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Hey hey hey! It’s me! Squirmy!!!!!! Full of festive fun feelings! Today the days are already starting to get longer! AND I understand that in just two more days – we get PRESENTS! For somebody else’s birthday!!! How great is THAT?!

The Boss did tell me that I only get presents if I’ve been good. And not naughty. Hey – I’m just a baby – I’m not sure what naughty even means! How can you be guilty if you didn’t know that carpet chewing was even a crime?! I’m STARTING to understand that certain things like jumping on people, biting people and my “brothers”, eating gloves and counter surfing fall in the naughty category. I promise to do better next year. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to say? Anyway, I’m still writing my letter to Santa. Plus I got tricked into having a bath yesterday- so Santa better bring me SOMETHING. Here we go…

Dear Santa Claus.

I’m so excited to meet you!!!! My name is Wojtek (pronounced Voy-tek) and on the 25th I’ll be 8 months old!!!!!!!!!! I was born in the United States but my ancestors come from Poland and now I live in Nova Scotia, Canada. But you probably already know that- I hear you get around.

I hope you are ready for your round the world tour. Just like a rock star! Although I hear you’re even more popular than any rock star ever – and you’ve been around longer than any rock star. Except maybe some guy named Keith Richards. The Boss told me to put that in. It’s his idea of a joke but I don’t get it.

Anyway Mr. Claus, this is my very first Christmas- so I’m not quite sure what to expect. The Coyote told me to ask for whatever I want – and as long as it’s not a Lamborghini, I have a shot at getting it. The Boss said to ask for edibles. And that sounds like a great idea. I love treats. I love food. I also love toys that I can retrieve because that means I get more treats when I bring them back! So I really really REALLY would like stuff to eat or chew on. Other than the carpet or chairs in the dining room.

Now for my confession part… I’m not certain I have been “nice” all the time. But I’m just little – so I’m learning. Plus you know what Santa? For a little guy, I learned I had some pretty big paw prints to fill in this house. There was a guy named Viktor who lived here before me – and from this old photo I found, I think HE was quite the guy…

Honestly, when I have my “less-than-nice” moments – it’s because that guy is telling me what to do!!! He’s still here. Trust me on this one- and I’m here to carry on his dumb bell. Whatever that means.

Anyway Mr. Claus, I like this whole Christmas thing. I’m getting the idea that it’s all about being good and kind and thoughtful to others. And if you are that way to others, gifts come back to you. In all different ways. Gifts don’t have to be “things” they can be a hug or a pat on the head, or a kind word like “good boy.” When you realize that – you understand how really easy it is to give gifts to others.

OK. I had better go and start behaving- it will be my gift to My Enforcer. I can do that – at least for a day!

Oh – If your reindeer need a break, feel free to stop in our yard. It’s fenced, and I’ll be happy to clean up any morsels they leave behind.

Take good care Mr. Claus!

Your friend , Wojtek

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

Greetings blog aficionados. Frodo here on this last Sunday before Christmas. The last minute shoppers will be rushing through the stores in a panic to select gifts. As if they didn’t know that Christmas falls on the 25th. Every year.

While I don’t want to burst the Claus bubble for any child under 8.4 who happens to be reading this blog (believe it or not there is an average age statistic for the disbelief phenomenon)- I am well aware that Santa has assistance from Her Highness. In selecting our gifts, of course. I do not believe that Santa comes down our chimney – because we would SURELY hear him. No – I believe Her Highness “meets Santa at a store” – and he gives her our gifts. Which she bemoaningly wraps ( I’m not certain there is such a word) – but you clearly gather her distain for wrapping.

In the past, we have received an assortment of toys – including those “educational brain games” we received a few years ago. The one where we each tried to eat the game pieces. Clearly the title “brain games” was a bit inaccurate- at least in this household.

So while I question the whole Claus “thing” – I have been told I must write a letter to put in my request for gifts. So. Here we go…

Dear Mr. S. Claus,

Salutations from Frodo, here in Nova Scotia. I am hopeful that given your remote domicile in the far North, that you and your spouse, as well as assorted height-challenged employees, were able to escape the ravages of COVID-19. I have seen no news reports indicating an outbreak in your area – so I trust that factory production is running on schedule.

