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…
Howdy doody do. It’s me everybody!!!!! Squirmy!!!!! Ready to bounce, fly, tug, bark, chase, harass, and eat my way through another day! Life is good!!!
So….I am discovering a variety of ways to get attention lately. Admittedly, the attention is not always positive! Like when I bark incessantly when My Enforcer is on the phone. She’s caught on to the fact that when I bark and she gives me something to keep me quiet, she is kind of rewarding me for bad behavior. But what can you do when you’re on a call like with the doctor or the bank or the phone company and a poor little dog keeps barking? (That would be me.) Why you throw some kibble on the floor to keep him busy. For at least 48 seconds. It drives her crazy but I look at her with my adorable eyes when she’s all done and she forgets what a pest I can be.
Meanwhile, I have a way to drive the Coyote crazy too. I have a couple of squeak toys. And it drives him totally bonkers when I go up to him with one of those toys and I stand there and look at him and just keep squeaking the toy. I mean repeatedly. Over. And over and over and over. Until he can’t take it any more and he starts barking at me. I do that to him at least once a day. My Enforcer even audiotaped me – but we decided not to include the sound – because it would probably drive your dogs nuts too.
The Boss is pretty tolerant about most of my actions- but if I try to lick his face too much, he does say “enough!” I listen to him most of all.
What else is new? Oh yes! My Enforcer tried to take some photos of us guys for Halloween the other day. She took us into the “studio” aka garage and pulled out some stuff from the Dollar Store and tried to get us to sit still. Note I said “tried.” First she told us to sit, and the Coyote went to lie down. She got him to sit up, and then the Boss and I went down. So she figured we should all just lie down. But now the Coyote wanted to sit. You’ll see the results of that photo session one of these days. Suffice to say – there were no successful photos with head gear. All I know is that My Enforcer was dripping in sweat by the end. Who needs a home sauna when you have three dogs?
Hey everybody? Guess who? It’s Squirmy!!!!!! Ready to begin a new day full of wild wonder! Who knows where my nose will take me today!
And I have to tell you- I’m learning to use my nose. It’s one of those cool things that you use – and you can learn to use it better. Like at class the other night.
Our teacher (who I really like and who I remembered because I jumped on her) showed us how to get our noses working, by putting some treats under a plastic container. You actually put out a couple of containers and the game is to find the one with the trears. So you have to use your nose.
We came home and My Enforcer got out some empty yogurt containers and tried to do some homework with me. I found the treats pretty well, and although I love treats a whole lot ( after all I AM a PON) , I equally enjoyed knocking over all the containers – just to be sure. We have more homework to do…
But I was also really good at “find the lambie” the other night – and I needed my nose for that. And then last night I was challenged by a really TRICKY nosework exercise….
As I mentioned, we PONs LOVE our food. And if you happen to accidentally drop a treat on the floor or on the ground outside- we will look for it until we find it. The Boss is super vigilant that way – he’ll keep looking and sniffing even after he has already found the treat. Just to be certain.
Anyway, last night, just before dark, My Enforcer took me out back to throw a bumper repeatedly in an effort to tire me out. The Boss saw what was going on ( and the fact that there were treats being given out for each bumper return)., so he decided to join in. So My Enforcer would throw a bumper a certain direction for me and the opposite direction for The Boss. And we would get a treat if we brought the bumper back. Well. You know how we dogs sometimes inhale a treat? And we don’t actually swallow it? Well. I did that and then I ran to get the bumper. And when I stopped, I coughed and spit out my treat. That’s where we canines employ what Viktor used to call regurgitreat. We re-eat the treat that we spit out. Because we don’t believe in letting a perfectly good treat go to waste. The only problem? I spit that treat out in the lawn. The lawn covered with leaves. Talk about a challenging scent work exercise. Problem was, despite all my sniffing, I couldn’t find it. My Enforcer called me over and said “forget about it.” Seriously? Forget the fact that there is a free treat somewhere on that leafy lawn?! Nope. I kept sniffing. And sniffing. She finally had to come over and redirect me toward playing fetch again. And I was fine when she threw it the opposite direction. But when she threw that toy back near the hidden treat, I couldn’t even remember to bring back the fetch toy. Our game ended shortly after that. My Enforcer tried to guide me away from the area – by my collar – and I did my dead dog routine again. It’s one of my favorite tricks. She finally left me and went inside – where I could hear the biscuit jar being opened. My hearing is excellent So I went in. But don’t worry I’ll look again for that treat today….
