is perfect because it will hide my hair.

We actually didn’t pay much attention to the edges. Yet. They COULD look nice with a scalloped effect-but not right away. We’ll leave it like this for awhile anyway.

OK. Time for my morning walk about. Have a happy day. Oh. And if you need my decorating consulting, just let me know!

Oh …. ummm…. before I close….I should mention one last word on the hand debacle. I don’t really want to go into the details…. but let’s just say – it will be FINE!!!!!!! Hurray!!!!!!In a few short weeks. After the fracture heals…..Good thing I’m cute….

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

Howdy blogaroos. It’s Nonobaddog here. That’s my latest name. Along with a couple I can’t write here.

Now don’t worry – I didn’t do anything REALLY bad in the last two days. Besides – the whole hand injury thing counts for my share of badness for at least a week. My Enforcer did end up going to the doctor – who ordered that she go for an X-ray. My Enforcer is 99% certain nothing is broken (based on her internet Googly medical degree) – but the doctor wanted to make sure. I’m hoping we hear something today so we can just leave this whole mistaken ricochet/stolen biscuit/smashed hand episode behind.

Since that unfortunate momentary lapse of sanity, I have been much better behaved. Mind you, the bar was set kinda low. For example, now when My Enforcer bends over to pick up our food dishes, I am no longer allowed to tackle her like a football linebacker. I must SIT and not move. I must sit and wait patiently for my crate door to be opened – instead of throwing myself against it while she is trying to undo the 5 carabiners necessary to secure it. I must sit when my leash is put on instead of ricocheting multiple times off the front door. I must sit and wait patiently while my food dish is being filled instead of leaping at and barking in the face of the Boss. I must sit and wait while My Enforcer is picking up poop instead of knocking her over so that she ends up with snow all over her pants – just like in the photo. Bottom line (pun intended) I’m doing a LOT of sitting. Blablabla sit. Blablabla sit. My new life…

So besides my sore butt, not much new around here. The snow melted a bit after some rain we had, revealing the expected “land mines.”

But hey – I found a cool story about a dog who does something I want to try. It’s a Shiba Inu – who paints! Check him out:

https://globalnews.ca/news/7653981/hunter-painting-dog-shiba-inu-alberta/amp/

So like I want to do this. But My Enforcer said that putting me and paint in the same room wouldn’t be a good idea. She also said that I would likely try to chew the paint brush. I said just put paint on my feet. People do that with their dogs. Come on – wouldn’t that be fun?! All you readers who want to see me paint – let me know. I could be the next PONcasso – I know it!!!!

OK. Time for me to go and SIT and wait patiently by the door so I can go on my morning constitutional. AFTER I do 43 laps around the dining room table at breakneck speed. A guy’s gotta burn off energy somehow.

Yup. I’ll say it again. Good thing I’m cute.

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

Hey hey hey blogaroos!!!!! It’s me – Squirmy Wormy! On another marvelous Monday. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We got snow on Saturday- but yesterday was a perfect day with blue skies, white covered evergreens and yellow patches that mark the trail where we boys have gone.

Yesterday, My Enforcer began reviewing something called “impulse control” with me. Because I apparently have none. I have moments when I become totally out of control like I’m possessed. My Enforcer is thinking about bringing in an exorcist. She says my compulsive racing around and ricocheting off others is no longer considered appropriate. My Enforcer said I should be starting to mature – and I should be able to contain myself a bit more. Same thing with biting. I am now ignored when I attempt to nibble at clothing and skin – especially while I am also doing my leaping lizard routine.

The new world order began after an unfortunate little incident on Saturday when I attempted to ricochet off My Enforcer. I was kind of playing -and also attempting to grab a treat (which she was offering to the Boss) – and she wasn’t prepared for yours truly. As she attempted to step back and maintain her balance, she somehow bashed her hand full force into the door frame. Wham. She hit it HARD. She didn’t think much of it at first but in another minute or two it really started hurting. She put ice on it and wrapped it in a bandage.

Good thing she has lots of friends in the medical fields – doctors, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists – so she was able to get some good advice about what to do.

It was pretty sore and swollen yesterday- so she was being careful with it. It’s probably just a sprain, but if it doesn’t seem a bit better today, she might go for an X-ray.