Just like my “adopted brother,” Elroy – aka Coyote aka FG, I am quite content with all that I have. I don’t need a new collar, as one cannot see it with my shaggy coat. Grooming tools would be a cruel Christmas gift. Toys are fine – but personally, if asked for my favorite thing – food always wins. I’m not particularly fond of lettuce or Brussels sprouts, but beyond that, I have free-range palate. Anything goes. Admittedly, I have put on a few lbs since the Shark arrived – because when he gets treats, I insist on getting them too. So I suppose I could keep treats on my list- but please make them low calorie. They need not be vegan.

As to my behavior this past year, you will be delighted to know that as the “senior dog” in the household, I take great responsibility in modeling appropriate behavior. Except I suppose for the barking. Mind you, someone needs to bark out orders around here.

I know that this year has been difficult for many people and in stealing a term made popular by the Queen in 1992, this year has been an annus horribilis. And it would be extremely easy to focus on the numerous sad events throughout the year. Instead though, I prefer to focus on the good things – no major illnesses in our current household, the food bowls have never gone empty, the power and heat are on AND we welcomed the arrival of our new addition. The imp. The Shaggy Shark. Wojtek. While he does have an unruly habit of barking in my face, he is generally respectful of me. We like to lick each other’s heads – resulting in one gooky brown ear for each of us in the past week. I suppose I could put ear drops on the list.

No – instead of being an “ask letter”- consider my letter a thank you note. Thank you for all that I have. And may we be able to have the same feeling of thanks throughout 2021.

Stay safe Mr. Claus. Wear your mask AND a helmet- and be sure to pass on our gratefulness and hope for health and peace to all those reading this note.

Sincerely yours,

CKC Ch., CFC Elite Ch. Frodo du Domaine de Polana, CD, RE ( but you may call me Frodo)

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

Howdy blogees! Elroy here with some exciting news! The population of Berger Picards in Nova Scotia has just gone up by 16% – if my math skills are correct. Yup – there’s a new kid in town- his name is Tupper – AND he was born in the very same place as moi! But before you all begin to hyperventilate that we have a new addition in our house, I need to let you know that the handsome little lad is living with my girlfriend, Willow. I’m a BIT jealous – but I’ll get over it. Her Highness went to visit him the other day – and said not only is he super cute, but he’s smart too!!!!! Here he is with Willow – this photo was taken by Emma – the woman they own. Isn’t he cute?! I can’t wait to meet him!!!!

So now I want to try and figure out the population of PONs vs Picards in our province. Not that I necessarily KNOW all the dogs out there – but let’s face it, we rare breeds are pretty rare in some parts.

Today is exactly one week until Christmas. The Boss said we should each create our own lists for Santa. I’m not really “a list” kinda guy. I mean I like to go with the flow. I’m not big into restrictions or formality. But they said I have to do it – so here goes…

Dear Santa;

Elroy here. The biggest guy in the household. Those PONs think they are big- but I can still walk over them. Anyway, I’ve had to think a lot about what I would like for Christmas. Unlike most dogs, I generally think food and treats are overrated. Sure I’ll eat a sweet potato chew or certain parts of a bull’s anatomy – but that’s only if I have nothing else to do. So don’t bother with edibles for me.

I suppose I could use a new cover for that inflatable ball – the cover that is currently on the ball is missing pieces. Um. I’m not exactly sure how that happened. Oh – here’s a question for you- if you lie to Santa, do you get fewer gifts? I’m asking for a friend.

What else? No grooming stuff for me. I already have a brush and comb -good enough.

I like sheep. A lot. And we DO have a fenced yard now – so I think we are quite equipped to handle one or two. Plus they could mow the lawn – and although as I already mentioned, I’m not a foodie- I do enjoy the morsels that those sheep make. So yeah – toss a sheep or two in your sleigh if you have room.

I did get my Christmas wish before – the one where Her Highness would spend more time with us at home. First she retired and THEN we had this pandemic thing – so thanks for those.

Otherwise, I’m good Santa. Well – maybe not “good” in the behavior department- but good when it comes to needs. And actually- compared to that Shaggy Shark- I AM good in the behavior department! Who would EVER believe there could be someone more naughty than me! I can’t wait to see HIS list. Is he even eligible for gifts this year?

Anyway -take it easy Santa. Wear your mask, and drive safely.

Your pal,

Elroy

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

It’s me blogaroos! Squirmy Wormy the canine garburator!!!! And do I have a story for YOU. This is one of those “lemonade” stories. You know – if life serves you limes, buy some lenonade. Or something like that.