Greetings blog aficionados. Frodo here. I am writing today, because alas, I am the only one who didn’t do anything exciting on the weekend – so I have the pleasure of writing the blog. Clearly I was bribed with treats. Many treats. Many MANY treats.
So let’s begin with the Beatnik’s (aka Coyote’s) news. Yesterday morning he had a date. With his old Picard girlfriend, Willow. They met at a local park to go for a walk. Obviously, the Beatnik was forever on a leash – as we are all well aware that even in the presence of a lovely lady, he is a flight risk. Plain and simple. So while Willow walked beautifully through the woodland trails with her human, Her Highness was dragged through the wilderness by a Picard who wanted desperately to exhibit “unruly” behaviors with his “date”. Ah yes. The Beatnik and his manners. As one would say – he is thankfully a friendly handsome lad. Who Her Highness happens to love. Otherwise he would end up in a home for canine delinquents.
But despite his behavior – he DID manage to sit and stay for a photo or two. And here is the happy couple maintaining social distance.
Frankly, I think Willow was quite happy to stay away from the lad with the raging hormones. Keep in mind that Dear Willow has been “fixed.” I’m not sure why humans use that word – she was not broken. But alas- that doesn’t stop the Beatnik from trying. Mind you, he attempts the same with yours truly. We’ll just leave that right there. Suffice to say- like Willow, I am happy to remind the boy to take his hormones elsewhere.
Next in line for an adventure was the Shark. He returned to his obedience classes last night. As you may recall, he had his first class many weeks ago. And then we were plagued by canine COVID. So he could not return to class. But we are all WELL past our quarantine stage – so back he went.
There were apparently 8 dogs in the class. And the happy-go-lucky fella situated next to the Shark wanted nothing better than to kill him. Well. Maybe not KILL him. But he didn’t look like he wanted to share treats with the Shark. Or anything else. Her Highness kept stuffing the Shark with treats so he wouldn’t even look at the other dog. I’m certain he weighed 5 more lbs when he came home. But it WAS the first class – so no doubt all the dogs will settle down by next time. All in all, Her Highness was pretty proud of the Shark because he was actually well behaved. The teacher says he has potential. But don’t all teachers say that? I find it hard to believe that the flying wild child has obedience potential. Mind you – we PONs DO like our treats. And he IS a pretty quick study. For example, we all played “find the lambie” the other night. The bunny we previously used in the game requires extensive surgery – so the lamb has come in as a substitute. As you may recall, the object of the game is to find the lamb hidden in another room. Only one dog plays at a time – while the other two are sequestered in the hall behind the French door. First the Beatnik played and he was 6/6 for lambie finds. I played next and of course I was also 6/6. And then it was the Shark’s turn. Now in the past when this game was attempted, he would not sit and stay in one room while the lamb was hidden in another. But the other night, like a little soldier, he sat and stayed and waited until he was released to find the lamb. And he was 6/6!!! So he IS a good lambie finder. And he does learn how to play a game. So maybe he DOES have potential…
That’s the most exciting news from the weekend. The best part about the Shark going to class is that we all get to share in the leftover treats. So from my point of view – THAT was the best part of my weekend. Treats for doing nothing. Heaven.
Hey everybody!!! It’s Squirmy here! And have I got stories today!!!!!!
Guess what? OK you give up? I got MAIL yesterday!!!! Yup. My Enforcer got a note in our mailbox that there was a parcel at the post office. And it was addressed to ME!!!!!
It didn’t even have My Enforcer’s name on the parcel – so when she was asked for ID, she had to explain that it was for ME!!!!!! I’m surprised I didn’t have to go in and give them my paw print!!!