Anyway – that whole fiasco precipitated my impulse control lesson. I did it with the Boss who has good control – so he was my model. My Enforcer would put a treat down – and I was not allowed to touch it. Now before you think this is something totally new for me I should explain that I DO have SOME impulse control. Like I patiently wait for the “free” command when I’m waiting for my meals.And I can wait while the bunny is hidden during our games- so that’s also control. I’m beginning to sit nicely when my leash is being put on – but that can take a few minutes. I get SO excited about going out. So I’m working on that control.

I have also learned control when taking photos. And I’m pretty good at that!!

I can also be a superstar when I’m doing my obedience training. But once training is over….I go crazy. Yup. I’m possessed. AND I’m a puppy. Let’s not forget that!!

The thing is – it’s impulse control AND the fact that I’m kinda going through my teenage stage. So I’m a BIT pushy. Both the Boss and the Beatnik have had to tell me off. My Enforcer said I need to learn better manners. She said I’m sometimes too smart for my own good. I’m not sure how one can be too smart – but I think I’ll take it as a compliment.

Anyway, the Boss said to go with the flow more. He said you get treats for doing nothing. You settle in your place – and you get treats. That seems like a pretty good deal.

So I’ll try my best to control my inner devil. But given that I still have two more months before my first birthday, I hope My Enforcer will be a BIT lenient. I promise not to cause her to sprain any more body parts. At least not today. Good thing I’m cute….

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

Greetings blog readers. Frodo here for your reading pleasure today. On a snowy Saturday. Yes, winter remains and I dare say it will be awhile before the snow will totally disappear. The annual snow melt is marked by the reappearance of a variety of dog toys currently buried in the yard. As well, the melt also results in the yearly “discovery of the poop.” Yes – Her Highness attempts to keep the yard clean by picking up and disposing of our mounds, but it is inevitable that some are missed – particularly during storms when they are consequently blanketed in snow. Only to reappear as a sure sign of Spring when the blanket melts.

Because we will no doubt be sequestered inside today, Her Highness will have to find ways to tackle our boredom. One way, which all of us know, is the raucous game of “find the bunny.” Or squirrel. Or lamb. Whatever stuffed toy has the least number of “surgical incisions.”

Now the imp and I enjoy a good game of “find it” and we race to find the toy as quickly as caninely possible. And the Beatnik also appears to enjoy it. Mind you, he plays much more slowly. He says he is methodical hunter. But some days, well he would rather not play at all. The following is a dialogue I overheard last week between Her Highness and the Beatnik when they went downstairs to play the game.

They went into a bedroom….

HH: Elroy sit. Elroy sit. Sit. Sit Elroy. Elroy please sit. OK if you’d rather lie down, so be it. Now STAY.

Elroy: Whatever.

She leaves him and goes to hide the lamb somewhere in the rec room. When the animal is hidden – she shouts to the Beatnik who is still in the bedroom

HH: OK Elroy free. Find the Lambie. OK free. Elroy. Elroy find the Lambie. ELROY !!!!

The Beatnik saunters down the hallway.

HH: Find the Lambie. Where is he? Where is he? Find him.

The Beatnik: Did you really lose the Lamb so quickly? You cannot remember where he is? OK – sure I’ll find him.

The Beatnik slowly makes his way around the room. Sniffing at the ground.

HH: Can ya speed it up even a little?

The Beatnik: Patience woman. I’m methodical. Hey. Where did you get this chair? Is this new? I like the color of it. Let me take a real look at this. It matches the sofa really well.

HH: ELROY FIND THE LAMBIE!!!!

The Beatnik: Oh yeah. I’m supposed to be playing the game. Was it a bunny I’m supposed to be looking for?

He walks RIGHT past the lamb, who is hidden partly under a pillow on the sofa. He appears to look right at it, but continues in his search.

HH: Elroy. Elroy. FIND the Lambie.

The Beatnik: I’m looking.

The Beatnik continues to wander around the room. He starts heading for the bedroom where he had been sequestered.

HH: It CANNOT be in there! YOU were in there!

The Beatnik: Maybe he moved.

HH: He is in here!!! Find the Lambie

The Beatnik: If you know where he is, why do I have to find him?

Her Highness walks over to where the Lambie is partially hidden, and points to it.

The Beatnik: Cool. You found him. Good for you.

HH : Aaaaggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

Needless to say, his game playing did not last long that day. And as I stated earlier, some days he does enjoy playing. And he is successful. And other days – well he plays by “Picard rules.”. Which means – I’ll think about your request. And MAYBE I’ll play….

I can hardly wait to see which rules he will be playing by today….

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