So this story has two parts. And it kind of began last week. But let’s start with the more recent part. Which was yesterday…

Yesterday, My Enforcer went to visit a new friend…..we’ll tell you all about him in our next blog. I think that’s what they call a cliffhanger…

Anyway, when she got home, she decided we needed to take more Christmas photos. Yup – the Dollar Store dress up has begun – and although we already do have some good bloopers for your viewing pleasure, she wanted to get a few more shots. So. She went in the garage to prepare the “set.” She was in there for like 10 minutes. She wasn’t worried about me chewing the carpet because that pepper spray stuff seems to have deterred my rug renovation skills. The stuff tastes yucky. But I’m sure it will eventually wear off. Anyway, I was pretty quiet while she was getting our “set” ready. She emerged from the garage to get us ready – and she realized my cheeks looked puffed out. Like I was holding something. She ran for a treat to “trade” and what she received was some wool. Brown wool. The cuff of a glove. Yup. Just the cuff. She did a quick scan of the rooms and found no other remnants – so it was pretty clear where the rest of the glove was. In my stomach.

Well. Although it was a cool day, she started sweating. Lots. But- she also KNEW what this meant. I mean she once lived with Bernese Mountain dogs who were notorious for eating mittens, socks- and then there was even the case when Paxton ate an entire 3 foot sling. Then there was Beamish, the Lab who ate a big block of bird suet. And someone who shall remain nameless who ate corn cobs….

So what does one do when a dog eats something bad? Well as long as there has not been too much time that has gone by – AND as long as the bad thing is not caustic – the best thing is to make us dogs puke. And the best method? Hydrogen peroxide. The vets have other methods to make us vomit – but the at- home method is hydrogen peroxide. In a real pinch ( pun intended) one can use salt. BUT WE DO NOT ADVOCATE THAT – as it can be dangerous if you give too much.

So. My Enforcer thought that given how much of the glove was missing – she had better try to “retrieve” it. Unfortunately, it’s been years since she’s had a garbage gut dog – so she had no Hydrogen Peroxide. She jumped in the car, after she sequestered me and took off for the closest pharmacy. On the way, she called our vet to find out about correct dosage.

When she got home, I was all excited to see her – as I usually am. I had no idea that the turkey baster in her hand would be holding the catalyst to make me puke. After she injected the foul stuff into the back of my mouth, she took me outside. In the fenced pen. And she waited. Well. It wasn’t more than 5 minutes that I put my head down and voila- a pile of glove fibers appeared! My Enforcer was SO happy. She waited a bit and when it seemed I was no longer feeling the urge to toss my cookies, she took me in the house. Of course, within 5 minutes, I puked more glove! Excellent. And then I puked AGAIN. And this time was particularly significant. Because in the remnants of treats and kibble there was something else. Something blue….And this is the lemonade part.

You see, every day, the Boss and I have Kongs at breakfast time- while My Enforcer is eating her breakfast. They are filled with treats and yogurt that is frozen overnight. Now there are three types of Kongs. Puppy Kongs, Regular Kongs and Super tough Kongs. We have one puppy Kong and the rest are regular or super. Anyway, last week when I was enjoying my morning Kong, My Enforcer noticed that I was chewing a fair bit. More than normal. On closer inspection, she realized that yours truly had torn off a large piece of rubber from the puppy Kong.

She immediately took it from me – and silently prayed that I had chewed the piece enough so that it wouldn’t cause an obstruction. Every day since then, she’s been searching my poop for bits of blue rubber. And no results…

So. IMAGINE her happiness yesterday when I not only puked glove – BUT I puked the big blue piece of Kong!!!!!!!!!!! Yippeee!!! Oh oh. And after she got that all cleaned up, I puked liquid two more times on the new carpet! Just for good measure!!!!

Yup it was a lemonade day after all. I mean if I hadn’t eaten the glove, who KNOWS what would have happened with the Kong. Mind you, there was the story of a PON who once chewed the head off a stuffed duck. And returned it by puking it up 6 weeks later!!!!! Now THAT was remarkable.

OK gotta go. Time for my morning constitutional. And time to plan my misadventures for today. Gotta keep My Enforcer’s blood pressure from going too low. As if that’s ever a problem!!!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. And don’t eat gloves.

Hey blogaroos!!! Another marvelous Monday! At least in my little world! You know me – Marvelous Monday, Terrific Tuesday, Wonderful Wednesday- all’s right with MY world. I’m a lucky dog. Although….I DID have a Scary Sunday. Because I tried a PONdini trick – and was NOT successful….