And guess what it was?! OK you give up? It was a gift from a PON who lives clear across the country – by the name of Takoda. That’s what it said on the parcel. He’s a SUPER smart guy who does all kinds of cool stuff like obedience and rally and nose work stuff AND agility. And he’s good at EVERYTHING!!!! He’s my idol.
Well Takoda sent me something to help me burn off some energy. It’s one of HIS favorite toys – it’s an Egg! Not a REAL egg. A very durable plastic one. One of Takoda’s two leggeds warned My Enforcer that it’s an “outdoor toy.” I think because one could end up crashing into furniture, etc. So what else is new. My new nickname is Crash.
But back to my Egg. Well. I LOVED it. Here’s a short clip of me with it the first time I saw it.
I played and played with it. Then the Coyote had to try it out. Watch my tricky move to get it back. And listen to the Fun Police commenting…
So thanks to Takoda, I have a new toy to tire me out!!! It was a super surprise!!!!!
After these videos were taken and we were all huffing and puffing, My Enforcer announced that we had to go in the house because she was going to mow the lawn. We trudged in and had a snooze while she was busy. When she finished the lawn, she had this “bright idea” to “fix” the garden boxes. You know the ones- they are like giant sandboxes. With mud. Anyway, she got some kind of black garden fabric and carefully cut pieces to go over the mud. She then put rocks around the edges to hold the fabric down. I mean those boxes looked all neat and organized. And that fabric was nice and secure. Until we were released.
I was the first one to notice the new arrangement, and I walked right in. We all did. My Enforcer shouted to get out. And that was fine. We did.
But um, it probably wasn’t 10 minutes later when I got an uncontrollable case of the zoomies. I jumped in the box and started digging like mad at that fabric. My Enforcer shouted “no!!!” Which made me dig faster. She grabbed me by the collar and I did my dead dog routine where I go completely limp so she can’t move me. She somehow managed to lift limp me out at which point I came back to life and dashed for the second garden box and started digging there. Again she shouted, grabbed me by the collar and I went limp. After she practically tossed me on the lawn, I did a complete circle, jumped up and dove into the mud. And rolled. My Enforcer was NOT impressed . She ran and grabbed a fetch toy and because I have the attention span of a miniature gnat, I leapt out of the box and took off to fetch the toy. My Enforcer quickly tried to repair the messy boxes. And she did. But let’s face it. That is just WAY too tempting. I think she needs plywood. Although that could be fun to chew…
Howdy blogsters. Elroy here. I’m writing today to let you know AGAIN just how thrilled I am that I am allowed to run around again! Phew. That was a LONG couple of weeks. And I must confess, I WAS getting a bit cranky about it.
I wasn’t happy watching the Shark run around the yard. And frankly, I didn’t even want to play with him indoors – because I wasn’t thrilled with those razor teeth. BUT – I am now free to run away – AND it appears that the razors are gone. Plus he has become a bit more respectful. In fact, we are becoming partners in crime!
Yesterday, while Her Highness was in the DFZ having some kind chat with a friend on the phone, she heard chewing. Now she assumed it was the Shark chewing on one of those hunks of wood that she bought for us. Actually- a small hunk. Remember those giant ones she bought for us at Christmas one year? The ones that cost a small fortune and nobody liked? Well she bought a small version for the Shark – and he likes it! So when she heard the chewing – she assumed it was him. Nope. It was the Boss. Meanwhile there was OTHER chewing going on. You see the Shark and I went out on the deck and hauled in some branches with these little pine cone things on them. They must have fallen on the deck during the windy weather we were having. Anyway, we hauled them in and were carving them into decorative toothpicks. There were pieces of branch and pine cones all over the dining room carpet. And it didn’t take us any time to do it! Yeah – he’s really a fun guy. He’s great at demolition. And he always keeps things interesting. He also has just one speed. Fast. I mean the guy doesn’t walk. He runs. All the time. And he leaps. Sometimes over me. Sometimes under me. Ya never know which way he’s going. He really needs to be more careful.