So you know how I have figured out how to lift the three latches on my wire crate aka prison cell – so My Enforcer has had to use carabiners to keep me in? And that’s been a successful incarceration method. So far. However… yesterday morning, the method failed. Half way.

My Enforcer took me out for a short morning constitutional. She then sequestered me in my cell while she took out the Coyote. I have to be incarcerated because of the whole carpet thing. Yawn. Anyway it was kinda damp and misty – so we each went out individually- for short walks. As My Enforcer was returning from their walk and she approached the front door, she heard what sounded like a bark and a squeal. It was different from my typical incessant barking. She opened the front door and her eyes kinda bugged out of her head. I had somehow managed to still push up the three latches on the door – and opened the door as wide as those 2 inch carabiner clips. And I had attempted to jump through the opening. I had done something like this before, when there was one carabiner clip. And BEFORE when I attempted this trick, I was a puppy. A smaller puppy. But I’m a big puppy now – so I unfortunately found myself stuck. Really stuck. Really REALLY stuck. With my body being squished with every breath. I was just a BIT panicky – so My Enforcer couldn’t reach underneath me to release the carabiners. So – like something out of a scene from Wonder Woman, she bent back the heavy wire door with one hand and lifted the back half of me with her other hand. I think I heard the theme from Rocky. And praise the Lord I was free!!!!! I was kinda panting and puffing because it’s hard work trying to free yourself from a tiny gap in a crate door. My Enforcer felt me all over, and I seemed fine. But you know her- she couldn’t take her eyes off me. She worried I squished some internal organs – but not to worry- like a mouse getting through a tiny gap, I was FINE. She did wish she had a home X-ray machine. Maybe Santa can bring her one for Christmas. Although I’m thinking it’s pretty unlikely. I think she should just put dog biscuits on her Santa list. Yeah – she can’t eat them – but we know her life revolves around our happiness- so she would be SO happy to get dog biscuits. OK. I guess that’s a stretch – especially coming from a dog who caused her blood pressure to skyrocket after a failed Great Escape.

Anyway….other than THAT I had a Super Sunday. Some neighbors dropped by because- get this – they baked BISCUITS for the dogs on the road. A lovely little girl (the niece of the neighbor) came by with our treats. We were sequestered on the deck – so as not to knock over the bearer of our lovely surprise. She thought we were funny. She got that right! And boy we loved her biscuits!!!!

Well no rain in the forecast for today – so time to hit the golf course for some 200 yd fetch. I love it. The only tiny problem with it is the bath I need afterwards to clean up my green feet. But it’s worth it.

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

Hey everybody! It’s me – Squirmy! Hope you’re having a Super Saturday! Only ONE more Saturday before Christmas!!!! I have to write my list for Santa. Number one on the list will be an instructional video on how to open carabiners if you don’t have opposable thumbs. Yup. Escaping from my prison cell is numero uno on my list.

To keep me from further decimating the carpet ( besides keeping me in my cell), My Enforcer tried this pepper spray used to keep horses from chewing on things. So I guess horses can also misbehave!!!! Cool.

You have to apply the pepper spray in a well ventilated area. My Enforcer did it the other day, but she didn’t think she put on enough, as I was quickly walking around chewing carpet fibers the very next day. So the night before last, while we were safely sequestered in the bedroom, she donned a mask and goggles, held her breath and sprayed a good part of the carpet. So yesterday, I did nothing with regard to carpet crafting. We’ll see how long the pepper spray works.

Meanwhile, in an effort to tire me out, she has begun taking a Chuck It toy to the golf course when we go for our walks. The Chuck It is a long plastic thingy that allows one to throw a small rubber ball. We’ve used it in the yard, but she figured the fairways on the golf course would provide an even further fetching track. Well. My pin brain exploded when I watched that ball flying down the fairway. I took off like a bullet – often dramatically rolling in my attempt to stop the whirling orb. And then I would race back to My Enforcer for a treat. I did that at least half a dozen times, when I finally began to lie down half way back. I mean I was running hundreds of yards – and I was getting tired! My Enforcer was ALL excited. She figured I would be tired out and she could actually read a book for a chapter or two. But guess what? I only need about 15 minutes of rest before I’m ready to go again! It takes A LOT to tire me out!!