And speaking of being careful – we had some scary dog news here in Nova Scotia. There was this dog, Roxy, who was walking with her two leggeds, minding her own business and somehow she fell off a cliff – right by the ocean! She landed up on a ledge above the sea – as the tide and waves were rushing in. The police and firefighters were called in and 30 firefighters came to rescue Roxy. They tried to rescue her with ropes and by boat, but neither attempt worked. So finally they outfitted a firefighter in this inflatable, ice rescue suit, and he swam to get her – while he was attached by rope to a boat. And he got her! There was much rejoicing and a few tears shed.
Good thing it wasn’t the Shark. He would have deflated that suit.
In other dog news – did you hear about the research on playful dogs? Here’s a quick summary:
The study on over 130 breeds was done in Stockholm. The results were published in Biology Letters. They looked at data from something called the Dog Mentality Assessment. To look at playfulness, a dog and his/her human were asked to play tug with a toy. The human would then toss the toy to the test administrator/researcher. The humans would toss the toy back and forth before it was again given to the dog. Then the test administrator would attempt to play tug with the dog. The dog was rated on the interest and willingness to play with the administrator.
As it turns out, dogs in the Herding and Sporting groups were the most playful. With Sporting winning out slightly over Herding. Below that in ranking were the Terrier, Hound and Working group dogs who essentially ranked the same. Next down was Non-Sporting group, followed by Toys at the bottom. Now before all you chihuahua owners start getting mad at me – remember I’m the messenger. And of course, there are always going to be dogs who don’t fit into the study results. I’m sure there ARE plenty of playful chihuahuas. Somewhere. But all the dogs are lumped together in the groups.
I do see some issues with the test. For example, what did they do in a case where the dog wouldn’t give up the tug. That would be the Shark. He is JUST LIKE Viktor. Jaws of steel that won’t let go. Unless you have a treat. It would be very very interesting to see how we would do on the test. Some of us dogs take more time to warm up to strangers. So that could factor in. Some of us like to tug more than others. But duh- I guess that is what it was about. We’ll ask the next delivery guy who comes by if he’d like to participate. But he has to sign a waiver first….
Well time to walk. Yesterday it rained all day, so our walks were short. Well mine was a bit longer. I stop every few yards to shake off the rain. Even though it’s still raining. Meanwhile Her Highness just shakes her head…
Hey blogsters. It’s me – Squirmy!!!! I HAD to write today because I’m soooo excited – I just HAVE to tell you about the new play area in our yard!!!!
You know how kids get a sandbox to play in? And they dig and build castles and make tunnels, and have all kinds of FUN? Well – at least before COVID. I think now everyone needs to have their OWN sandbox. But I’m getting off topic…
Well WE got our own sandbox!!!!! But it’s not full of sand. It’s full of mud and sheep manure!!! How cool is THAT?! It’s actually the garden boxes where My Enforcer planted her non-producing tomato plants this year. I hear that last year she had more tomatoes than she knew what to do with. She gave them away. She froze them. It was a tomato explosion.
But I hear that was beginner’s luck. Because THIS year, between me using the garden boxes as a pit stop on my racecourse around the backyard- AND the chipmunk who sampled every tomato just as it ripened – the bounty was pretty miserable. So yesterday, My Enforcer decided to rip out the sad remaining plants – since it appeared there would be no further crop. Doing so while we three Musketeers were running around the yard was not her most brilliant decision. Seriously- did she THINK I could resist the urge to tug on the plants she had removed? Soil was flying everywhere and even the Boss who was just observing the proceedings, was showered in dirt. This is AFTER he shook himself off.
Anyway, once the plants were removed, the Coyote and I headed right for the sandbox to do a little dance. And to dig. My Enforcer shouted at us to get out- but we thought she was joking! Seriously. What dog can resist digging in a bed of mud?
My Enforcer announced that she is going to have to cover those boxes for the winter. Spoil sport. And really- does she think she can find a cover that we can’t remove?!
Kind of like the giant ball. We have worked on that thing and have managed to partly deflate it. As a result, it’s easier for us to get ahold of the covering. Take a look.
Last night she had to inflate the ball again – with the bicycle pump. There sure was a lot of huffing and puffing coming from the garage. When it’s fully inflated, it’s harder to grab the cover. But not to worry- we’ll figure it out!!!
I’m glad the Coyote is feeling better. It’s fun to play with him again.
Speaking of which – it must be almost time to go out. Let’s see what trouble …er… fun we can have today!!
Hey everybody- it’s Squirmy!!!! I hope you’re doing just as great as I am! Today I have to tell you all about my excellent adventure!!!
On Friday, My Enforcer’s good friend Joanie was in town. They’ve been friends for like a gazillion years. I met her once before. And you KNOW Joanie has to be a great friend when My Enforcer asks if she wants to come on a little Fall drive to take me to a pumpkin patch! My Enforcer had this great idea about taking pictures of me with pumpkins. Because I guess puppies and pumpkins go together. Joanie agreed to come along and to act as funny noisemaker and assistant puppy wrangler during my photo shoot. She’s the best!
So we all got in the car and off we went. The other guys got some yummy treats to keep them occupied at least until we drove out the driveway.
Before we went to the pumpkin patch, we went to a museum/park. I think the objective was to take me on a long walk to tire me out before we got to the pumpkin patch. (Spoiler alert: it didn’t work!). Anyway, the park had lots of nice walking trails. I’ve never been there before- but the Coyote has. Here’s his picture at the place:
And here I am on the same bench. OK maybe it wasn’t the exact same bench, but in the same general area. You’ll note I’m not looking at the camera. It’s because I was taking in all my surroundings- and I couldn’t possibly look at the camera. At least not for long. Posing was not on MY agenda for this adventure.
Here I am taking in the Fall colors and the pretty lake. I forgot to mention that it was a windy day – so in many of my photos I have a rugged wind blown look. I like it.
I did some excellent human training on my adventure. I showed My Enforcer that while I know the word “sit” and “stay” at home – and I can even sit for a whole MINUTE with a timer going, take me to a new environment and I get obedience amnesia. I had NO idea what the words meant. My Enforcer mumbled that we have lots of work to do- whatever that means. Anyway, here’s one shot of me sitting on the trail out of the 63 she took.
I was too busy to sit and stay! I had too much to smell and see!!! I even liked looking up in the sky.
We had a super duper walk – probably one of the longest I have ever been on – it was a little over 2 km! And guess what?! I wasn’t tired at all!!!
Our next stop was supposed to be the pumpkin patch. But the ladies took a detour to a winery. I had to wait in the car. Not to worry – they didn’t get drunk, but they were sure happy about some end of season bargains that they got. They had a big box that they brought back to the car. I just enjoyed the scenery.
Finally we came to the pumpkin patch. And guess what?! My head exploded about seeing all the pumpkins!!! It’s a good thing the Coyote wasn’t there. He would have peed on them. I still squat when I pee – so no pumpkins were showered on.
I saw hundreds of pumpkins.
There were the regular orange ones…
And light green ones…
And light orange ones….
And white ones and yellow ones and and it was a pumpkin rainbow! Joanie took this shot of me watching the tractor move around the pumpkins.
I went into pumpkin awe. And getting me to sit among the pumpkins AND look at the camera was next to IMPOSSIBLE. My Enforcer has about 352 photos that are similar to these:
She FINALLY did get this shot…
Joanie also captured this shot of me and My Enforcer. I’m in a death hold.
And they quit at that point. I said if they wanted a pumpkin poser they should have brought The Boss.
After exhausting themselves with the pumpkin patch wrangling, we did do a bit more driving. And My Enforcer found someone even more stubborn than me!! Mind you, he did pose…
And he had friends!!! Unfortunately I didn’t get to meet them – I had to look at them and bark at them from the car…
That last one is really odd looking…
We stopped at another winery which thankfully was closed, but I was able to get out and look around here. And again – no worries about me peeing on the grapes – or the pretty flowers…
My Enforcer didn’t even TRY to take my photo with the flowers. She knew I wouldn’t sit and would most likely try to pick some.
Lastly we saw another pumpkin farm…
No point in plopping me in this scene either. This was right next to a barn full of cows. We know how that would have turned out.