Hey I have some trivia!!!! Did you know that today is the birthday of Edvard Munch?’ You know who he is – the Norwegian painter who did that famous painting “The Scream.” If ya Google that painting, you might read a bunch of different theories behind the painting – everything from Munch’s feelings about nature at sunset to his feelings about his sister who was committed to an asylum to his impressions after visiting mummies at an Exposition. But guess what?! My Enforcer has her own theory!!!!!! True fact – Munch owned dogs!!!! My Enforcer says that explains the painting perfectly! Especially if he ever had a 7 month old puppy!!!

She thinks she’s funny sometimes. And we laugh along so she’ll give us biscuits…

Anyway – have a good one!!! Peace and paws up. Stay safe!

Greetings blog readers. Frodo here. Tasked with sharing a blog of happiness and sadness. I believe I was afforded this assignment as I could address it in the most appropriate way. This is a task for a mature canine writer.

Perhaps we should begin with the sadness first. Like a performance evaluation after an obedience exercise, it often helps to get the bad things out of the way first – and then focus on the positives.

Let’s begin with the first minor sadness – the continued demolition of the new dining room carpet. The most recent work occurred while Her Highness went “for a moment” into the bedroom, and accidentally fell sound asleep- leaving the marauding shark free to do as he pleased. She emerged from the bedroom to find a massive rug renovation. She will repair it – but suffice to say she was feeling a tad depressed. Especially knowing that it was her own fault for leaving the Shark unsupervised for more than 15 seconds. Her bad.

But that disappointment was completely trivial related to some news Her Highness received the other day. Some of you long time blog readers may recall some visits that we have had from Mighty Milo – a sweet Coton du Tulear who lives in New Brunswick. Our little friend amazed us with his larger-than-life persona- and we quite enjoyed his company. But he came by his amazing personality not just through genetics – but through the family he owned. Particularly- one of his ownees, Karen. Karen was an old friend of Her Highness’s. She was once a graduate student of Her Highness, then a colleague – and later and most importantly, a friend. Karen was, like Milo, larger than life. She was artistic, funny, witty, bright, caring – and a fierce warrior – willing to protect others – human and animal. She shared the same birthday with Her Highness! She was truly a rainbow in this sometimes cloudy world. She was a bright spot. Sadly, though, Karen lost her life the other day, after almost two decades in a battle against cancer. Her Highness was very sad to hear this news.

When someone dies, human, canine, feline…and no doubt other species in this wide world, it is virtually impossible not to be sad. One obviously misses the individual- and that sense of loss can go on for a long time. There is no “date” when grieving ends. No expiration date like on a box of biscuits. And sometimes, when one THINKS that grieving has ended, and life almost seems “normal” – something will happen to remind one of the tremendous loss. A song. A photo. A holiday. A scent. And the grief comes rushing back in – like PON rushing to his food dish. No point in blocking that feeling – the PON will get through. But hopefully, as more time goes on, one is not just focusing on the sadness and the loss- but on the brilliant luck to have had that individual in your life in the first place. And that is how one rides the grieving train. Look to the beautiful views. And try to ignore the dark tunnels. Look to the bright spot…

Our hearts go out to Karen’s family – and of course, to Might Milo who will miss his therapy dog visits to the hospital with Karen. Karen truly personified a life well lived….

Well. That’s a difficult passage to follow. But honestly, to end on such a sad note would NOT ever be Karen’s style. She would simply say “come on – that’s just depressing!” So in honor of her positive attitude and her continual effort to look for the brightness in any situation- we’ll share one bright note. The changing of my name.

Her Highness has discovered that I no longer respond to my name alone. I also respond QUITE rapidly to the name “Wojtek.” Why you might ask? Because I am astute enough to know that when the imp is called, every time he responds and comes, he receives a treat. So of course, I also respond. And because Her Highness cannot always resist my longing stare – she doles out the treats to yours truly as well.

I am also well aware that she carries treats in her pockets when we go out for a walk. And the other morning, she took yours truly and the imp on the golf course. And she let us both run free. Now the imp LOVES to race, jump, dodge, ricochet and fly around the course. And as soon as he is a good distance away, Her Highness calls him to return. Which he does remarkably well- because he knows about the treats. I prefer not to stray far at all – so I can reach the treats more quickly. I also know that when Her Highness reaches into her pocket, that a treat will follow. So I stay EXTRA CLOSE. Like trip-over-me close. And during our walk the other morning she made an unfortunate mistake. The weather has turned colder – meaning gloves or mittens are required attire for our morning constitutionals. But – in her effort to get the whirlwind imp out the door before he could pounce on me and tangle our leashes, she left her gloves on the counter. So what does one do with cold hands? Why of course one puts their hands in their pockets. And to me, hands in pockets signal treats….