Anyway, I loved my adventure. When I got home, I told The Coyote how I refused to sit still – and he rolled on the ground and laughed.
And even though I was still raring to go, I WAS pretty tired..
I had the perfect day! Now to see what today will hold. It’s our Thanksgiving so – I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving – whether you celebrate today or not. 2020 has had some very challenging times. But there is always much to be thankful for. I’m thankful for my “brothers”, the food in my bowl, my many toys, the roof over my head, friends and family. And birds, butterflies, pretty leaves, walks and treats. In no particular order. Happy thankful day!
Greetings blog readers. Frodo here. I hope you are all enjoying an explosion of Fall colors. It is a lovely time of the year. Otherwise, not much new around the homestead. Although I suppose I could tell you how yesterday, the Beatnik and I increased Her Highness’ arm length by two inches. I jest of course. It was only one inch. Yes – I will share that story…
It was during our morning constitutional. The Shark went for his walk first, returned and was safely sequestered in his crate, where he continues to bark until we return home from our walk. Even the most luscious Kong, a bone or a yak chew cannot keep him quiet. Thankfully with the cooler Fall temperatures, the windows are closed so his incessant singing cannot be heard by everyone in the neighborhood.
Yesterday, it was cool and clear. But windy. Very windy. We walked all the way down the road and stopped to “make our deposits.” I prefer to go right in the middle of the road – causing Her Highness to do the pick up before there are any oncoming vehicles. It’s fun to watch her scramble.
I find the Beatnik is not REALLY a morning dog. I am usually bouncing along in front of him, as he, instead, makes numerous stops to sniff every blade of grass, fallen leaf, and unusual rocks. Of course sometimes he just stops and stares at nothing. I honestly think that sometimes he is sleep walking. He is rather zombie-like in the morning.
As we began our trek back home, Her Highness put her hand in her pocket to check the treat supply. Yours truly has trained her to give me treats at various points on our walk. I will spontaneously go into heel position and start strutting as if I am in an obedience competition. And I will keep strutting until she gives me a treat. I will continue that ploy until we pass the first house on the road, after which I stop my trick. Then I go back to walking in the lead. I do expect another treat when we arrive at our driveway and will essentially stand in front of her waiting for it. I have her well trained.
But back to the hand in pocket part. As she withdrew her hand, one of our famous black handled lightweight empty poop bags came out of her pocket. And with the wind, began to blow along the street. Well. The ordinarily zombie-like Picard, suddenly awakened and sprang to life. He bolted to grab that bag. And yours truly, who saw him bolting, figured I should bolt too. It was a good thing Her Highness was well balanced (perhaps the extra pandemic pounds provide ballast) so she didn’t topple over. She DID let go of my leash but held firmly to the Beatnik’s as she knew that would entail a neighborhood run around if she let go.
The Beatnik managed to grab the offending bag and shake it to death. Thank goodness it was empty.
In other boring news, a delivery truck arrived yesterday with a box full of grooming supplies. Oh joy oh happiness. When the truck pulled up, all three of us went into full on Cujo mode. The delivery woman dropped the package at the door and said “That’s some security system you have there” as she raced back to the truck. Yes – we do create a rather loud chorus…
Rumor has it the shark may be going on an adventure today. Leaving moi and the Beatnik to do our security routine. We better be left some tasty treats…..
Hey everybody! Squirmy here!!!! Getting bigger and bolder every day. And forever wagging my butt!!! I have been learning lots over the past couple of months. Every day is a new day to experience something. Like how to pretend you don’t understand what your human says. If you do that, while they are trying to train you, they give you more treats to help you “learn” something. That’s a cool one.
And I’ve learned lots of vocabulary. Like the word “biscuits” means you should run like mad to the jar that’s on the counter. And sit and wait.
I’ve learned that “stay” means to be boring and not move. That’s a tough one for me – but I do know that if you are boring, you do get treats. It actually is a simple concept. I mean you don’t have to DO anything. And you get a reward. Not many jobs where you do nothing and get paid. Although I hear that sometimes happens with some humans who call themselves politicians. But I don’t think I really understand that whole concept, so The Boss said to stay away from it. Just stick to my own business.
Another word I learned is “tuggy”. That’s a toy made by Kong – and it’s real name is Tugga Wubba. That’s a great one for me and the Coyote to play with. I already know when My Enforcer says “where’s Tuggy?” that I should look for that toy. Whether I will give it up is another story.
I did learn a bad word this week too. Carabiner. Kind of sounds like someone who lives in the Caribbean. But no. It’s a device that can be used for a variety of purposes – from climbing to sailing to hot air ballooning to acrobatics. It can also be used as a device to secure dog crates so smart dogs can’t open their cells and freely roam when not being watched. A German climber by the name of Otto Herzog invented the carabiner around 1921 – just in case you need to know that for Jeopardy. But I must say, I don’t consider Otto among my heroes. Mind you, when he invented it, I doubt he knew all the possible uses for his device. Wonder if Otto had a dog. A smart dog….
We had a visit by My Enforcer’s friends Heather and Allan again. I like them. After I first bark at them for 2 minutes. They are owned by Boston Terriers and Old English Sheepdogs. Allan brought over an arsenal of grooming products and equipment- to demonstrate their use on yours truly. And guess what? I was good! I mean I was well behaved! He left without needing ANY bandaids! I’m thinking the whole grooming torture story is a bit blown up by the Boss. It’s not all that bad. Mind you- I still do have my puppy coat. We’ll see what happens when my Big Boy coat comes in. But not to worry – we now have a whole bunch of new stuff for my Enforcer to buy and try out on me. I get treats while I’m being groomed so that’s fine with me.
Well it’s time for my wonder walk – to learn more about my world. I can’t wait to do it each day. And let’s see what new words I learn today….
Yo. It’s me. Elroy. It’s Monday and I had to write today because I have some great news!!! I passed my exam – and I didn’t even study! The one by my therapist. She checked me all over and said I’m doing very well – and I can return to my previous activities. She wouldn’t recommend sky diving just yet. Or maybe it was dock diving. Anyway- I’m not planning to do either – so it looks like I’m good to go. Yeee haw.
I finally got to play with that giant blow up ball that the shark loves. And boy – do I love it too!!!!!! I knock it all over the yard – and bark like a PON while playing with it. In fact, I do get rather crazy with it- so much so that Her Highness has a hard time getting me to stop. And even grabbing the ball can be a challenge. She has this fear that I’m going to totally bowl her over like a bowling pin as I charge across the lawn with it. Let’s just say I wouldn’t put any small children or animals in my path when I’m rolling that thing! We’ll have to take videos.
Meanwhile, the shark got in hot water yesterday and so did the Boss – while the hot water was flowing. Her Highness put the shark in his crate while she went to take her shower. She left him with a delectable yak chew to keep him busy. He’s the only one who gets them. I probably could have one because I’m not a compulsive hard chew destroyer – but the Boss – well he would crack every last tooth in his mouth if he got one of those things.
So Her Highness was juuuust ready to step in the shower when she thought she heard some commotion outside the bathroom door. She threw open the door and there was the Squirmster – wagging his butt. He had escaped from his cell. So the first thing she shouted was “FRODO” because she knew he would have gone in the crate and stolen the yak chew. She shouted his name before she even rounded the corner and saw the empty crate. As she ran out of the bedroom, she threw a pillow back on the bed, and grabbed a sweater that was on the floor – following the path of Hurricane Wojtek. She raced into the dining room where the Boss was trying to crack and inhale that yak chew as fast as he could. She managed to salvage about half of it – that’s all that was left. Meanwhile the shark was chasing the naked woman through the house and I just watched the circus with a mix of shock and delight.
Yesterday the shark got to go to some home building place – because Her Highness figured he needed some socializing. He reportedly did fairly well- and only put the breaks on once – when he heard some loud pounding somewhere. Otherwise he was fine. He didn’t pee anywhere and no other shoppers were attacked. A good visit.
It’s a new week. Wonder what adventures lie ahead this week. One thing for sure, it’s never dull around here!
Viktorsviews. The Next Chapter. 