Throughout the walk, Her Highness kept repeatedly saying to me “no – just be free. Move along.” But I wouldn’t unless she took her hands out of her pockets. I stuck to her like glue. So between the flying imp who quite enjoys ricocheting off humans when they least expect it, yours truly acting as a canine blockade, and a pair of frost bitten hands…..the walk was… interesting. To say the least. I am happy to report though, that the imp never strayed, I did not die of starvation on the walk, and after a few hours, her fingers were functioning just fine…

I hope that today, in a time when we know that sadness can be surrounding us – partly due to the challenges of the COVID, that you are still able to look around and find something to make you smile. Hold onto those you love and hold onto good memories. An email, a text, a phone call – you can make a difference in someone’s world. Do it now. Be a bright spot. And if you happen to be owned by a canine, you are lucky to have a bright spot covered in fur.

Except during those moments he happens to be eating your carpet…

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

Howdy doody blogaroos. It’s me! Squirmy. Also known as prisoner #911. Yup. I’m learning how to enjoy the confines of my crate lately. In fact I think I should do some renovations in it. Maybe some paint…some pictures for the walls…

And why am I spending more time incarcerated than when I was a wee puppy? Ummmmm…. it may have to do with my speedy, razor sharp precision in rug crafting if My Enforcer takes her eyes off me for even TWO minutes. Yup. I’m helping her to perfect her hooking skills. Again. Actually….two more times. That’s what she gets if she talks on the phone and doesn’t pay attention to me. Call me the Ruginator. Plus, besides my rug crafting, my endearing love nibbles which can be more like all out flesh grabbing – have also placed me in solitary at least once. Or was it twice? My list of infractions keeps growing – so who can keep up?! And I’m just a puppy!! But I’m in those Terrible Twos. That’s my excuse.

My Enforcer said she is going to start her own You Tube channel for “How to repair puppy damages.” She’ll make a fortune. She’s got the rug thing down, she knows how to repair scratched decks, she can replace chewed chair pieces – she’s got this!! And I can star in it! I can’t WAIT!

And speaking of starring – My Enforcer did our annual dog calendar. She’s been doing one for herself since before I was born – and she also used to make one for her mother – who was too polite to say she would rather have the free calendar from the Dairy Farmers that comes in the local paper. It had recipes after all. But she took the dog calendar and proudly displayed it in the closet. Just kidding. I’m so funny. No – I hear it was in the kitchen.

Anyway, My Enforcer has been pokey doing things this season, so the calendar was not complete. But then a kind blog reader asked if we were doing a calendar spread again. So My Enforcer finished it yesterday. If you want something to hang in your closet – you can find it here. Next year she plans to add recipes.

https://www.prestophoto.com/bookstore/428051-Boys-2021-Calendar

I had my obedience class on Sunday night and I thought I was pretty good overall. Except for those sit and down stays that we did near the end of class. Yeah – stays are not my thing right now. Plus I think staying still is overrated.

Time to get the party rolling. My Enforcer slept in yesterday until 8:15!!!! Could have been partly due to the fact that she was up late mending the torn carpet. Good thing I’m cute as a button! I wonder if there are magazines that give you different ideas on how to decorate your crate…..

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

Hey blogees. Elroy here. Livin’ my laidback life – rolling the giant ball with the ripped cover, going for walks where I still love to stop and listen for ….anything, and finally passing on the title as “busy dog” to the Shark – who I swear must be foraging in the yard for some canine form of catnip. The guy is nuts. Sometimes I like to chase and play with him, but other times, I’d rather play patty cake with a porcupine. Seriously. Who would have EVER thought I would be the “calm dog.”

AND guess who officially began the fine art of rug crafting, not even a WEEK since the new carpet was put down? Yup. The Shark. And this guy, because he truly does things HIS way, did NOT begin by chewing on a corner. No. While Her Highness took her eyes off him for like 10 minutes, he flipped the carpet back and just began chewing from the reverse side in the middle of the rug- pulling as quickly as caninely possible, creating a bare patch on the good side of the carpet. So even IF Her Highness would have remembered to pick up Bitter Apple(cough cough), it wouldn’t have worked unless she sprayed the entire carpet – and not just the edges or corners. When she spotted him from the DFZ, she shouted “noooooooo.” He pulled faster. He left a bare patch about 6 x 2 inches.

He was immediately sequestered in his crate so she could survey the damage, and yours truly was sequestered in the hallway because I kept trying to sit on the area- partly to hide it and partly to get ear rubs. Only the Boss was able to stay and watch what happened next.

As some of you may recall. Her Highness is a hooker. No. Not THAT kind of hooker. The kind who makes rugs. Like the ones safely protected in the DFZ.

Or she hooks pillows – like this one you may remember of Viktor….

So after the latest rug carnage, she pulled out her hook and some scissors and got to work. She wishes she had taken a photo at the beginning- but she was too traumatized to take photos at first. But keep in mind the size I mentioned. Anyway, here it is showing part of the damage in the first two photos, and third showing the repair.

We canines watched in silence as she did her work. It is not perfect, and no doubt she will STILL try to fix it more- but as she said to a friend “Rug repaired. Dog’s life spared.” She was joking of course. At least I think she was. Of course she was. I’m still here after multiple carpet crafting experiences.

Yes. It feels good to enter into the role of “good dog.” It’s only taken 4 years. Mind you….I still wouldn’t leave the front door open because I’m still not sure I have outgrown that urge to go for a walk about. But at least I have passed along my carpet crafting hobby title. At least for now…..

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

I bet you can’t guess who it is?! Yup. Squirmy. Actually you can call me “famous Squirmy.” My windblown photo was featured on a CKC Instagram page the other day. And underneath my photo they put the caption “Does my hair look okay?” Then they wrote the following description about us PONs: “The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is noted for having a lively but tempered disposition. They’re vigilant, intelligent, perceptive and gifted with a good memory.”

Wow. How cool does that make us sound?! And I certainly agree with most of their descriptors. I’m lively. That’s for SURE. I just haven’t figured out the tempered part yet. Maybe it comes with age. I sure am vigilant. I guard against all forms of birds. And blowing leaves. Of course I’m intelligent – I learn new things in the blink of an eye! As long as there are treats involved. Perceptive for sure. I have figured out that if I’m called into the garage, it’s for grooming. And while I AM a good boy during grooming, the thought of having to lie on the table and not run around is kinda difficult. As I said earlier – I’m not tempered yet. Whatever that means. As for a good memory- if I find something gross and inedible while out on a walk, you can be sure I’ll check for it the next day. And the next. And the next…

And speaking of my lively, gregarious, uproarious personality- sometimes I must confess- I DO get a BIT over the top. My leaping, biting and ricocheting off My Enforcer has taken a noticeable uptick in incidence. So much so that My Enforcer turned to Mr Googly for help. And she found this article:

https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-behavior/what-happened-my-well-mannered-puppy

Yup. I have officially entered into the Terrible Twos of puppyhood. At 7 months of age. “Sit?” What does that mean? “Quiet?” Well let me explain why I need my voice to be heard. “Stop biting your brothers?” But they started it by looking at me while I was stepping on them when they were sleeping. “Don’t jump on company?” But it saves them from bending down to pet me. “No BITE?” I just wanted to taste that lovely perfume you are wearing. Yup. I have an answer for EVERYTHING. When My Enforcer tried to get my leash on the other morning, she finally gave up wrestling with me as I rolled around like a the giant ball with the ripped cover – and she dropped my leash and her gloves on the floor and walked away from me. Sweet! Gloves to chew on!!!! Not her brightest idea. Yup- if my behavior was ever considered wild before, I have entered into a new level of crazy.

The great news is that our classes are back on again! The Boss went to his last night. Apparently one week without class and he is back into his boredom barking if he isn’t doing something. And, My Enforcer, in an effort to keep him quiet has inadvertently been completely trained by him. First he will lie there and stare at her. If that doesn’t get him a treat in 20 seconds, he starts to wag his tail. If that still doesn’t get him a treat, then he barks. So he has trained My Enforcer to treat him whenever his tail wags – to avoid the next step which is the bark. She is doing brilliantly. I don’t know if that makes any sense but the bottom line – he is an outstanding trainer. He’s my hero.

Time to get this party rockin’! Have a fantastic Friday!!!!! I know I will! I always do!

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